Discovery studies

Wanting to take a few university courses without completing an entire degree? If you’re a mature student, discovery studies might be just the fit for you.

As a discovery student, you can register in up to three units of courses per term (e.g. two classes) to a maximum of 12 units of coursework overall.

Admission requirements

No transcripts are needed to apply to be a discovery student.

To apply you must:

• be 21 years old before the first day of class
• be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• provide a letter of introduction describing why you want to take courses and your ability to succeed
• meet UVic's English language proficiency requirements
• not have been a UVic student before or been refused admission in the past
• not have been required to withdraw from any post-secondary institution in the previous three years

If you decide later to complete an undergraduate degree, you will have to apply for regular admission.

Course options

A number of courses are available to Discovery students. We consider requests for other courses on an individual basis.

You must meet the prerequisites to enroll in any course. Transcripts may be requested as proof of meeting prerequisites.

How to apply

Submit your application through the MyUVic application. In the opening questions of the application, select the following options.

1. For "Level of study", select Undergraduate and indicate that you are not applying for a degree, diploma or certificate at this time.
2. For "Type of study", select Discovery studies.

More information

Questions about discovery studies can be directed to:

Leona Locke, Admission Coordinator
admsofficer1@uvic.ca
250-721-8948