Table of Contents
Are you searching for “UVic scholarships“? You are likely a prospective undergraduate or graduate student—either domestic or international—looking for non-repayable financial aid to study at the University of Victoria. You want to know the amounts available, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and specifically whether you need to apply or if you are automatically considered. This guide provides the latest, evergreen information to help you secure funding.
The Complete Guide to UVic Scholarships
The University of Victoria (UVic) offers millions of dollars in UVic scholarships each year. Whether you are a high school student, a transfer student, or pursuing a master’s degree, funding is available. Currently, UVic scholarships are divided into two main categories: entrance awards (for new students) and in-course awards (for current students). The most common UVic scholarships are automatically awarded based on your admission average, requiring no application. Securing UVic scholarships starts with understanding the eligibility requirements, which vary significantly depending on whether you are a domestic or international student.
Why Choose UVic? A Snapshot of Financial Aid
The University of Victoria is consistently ranked among Canada’s top comprehensive universities. To attract top talent, UVic invests heavily in financial aid. Beyond the prestigious President’s Scholarship, there are numerous donor-funded awards and bursaries. In the current cycle, students are benefiting from expanded funding options, including specific supports for Indigenous students and former youth in care.
Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships: Your First Step
If you are entering UVic directly from high school or transferring from another post-secondary institution, entrance UVic scholarships are your primary funding source. These are non-repayable awards based primarily on academic merit.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for most entrance UVic scholarships, candidates entering from a Canadian high school must normally be:
- A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or an international student completing a Canadian secondary school diploma.
- Entering their first year of an undergraduate degree program.
- A current secondary school student or a recent graduate (within the last two years) who has not attended another post-secondary institution.
Academic Thresholds:
- Canadian High Schools: A minimum admission average of 90% is typically required for automatic consideration.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): A minimum of 32 IB points.
Automatic Scholarships vs. Application-Based Awards
One of the most common questions about UVic scholarships is whether you need to fill out a separate form. The answer depends on the type of award.
1. Automatic Entrance Scholarships (No Application)
If your admission average meets the threshold, UVic will automatically assess you. To facilitate this, BC high school students must order their transcripts through the StudentTranscripts Service (STS) at the time of application. For students outside BC, self-reporting grades between February 15 and March 15 is critical to be considered.
2. Application-Based Scholarships
Some UVic scholarships require additional criteria, such as leadership, community involvement, or specific program enrollment. The online application for these specific criteria scholarships typically opens in February and closes on April 30.
Graduate Funding: Fellowships and Awards
UVic provides substantial funding for graduate students, administered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS). Unlike undergraduate awards, graduate funding often requires nomination by your department.
Key Graduate Awards
- UVic Fellowships: Valued up to $20,000 per year for master’s and doctoral students. These are highly competitive and require a strong academic standing (minimum 6.0/9.0 or second-class standing).
- Graduate Entrance Awards: Ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 for new master’s or doctoral students.
- Donor Awards: Private donors fund many graduate UVic scholarships. These often require a minimum GPA of 7.0/9.0 (first-class standing).
Registration Requirements for Grad Students
To hold a graduate scholarship, students must typically maintain continuous registration. Full-time awards usually require 3.0 units per term, whereas students registered with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) may qualify with a reduced course load of 1.5 units per term.
Scholarships for International Students
UVic welcomes international students and offers specific funding to help manage tuition costs.
- International Entrance Scholarships: International students entering from high school are eligible for automatic UVic scholarships based on a competitive admission average. They must meet UVic’s English Language Proficiency requirements and intend to study on a Canadian study permit.
- International Graduate Scholarships: International doctoral students are eligible for the International Doctoral Entrance Fellowship, while master’s students can apply for various departmental awards.
2026 Aus Scholarship Guide: 7 Top Scholarship Opportunities in AustraliaKey Deadlines You Cannot Miss
Staying on top of deadlines is crucial for UVic scholarships. Missing a date can result in losing eligibility for funding.
| Candidate Category | Action/Component | Submission Period |
|---|---|---|
| Current Grade 12 BC Students | Transcript Ordering | At time of application |
| Current Grade 12 Canadian Students (outside BC) | Self-Reporting of Marks | February 15 – March 15 |
| All Entrants | Application-Based Scholarship Application | February 15 – April 30 |
| Transfer Students (September Entry) | Final Transcript to Admissions | September 15 |
| In-Course Scholarship Application | Current Undergraduates | April 1 – May 31 |
Data compiled from UVic Student Awards & Financial Aid.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here is how to ensure you are in the running for UVic scholarships:
- Apply for Admission: You must have an offer of admission to receive a scholarship.
- Check Your Category:
- Automatic: Ensure your transcripts are sent. BC students use STS; others self-report in March.
- Application: Log into your UVic Online Tools account using your NetLink ID. Navigate to “Awards and financial aid” and complete the online application before April 30.
- Accept Your Offer: If successful, you will receive an email. You must log in to “View the status of your awards” and click “Accept” to secure the funding.
Maintaining Your Scholarship: What You Need to Know
Receiving the award is just the first step. To keep your UVic scholarships, you must maintain specific enrollment standards.
- Course Load: Undergraduate scholarships require registration in 12.0 graded units in the Winter Session (September to April). Dropping below this threshold will result in the scholarship being withdrawn.
- Special Circumstances: Students registered with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) may maintain funding with a reduced load of 6.0 units. Students on a co-op work term may also have exceptions.
- Final Grade Review: Scholarship offers based on self-reported grades are finalized in August. If your final marks drop significantly, the scholarship may be adjusted or withdrawn.
Entrance Scholarship Values
To help you understand the financial landscape of UVic scholarships, here is a comparison of common awards:
| Scholarship Name | Type | Approximate Value | Application Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| President’s Scholarship | Entrance | Up to $10,000 | Yes (Competitive) |
| Excellence Scholarship | Entrance | $6,000 | No (Automatic based on avg) |
| Entrance Excellence Awards | Entrance | $2,000 – $5,000 | No (Automatic) |
| In-Course Outstanding Student Award | Current Student | $2,000 – $5,000 | Yes (Online app April-May) |
| UVic Fellowship (Graduate) | Graduate | Up to $20,000 | Department Nomination |
Values sourced from UVic and external education resources.
What People Also Ask
Q: What average do I need to get a UVic scholarship?
A: For automatic UVic scholarships, Canadian high school students typically need a minimum admission average of 90%. International students require a competitive average based on their curriculum.
Q: Do international students qualify for UVic scholarships?
A: Yes. International students are eligible for entrance scholarships if they meet the admission requirements. They are also eligible for specific international graduate awards and the International Doctoral Entrance Fellowship.
Q: How do I accept my UVic scholarship offer?
A: You must log into your UVic Online Tools account, go to “Awards and financial aid,” select the aid year, and click the “Accept” button next to the scholarship. You will also receive a notification email.
Q: Can I lose my scholarship after starting school?
A: Yes. If you drop below 12.0 graded units in the Winter Session (or 6.0 if registered with CAL), your scholarship will be withdrawn. You must also maintain the required academic standing.
Q: Where do I send my scholarship appeal?
A: For entrance scholarships, appeals with supporting documentation (like a doctor’s note) should be sent to the Entrance Scholarship Officer at [email protected].
For official information, always refer to these sources:
- UVic Student Awards & Financial Aid (SAFA) Official Site
- UVic Graduate Studies Funding
- Government of Canada Student Financial Assistance
By following this guide and meeting the strict deadlines for UVic scholarships, you are positioning yourself to reduce tuition costs significantly. Remember that UVic scholarships are awarded based on merit and specific criteria, so ensure your application is complete and accurate. Good luck
