Steps to apply

Your first step is to apply to participate in the UVic ICS Exchange Program. After you are accepted, we will lead you through the steps to apply directly to your chosen host university.

Application deadlines:

  • February 1 for First Term or Full Year exchanges
  • August 1 for Second Term exchange

Review requirements

You must...
  • Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in the Faculty of Humanities, Science, or Social Sciences at UVic
    • Economics: If you are a student in the Department of Economics, please refer to the Department of Economics website for additional information specific to your program and exchange.
    • French: If you are a student in the Department of French and Francophone Studies, please contact your department at french@uvic.ca to discuss your exchange before you apply.
    • Graduate Students: If you are a Graduate student, please consult with your department before you apply. 
    • Students in departments 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
  • Meet good academic standing as outlined in the current UVic Undergraduate Calendar 
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and have received a minimum sessional GPA of 2.0 in your most recent term

Do your research

TIP: Subscribe to the UVic Global Community Newsletter for advice and interesting stories written by and for outgoing exchange students.

Questions?

  • If you have questions, connect with your Exchange Student Adviser. Visit the International Centre for Students (Jamie Cassels Centre B202d) or email goglobal@uvic.ca 
  • Once you are prepared, make an appointment with an Academic Adviser to discuss your exchange pertaining to your degree requirement, declaring your major, understanding your CAPP report and exchange credits.

Apply for exchange

Your first step is to apply to participate in exchange. After you are accepted into the program, we will lead you through the steps to apply to your chosen host university.

To apply for exchange:

Step 1 - Request your references

Reference Forms (2)

You must submit two reference forms, either:

  • From two academic instructors (professors, lab instructors, teaching assistants, or other UVic academic affiliates.) or,
  • From one academic instructor and one character referee (past or current employer, supervisor, coach, etc.)

  • For academic references, please use the Academic Reference Form.
  • For character references, please use the Character Reference Form.

Please ask each referee to either return the completed form to you, or to send the completed form directly to the International Centre for Students via email: goglobal@uvic.ca.

Freedom of Information: The information on the International Exchange Application Forms is collected under the authority of the University Act R.S.B.C. 1979, c.468 and section 26 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information is used for the purpose of admission to the International Exchange Program, course registration and other purposes consistent with the administration of this program. It may be provided to the relevant overseas university. If you have any questions about the collection and use of this information, contact the International Centre for Students at goglobal@uvic.ca.

Note: We will need to receive your references by the application deadline so these can be reviewed along with your application: February 1 (First Term exchange) and August 1 (Second Term exchange).

Step 2 - Completed required application documents

You will be submitting the following documents as part of your application form in Step 3.

Proposed Study Plan

The Proposed Study Plan is a preliminary list of relevant courses offered at the host university you have selected as your first choice. You will be able to find specific course information on the host university's website. Check out the list of partner universities for more information about courses which have been reviewed by UVic in the past.

Budget Worksheet

Prepare a Budget Worksheet identifying the potential costs of your exchange for your first choice host university, as well as the financial resources available to you. Students can find information about living costs on the websites for most overseas universities by checking the list of partner universities.

Statement of intent

Prepare a letter in your own words (one page maximum) addressed to the Selection Committee that explains the following:

  • Your reasons for wanting to participate in the exchange
  • How the exchange will enhance your studies and future career and/or life plans
  • Your previous travel to other countries, involvement with international students, or other type of exposure to cultures other than your own

Student photograph

Submit a scan of a passport style photo (head and shoulders) with your application. This does not need to be an official passport photo.

Passport copy

Submit a photocopy of the picture page of your passport with your application. If you are in the process of applying for a passport or renewing it please indicate this information with your application and include a copy of your existing or expired passport.

Note: By submitting your exchange application, you are authorizing the ICS exchange team to review your unofficial administrative transcript electronically as part of the academic application requirements. You are not required to print or submit transcripts separately as part of your application.

Step 3 - Submit online application form

Application Form

The Online Application Form summarizes your personal and academic information, and allows you to select your preference for a host institution. Please select two universities for an exchange as your first choice may be full or unavailable. We cannot guarantee that you will receive your first choice.

On the application form you are asked to provide a UVic e-mail address; all correspondence regarding your application will be sent to this e-mail. Yahoo or Hotmail or other email accounts will sometimes reject emails sent from UVic and will not be used for your exchange correspondence.

You will also be submitting your required documents from Step 2 as part of this form.

Note: Steps 1-3 are required for your application to be considered complete.

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