Skip to primary navigation.
Skip to secondary navigation.
Skip to page content.
Return to top of page.
Skip to secondary navigation.
Skip to page content.
Return to top of page.
Return to primary navigation.
Skip to secondary navigation.

Why choose UVic for your graduate studies?

Graphic of handbook

Thinking at a higher level

On any given day, open our doors—to UVic classrooms, research centres, performance studios—and be prepared for excellence on the other side.

Graduate education at UVic offers a rare chance to create and mobilize new knowledge and to work side-by-side with scholars and practitioners on initiatives that may be unique in the world. Deepen your undergraduate research and learning, further your academic path or take your studies in an entirely new direction.

Graduate school can expand your professional qualifications, provide an avenue to more rewarding career options and bolster your earning power. Research and innovation demand the kinds of expertise that can only be gained from an advanced education.

Discover the reasons UVic may be a fit for you.

  • Groundbreaking research.
    When it comes to real-life learning and original research, UVic leads the world in areas such as oceans and climate, society and health, global change and sustainability and Indigenous and cultural studies. And we don’t stop there.
  • Flexible programs.
    Diverse graduate programs include flexible options and opportunities to learn from faculty and researchers who are experts in their fields.
  • Thoughtful innovation.
    Ours is a culture of achievement and consideration for the world around us.
  • Contribution and community.
    Motivated by a desire to drive change, our graduate students influence international conversations while taking advantage of a personalized campus experience.
  • Liveable city, liveable campus.
    Our spectacular West Coast setting inspires discovery not possible anywhere else.

For an introduction to the university and campus life, explore UVic. 

UVic in the rankings

  • Times Higher Education LogoUVic advanced to sixth place in Canada and 130th in the world in the influential 2010 Times Higher Education’s annual World University Rankings. UVic was the top-ranked university in the country without a medical school.

    See our media release.

  • UVic is consistently named a “Research University of the Year” in a ranking of the nation’s elite research destinations by Re$earch Infosource. In the 2010 survey, UVic was the highest ranked school of its class outside Ontario. We also topped comparable Canadian universities over the last decade in two of three measures of research performance: growth in research income and growth in research intensity.

    See our media release.

Facts and figures

Our vision is to be the university of choice for exceptional students, faculty and staff who are driven by a desire to improve their world. Learn about the University of Victoria's programs, research, honours and awards in facts and figures about UVic.

The success rate for UVic graduate students in attracting research funding is consistently well above the national average. Learn more about our research including research facts and figures, including income, rankings and statistics.

Student handbooks

Student handbooks provide pathways to information for specific graduate student audiences. Current publications highlight UVic graduate studies admissions, the Individual Interdisciplinary Program and Indigenous student resources. The International Student Pre-Arrival Guide touches on information for graduate and undergraduate students.

In addition, find out if your academic unit offers a graduate handbook that highlights the information most relevant to you.

Admission Preview Handbook

Our Graduate Admission Preview Handbook provides an introduction to graduate studies at UVic. Created with prospective graduate students in mind, this publication features student profiles, financial information, campus supports for grads and the primary steps in the application process.

Individual Interdisciplinary Program Handbook

The Individual Interdisciplinary Program Handbook describes a unique program offering graduate students the opportunity to work across domains of knowledge. Those interested should review our specialized degree applicant information carefully, since application processes differ from those of other programs.

Indigenous Student Handbook

The Indigenous Student Handbook provides an overview of programs and services that may be of particular interest to Indigenous students and features both faculty and student profiles.

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide

Our International Student Pre-Arrival Guide includes information for graduate and undergraduate students about everything from immigration to health insurance, as well as the basics regarding course registration, finances and accommodation.

Return to top of page.
Return to primary navigation.
Skip to page content.

Program information

Program websites


Latest news & events

Oral exam announcements

All doctoral programs and master’s degrees with thesis require a final oral examination.

Academic calendars

Campus security

Campus Security

Campus Security

  • 24 HOUR EMERGENCY/SAFEWALK: 250-721-7599
  • Non-emergency
    phone: 250-721-6683
  • Fax: 250-721-6612
  • Emergency information

Graduate Student Admissions Handbook

Graduate Student Admissions Handbook

An overview of UVic student profiles, opportunities, services for the graduate student.

Return to top of page.
Return to primary navigation.
Return to secondary navigation.
Return to page content.