The University of Victoria (UVic) received university status in 1962/1963, however, its origins can be traced back to 1903 and the establishment of Victoria College, the university's predecessor institution. 

UVic is ranked 115th in the world and the top university in Canada, across all sciences, for international research collaboration (Leiden). As Canada’s most extraordinary environment for discovery and innovation, with an edge that combines dynamic, hands-on learning and research that’s vital to people, places and the planet, UVic have disclosed 1065 inventions to date! 

Widely recognized for leadership in research, inspired teaching and community engagement, UVic provides innovative undergraduate and graduate programs and real-life learning experiences in a diverse and welcoming West Coast environment. In a survey of recent graduates, 96% were satisfied or very satisfied with their UVic education and rated the quality of instruction good or very good. 

The University’s Vikes athletic program has established itself as one of the most successful university athletic programs in Canada. Since the inception of the athletics program in 1968, UVic has won 72 Canadian university national championships, and individual competitors have won 272 individual medals at CIS championships. Of 53 CIS institutions, UVic is fourth overall in team championships. 

Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is the capital of British Colombia (BC). The city is named for Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, at what was once British North America. The climate is mild year-round, with the warmest winters in Canada and more sunshine than many areas of coastal BC. Known as "The Garden City", Victoria is a popular tourism destination and is in the top twenty of world cities for quality-of-life. This beautiful and welcoming city offers outdoor activities, an engaged community, a vibrant social scene, and a rich history that combines First Nations, British, European and Asian traditions.

Canada is a country in the north of North America, extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and northward into the Arctic Ocean. It is the world's second largest country by total area, and shares the world's longest bi-national land border with the USA.

As a whole, Canada is sparsely populated with the majority of its land area dominated by forest and tundra. Over 80% of its 37.6 million people are concentrated in large and medium-sized cities, with 70% residing within 100 kilometres of the US border. Both English and French are commonly spoken. Cities such as Montreal and Quebec located in the historically French part of Canada offer a European city experience in North America, along with the opportunity to develop language skills and explore a different culture. Canadians are renowned for being friendly and helpful, and Canada experiences very low crime and a high standard of living. The exchange rate is generally more favourable for Canada than the US, making it more affordable for students.

Canada’s incredible range of natural wonders are perfect for exploring – it has the most coastline of any country, alongside famous mountain ranges, huge lakes, ancient forests, arctic lands, some desert and unique wildlife. Popular natural attractions include the Canadian Rocky Mountain parks, the Aurora Borealis, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Nahanni National Park Reserve, Cabot Trail, Niagara Falls, and Banff National Park.

Did you know…..?

Canada offers some amazing festivals and parties, including the Celebration of Light - the largest fireworks competition in the world. The Toronto International Film Festival is also a must-see for film, art, and media students. Canada is home to the Rocky Mountaineer, one of the most iconic railway journeys in the world!

All students must meet standard exchange selection criteria and any host institution restrictions.

Limited selection for Business and Fine Arts courses. Please see recommended exchange courses here. 

NOTE: All incoming exchange students to UVic are admitted in the Faculty of Social Sciences. This will not affect the courses they will be able to register in. 

Limited postgraduate courses available. Students will need to email the relevant department at UVic to confirm. 

• UniSA academic transcript 
• Passport 
• Two recent passport-size photographs 
• UVic Incoming Exchange Student Disclosure Form 

There are 2 terms per year, each runs for 13 weeks. 

Each course is worth 1.5 units. Domestic students normally complete five (1.5 unit) courses per term. Each 1.5 course requires 3 hours of study a week for one term. Laboratory, tutorial and other similar activities, if required, are in addition to the basic three hours a week. A smaller load of four courses is recommended by UVic for exchange students. 

Therefore, we recommend that: 

• 4 courses (@ 1.5 units each) is equivalent to 18 UniSA units 
• 3 courses (@ 1.5 units each) is equivalent to 13.5 units 

All UniSA students are exempted from providing evidence of English proficiency.

• UVic Academic Calendar Archives - see here
• 2024 /2025 Course List - see here
• Course planning registration process  - see here

University of Victoria does not offer airport pick up. As most international flights arrive at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), you may either opt to book another flight to Victoria International Airport (YYJ) or travel by BC Ferries from Vancouver to Victoria (Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay terminals). 

A shuttle bus (YYJ Airport Shuttle) or taxi can take you from the Victoria Airport directly to the university or to the downtown area (approximately 30 minutes). 

More information on how to get to the campus can be found here. 

Residence Services at UVic offers on-campus dormitory rooms or Cluster units (private bedroom with shared kitchen and living room). Dormitory rooms include a mandatory Meal Plan. Once students have been accepted to the ISS Exchange Program and have received their UVic Student number (which begins with V00), and have created their Netlink ID, they may apply for on-campus housing through the housing portal. Students without a V00 number will not be eligible for on-campus housing. Important application dates can be found on the Residence Services website. Please note that on-campus accommodation is limited and not guaranteed, and there is a residence application fee is CAD$50 (non-refundable). 

Students can choose to organize their own living arrangements off campus. Students planning to live off campus should arrive at least two weeks before classes begin in order to allow for enough time to find housing. Alternatively, you may want to consider a homestay program which offers you an opportunity to stay with a local family.  

More information is available on the International Student Services website: Preparing for UVic. 

As an exchange partner with the University of South Australia, you do not have to pay tuition fees to University of Victoria, instead you will pay tuition as you would normally at UniSA. Travel and living expenses are at your own cost. The table below gives an indication of costs you will incur: 

Health Insurance: New international students, including exchange students, are automatically enrolled in the guard.me@UVic plan and are assessed a Mandatory Temporary Medical Insurance fee of CAd$265 upon course registration at UVic.

More information can be found here.

You may be eligible to receive additional grants or scholarships to fund your experience. For more information please see the funding and scholarships website.

UniSA offers travel insurance as part of your exchange for up to 270 days (can be extended up to 365 days). For more information please see travel insurance website.  

Please click here to read the travel insurance policy. 

A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found here. 

If you have any further questions about travel insurance, please contact the UniSA Insurance Office on 08 8302 1678. 

As an exchange student at University of Victoria, you must purchase compulsory additional health insurance. See here for more information.