About the university
The University of Victoria (UVic) became a degree-granting university in 1963, growing out of Victoria College, which opened in 1903. It is a public research university with more than 22,000 students and 900-plus faculty members on a 200-acre campus near the sea.
UVic is known for its co-operative education programme, which lets students alternate study terms with paid work terms, and for research in ocean, climate and earth sciences. It has a Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business and a wide range of science, health and social science degrees.
Indian students look at UVic for computer science, software and other engineering degrees, data science and commerce. Tuition is lower than at many large Ontario universities, and the university automatically considers international applicants for entrance scholarships of up to $15,000.
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, on Vancouver Island. It has a mild climate by Canadian standards and a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle. Downtown is about 15 minutes from campus by bus, and the ferry or a short flight connects you to Vancouver.
- Founded
- Degree-granting university since 1963; its roots go back to Victoria College, opened in 1903
- Type
- Public research university in British Columbia
- Total students
- More than 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students (UVic); about 18,900 undergraduates
- International students
- 16% of students (THE World University Rankings 2027 data); students from over 100 countries
- Student–staff ratio
- 27.6 to 1 (THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
- Intakes
- September for all bachelor's programmes; January for Computer Science, Health Information Science and most Humanities, Science and Social Sciences programmes
- Co-op
- Up to 16 months of paid work experience during a degree
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2027
=370 in the world
THE World University Rankings 2027
301–325 in the world
Popular courses with Indian students
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- C$43,292
- Duration
- 4 years (longer with optional co-op terms)
- Intakes
- September (apply by 31 January); January (apply by 30 September)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each band), TOEFL iBT 88 (20 per section) or Duolingo 120
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- C$50,058
- Duration
- 4 years plus co-op work terms
- Intakes
- September (apply by 31 January)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each band), TOEFL iBT 88 (20 per section) or Duolingo 120
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- C$50,058
- Duration
- 4 years plus co-op work terms
- Intakes
- September (apply by 31 January)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each band), TOEFL iBT 88 (20 per section) or Duolingo 120
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- C$50,058
- Duration
- 4 years plus co-op work terms
- Intakes
- September (apply by 31 January)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each band), TOEFL iBT 88 (20 per section) or Duolingo 120
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- C$37,575
- Duration
- 4 years (with co-op)
- Intakes
- September (apply by 31 January)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each band), TOEFL iBT 88 (20 per section) or Duolingo 120
- Postgraduate
Master of Engineering in Applied Data Science (MADS)
- Fee / year
- C$42,000
- Duration
- 1 year (course-based, full time; optional co-op)
- Intakes
- September (apply by 30 April); January (apply by 31 August)
- English
- Faculty of Graduate Studies English requirement (see the programme page)
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- C$50,058
- Duration
- 4 years plus co-op work terms
- Intakes
- September (apply by 31 January)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each band), TOEFL iBT 88 (20 per section) or Duolingo 120
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- C$50,058
- Duration
- 4 years plus co-op work terms
- Intakes
- September (apply by 31 January)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each band), TOEFL iBT 88 (20 per section) or Duolingo 120
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (CAD) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science (BSc) | 4 years (longer with optional co-op terms) | C$43,292 | ≈ ₹29 lakh |
| Software Engineering (BSEng) | 4 years plus co-op work terms | C$50,058 | ≈ ₹33.5 lakh |
| Computer Engineering (BEng) | 4 years plus co-op work terms | C$50,058 | ≈ ₹33.5 lakh |
| Electrical Engineering (BEng) | 4 years plus co-op work terms | C$50,058 | ≈ ₹33.5 lakh |
| Commerce (BCom) | 4 years (with co-op) | C$37,575 | ≈ ₹25.2 lakh |
| Master of Engineering in Applied Data Science (MADS) | 1 year (course-based, full time; optional co-op) | C$42,000 | ≈ ₹28.1 lakh |
| Mechanical Engineering (BEng) | 4 years plus co-op work terms | C$50,058 | ≈ ₹33.5 lakh |
| Civil Engineering (BEng) | 4 years plus co-op work terms | C$50,058 | ≈ ₹33.5 lakh |
Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at University of Victoria with similar universities in Canada.
Scholarships
- First-year bachelor's
International Entrance Scholarship
Value: $15,000 (2026–2027 value)
Eligibility: International applicants with a minimum average of A- or equivalent (or 36+ IB points). Applicants are considered automatically.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - First-year bachelor's
International IB Entrance Scholarship
Value: $10,000 (2026–2027 value)
Eligibility: International applicants with 32 or more IB points. Can be combined with the International Entrance Scholarship (for example with 38 IB points).
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- CBSE (All India Senior School Certificate) or CISCE results with at least 75%; State Board (HSSC) results are considered case by case.
- Estimated admission averages for Computer Science are 82% in Class X and 77% in Class XII; the real cut-off can be higher.
- Computer Science needs a senior-level maths course with at least 85% in the board exam and a senior-level science course. Other programmes have their own subject requirements.
- Apply by 31 January for September entry; some programmes also take January entry with a 30 September deadline.
Postgraduate
- Each graduate programme sets its own requirements on top of the Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum.
- The MEng in Applied Data Science expects a bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering, computer science or a related subject, normally with first-class standing.
- Graduate applicants submit a statement of intent, résumé, transcripts and two assessment reports (references).
- Many graduate programmes ask international applicants to apply by 30 April for September or 31 August for January entry.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Class X and Class XII mark sheets (bachelor's applicants)
- Degree transcripts and certificate (master's applicants)
- English test score
- Statement of intent, résumé and two references for graduate programmes
- Application fee: $187 for graduate applicants with documents from outside Canada
Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.
English language requirements
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each band for regular admission; 6.0 (5.5 per band) may lead to conditional admission |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall with 20 per section; 79 (17 per section) may lead to conditional admission |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 with no subscore below 110; 110 (100 per subscore) may lead to conditional admission |
| Class 12 English | Grade 12 English with 86% or higher within the last three years is listed as an alternative way to meet the requirement |
Accommodation and living costs
First-year students can live in on-campus residence. Prices below are UVic's 2026–2027 rates for the September–April academic year and include a standard meal plan unless stated.
| Item | In CAD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Double room with standard meal plan | C$14,574September to April | ≈ ₹9.8 lakh |
| Single room with standard meal plan | C$16,666September to April | ≈ ₹11.2 lakh |
| Single room in a new residence with standard meal plan | C$17,006September to April | ≈ ₹11.4 lakh |
| Pod-style single room (no meal plan) | C$10,442September to April | ≈ ₹7 lakh |
| Student fees (health and dental, bus pass, athletics)Charged on top of tuition | C$1,183per year | ≈ ₹79,261 |
Campus and location
UVic's main campus sits on 200 acres of green space and trails in the Gordon Head area of Victoria. You can walk across it in about 10 minutes.
- Cadboro Bay beach is a 15-minute walk from campus; downtown Victoria is a 15-minute bus ride.
- All students pay for a U-Pass bus pass with their student fees.
- Faculties include Engineering and Computer Science, the Gustavson School of Business, Science, Health, Social Sciences, Humanities, Fine Arts, Education and Law.
- Some teacher education courses run at the John Horgan Campus in Langford.
Careers and graduate outcomes
Co-op is the main career route at UVic. Students can earn up to 16 months of paid, career-related work experience before they graduate. International students need a co-op work permit, which is linked to their study permit.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Co-op students with a job offer before graduating | 70% | UVic undergraduate viewbook 2027–2028 |
| Maximum paid co-op work experience | Up to 16 months | UVic undergraduate viewbook 2027–2028 |
Studying in Canada
Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in Canada. Our country guide covers them in detail:
Other universities in Canada
Photo: aka Tman from Guelph.........Ontario, CANADA, CC BY 2.0 PublicUniversity of Toronto (official website, opens in a new tab)
Toronto, CanadaOften chosen for Computer Science & IT, Life Sciences, Engineering
Photo: CjayD, CC BY 2.0 PublicOften chosen for Life Sciences, Business & Management, Engineering
Photo: JFVoll, CC BY-SA 4.0 PublicUniversity of Waterloo (official website, opens in a new tab)
Waterloo, CanadaOften chosen for Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Data Science & AI
Photo: Krylan22, CC BY-SA 4.0 PublicUniversity of Windsor (official website, opens in a new tab)
Windsor, CanadaOften chosen for Engineering, Business & Management, Computer Science & IT
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC0), CC0 PublicMcGill University (official website, opens in a new tab)
Montreal, CanadaOften chosen for Life Sciences, Engineering, Law
Photo: WinterforceMedia WinterE229, Public domain PublicUniversity of Alberta (official website, opens in a new tab)
Edmonton, CanadaOften chosen for Engineering, Data Science & AI, Life Sciences
FAQs
How much does a bachelor's at UVic cost for an Indian student?
UVic's 2027–2028 viewbook shows yearly tuition of $37,575 for most programmes, $43,292 for Computer Science and $50,058 for Engineering, at May 2026–January 2027 rates. Add about $1,183 in student fees and around $14,500 to $17,000 for residence with a meal plan.
What percentage do I need in Class 12?
UVic asks for at least 75% in CBSE or CISCE. For Computer Science the estimated admission average is 77% in Class XII, with at least 85% in maths. Higher marks improve your chances.
Does UVic accept Class 12 English instead of IELTS?
UVic lists Grade 12 English with 86% or higher, taken within the last three years, as an alternative. Check the language requirements page for how this applies to your board before you rely on it.
Are there scholarships for international students?
Yes. International applicants with an A- average or equivalent are automatically considered for a $15,000 International Entrance Scholarship (2026–2027 value).
Can I start in January?
Yes, for some programmes. Computer Science and most Humanities, Science and Social Sciences programmes accept January entry, with a 30 September application deadline. Engineering and Commerce start in September only.
Sources
- UVic: Undergraduate viewbook 2027–2028 (fees, residence, English, scholarships) (opens in a new tab)
- UVic: Computer Science (undergraduate admissions, India requirements) (opens in a new tab)
- UVic: Undergraduate programmes A–Z (opens in a new tab)
- UVic: Undergraduate application deadlines (opens in a new tab)
- UVic: Applied Data Science (MEng) (opens in a new tab)
- UVic: MADS admissions and tuition (opens in a new tab)
- UVic: Graduate application fee and deposit (opens in a new tab)
- UVic: About the university (opens in a new tab)
- UVic: Rankings and reputation (opens in a new tab)
- THE World University Rankings 2027: University of Victoria (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.uvic.ca (opens in a new tab)
Check the latest details