The University of Victoria is a public research university on Vancouver Island, in British Columbia's capital. It is best known for computer science, engineering, ocean science and law, and for one of the largest co-op programmes in Canada. Choose it for a research-led degree with paid work terms in a mild, coastal city.
Victoria, Canada
Official website: uvic.ca
#349
Top 3 (Maclean's)
One of the largest co-op programmes in Canada, with 4,000+ placements a year
Runs the world's most advanced cabled ocean observatories
CA$10,000 – CA$35,000
International students, undergraduate and master's programmes
CA$15,000 – CA$20,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on uvic.ca before you apply.
MSc Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, May
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90
MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
16 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, May
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90
MEng Applied Data Science
Masters DegreeDuration
16 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90
MBA (Gustavson School of Business)
Masters DegreeDuration
20 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
MEng Telecommunications and Information Security
Masters DegreeDuration
16 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, May
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90
BSc Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90
Co-op programme — over 4,000 paid work terms a year across most degrees.
Ocean Networks Canada — a world-leading ocean-observing system run from the campus.
Gustavson School of Business — AACSB and EQUIS accredited, with an international focus.
Victoria — Canada's mildest climate, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.
Computer science and engineering graduates join Amazon, Microsoft, Telus, Workday and Victoria's tech cluster.
Graduates can work anywhere in Canada for up to three years on a post-graduation work permit.
Co-op students often convert work terms into offers at BC government agencies and local software firms.
Gustavson MBA graduates move into consulting, sustainability and tech roles across Western Canada.
Undergrad
28 Feb 2027
Postgrad
Varies by programme
Undergrad
30 Sep 2026
Postgrad
Varies by programme
The campus is a ring-road site in the Gordon Head suburb, with gardens, forest trails and Cadboro Bay beach a short walk away; buses run to downtown in 20 minutes.
Victoria is a small, walkable capital with Canada's mildest weather, a harbour and easy access to hiking and kayaking. Rent is high but below Vancouver, which is a ferry ride away.
Letter of acceptance from UVic
Provincial attestation letter, if required
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
For September 2027 undergraduate entry, applications close on 28 February 2027, with documents due by mid-March; January 2027 entry closes 30 September 2026. Graduate deadlines vary: computer science closes around 15 December for fall, and course-based MEng programmes have their own rounds.
Undergraduates can start in September or January, with September the main intake. Many course-based MEng programmes admit for September, January and May, while the Gustavson MBA is September only. Check your programme's admissions page to confirm.
You need a Canadian study permit. After you accept your offer, UVic issues a letter of acceptance and, where required, a provincial attestation letter. You then apply online to IRCC with proof of funds and give biometrics. Allow three to four months for processing.
Computer science, electrical and computer engineering, applied data science, the Gustavson MBA and telecommunications attract the most international applicants. Master's entry needs a four-year bachelor's degree with a B average (around 70% for Indian degrees), TOEFL 90-100 or IELTS 6.5-7.0. The MBA requires the GMAT or GRE.
Yes. International undergraduates are automatically considered for entrance scholarships based on their admission average, with larger awards for top applicants who apply by the scholarship deadline. Research master's students usually receive funding from their department, and MEng programmes offer some merit awards. Check the financial aid pages.
