University of Victoria

Canada

University of Victoria

University of Victoria was founded in 1903. It is a public research university situated in the municipalities of Oak Bay and Saanich, British Columbia, Canada. The university was initially started as Victoria College which was the first post-secondary institution established in the province of British Columbia. In 1963, the university was officially renamed as the University of Victoria.

University History

In 1903 University of Victoria was founded. The Victoria College was affiliated college of McGill University before getting its full autonomy through a charter on July 1, 1963 and renamed University of Victoria. In the starting time period the college was governed by the Victoria College Council, representative of the parent University of British Columbia, the Greater Victoria School Board, and the provincial Department of Education. On April 3, 2001, The University of Victoria's Arms were registered with the Canadian Heraldic Authority. The institution has been serving students for almost 60 years. The university campus is spread across 403-acres of land. 

University Programs, Courses and Schools

University of Victoria has 12 Schools and divisions. The campus offers wide learning opportunities and challenges to the students. The 12 schools and divisions of the University of Victoria are;

• School of Business
• School of Education
• School of Engineering and Computer Science
• School of Fine Arts
• School of Human and Social Development
• School of Humanities
• School of Law
• School of Science
• School of Social Sciences
• School of Public Administration
• Division of Medical Sciences
• Division of Continuing Studies

University Achievements

University of Victoria is a well-known public University in Canada. In 2021, Academic Ranking of World Universities rankings, ranked the university 301–400 in the world and 13–18 in Canada.  QS World 2022 University Rankings ranked the university 334th in the world, and fourteenth in Canada. In 2022, Times Higher Education World University Rankings placed the university 301–350 in the world, and 15–16 in Canada. In 2022, U.S. News & World Report Best Global University Ranking, ranked the university 334th in the world, and 13th in Canada. The Canadian-based Maclean's magazine ranked the University of Victoria #1st in their 2022 Canadian comprehensive university category. In 2020, the Times Higher Education's global employability ranking, ranked the institution 176th in the world, and seventh in Canada. In QS's 2020 graduate employability ranking, the university was ranked 251–300 in the world, and ninth in Canada.

University USP

University of Victoria is known as among the best Canadian universities. The University of Victoria is famous for its dynamic learning system. The advanced laboratories, art studios, libraries, and computer labs contribute to the environment of innovation and inventions. The university is ranked in the world's top 100 universities under 50 years old, in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings.

University Notable Alumni

University of Victoria’s alumni has expert alumni from different backgrounds who are there to serve based on their common passion and responsibility towards the University. Notable alumni of the University have an extensive alumni network. Some of the alumni members of University of Victoria are-

• Kim Adams, internationally known sculptor
• Bill Burns, conceptual artist
• Mark Chao, Chinese/Taiwanese singer, actor and model
• Calvin Chen, singer and actor as a member in the popular Taiwanese boy band Fahrenheit
• Kyle Christie Journalist
• Esi Edugyan, novelist
• Nathan Fielder, writer and comedian
• Leah Gibson, actress
• Rick Gibson, sculptor and performance artist
• Lori Hallier, actress
• Aislinn Hunter, poet and fiction author
• Stewart Butterfield, entrepreneur, businessman, co-founder of the photo sharing website Flickr and its parent company Ludicorp; founded the team communication app Slack
• Peter Ciceri, former vice-president, Compaq Computer Corporation, United States
• Bob Cummings, Executive Vice-president, Guest Experience and Marketing of WestJet
• Richard Flury, former chief executive of BP
• Mark Hill, co-founder and former vice-president of WestJet
• Ryan Holmes, founder and CEO of the online social media dashboard, Hootsuite

University infrastructure & services

Campus-

University of Victoria’s main campus is spread across 403 acres of land. The university’s campus is located on the border between the municipalities of Oak Bay and Saanich. The University of Victoria’s campus was designed by American architectural firm of Wurster, Bernardi & Emmons. This academic ring is a unique feature of the university and facilitates interaction, intellectual sharing, and collaboration. The area outside of Ring Road is home to important areas of the university, which includes residence halls, Student Union Buildings, sports facilities, as well as some newer academic facilities. 

Libraries-

 The University of Victoria campus consists of libraries, which plays an important part of the educational experience and an invaluable resource for students, faculty, staff, and alumni, but also for the broad community. The library offers books, e-books and services to support academic studies and enhance research work at University of Victoria. University libraries are focused to provide high-quality library resources, programs, and services to the students. The library provides flexible and well-equipped surroundings to everyone’s research and learning needs. The libraries support the student learning experience, creation and administration of knowledge, and also contribute to advancements in teaching and research programs.                                                                                                                                                    

Housing services-

On-campus- University of Victoria’s Student housing and Residence Life offers residence halls, apartments and townhouses where students from all over the country and the world live, learn and grow together. Students have an option to reside in the residence halls, apartments or townhouses.  The University of Victoria’s residences offer support and convenience, as well as opportunities for personal growth, cultural exploration, and interaction with all facilities and staff. The University’s residence halls are perfect for comfortable housing.  Students can select the room of their choice based on costs, hall facilities, location, availability. Through University’s affinity housing students can live in groups of like-minded students who share the same love for sports, literature, film and course. The various services offered in University’s residence halls are- 

• Fully furnished rooms
• Large lounges with kitchens
• All-inclusive utilities
• Free Wi-Fi and cable TV
• Free laundry facilities
• Residence Life staff support
• Programming created around a residential curriculum
• 24-hour security and on-call housing staff

Off-campus- University of Victoria assists students in finding off-campus housing near University’s campus. They provide convenient housing to students, faculty and staff at nearby universities. The rental accommodation near the University of Victoria includes Apartments, Suites and sharing rooms.

Medical services-

University of Victoria provides medical services to students. The Health Services encourage students to live a healthy lifestyle in order to achieve their personal, academic and career goals. They also maintain an emergency response team which responds immediately to any accidents or injuries involving any person on campus. Primary and urgent healthcare, health clearances, routine women’s healthcare, emergency response and wellness education are all part of the services provided. The staff consists of certified physicians and nurses who are dedicated towards their work and provide high quality medical care to students. 

Student’s clubs-

University of Victoria offers more than 150 students’ clubs and organization which provide wide range of opportunities for students to engross themselves. The University offers everything students need to stay active on campus. Some of the clubs at University of Victoria are-

• Experimental Archaelogy Club
• Financial Management Club
• Game Club
• Hip Hop/Dance Freestyle Club
• Japanese Culture Club
• Medieval Club
• Meditation Club
• Mental Health Awareness Club
• Momentum Club
• Music Production Club
• Pedal Club
• Uvic Car Club

These are just a few clubs and organizations listed above. There are many other options available to choose from and engross yourself in.

University location

Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada

Top Landmarks-

• Miniature World.
• Ogden Point Terminal & Breakwater.
• Abkhazi Garden.
• Black Ball Ferry Line.
• Victoria Bug Zoo.
• Government Street.
• Government House.
• Empress Hotel National Historic Site of Canada

International student’s info

Courses Offered-

University of Victoria offers more than 280 Undergraduate programs and Graduate programs. Some of the courses are-

• Business
• Psychology
• Engineering and Computer Science
• Fine Arts
• Human and Social Development
• Humanities
• Law
• Science
• Social Sciences
• Graduate Studies
• Political Science
• Public Health
• Medical Sciences

Student Support-

 The International Student Services University of Victoria provides international educational exchange via its services. It serves as the primary administrative, programming, and advising office for the international community. The office provides various services like-

• immigration assistance and support to international students and exchange visitors through advising, programs, workshops and events.
• serve as a guide for academic and administrative units in the collaboration, hiring and sponsorship of international students and exchange visitors.
• provides on-going orientation and support services in a welcoming environment designed to help students in cultural adjustment.

Visa and Immigration Support-

Visas and Permits

As an international student, you will need to have specific permits and visas to study in Canada.

Initial Study Permit

All University of Victoria students need to have legal status in Canada, and you will need to present your status documents to get your student card. If this is your first time applying for a study permit, you can do it at the nearest Canadian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission. You can apply for your permit as soon as you receive your Offer of Admission from the University of Toronto and decide to accept. Because the permit legally entitles you to study in Canada, you will need it before you enter the country.

Temporary Resident Visa

Students from certain countries may also require an entry visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), to enter Canada. TRVs are issued by Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC).

CIC’s requirements may differ depending on your specific geographic region. For instance, some CIC offices require proof of English language proficiency in the form of a standardized test (such as TOEFL or IELTS). A medical examination and proof of funding may also be required. 

International Student Contact-

Office- Jamie Cassels Center
Room B202d (2nd floor)

Phone No.- +1 250 721 6361

E-mail- [email protected]

Student life

Student society-

University of Victoria’s student organizations or clubs are one of the best ideas to get involved in the campus. Organizations are assembled under an arrangement of causes, identities, and interests. Student organizations at the University of Victoria put on some of the most highly awaited campus events and offer a wide range of opportunities for involvement and leadership every year. The University of Victoria has more than 180 student organizations, so there is something for each student. 

Sports and fitness-

University of Victoria provides activities that promote healthy lifestyles and fitness for a huge population of students, faculty and staff. The University provides various sports activities and fitness rooms to keep students fit and healthy. 

Health & Wellbeing-

Health and Wellness at the University of Victoria is to highlight the active process of change and growth that involves building resilience, persistence, and positivity in the phase of provocations. It is the initiative dedicated to help students incorporate in an overall well-being experience across campus. They allow students to actively indulge in wellness programs, activities that provide support to holistic lifestyle. Through this initiative, students will learn and understand resources and they will also learn how to help others in need. 

Residential Life-

On-campus housing at the University of Victoria can easily accommodate a huge population of students. The on-campus housing offers Residential Based Learning Communities on designated floors, areas or buildings where students request to live near others that share an interest in a particular social cause or academic area. 

Food & drink-

The University of Victoria provides a dining hall in the heart of the campus.  Dining is open to students, faculty, and staff. Dining plan offers different dining options which includes special dietary menus such as vegetarian and low-fat food. The plans are designed to fit the busy schedule of students, the plan assists all dietary preferences by providing a wide range of dining options and healthy food options. There are a number of cafes and restaurants available on-campus which provides a huge variety to students.

Short term getaways, weekend getaways

There are many short-term getaways near the University of Victoria to have fun like- 

• Miniature World.
• Ogden Point Terminal & Breakwater.
• Abkhazi Garden.
• Black Ball Ferry Line.
• Victoria Bug Zoo.
• Government Street.
• Government House.
• Empress Hotel National Historic Site of Canada

and there are many other options also available to spend holidays and weekends.

Part time jobs

The Center for Career Services at University of Victoria provides employment opportunities on-campus to students who want to earn money while studying to pay their expenses. The Office of Student Employment helps students find part-time work that not only builds their bank account, it is also on or near campus, and gives them a relevant and meaningful career experience which enhances their resume.

Student Safety

Crime Around the area-

The University of Victoria keeps safety a priority. University’s Police Department provides 24/7 assistance to deter crime, and to increase personal safety and building security. A security desk is located in the lobby of each residence hall, which assists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to ensure the safety and identification of those entering and leaving the campus buildings. Students can call an officer to escort them anywhere on campus 24/7. The University is committed towards providing a safe, secure living and learning environment for all students, faculty and staff.    

Famous courses

The famous courses at University of Victoria are-

• Business
• Psychology
• Engineering and Computer Science
• Fine Arts
• Human and Social Development
• Humanities
• Law
• Science
• Social Sciences

Campus recruitment

Process-

The Centre for Career Services at University of Victoria has an excellent placement team that is dedicated to supporting students throughout their placement search. The University hosts recruitment events and fairs and also posts jobs on the university portal to provide jobs to students.    The university has a record of 80% placement. 

Famous companies who recruit directly from University of Victoria–

• Google
•  Tesla
• the Canadian Space Agency
•  Global Affairs Canada
• Western Digital Thailand 

Application Requirements

• Create a new account
• Completed Application Form
• Submit required support documents
• Academic Records
• Pay the application fee 
• Statement of Purpose
• Recommendations
• Standardized Test Scores
• Receive Offer Letter