Incoming exchange students
Come experience an academic adventure on Canada's extraordinary West Coast!
Each year, exchange students from over 40 countries come to live and study at the Gustavson School of Business located in Victoria, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The University of Victoria campus is located on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples, and we acknowledge and respect the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples as well as the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
Vancouver Island spans the Pacific Northwest coast from the Great Bear Rainforest to the Salish Sea. From mountain ranges, windswept beaches to rainforests – there are many things to explore on our beautiful island.
Internationally accredited and ranked among the top school in the country, we have built our reputation on high standards. We are a business school that thinks past convention and sparks transformational learning. Recognized for innovative management research and education, our focus is on fundamental research questions and developing responsible, curious leaders who will make tomorrow's world a better place. Come and study at our university where you can build rich personal connections and be a part of a vibrant learning community.
Incoming exchange fact sheet (please note: information in fact sheet is subject to change)
Eligibility
Here are three things that incoming exchange students need to have to be eligible for our program:
- Your home university is an exchange partner with the Gustavson School of Business. View our list of exchange partners to see if your school currently has a partnership with us. Please visit the exchange office in your home university to see if you are eligible for the Gustavson School of Business exchange.
- You have completed a minimum of 1 year of business courses prior to exchange. Students who have taken Microeconomics, Statistics & Finite Math will have a larger course selection at Gustavson.
- You have a strong English proficiency level. All our courses are in English and require active participation. We request students to have a strong English level in order to succeed and get the best experience in our program.
Nomination & Application Procedures
Nomination
Once you have applied for exchange at your home university, your home university will nominate you to our school. Upon your nomination, we will email students with exchange application materials.
- Nomination Deadline: March 15
Application
Once you have received our exchange application materials, please read the instructions carefully and submit documents through our online portal by the stated deadline.
You will be asked to include the following items:
- A coloured head & shoulder photo of yourself
- Transcript of grades in English
- List of preferred courses, in order of preference
Term Dates
- Fall term: typically first week of September to third week of December
- Spring term: typically first week of January to third week of April
Courses
Course Load: A typical course load at the Gustavson School of Business is five courses (7.5 units). Each course is worth 1.5 units. Exchange students usually take three to five courses depending on their academic comfort level.
Course Registration: In your Exchange Application Form, you will be asked to list your top 10 preferred courses, in order of preference. We will do our best to register you in your selected courses as long as there is space and you have the proper course prerequisites. However, course availability varies year to year and we recommend students to remain flexible when registering for courses. After you have submitted your Exchange Application, you will receive more information about course registration in July.
Pre-departure and Arrival
Please start plannng your necessary travel and immigration documentation as soon as you are confirmed in our exchange program and receive yourd your letter of acceptance. Here is some information that incoming exchange students might need before starting at the Gustavson School of Business.
- Travel documents
- Health insurance and mandatory MTMI fee
- Housing options
- Orientation
- Buddy Program
- Centre for Accessible Learning
There are different types of places for you to stay during your exchange.
UVic Residence
Living in residence is a great experience and allows you to be steps away from campus and your classes. Due to its popularity, there are very limited spaces for on-campus housing and preference is given to students who are studying for two terms. Students who are only here for the fall term are placed on a waitlist when applying for on-campus housing. Please note, the process for on-campus housing is extremely competitive in the fall term, therefore you may need to find alternative housing off-campus.
UVic housing is determined by UVic Residence services so please visit the UVic Residence website for more information about application, placement and costs.
Homestay
Homestay allows you to live with a host family where you can improve your English and learn about Canada in a family setting. Host families provide a safe, comfortable, and friendly experience for students. To learn more, please visit the Homestay website.
Off-Campus Housing
Students can search for off-campus accommodation through the UVic Off-Campus Housing website. Renting a shared apartment or basement suite can range from $900 - $1200 CAD/month (not including food). Please be vigilant when searching for off-campus housing and take extra care before putting a deposit down.