University of Victoria — Admissions FAQ
A mid-sized BC university on Vancouver Island known for co-op, engineering, and a strong undergraduate experience.
General Admissions
What average do I need to get into the University of Victoria?
It depends on the program — Engineering and Computer Science are UVic's more competitive programs, typically requiring averages in the mid-80s to low-90s, while many other direct-entry programs admit at more accessible ranges. UVic is generally considered one of the more accessible strong research universities in BC for many programs.
Does UVic require an essay or supplementary application?
For most direct-entry programs, no — UVic's admission process is largely grades-based for the general application, though some competitive programs may have supplementary components, so check your specific program page.
When is the UVic application deadline?
UVic's application deadlines vary by term and program, generally falling earlier in the year than the Ontario OUAC deadline for the main fall intake — check UVic's official current-year admissions calendar for the specific deadline relevant to your program.
What scholarships does UVic offer to incoming students?
UVic offers automatic entrance scholarships based on your admission average, generally starting in the mid-80s to low-90s range and increasing at higher thresholds, along with additional named and competitive scholarships that may require separate applications.
What is UVic known for academically?
UVic is known for its strong co-op program, solid Engineering and Computer Science departments, and its scenic Vancouver Island location, along with a notable research profile in areas like climate and ocean sciences given its coastal setting.
Is UVic a good, more accessible alternative to UBC?
Many students consider UVic a strong, somewhat more accessible option relative to UBC for programs like Engineering and Computer Science, given generally lower admitted average ranges, while still offering a well-regarded co-op program and solid career outcomes — though this varies by specific program.
Engineering
What average do I need to get into UVic Engineering?
UVic Engineering is competitive, with admitted averages generally in the mid-to-high 80s or low 90s depending on discipline and cycle, requiring strong marks in prerequisite math and science courses.
Do I choose my specific engineering discipline at UVic, or later?
UVic generally has students enter through a common first-year engineering program before choosing a specific discipline, similar to the model used at UBC and Western.
Does UVic Engineering require an essay or supplementary application?
For most applicants, no — UVic's Engineering admission is largely grades-based for the general application, though check current program-specific requirements.
Does UVic Engineering have co-op opportunities?
Yes — UVic has a strong, well-established co-op program, and Engineering students commonly complete multiple paid work terms during their degree, which is one of the program's key strengths.
What are career outcomes like for UVic Engineering graduates?
UVic Engineering graduates go into a range of industries, with co-op participants graduating with substantial relevant work experience, and the program's solid regional reputation on Vancouver Island and in broader BC supports good post-graduation placement.
Computer Science
What average do I need to get into UVic Computer Science?
UVic Computer Science is competitive, with admitted averages generally in the mid-80s to low-90s, often somewhat more accessible than equivalent programs at UBC or Waterloo, though thresholds shift year to year with applicant volume.
Does UVic Computer Science require an essay or supplementary application?
For most applicants, no — UVic's Computer Science admission is largely grades-based for the general application, though check current program-specific requirements.
Does UVic Computer Science have co-op opportunities?
Yes, UVic has a well-established co-op program, and Computer Science students frequently use it to complete multiple paid work terms, giving them substantial relevant work experience before graduating.
Is UVic a good school for Computer Science given its location?
UVic's Vancouver Island location is a bit further from the largest BC tech hubs than SFU or UBC, but the university has solid remote and regional employer connections through its co-op office, and its program has a good general reputation, particularly for students prioritizing practical work experience.
What are career outcomes like for UVic Computer Science graduates?
UVic CS graduates go into a range of software and tech roles, with co-op participants generally graduating with meaningful industry experience, supporting solid post-graduation placement across BC and beyond.
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Try the CalculatorAdmissions decisions aren't fully predictable. The information on this page reflects typical patterns from past admissions cycles and publicly available data — not a guarantee of how any university will decide in a given year. Requirements, cutoffs, and priorities can change from cycle to cycle, so always confirm current details on the university's official admissions page.