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Undergraduate admissions

ECS LaunchPad

Why choose ECS LaunchPad at UVic?

The Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) LaunchPad program is for students who want to pursue degrees in either engineering or computer science, but aren't ready to choose or don't have the courses required for admission. It's a great option if:

  • you want to experience first-year university courses before deciding to be an engineer or computer scientist
  • you didn't complete the math or science courses required for admission to engineering or computer science, or aren't confident in your preparation/grades
  • you want to study part-time due to other commitments or responsibilities.

Many students only become interested in engineering and computer science during their final years of high school or after starting university. Others have personal challenges that affected their studies, or graduated from international schools that didn't offer the required courses. Whatever your circumstances are, ECS LaunchPad can get you on track to your dream career.

The ECS LaunchPad advantage

  • Learn how to apply fundamental math and science concepts essential for success in engineering and computer science.
  • Understand the science of learning, motivation, and effective study strategies.
  • Benefit from a uniquely supportive environment that builds your academic confidence and smooths your transition into university life.

Flexible study options

ECS LaunchPad is designed for accessibility, creating a pathway for students to realize their engineering and computer science ambitions.

  • Full-time students complete the ECS LaunchPad program over 12 months (September-August).
    • This puts you on track to complete a degree program in a typical 4-year or 5-year time frame.
  • Part-time students can take longer to complete the program.
    • This enables you to balance your studies with other commitments and responsibilities.
    • Part-time study may not be available to international students due to study permit requirements.

If you already know whether you want to be an engineer or computer scientist, you can focus your course plan right from the start. If you're not ready to make that decision, you can choose courses that keep both options open.

Customized course planning

When you start ECS LaunchPad, an academic adviser will help you create a customized course plan based on your background and goals.

  • Foundational courses replace the high school math and science courses required for admission to engineering or computer science.
  • Core courses provide the university-level academic skills necessary to succeed in engineering or computer science.
  • Additional first-year courses can be tailored to focus on engineering or computer science, or keep both career paths open until you're ready to choose.

The core and additional courses count toward your future degree studies, enabling you to transition into the second year of your preferred degree program without having to reapply to UVic.

Personalized support

In addition to a customized course plan and dedicated academic advising, ECS LaunchPad students receive enhanced academic and community support.

  • A dedicated team of teaching assistants, tutors and a peer helpdesk that are there to help students succeed academically.
  • One-stop assistance to help students access and navigate the many supports, services and amenities that UVic has to offer.
  • Access to a dedicated space that is a home base to study, meet with advisers and connect with other ECS Launchpad students.

We’ll help you build confidence, community, and momentum as you begin your studies.

Admission

Apply directly to this program as a high school student or a transfer student from another post-secondary institution.

Program details

Providing you accurate application deadlines, tuition fee estimates, admission requirements, scholarships and transfer credit depends on your situation.

Program details

This information assumes you are . If this is incorrect, please update your information.

Application deadline

Admission requirements

Expanded qualifications

English language proficiency

Transfer credit

Tuition & fees

Tuition estimates for ECS LaunchPad

The following tuition estimate shows the standard fees for first-year students in Engineering and Computer Science. However, the actual fees for ECS LaunchPad students will depend on whether you choose full-time or part-time study and the number of courses you take in each academic term.

Tuition rates effective May 1, 2025 (please note some ancillary fees are subject to change for Fall 2025).

This is an estimate only and should be used to give students, parents, and/or sponsors an approximation of the tuition and ancillary fees. This estimate does not include housing, food, cost of books and supplies or other expenses that students can expect in a term.

Scholarships

Ready to apply?

We'll walk you through all of the steps in the process, from submitting your online application to accepting your offer of admission.

How to apply

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