Accelerated Entry
The Accelerated Entry program provides an opportunity for high-achieving high school students to take courses at UVic during your grade 12 year.
- Receive elective credit toward your diploma and university credit from UVic.
- Get a head start on your post-secondary studies.
Speak with your high school counsellor or principal to determine if Accelerated Entry is a good option for you. You'll need their assistance to prepare your application.
Admission criteria
To apply for accelerated entry, you must:
- have a minimum overall average of 85%
- have high academic standing (approximately 90%) in the field of study you plan to pursue at university
- demonstrate language proficiency if English is not your primary language
- be at least 16 years of age.
Program fees
Accelerated Entry students are seen as UVic undergraduate students, so we charge tuition and student fees. You'll be entitled to any services and facilities provided by the UVic Students' Society (UVSS) and UVic Athletics & Recreation. You'll also need to buy your own textbooks and lab supplies.
Estimated fees (approximate)
- Application fee: $87.75
- Tuition (one course)
- Domestic students: $641.75
- International students: $3,544.83
- UVic Students' Society: $37
- U-Pass: $81
- Students who already have valid BC Transit bus passes may opt out of the U-Pass program.
- Athletics & Recreation: $94
Application timeline
You can apply for Accelerated Entry in Summer Session or Winter Session. If you want to take courses in both Summer and Winter, you'll need to submit a separate application for each session.
Summer Session 2026
Apply for Summer Session if you want to take courses offered between May-August.
- September 1, 2025: applications open
- March 31, 2026: application deadline
Winter Session 2026-27
Apply for Winter Session if you want to take courses offered between September-December and/or January-April.
- September 1, 2025: applications open for the next Winter Session
- April 30, 2026: application deadline
Required documents
When you submit your application, you must include:
- a cover letter introducing yourself and why you want to participate in the program, as well as your future post-secondary plans
- a recommendation letter from your high school principal or counsellor verifying your potential for success in the accelerated entry program and future post-secondary studies
- your in-progress transcript, including all high school courses taken to date
- a list of high school courses you intend to complete next school year
- proof of language proficiency (only if your first language is not English)
Optionally, you can also submit other supporting documents (e.g. additional reference letters, Conservatory of Music results, SAT scores, etc.).
Choosing a UVic course
You must indicate your preferred courses when you apply. Most first-year courses are open to you, provided you can meet the course prerequisites.
- Review the list of first-year courses to find courses of interest.
- Check the UVic course timetable to find out if and when your preferred courses are offered.
How to apply
Submit your application to UVic through the EducationPlannerBC application service.
- For "What best describes you?", choose I am interested in accelerated entry.
- For "Program", choose your preferred faculty:
- Humanities (non-degree)
- Science (non-degree)
- Social Sciences (non-degree)
- Upload your required documents.
- Indicate your preferred courses.
- Pay the application fee.
Next steps
If you're accepted into the accelerated entry program, you'll receive an official UVic admission letter confirming your registration and indicating your approved course.
You'll need to make sure that you meet any course prerequisites before the first day of class, and pay your tuition fees and associated costs.