Lifelong learning
The University of Victoria supports learning at every stage of life. Through a wide range of courses, workshops and programs, local community members can build new skills, explore interests and continue their education.
Lifelong learning at UVic offers flexible ways to learn, connect and grow within the community.
Community-engaged learning
Community-engaged learning (CEL) brings our local community and students together.
This type of course-based learning is a partnership between community groups, businesses and organizations or all shapes and sizes, and UVic students and faculty.
Through CEL, students gain meaningful hands-on experience that supports and honours the community.
Continuing Studies
Continuing Studies at UVic has been supporting lifelong learners for over 60 years. Supportive and community-minded, our classes provide educational and growth opportunities for adult learners at different stages in their personal or professional lives.
Classes are now open for registration in the following areas:
- Business and Management
- Community Health and Wellness
- Data, Computing and Technology
- History, Political Science and Contemporary Issues
- Horticulture and Nature
- Languages: French, German, Japanese and Spanish
- Visual Arts
- Writing and Literature
John Horgan Campus
UVic is also offering Continuing Studies courses at a new post-secondary site on the West Shore in Langford, BC, in partnership with Royal Roads University and Camosun College.
Learn more about the John Horgan Campus
Audit a course
Auditing is a popular option for anyone who wants to take a course at UVic for fun and interest. Community members and current UVic students can audit up to three units of undergraduate courses in an academic session (most courses are equivalent to 1.5 units).
- Winter Session includes the Fall (Sept-Dec) and Spring (Jan-Apr) academic terms.
- If you audit three units in the Fall, you won't be able to audit in the Spring.
- Summer Session includes courses held from May-August.
There's no limit to how many units you can audit in total.
Executive training
Whether you want a program to address a specific need, or to find the right type of training, we work with you to provide the best solution to tackle your key management issues. We have an outstanding record of creating and providing organizations around the globe with training and development specifically designed to meet their needs.
Discovery Studies
Want to take a few courses without completing an entire degree? If so, Discovery Studies might be the right fit for you. You'll need to submit an application to UVic, and can then choose courses through UVic's online course-registration system.
Discovery Studies is only available to people who are not current UVic students.
- Register in up to three units of courses per academic term (Fall, Spring or Summer)
- Most courses are equivalent to 1.5 units
- Final exams are written
- University credit is awarded
- There's a limit of 12 units in total, after which a student must apply for degree studies
Libraries
Our library is your library.
The Mearns – McPherson Library and the Priestly Library are open to the public.
You don’t need a library card to visit. Come in and enjoy our building, browse our shelves, use our seating, and experience our art.