How to apply to the UVic BCom program

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The next intake: September 2023
Application deadline: January 31, 2023

If you are a new student to UVic

Complete your UVic application online. You’ll also upload your supplemental application to the application portal.

If you are a current or returning UVic student

Complete your BCom application online through My UVic Application (select Sign in with your Netlink ID). You’ll also upload your supplemental application to the application portal.

Note: you are considered a returning student if you have attended UVic in the past but have not been registered in the two most recent consecutive sessions (summer and winter).

Application criteria

We prepare leaders who think differently, act responsibly and drive positive change. Interested in joining us?

Our BCom program has competitive entry and admits once per year (September). Here’s what we’ll be looking at:

Grades

You

A full breakdown of our BCom admission requirements can be found in the UVic Undergraduate Calendar. If you have any questions, please contact a .

Note: Meeting our minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the BCom program. If you have applied and received a conditional offer, it will be confirmed upon receipt of your final grades.

Transfer applicants: Entry points

Entry Point

Requirements

Year 2
  • GPA on most recent 12.0 units of course work: minimum 4.0/9.0 (B-).
  • GPA in required courses: minimum 4.0 (B-) on their required courses, with a minimum grade of C+ in each of them (minimum D grade for COM 200).
  • Preference will be given to applicants who have completed at least two required courses by the application deadline, including their AWR designated required course (prerequisite to ATWP 250 in Year 2).

Year 3

General Transfer
  • GPA on most recent 12.0 units of course work: minimum 4.0/9.0 (B-).
  • GPA in required courses: minimum 4.0 (B-) on their required courses, with a minimum grade of C+ in each of them (minimum D grade for COM 200).
  • Preference will be given to applicants who have completed at least three required courses by the application deadline (Jan. 31).

 Additional criteria for Year 3 applicants:

  • By April of the year you are applying: All required courses complete, with a minimum of 27.0 units of usable course work complete. Note: students transferring into Year 3 for September 2024 may complete a minimum of 25.5 units of useable course work by April, and COM 200 over the Summer Session preceding the BCom program core (Year 3) instead.
  • By August of the year you are applying: All 30.0 units of usable course work complete, with BCom progression conditions satisfied (unit and grade requirements).  
  • International applicants also need to complete COM 206C and COM 290. Contact a  to determine how you can meet these requirements or complete an acceptable equivalent.

Year 3

Hospitality Management Transfer

Qualified applicants from a Hospitality Management Diploma can be considered for a direct transfer into Year 3 with a Block Transfer Agreement.  Minimum requirements are as follows:

  • Completion of fully recognized Hospitality Management Diploma from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA of B or 73% (as calculated by the University of Victoria) by August 30th of the application year.
  • Completion of required courses with a combined average minimum B- (70%) with no grades below a C+ (65%) by August 30th of the application year.
  • Please refer to the university calendar for more details and a list of approved institutions. 
  • It is strongly recommended to meet with a BCom recruiter for specific details. Contact a . 

Supplemental application

Why are you motivated to join our business program? In addition to your academic grades, we'd like to get a full picture of who you are through your supplemental application.

Overview

The Gustavson BCom program is looking for dynamic and driven students. Our students are eager to develop their global mindset, collaborate with others, and consciously work towards making a difference in the world, while developing their business acumen. If this sounds like you, keep reading!

The supplemental application is an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to us. This is your chance to highlight any work, leadership, academic, volunteer and/or life experiences. How have these experiences helped you to learn, develop and grow? We encourage you to use examples: from the classroom, club or recreation activities, at work, through personal experiences or in community endeavours.

Use your supplemental application to reflect on who you are, what you've accomplished and where you want to go. What inspires you, and how can the Gustavson BCom program be your launching pad? Think about your future goals, and how the BCom program will contribute to your success.

Required components

Please prepare your supplemental application as one PDF file and upload it with the rest of your BCom application.

1. Current resume

Please refer to the Gustavson resume template for the resume components we encourage you to elaborate on. You are welcome to use this template or your own layout.

  • Two pages maximum; only references may extend on to a third page.
  • Please note that reference letters will not be considered in the admission process.

2. Personal statement: your background and motivation

What are the three things that you want us to know about you, and how will these contribute to your success in university and our BCom program?

  • Please provide specific examples.
  • Minimum 250 words in paragraph format.

3. Impact statement: your personal road map

The Gustavson BCom program offers opportunities for students to build their own unique path.  Please tell us about your personal road map:  what elements of the BCom program do you intend to use and what impact do you intend to create.  

  • Please provide specific examples.
  • Minimum 200 words in paragraph format.

Additional information

Transfer credit

You can use the BC Transfer Guide to help determine the transferability of your post-secondary courses. You are also welcome to contact the BCom Admissions Team for informal assistance and recommendations. Transfer credit will be formally assessed by Undergraduate Admissions once your UVic application has been submitted.

Limitation of commerce credit and course waivers

Our program structure does not include many commerce courses in the first two years. Here’s our stance on commerce course work and transfer credit:

  • If you’re currently a UVic student, note that the following courses cannot be used for credit in the BCom program: COM 202, COM 220, COM 240, COM 250, COM 270, COM 302, COM 317 and IB 301. These courses are part of the Business Minor.
  • If you’re applying to transfer into the BCom program from another post-secondary institution, note that a maximum of 4.5 units of commerce-related transfer credit may be used as part of your 30.0 units of pre-commerce courses. Transfer credit for COM 302 cannot be used towards pre-commerce courses.

You are expected to complete all required courses for the BCom program (including core courses) and will not be granted waivers based on previous credit.

Computer literacy

You are expected to have computer competence in MS Office applications, email and web browsing. Commerce courses require you to use a variety of software including word processing, database, presentation (PowerPoint) and spreadsheet software. Instruction on any required software will not be provided in courses.

CSC 105 provides a good foundation for business students and is a recommended course.

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