Outgoing Exchange
The International Centre for Students (ICS) Exchange Program allows current students to study at one of UVic's partner universities around the world, while earning UVic units and paying UVic tuition fees.
Students can complete one or two (max) exchange terms 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?
- Immerse yourself in a new culture
- Make new friends and travel to interesting places
- Develop your skills in a second (or third!) language
- Experience independence and tackle new challenges
- Gain international perspectives in your field of study'
- Earn UVic credit and pay UVic tuition fees
- Receive a Certificate of Completion co-signed by UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research) and CIFAL Victoria by completing the SDGs-in-Action challenge during your exchange abroad
Partner Universities
UVic students can attend one of over 80 partner institutions in various countries around the world, from Japan to Chile. For a full list of partners, with more details about their offerings, academics, and accommodations, please click on the button below:
How to Apply
- Your first step is to review our requirements below to ensure you are eligible for ICS Exchange Program.
- Then, you should research and identify a host university that aligns best with your academic goals and cultural interests.
- Your final step is to submit an application to participate in the ICS Exchange Program by the deadline.
- 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
- Consider how an academic adviser can assist in preparing for your exchange term
- Recommended: Make an appointment with an academic adviser to discuss your exchange related to your UVic degree requirements, declaring your major, understanding your Curriculum, Advising and Program Planning (CAPP) report and exchange credits
- Check out the StoryMap project to learn from previous exchange student experiences
- Register for events hosted by the exchange team
- Use the application documents as planning tools to help guide your research
- ICS Exchange Program application deadline for Fall and Spring term
3 weeks after exchange application deadline
- ICS Exchange Team to review applications
- Students to receive exchange offer via email with a 48 hr decision deadline
4-6 weeks after offer accepted from ICS Exchange Team
- ICS Exchange Team submits student nominations to host university
- Nomination processes/deadlines vary amongst host universities
2+ weeks after host university nomination deadline
- Host university reaches out to students with invitation to apply to their institution
- Students follow directions to apply directly to host university
- Host university to inform students about the outcome of their exchange application
- An acceptance letter will be issued by the host university, and by the ICS Exchange Team, upon request
Once you have ensured that you are eligible for the ICS Exchange Program, it is time to review the application instructions. Please click the button below to check out all of the applications steps that need to be followed before you can submit your application:
Application Deadline
February 1st
- Fall semester or two-term (Fall & Spring) exchanges
August 1st
- Spring semester exchange
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 Contest
*2024 Photo Contest Closed*
- Are you currently on exchange or have you recently returned from studying abroad? Share the incredible moments from your study abroad experience by entering our Exchange Photo Contest. Submit your favourite photos for a chance to win exciting prizes!
- We are no longer accepting photo submissions but stay tuned for a new deadline for the 2025 Photo Contest.
Connect with the ICS Exchange Team
- The ICS Exchange Team would be happy to chat with you about your plans for exchange.
- Please reach out to Christian, the Exchange Student Adviser, via email or you can book an appointment using the button below.
- Appointments can either be held in-person at the office in the International Centre for Students in the Jamie Cassels Centre (JCC B202d), or virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Events
Explore the 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.