Outgoing Exchange
The International Centre for Students (ICS) Exchange Program allows current students to study at one of UVic's partner universities, while earning UVic units and paying UVic tuition fees.
Students can complete up to two exchange terms (Fall and/or Spring semesters) during their degree at UVic. It is recommended that students consider an exchange opportunity in their 3rd year or beyond.
The ICS Exchange Team coordinates outgoing exchange opportunities for students in the following faculties:
- Humanities
- Fine Arts
- Science
- Social Sciences
Students in the following faculties must first consult with their undergraduate or graduate adviser to see if an international exchange is compatible with their degree requirements:
Why Go On Exchange?
- Gain international perspectives in your field of study
- Immerse yourself in a new culture
- Make new friends and travel to far-off places
- Develop skills in a second (or third!) language
- Enroll in the SDGs-in-Action challenge during your exchange to receive a Certificate of Completion co-signed by UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research) and CIFAL Victoria
Partner Universities
UVic students can attend one of over 80 partner universities in various countries around the world, from Japan to Sweden. For a full list of partners, with more details about their offerings, academic system, and accommodations, please click on the button below:
Connect with the ICS Exchange Team
- It is highly recommend you connect with Christian, the Exchange Student Adviser, to help with planning your exchange:
- In-person: International Centre for Students in the Jamie Cassels Centre (JCC B202d)
- Online: via Microsoft Teams
- Group information sessions, called Exchange 101, provide an overview of the ICS Exchange Program and allow time for Q&A.
- Sessions are an hour long and held monthly in The Welcome Centre in the Jamie Cassels Centre (first floor of JCC).
- For details and dates:
Credits on Exchange
Each host university has different courses and a different credit system than UVic. As such, exchange students will need to determine the value of the credits at the host university, as well as course equivalency.
It is each students' responsibility to ensure the credits they earn on exchange add up to 4.5 UVic units (part-time exchange) or 7.5 UVic units (full-time exchange). To do this, students will need to submit exchange course evaluations.
Exchange Course Evaluations at UVic:
- Once accepted into the ICS Exchange Program, UVic exchange students will be able to submit host university courses to UVic for evaluation.
- The results will indicate how many UVic units each host university course is worth, as well as the course equivalency.
- Students must use the evaluation results to ensure their host university courses credits add up to the equivalent UVic units they are registered for.
- This online evaluation process opens in late Septemberr for Spring exchange terms and in late March for Fall exchange terms. Evaluations take 4-6 weeks for results to be made available via email.
- Course evaluations results are tentative until the end of the exchange term, when a final evaluation is conducted by UVic Records using students' official host university transcript, and the results are applied to the students' UVic record.
Review Requirements
- Review the ICS Exchange Program requirements below to ensure you are eligible.
- Research and identify a host university that aligns best with your academic goals and cultural interests.
- Meet with a UVic Academic Adviser to ensure the timing and format of the exchange aligns with your degree requirements.
- be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in the Faculty of Fine Arts, Humanities, Sciences, or Social Sciences at UVic
- Fine Arts: If you are a Fine Arts student, please connect with the FA undergraduate adviser to discuss the exchange program and your degree
- Economics: If you are a student in the Department of Economics, please refer to the ECON department website for additional exchange information specific to your program
- French: If you are a student in the Department of French, please contact your department to discuss the possibility of exchange before you apply
- Graduate Students: If you are a graduate student, please consult with your department before you apply
- Students outside of the tri-faculties (Humanities, Science and Social Sciences): If you are registered in Business, Law, Nursing, Engineering or other professional programs, please consult with your department before you apply
- be registered as a full-time UVic student
- in order to be eligible, students must be enrolled full time as defined by the UVic calendar. Students registered with the Centre for Accessible Learning may have an accommodation to take a reduced course load and still be considered a full time student for academic purposes.
- have completed at least one year of study at UVic (12.0 units) before you leave for your exchange
- be in good academic standing as outlined by the current UVic Undergraduate Calendar
- Review our partner university pages for detailed information about where you can study.
- Check out the StoryMap project to learn from previous exchange student experiences.
- Register for events hosted by the exchange team.
- Use the application documents related to budgeting, courses, and motivations, as planning tools to help solidify your decision to participate in the program.
- Consider how an academic adviser can assist in preparing for your exchange term.
- Book an appointment with an Academic Adviser to discuss exchange related to your UVic degree requirements.
- Topics to cover: declaring your major, understanding your Curriculum, Advising and Program Planning (CAPP) report, and available elective credits.
Application
Application Deadline
February 1st
- Fall semester or two-term (Fall & Spring) exchanges
August 1st
- Spring semester exchange
Once you have ensured you are eligible for the ICS Exchange Program, met with your Exchange Adviser and Academic Adviser, and chosen a host university, you will be ready to start the application process.
It is recommend that students begin the application process several months before the deadline!
Preparing for Departure
After you have been selected to participate in the ICS Exchange Program, you'll work closely with the Exchange Team to prepare for your departure. You can expect to:
- receive guidance from the Exchange Student Adviser on applying to your host university
- attend several pre-departure sessions host by the ICS Exchange Team, which cover travel safety, courses/credits, funding, and cultural intelligence
- connect with the exchange team at your host university to receive local resources and supports
Identities Abroad
Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to explore the world, but every journey is shaped by who you are. Factors like your cultural background, gender identity, race, or disabilities can influence your experiences in new environments. At UVic, we are committed to supporting you as you navigate these unique opportunities and challenges.
Our Identities Abroad pages are designed to help you plan for your international experience with tailored resources, reflective questions, and practical advice. Studying abroad is a chance to connect with the world, grow as an individual, and broaden your perspective—and we are here to help you make the most of it.
To be published soon!
SDGs-in-Action
Upgrade your exchange!
Add a United Nations CIFAL qualification to your international experience (and your CV!) by taking the SDGs-In-Action challenge.
Learn how to advance a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal in your host community with our brand new, self-paced pre-departure course. Then, design and run your own community engagement activity. You could coordinate a beach clean-up, mobilize a food bank service, host an upskilling workshop, or engineer a health awareness campaign. So many ways to make a difference!
This course is certified by CIFAL Victoria, an accredited United Nations (UN) International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders (known by the French acronym CIFAL). CIFAL Victoria provides certification for training courses that build the capabilities of individuals and communities towards the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Participants who successfully complete this course are eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion co-signed by UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research) and CIFAL Victoria.
StoryMap Project - Student Experiences
The ICS exchange team is excited to capture exchange student experiences on our StoryMap site.
The Journey Across Borders StoryMap is a project from students for students. Check out the preview below or go directly to the site.
StoryMaps is an online storytelling tool that allows you to easily create compelling interactive content that combines maps, multimedia and text.
It can be used to share stories about your exchange, capture memories and inspire future student to study abroad.
Here are some ideas to help you get started:
- The Beginnings: Reflect on your initial feelings, expectations, and the moment you set foot in your host country. What were your first impressions, and how did they evolve over time?
- Cultural Connections: Share stories of cultural encounters, whether it's a local tradition, a favorite dish, or a festival that left a lasting impression.
- Academic Insights: Describe the courses, professors, or projects that stood out to you during your exchange program. How did this experience contribute to your academic growth?
- Unexpected Discoveries: Highlight any surprises or unexpected adventures that you stumbled upon during your time abroad. What did you learn from these experiences?
- Friendships and Connections: Introduce us to the people who made your exchange memorable. Share anecdotes about the friendships you formed and the connections you'll cherish forever.
- Personal Growth: Reflect on the ways in which this exchange program has influenced your personal development. Did it challenge you, inspire you, or lead you to newfound passions?
- A Glimpse into the Future: Share your aspirations and how this exchange program has shaped your future goals, both personally and professionally.
We’re excited to hear your story! Please share it with us by completing this form.
With your permission, we will highlight your StoryMap on our UVic International StoryMap and on social media!
If you have used an alternative mode to capture your experience such as a blog, vlog, padlet or photo diary, let us know - we are happy to link it to our map to inspire prospective students!
Exchange Photo Essay Contest
Please note that the 2025 Photo Essay Contest is now closed. Check out the winners by clicking the button below, and check back in 2026 for next year's contest!
Events
Explore upcoming events tailored for both current and prospective outbound exchange students, as well as informative sessions on other international opportunities.
Don't forget to follow the ICS Exchange Program on Instagram for upcoming opportunities, events, student stories, and deadlines: @uvicinternational
Looking for information and events for inbound exchange students? Check out our Inbound Exchange page.
Returning to Canada
Returning to Canada is just as much a part of the exchange experience as leaving. When you plan your departure from your host country, please allow adequate time for administrative details, travel arrangements, farewell parties, and other important tasks.
Make sure you consider the steps that you will need to take before you leave your host country and once you return to Canada.