The University of Victoria boasts an excellent student-faculty ratio. There are only four students per lecturer. As an international student, you never have to worry about not finding someone to talk to about your concerns.
Want to combine academic excellence with breathtaking natural experiences while studying abroad? Then the University of Victoria in western Canada is the perfect destination for you! Here, cutting-edge research, sustainability, and the wild beauty of Vancouver Island come together. On our website, you'll find all the important information about the university, the city, and more – and learn how your dream of studying abroad at the University of Victoria can become a reality. Who knows – maybe Vancouver Island will soon become your campus and you'll be writing papers with a view of the mountains and the sea?
The University of Victoria (UVic) is the oldest institution of higher education in British Columbia. It was first established in 1903 as an affiliate of McGill University under the name Victoria College, and finally attained university status and full autonomy in 1963. Over the years, the university has developed into one of the country's strongest research institutions, with a particular focus on climate and ocean research, environmental sciences and sustainability, physical sciences and engineering, data and computer science, as well as economics, society, and culture. Through its research, the University of Victoria makes an important impact on people, places and the planet. The research results often lead to invention disclosures or even patents being granted.
The high academic standard of the University of Victoria is also reflected in its teaching, which is considered extremely dynamic, practice-oriented, and forward-looking. As part of the so-called co-op program, students gain several months of professional experience during their studies, try out different jobs, receive a salary, meet potential employers, and develop their personal profile. It's no wonder that the University of Victoria is the best university in Canada when it comes to integrating its graduates into the global job market. The co-op program is mandatory in some degree programs and optional in others. 71% of eligible students take advantage of this exclusive opportunity, which opens up incredible career prospects. The Gustavson School of Business for thinkers and changemakers, which is integrated into the university, has also been awarded the prestigious AACSB and EQUIS accreditations.
Another major selling point of the University of Victoria is its community engagement. At UVic, knowledge is not supposed to be created in an ivory tower, but in close connection with society – through partnerships, co-creation, and social responsibility. The university works particularly closely with the First Nations, the indigenous population of the region.
As is customary in North America, the University of Victoria is a classic campus university. The 160-hectare campus is located approximately seven kilometers northeast of the city center and offers everything you need for a fulfilling study experience in Canada.
In addition to the buildings for the individual departments, the University of Victoria campus has a theater, a cinema, a supermarket, several restaurants, libraries with modern infrastructure, sports facilities such as the large Center for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA), various research institutes, and student residences for around 3,200 students. In the north of the campus, there are also several army barracks, which were built in 1940 and are now listed buildings. A special feature of the University of Victoria campus is the First Peoples House, which serves to represent and research Canada's indigenous population and impresses with its sustainable architecture of clay walls and a green roof. The University of Victoria generally attaches great importance to sustainability, which is also reflected on campus.
Because the campus was built on heavily wooded land, it sometimes looks like a park, and animal visitors in the form of deer, small rodents, and owls are not uncommon. The University of Victoria campus is in a very quiet location, surrounded by residential areas, parks, and coastal areas. A quick trip to the beach between lectures is no problem at UVic. The nearest beaches are only a ten-minute walk or bike ride away. At the same time, it is not far to downtown Victoria; bus lines connect the campus with the city center (travel time: 15–20 minutes).
A vibrant arts and music scene, a high level of safety, beautiful architecture, numerous parks, and a relaxed island atmosphere – this is Victoria, the capital of the Canadian province of British Columbia. Its unique location in the south of Vancouver Island – surrounded by forests, mountains, and the sea – combined with a mild climate makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts: hiking, kayaking, and cycling are possible here all year round.
If you study in Victoria, dynamic campus life will shape your everyday routine. Community is very important at the University of Victoria, and student life outside the classroom is at least as important as a high-quality education: there are over 200 student clubs at UVic where you can get involved as an international student, and cultural and sporting events provide variety.
Although the University of Victoria has student residences for over 3,000 students, only a fraction of these are reserved for international exchange students. Places are allocated at random, and those who study at UVic for at least two semesters have a better chance of being selected. The cost of a place in a student residence is approximately 1,100 to 1,800 Canadian dollars (CAD) per month, depending on whether you stay in a single or shared room and require meals.
If you are unable to find accommodation on campus or would like to be more independent, with a little advance planning, you can find an attractive shared apartment or private studio in Victoria. Rent prices in the city are generally slightly higher than on campus. UVic provides information about reputable accommodation providers on its website.
If you want to immerse yourself deeply in Canadian culture while studying in Canada, you may also be interested in the UVic Homestay Program, which allows you to live with a Canadian host family during your studies.
Munich Business School (MBS) offers you the opportunity to combine studying in Munich with a stay at University of Victoria – all within one program! You can complete your semester abroad at University of Victoria as part of a bachelor's degree in International Business at MBS. Find out more about our study program now!
Note: Despite careful maintenance of our content, individual details regarding the semester abroad may occasionally change. For binding and up-to-date information, we recommend checking our partner university database.
Are you interested in the bachelor's degree in International Business at Munich Business School? Then simply apply via the MBS application portal. Please note: If you want to combine your bachelor's degree at MBS with a semester abroad at the University of Victoria, you must select February as your start date instead of September. Only then will you be able to spend your sixth semester abroad at the University of Columbia. If you meet the necessary academic and language requirements, you will be invited to a selection interview. It is best to apply early to secure the best chances of studying at both Munich Business School and University of Victoria.
Once your application to Munich Business School has been accepted and you have successfully enrolled in the bachelor's program in International Business, your studies in Munich will begin. During your first semesters at Munich Business School, you will acquire important business fundamentals, take various specializations and electives according to your interests, and work on exciting projects together with your fellow students.
The first semesters at Munich Business School are also the ideal time to plan your semester abroad at University of Victoria. Since the University of Victoria is only available for a semester abroad in the fall semester, i.e., from September to December, and you have accordingly enrolled for the bachelor's program starting in February, your semester abroad will take place in the sixth semester.
The International Center at MBS is available to assist you in planning your semester abroad at University of Victoria and will answer all your questions about course selection, housing, and student life.
Once you have successfully completed your first semesters at Munich Business School and finalized your plans for your semester abroad at University of Victoria, you're finally ready to go. Yay, your semester abroad in Victoria is about to begin! Immerse yourself in the new (university) culture, make new friends, soak up everything around you, try new things, and create memories that will last a lifetime! One thing is certain: the experience of studying abroad in Canada will stay with you forever and you will return a new person.
After your semester abroad, you will return to Munich Business School and complete your bachelor's degree after one more semester.
To qualify for a business degree at Munich Business School and thus also at University of Victoria, you must meet certain academic and language requirements. MBS offers several application rounds. It is advisable to apply early, as the number of places is limited.
Studying at University of Victoria is a dream for many young adults – and with good reason! At the same time, studying abroad in Canada is a big step that needs to be well planned and financed. To help you with the organization, this FAQ provides answers to frequently asked questions about studying at University of Victoria.
Yes – the University of Victoria (UVic) is one of Canada's leading research universities and is considered particularly open and supportive of international students. In addition to the livable campus, small classes, and personal attention, (international) students especially appreciate UVic's welcoming culture. There is an international office, and orientation days and mentoring programs make it easier for new students to get started.
The University of Victoria (UVic) is regularly ranked among the best universities in Canada, especially in the areas of research, sustainability, and teaching. In national rankings (e.g., Maclean's University Rankings), it has held top positions among Canada's medium-sized research universities for years. Internationally, it is usually ranked among the top 400 universities worldwide according to Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings.
The University of Victoria (UVic) is considered accessible but performance-oriented. Admission is therefore not extremely difficult, but depends on the subject and the application situation. According to various sources, the acceptance rate is around 60-70%, which is moderately selective by Canadian standards. This means that if you have good grades, solid English skills, and a complete application, you have a good chance of being accepted.
If you only want to study at the University of Victoria for a semester abroad and not for a full degree program, you should consider a bachelor's degree at Munich Business School. Thanks to the strong partnership between Munich Business School and UVic, your place there is as good as guaranteed and nothing stands in the way of your dream of studying abroad in Canada!
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