Dates and deadlines

Your university experience is unique to you; many of your timelines will be set on an individual basis between you and your supervisor. Being a part of the university at large will still require you to adhere to some set dates and deadlines.

In addition to the information below, academic deadlines can also be found in the Academic Calendar under important dates.

Applying to UVic

  • Once you have decided on the program that is right for you, please check that program’s website for the application deadline.
  • University of Victoria fellowship and graduate awards funds are limited so applicants wishing to be considered are encouraged to have all application materials submitted to the Graduate Admissions and Records Office as soon as possible, and no later than the application deadline for the academic unit. 

Paying for your education (tuition and funding)

  • Tuition and fees deadlines are standard across all programs. Graduate fees are paid in installments three times a year. These payments are due by the end of the first month of the corresponding term (September 30, January 31 and May 31).
  • University of Victoria fellowships and graduate awards for continuing students are awarded on recommendation of the academic unit on a continual basis.
  • Bursary applications are accepted twice a year; once on June 1 for the summer session and again on October 15 for the winter session.
  • There are many external awards available for graduate students, each with their own individual deadline.

Planning your coursework

  • Registration for summer studies begins mid-March and registration begins mid-June for winter session. You can check your individual registration dates online through My page.
  • The deadlines for adding and dropping courses, as well as the start and end dates for each term, are available in the Academic Calendar.
  • A schedule of final examinations for courses will be posted online mid-way through each term on the exam information page.

Completing your program

  • Use the suggested timelines provided in the master's and PhD student's checklist to help keep you on track to finish.
  • Candidacy examinations must be completed within 36 months of starting your program, and at least six months before your final oral examination.
  • There are time limits for completing your program at UVic. Your program must be completed within:
    • seven years for a doctoral degree
    • five years for a master's degree
    • three years for a graduate diploma
    • two years for a graduate certificate
  • There are recommended latest dates for requesting and holding your oral examination and submitting your final copy, depending on which convocation ceremony you plan on attending. Review the suggested dates for either Spring Convocation or Fall Convocation.

Preparing for graduation

  • There are two convocation ceremonies held every year: Spring Convocation in June and Fall Convocation in November. For additional information or ceremony dates, please contact the Ceremonies Office at ceremony@uvic.ca.  
  • The deadlines for applying to graduate are November 15 for students completing in the fall session, February 15 for students completing in the winter session, and July 15 for students completing in the summer session.
  • Ceremonies and Events will post the the convocation ceremony schedules some time in late August for Fall Convocation and mid-April for Spring Convocation.
  • Information and deadlines for confirming and attending your convocation ceremony are available under student information on the convocation website.

Student mental health
Professional development
Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
Graduate Students' Society

Program information