The University of Victoria (UVic) is one of Canada's leading research-intensive universities. Located in Victoria, on the BC coast, UVic combines dynamic learning, vital impact, and an extraordinary academic environment. These elements nurture an environment of discovery, innovation, and creativity, fortifying work in sustainability and healthy societies, and shaping a worldview with diverse perspectives, including those from Indigenous and international communities.
| Acronym | Uvic |
| Nickname | Vikes |
| Motto / Slogan | A multitude of the wise is the health of the world |
| Colour | Red, Gold, and Blue |
| Mascot | Thunder the Viking |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Undergraduate Programmes | |
| Postgraduate Programmes | 70 |
| Departments | 47 |
| Location | Victoria, British Columbia, Canada |
| Address | University of Victoria 3800 Finnerty Road Victoria BC V8P 5C2 Canada |
UVic's Strategic Plan outlines its vision, values, and priorities, inspiring excellence in research, creative activity, teaching, service, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and engagement to serve students, communities, and the world.
To be an international leader in research that makes a vital impact on people, places, and the planet, providing a research-enriched education and applied learning opportunities.
Deliver high-quality education and foster dynamic learning environments
Advance research with a vital impact on society and the environment
Promote sustainability and healthy societies
Embrace diversity and inclusion, integrating Indigenous and international perspectives
Engage with communities locally and globally
Faculty of Business
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Fine Arts
Faculty of Human and Social Development
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Social Sciences
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Division of Continuing Studies
Division of Medical Sciences
UVic is a proud partner in the Greater Victoria and BC economy. We work with governments, First Nations, businesses and non-profits towards economic and social prosperity. From jobs to research solutions to our alumni making a global impact, we’re a key contributor to a bright future.
According to the Leiden University Rankings, UVic faculty consistently produce more top-performing academic research findings based on international collaborations than any university in North America. The University has earned this position an impressive eight times in the last 12 years. So if you are interested in learning from some of the most accomplished researchers in the world, UVic is an excellent place to do so!
Victoria’s natural environment inspires UVic. For over 23 years, the university has focused on sustainable design and operations. Since 2007, all new campus buildings meet LEED Gold standards, featuring eco-friendly systems like rainwater collection to support campus greenery.
UVic’s Co-op program helps you reach your goals and build career-ready skills. As a Co-op student, you alternate academic terms with paid work placements related to your degree, earning about CAD $3,287 per month. Most programs offer Co-op, and in majors like Commerce and Engineering, all students complete the full 16-month program.
Entry requirements vary by program. View the program page for requirements.
View the admission program page for requirements..
Email: [email protected]
Phone : +1 250-721-8121, +1 250-472-4657
Library: The University's McPherson Library has one of the major music collections in Canada with approximately 61,000 volumes of scores, books, and periodicals, and more than 60,000 DVDs, CDs, and LPs, in addition to digital streaming subscriptions for audio and video performances.
Member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC)
Member of the International Association of Universities (IAU)
Member of the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE)
Thomas is a member of Lyackson First Nation. She has Snuy’ney’muxw ancestry through her grandmother, Lavina Wyse, and Sto:lo ancestry through her grandfather, Charles Prest.
Thomas was the inaugural vice-president Indi... read more
Dr. Elizabeth Croft (she/her) is a visionary and forward-thinking leader with a track record of building inclusive, collegial and collaborative partnerships. On July 1, 2022, she began her five-year term as Vice-President Academic and Provost at UVic.
Dr. Croft holds a BASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia, an MASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo, and a PhD from the University of Toronto. Dr. Croft is recognized internationally as an expert in the field of human-robot interaction.
Dr. Lisa Kalynchuk is an innovative and inspiring leader who is always looking to push the boundaries of what is possible. She was appointed as Vice-President Research and Innovation at UVic in 2019 and reappointed in 2024.
The university received degree-granting status in 1963. The origins of UVic, however, can be traced back to 1903 and the establishment of Victoria College, our predecessor institution.
The three martlets—footless heraldic birds—on the UVic shield refer to those on the crest of McGill University, with which Victoria College was originally affiliated.
The university mottoes, shown on the UVic Coat of Arms, are 'Let there be light' (in Hebrew) and 'A multitude of the wise is the health of the world' (in Latin).
The university flag depicts three red martlets in a gold field above a blue field.