University of Victoria
Beautiful island campus with exceptional co-op - a hidden gem for law, climate science, and engineering.
The University of Victoria sits on the southern tip of Vancouver Island in one of Canada's most livable cities. UVic is known for an exceptional co-op program, a well-regarded law school, strong environmental and ocean sciences programs, and excellent engineering.
What average do you need to get into UVic?
There is no single UVic acceptance rate - admission is program-by-program. Top competitive programs like Law (JD) require LSAT + GPA dependent, while programs at the more accessible end admit students with averages around mid 80s. A competitive overall average for most UVic programs is roughly the mid-80s and up. Check the per-program admission averages below to find your target.
Key Facts
- Location: Victoria, BC
- Founded: 1963
- Students: 22,000
- Maclean's ranking: #2
- QS World ranking: #358
- Approximate domestic tuition: $7500/year
- Co-op available: Yes
Top Strengths
- Law
- Engineering
- Ocean & Climate Sciences
- Business (Gustavson)
- Computer Science
- Education
- Fine Arts
Admission Averages by Program
Real admission average ranges for UVic programs, from most accessible to most competitive:
- Law (JD) — admission average: LSAT + GPA dependent (Particularly well-regarded for environmental, Indigenous, and public interest law.)
- Computer Science — admission average: high 80s (Strong co-op placements in Victoria and Vancouver tech sectors.)
- Software Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Excellent co-op, growing BC tech industry connections.)
- Electrical Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Strong co-op, particularly in defence and tech sectors.)
- Mechanical Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Good co-op outcomes, ocean and marine engineering specialisation.)
- Civil Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Strong program, good BC infrastructure sector connections.)
- Business (Gustavson - BCom) — admission average: high 80s (Strong co-op, more intimate than Sauder. Good for smaller business.)
- Ocean Sciences — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (World-class ocean and climate research - unique in Canada.)
- Environmental Studies — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Strong sustainability and climate policy programs.)
- Biology — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Strong ecology and marine biology focus.)
- Chemistry — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Good research, strong pre-med and grad pathway.)
- Psychology — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Large program, strong clinical and research tracks.)
- Political Science — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Good for law school and public service careers.)
- History — admission average: mid 80s (Strong humanities program.)
- Fine Arts (BFA) — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Strong visual arts and music programs.)
- Nursing (BScN) — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (Competitive, strong clinical placements in Victoria hospitals.)
- Education (BEd) — admission average: mid 80s (Strong teacher training with deep BC school system ties.)
Things to Know
- UVic's co-op participation rate is among the highest in Canada - almost every program has co-op options.
- Victoria is one of Canada's most beautiful and livable cities but housing costs have risen significantly.
- UVic Law is particularly respected for environmental law and Indigenous law programs.
- The university's smaller size means more direct faculty access than at UofT or UBC.
Notable Alumni
- Carrie-Anne Moss
- Silken Laumann
- Murray Sinclair