UVic’s economic impact
UVic is a proud partner in the Greater Victoria and BC economy. We work with governments, First Nations, businesses and non-profits towards economic and social prosperity. From jobs to research solutions to our alumni making a global impact, we’re a key contributor to a bright future.
in added income to Greater Victoria economy
FY 2019-20in Greater Victoria are supported by UVic activities
FY 2019-20in added income to BC economy
FY 2019-20in BC are supported by UVic activities
FY 2019-20Home for research & innovation
UVic researchers and innovators are committed to a healthy planet and healthy people. From knowledge creation to partnerships to spin-off companies, the impact of our work has a significant, positive effect on the local and provincial economy.
added to local economy from UVic research spending & spin-offs
FY 2019-20added to BC economy from UVic research spending & spin-offs
FY 2019-20Monitoring the ocean for informed decision making
UVic’s Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) monitors the west and east coasts of Canada and the Arctic to continuously deliver data in real-time for scientific research that helps communities, governments, and industry make informed decisions about the future.
Educator & catalyst
UVic alumni create change, start businesses and make an impact nationally and internationally. Their knowledge and skills benefit their workplaces and our economy.
added to local economy from increased earnings of UVic alumni
FY 2019-20added to BC economy from increased earnings of UVic alumni
FY 2019-20Finding a niche in digital marketing
Megan Wilson graduated from UVic’s Gustavson School of Business in the summer of 2020—a challenging time to shift from school to the workplace. But thanks to her two co-op terms at local businesses DeeBee’s Organics and Flytographer, Wilson discovered her aptitude and interests overlapped in digital marketing for start-ups—an area of expertise that countless local businesses needed as they rapidly shifted to supplement their physical stores with digital storefronts.
More than economic impact
The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022 ranked UVic 12th in the world out of 1,406 institutions for work towards the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Employer & builder
UVic recruits, develops and retains people who help build a better future. The impact of our payroll, day-to-day expenses and construction helps to create a thriving community.
added to local economy from operations & construction spending
FY 2019-20added to BC economy from operations & construction spending
FY 2019-20Engineering and computer science building expansion
UVic is investing in new buildings that will serve as a living lab for experiential learning, research and industry partnerships. A six-storey extension to the existing Engineering and Computer Science Building will include labs, design studios and more.
An adjacent High-Bay Structures Research Lab will feature a three-storey space equipped for the unique work of civil engineers. It will include a gantry crane, a large shake platform and other state-of-the-art engineering facilities.
Community partner & investor
UVic supports the community and the community supports us. Every dollar invested by students, taxpayers and society benefits our local and provincial community.
For every $1 invested:
gained in lifetime earnings by UVic students
FY 2019-20Gained in added tax revenue & public sector savings by taxpayers
FY 2019-20Gained in added provincial revenue and social savings by society
FY 2019-20Institutions promote arts and culture in communities
“When promoting and encouraging Indigenous art, institutions are delving into the core beliefs and culture of a community...The reef net exhibition [at the Legacy Art Galleries] allowed Coast Salish people to take up space and educate community members about our culture. I find that art is a very accessible way to open up dialogue and learn. I was grateful I had the opportunity to research the reef net, a significant aspect of my culture, and reflect it through my artwork.”
–Sarah Jim, Coast Salish artist and UVic alum
Destination of choice
UVic attracts students and visitors from outside the region and around the world who spend money on food, accommodations and entertainment.
added to local economy from student & visitor spending
FY 2019-20added to BC economy from student & visitor spending
FY 2019-20International student spending impact
UVic served 3,867 international students in 2019-20, 92% of whom relocated to the Greater Victoria Area. These students spent money at local businesses to purchase groceries, rent accommodation, pay for transportation and so on. The total impact of international student spending comes to $34.2 million in added income, equivalent to supporting 563 jobs.
Get in touch
Working together is the best way to make an impact, and we want to work with you. Get in touch about partnering with UVic.
This independent analysis was conducted by Emsi Burning Glass. Thank you to the Victoria Chamber of Commerce for inviting us to launch this report with them and their membership in June.
Download the regional summary and the provincial summary.