Engineering and Computer Science 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.
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.
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.
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.
Tuition and student fees
You can approximate the tuition and student fees for first-year engineering and computer science programs in the tuition estimator. 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.
Program fee
In addition to tuition and student fees, students pay a program fee that goes toward advising, support and other services that are unique to ECS LaunchPad.
- Domestic students: $2,100
- International students: $10,500
The program fee is paid in instalments over your first three academic terms.
Admission requirements
Apply directly to this program as a high school student or a transfer student from another post-secondary institution.
Select your education system
Choose your current or most recent high school, college or university to see your admission requirements.
British Columbia & Yukon
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- Approved English 11
- Foundations of Mathematics 11 or Pre‑calculus 11
- Approved science 11
- Approved social studies 11/12
Grade 12 courses
- English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 (minimum 73%)
- Three approved academic 12 courses
See all approved high school courses for BC and Yukon.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 82% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English Language Arts 20‑1
- Mathematics 20‑1 or 20‑2
- Approved science 20
- Approved social studies 20
Grade 12 courses
- English Language Arts 30‑1 (minimum 73%)
- Three approved academic 30/31 courses
See all approved high school courses for Alberta and Nunavut.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 82% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Full IB diploma with at least three subjects at the Higher Level
- English HL or SL (minimum score of 3)
Estimated IB score
Estimated scores are based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual score required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated IB score: 28 points (excluding additional points)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English Language Arts 30S
- Applied Math 30S or Pre‑calculus 30S
- Approved science 30S
- Approved social studies 30S
Grade 12 courses
- English Language Arts 40S (minimum 73%)
- Three approved academic 40S courses
See all approved high school courses for Manitoba.
All versions of English Language Arts 30S and English Language Arts 40S are acceptable as the required English courses, except for ELA: English Language & Technical Communication.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 82% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English 111 or 112
- Foundations of Mathematics 110 or Pre‑calculus 110
- Approved science 111/112
- Approved social studies 110/111/112
Grade 12 courses
- English 121 or 122 (minimum 73%)
- Three approved academic 120/121/122 courses
See all approved high school courses for New Brunswick.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 82% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English Language Arts 2201
- Math 2200 (advanced) or 2201 (academic)
- Approved science 2200
- Approved social studies 2200
Grade 12 courses
- English Language Arts 3201 (minimum 73%)
- Three approved academic 3200/4200 courses
See all approved high school courses for Newfoundland and Labrador.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 82% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Curriculum change
High schools in the Northwest Territories are changing from the Alberta curriculum to the BC curriculum.
- If you graduate in 2027 (or after), your admission requirements are based on the BC curriculum.
- If you graduated in 2026 (or before), your admission requirements are based on the Alberta curriculum.
Learn more about the JK-12 Curriculum Renewal.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English 11 (academic)
- Math 11 (academic) or Advanced Math 11
- Approved science 11
- Approved social studies 11
Grade 12 courses
- English 12 (academic) (minimum 73%)
- Three approved academic or advanced grade 12 courses
See all approved high school courses for Nova Scotia.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 82% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- English 4U (minimum 73%)
- Five additional 4U/4M courses
See all approved high school courses for Ontario.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 82% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English 521A (academic)
- Math 521A or 521B
- Approved science 521A
- Approved social studies 521A
Grade 12 courses
- English 621A (academic) (minimum 73%)
- Three approved academic or advanced 621 courses
See all approved high school courses for Prince Edward Island.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 82% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
The following admission requirements are for private high schools in Québec that follow the Ontario curriculum. If you're attending a CÉGEP, refer to the transfer requirements for CÉGEP students.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses (Ontario curriculum)
- English 4U (minimum 73%)
- Five additional 4U/4M courses
See all approved high school courses for Ontario.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 82% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English Language Arts 20
- Foundations of Math 20 or Pre‑calculus 20
- Approved science 20
- Approved social studies 20/30
Grade 12 courses
-
English as required by your graduation program (minimum 73% for all courses):
- Regular English: both of English Language Arts A30 and B30
- New SK Regular or SK French Immersion: one English Language Arts course at level 30
- Three approved academic 30 courses
See all approved high school courses for Saskatchewan.
The marks from English Language Arts A30 and B30 will be averaged to provide a single English mark that will be used in your admission average calculation.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 82% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Graduation from a recognized high school with 14 or more college preparatory courses
- 4 English (minimum C+ in senior-level English)
- 3 math
- 2 science
- 3 social studies
- 1 language
- 1 additional language or 1 fine arts
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 3.30 (cumulative unweighted GPA)
Standardized tests
Standardized tests are not required, but will be considered if submitted.
- SAT score: minimum 1250 (UVic code 0989)
- Composite ACT score: minimum 26 (UVic code 5327)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and Advanced Level Examinations
- One of the following combinations (minimum grade of "C" in each exam):
- 3 A-level exams
- 2 A-level exams and 2 AS-level exams in distinct subjects
- 4 AS-level exams in distinct subjects
- English at the ordinary or advanced level
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
A-level grades: BBC (based on 3 exams)
If you haven't written three A-level exams, your application will be evaluated using a combination of 2 A-level and 2 AS-level exams, or on 4 AS-level exams.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Senior secondary school graduation showing grade results for Senior Years 1, 2 and 3 with a minimum overall average of 80%
- Huikao or Xuekao
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: 83% (based on the average from years 10 to 12)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Twelve years of academic preparation and one of the following:
- Indian Senior School Certificate (CISCE) or All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE) with at least 75%.
- Year 12 State Board Exams: Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC); applicants with excellent academic results will be considered on a case-by-case basis
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
- Estimated admission average for Class X board exam results: 78%
- Estimated admission average for Class XII board exam results: 75%
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Full IB diploma with at least three subjects at the Higher Level
- English HL or SL (minimum score of 3)
Estimated IB score
Estimated scores are based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual score required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated IB score: 28 points (excluding additional points)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Successful completion of Bachillerato
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: 8.2 (based on the overall average of grades 10-12)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Completion of Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate and National High School Graduation Examination
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: 7.6 (based on years 10-12 with good scores required on the Certificate of Examination Results)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Twelve years of academic preparation and graduation from a recognized senior secondary school or completion of a recognized diploma program.
- Applicants must satisfy the minimum admission requirements for international students.
- High school graduation examinations or university entrance examinations offered in the home country may also be required.
Transfer applicants may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have completed post-secondary coursework related to engineering are not usually eligible for admission to the ECS LaunchPad program.
Transfer applicants may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have completed post-secondary coursework related to engineering are not usually eligible for admission to the ECS LaunchPad program.
Transfer applicants may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have completed post-secondary coursework related to engineering are not usually eligible for admission to the ECS LaunchPad program.
Transfer applicants may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have completed post-secondary coursework related to engineering are not usually eligible for admission to the ECS LaunchPad program.
Transfer applicants may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have completed post-secondary coursework related to engineering are not usually eligible for admission to the ECS LaunchPad program.
Transfer applicants may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have completed post-secondary coursework related to engineering are not usually eligible for admission to the ECS LaunchPad program.
Transfer applicants may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have completed post-secondary coursework related to engineering are not usually eligible for admission to the ECS LaunchPad program.
English language proficiency
If English is not your primary language at home and school, you must demonstrate language proficiency to attend UVic.
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.