Apply to Exchange Program

Step 1: request your references

You must submit two reference forms, either:

• from two academic instructors (professors, lab instructors, teaching assistants or other UVic academic affiliates) or,
• from one academic instructor and one character referee (past or current employer, supervisor, coach, etc.)
  
  
• Academic Reference Form
• Character Reference Form

Please ask each referee to either return the completed forms to you. You will submit these in your application form.

Freedom of Information: The information on the International Exchange Application Forms is collected under the authority of the University Act R.S.B.C. 1979, c.468 and section 26 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information is used for the purpose of admission to the International Exchange Program, course registration and other purposes consistent with the administration of this program. It may be provided to the relevant overseas university. If you have any questions about the collection and use of this information, contact the International Centre for Students at goglobal@uvic.ca.

Step 2: complete required application documents

You will be submitting the following documents as part of your application form in Step 3.

Proposed Study Plan

The Proposed Study Plan is a preliminary list of relevant courses offered at the host university you have selected as your first choice. You will be able to find specific course information on the host university's website. Check out the list of partner universities for more information about courses.

Budget worksheet

Prepare a budget worksheet identifying the potential costs of your exchange for your potential host university, as well as the financial resources available to you. Students can find information about living costs on the the host university website. Check our partner universities listings to find your host university.

Statement of intent

Prepare a letter in your own words (one page maximum) addressed to the Selection Committee that explains the following:

• your reasons for wanting to participate in the exchange
• how the exchange will enhance your studies and future career and/or life plans
• your previous travel to other countries, involvement with international students or other exposure you've had to cultures other than your own

Student photograph

Submit a scan of a passport-style photo (head and shoulders) with your application. This does not need to be an official passport photo.

Passport copy

Submit a photocopy of the picture page of your passport with your application. If you are in the process of applying for or renewing a passport, please indicate this information with your application and include a copy of your existing or expired passport.

Note: By submitting your exchange application, you are authorizing the ICS exchange team to review your unofficial administrative transcript electronically as part of the academic application requirements. You are not required to print or submit transcripts separately as part of your application.

Step 3: submit online application form

The Online Application Form summarizes your personal and academic information, and allows you to select your preference for a host institution. Please select two universities for an exchange as your first choice may be full or unavailable. We cannot guarantee that you will receive your first choice.

On the application form you are asked to provide a UVic email address; all correspondence regarding your application will be sent to this email. Yahoo, Hotmail or other email accounts will sometimes reject emails sent from UVic and will not be used for your exchange correspondence.

You will also be submitting your required documents from Step 2 as part of this form. 

All students applying to participate in the exchange program are required to pay a non-refundable CAN$100 application fee through the secure link. If this application fee poses a financial challenge for you, please do not hesitate to contact an exchange adviser to discuss possible accommodations. We are committed to fostering inclusivity within our program.