Adult learners

While many of our undergraduate students come to us straight from high school, we have many other students who enrol somewhat later in life, bringing with them a wealth of experience.

Some come to UVic to resume studies that were interrupted, others to further develop professional skills, and yet others to explore academic interests.

Age is no barrier to participation in UVic's programs. Many retired people find that returning to some form of academic study satisfies a need for intellectual and social stimulation.

Many adult learners meet normal admission requirements for degree studies and should follow the regular undergraduate admission procedures. If you aren't eligible under the regular admission categories, we will advise you how you might apply within the Special Access category. As noted above, you can also use the exploratory studies category if you're interested in taking single courses out of interest.

If you're already a UVic student, returning to complete a degree or to take a single course, all you need to do to get authorized to register is complete the Application to Reregister form and then register in the course(s) that interest you.

Continuing Studies

A good place for any adult learner to explore UVic options for study is with the Division of Continuing Studies. Its role is to provide the community with access to the intellectual wealth of UVic through its varied and flexible credit and non-credit part-time programs.

You may find it helpful to sample a single course, workshop or seminar - there are many interesting choices with no prerequisites. If your desire to pursue education is related to your work but you're unsure what direction to follow, you could try one of their life/career planning workshops. Once you've determined where your main focus should be, the division's program staff will be there to help you navigate the system.

The University of Victoria Academic Calendar lists all the credit courses featured by academic departments across campus - but not all of these are offered in any particular term.

Get timetable information for credit courses offered in upcoming Summer or Winter Terms.

The Division of Continuing Studies online calendar will give you information on their full range of diplomas, certificates, workshops, lectures and other activities.

If you're new to university studies, it's important to take the time to establish some goals. This will help you to take on course work at a manageable and enjoyable pace.

Those of us who have been away from education for quite a while may not give ourselves enough credit for what we already know and our ability to take on new challenges. If you are studying something that truly interests you, the learning process will be a rewarding experience.

UVic is a very supportive learning environment and you will also find that your fellow students are an important part of that support system. The Humanities Diploma program is a good introduction to university study for people new to higher education.

While we value the experience that you bring to your studies, we do not have provisions in place to waive credit program requirements based on work experience.

Some non-credit programs in Continuing Studies, however, recognize a student's combination of work experience and education in the application process.

UVic's Child Care Services operates the Harry Lou-Poy Complex, which accommodates the children (infants to three-year-olds) of students, faculty and staff. Parents who are students are required to be enrolled as a full-time UVic student to be eligible for child care. There is a waiting list for spaces.

Learn about tuition and fees for credit courses. Fees for Continuing Studies courses are listed with the courses/programs.

Whether you participate in credit or non-credit studies, it's possible to pay as you go, one course at a time and to structure your time in the program and your tuition expenses to suit your needs. You should also budget for text books.

Remember, many UVic courses and programs qualify for tax credits. Additional financial support may also be available through various bursaries and scholarships.

A range of services is available to all new students at UVic through the Resource Centre for Students with a Disability, including adaptive technology, arranging accommodations and alternate exams, note-taking assistance and special parking permits.

All major buildings are equipped with wheelchair ramps, elevators and washrooms designed to accommodate wheelchair users. Keys to operate all electric lifts on campus are available from the Resource Centre.

Most classroom and office doors are marked in Braille to assist students with vision loss. Tactile maps of the campus and of most buildings are also available.

Never! At Convocation ceremonies we've seen people in their eighties proudly accept their degrees, diplomas or certificates.

People of all ages and from all walks of life can access many forms of educational opportunities through the University of Victoria.

While many students use traditional note taking methods (a pen and paper) when attending lectures and classes, instructors do prefer word-processed assignments.

If your chosen program of study includes specific use of technology you'll be able to assess your appropriate entry level when you apply.

If you need to use computers to do research or assignments, you'll find the help you need (and the equipment) at the UVic library or at computer labs across campus. It's not necessary to carry a laptop around with you!

A great course for people starting to use computers for the first time is Management Computing, available through Continuing Studies.