Student at graduation ceremony in university cap and gown.

Start strong at UVic

This specialized first year program is the perfect option if you want to start your UVic degree but still need to meet UVic’s English language requirement.

  • Choose from two streams: Social Sciences (includes economics and pre-business) or Science & Engineering
  • Take a combination of academic English language classes and first-year degree courses
  • Enjoy small class sizes, specialized workshops and extra academic support
  • Participate in socio-cultural activities that will help you adapt to a Canadian university environment and culture

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Program description

UVic’s Pathway program is a specialized first-year university program that combines degree credit courses with academic English language classes. This full-time, 11 month program is for international student who are admitted to an undergraduate program at UVic but still need to meet UVic’s English language requirement. Students in this full-time program develop English language and study skills required to be successful in studying Social Sciences, Science, or Engineering at UVic. You can look forward to a challenging, supported first year of university that will put you on the right path to success in your UVic degree program.

Program features

  • Full-time, 11 month program
  • 2 program streams: Social Sciences or Science & Engineering
  • English language and study skills
  • 7 first-year degree courses (10.5 UVic credits)
  • Specialized workshops and academic supports
  • Sociocultural activities
  • Passionate faculty and award-winning instructors

Program timeline

After successful completion of the Pathway Program, you will have earned almost all of your required first-year academic credits. You will continue in the second year of your chosen degree program at UVic and continue with your UVic degree.

An infographic showing a sample education timeline of one year in the Pathway Program, two to four years in a UVic degree program, and graduation. Co-op is shown as an optional part of UVic degree programs, except for Engineering. Engineering co-ops are mandatory and add one year.

Accreditation

Languages Canada logo

The English Language Centre is accredited by Languages Canada.

Program options

Pathway stream: Social Sciences Science & Engineering
Suitable for students who:

Want to explore subjects such as economics, environmental studies, psychology geography, anthropology, political sciences or sociology.

Want to apply and/or transfer into business, humanities, or fine arts

Are not sure yet what field they want to study

Want to focus on foundational first-year courses in order to pursue specific careers in science, engineering, and/or computer science and software engineering
Sample of courses offered: Canadian Studies, Economics, English, Math, Social Sciences Canadian Studies, English, Math, Physics
Types of degrees:

BA or BSc in 7 disciplines: Anthropology, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology

BComm from the UVic Gustavson School of Business

BSc in 10 disciplines: Astronomy, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth & Ocean Sciences, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, Statistics

BEng in 6 disciplines: Biomedical, Civil, Computer,  Electrical, Mechanical and Software Engineering

Career development opportunities

At UVic, co-op—also known as co-operative education—helps you to explore career opportunities and gain real-world experience while you are still a student. As a co-op student, you'll alternate terms in class with terms working in paid positions with real employers. Learn more about UVic co-op.

If you've come from outside Canada to study at UVic, we can help you search for work and gain experience. Take part in our programs and services and access international student resources.

Be part of the UVic community

As a Pathway student, you’ll enjoy access to all UVic facilities and services, including:

  • World-class athletic and recreation centre (CARSA) + 30 sport clubs
  • 200 student clubs and 40 course unions
  • The UVic library, International Commons and computing facilities
  • The Centre for Academic Communication
  • The Math & Stats Assistance Centre

University of Victoria (UVic) at a glance

An infographic showing facts about UVic. From left to right: 22,020 undergraduate and graduate students, #2 Canadian comprehensive university (Maclean's), located in Canada's best small city, ranked third university in the world for climate action (2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings), #1 Canadian comprehensive university for preparing career-ready students (2022 Times Higher Education Global University Employability ranking)

English Language Centre (ELC) at a glance

An infographic showing facts about the English Language Centre. From left to right: Winner of outstanding program in international education (2023 BCCIE), a leader in international education: teaching english at UVic for over fifty years, TESEOL trained instructors with international teaching experience guaranteed, central location on UVic's beautiful campus, students from over 25 countries attend online and on-campus programs each year.

News and resources

Courses and fees

Academic session Dates UVic degree courses English language courses

Winter Session

 

Sept-Dec 2024

Degree course 1, 1.5 units Academic English (ELPI 490)

Jan-April 2025

Degree course 2, 1.5 units
Degree course 3, 1.5 units

Academic English (ELPI 570)

Summer Session

April-May 2025

Degree course 4 (Canadian Studies),  1.5 units

University Admission Preparation (UAP)

May-June 2025

Degree course 5, 1.5 units
Degree course 6, 1.5 units

English Tutoring Support

July –Aug 2025

Degree course 7, 1.5 units

English Tutoring Support

NOTE: UVic awards "units" of academic credit to completed courses; a one-term course typically has 1.5 credit units.

Program completion

Upon successful completion of the winter and summer sessions, you will have completed 10.5 units of university-level course work. To qualify for continued academic study at UVic, you must pass UAP and Canadian Studies and maintain good academic standing.

Stat about the Pathway program.

Estimated fees per program

Fees due upon application Fee Notes
Application fee $325 The program deposit is part of tuition, not an additional cost.
Homestay application fee (if applicable): $300
Program deposit $1,000
Tuition fees Fee Notes
Balance of tuition ($39,933 - $1,000) $38,933 Tuition includes all degree and English courses, English tutors, gym membership, extended health and dental insurance and a 12-month bus pass.
Accommodation and meals Fee Notes

$1,350 per month; $45 per night for additional nights

$15,750 You may also choose housing on UVic campus instead of Homestay. Visit housing.uvic.ca for more info.
Total: $56,308

Application information

Admission requirements

To qualify for the Pathway Program, students must meet UVic’s academic requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. For specific international admission requirements, visit UVic's admissions.  

English language proficiency requirement
There are several ways students can satisfy the English Language Proficiency Requirement, including:

  • CAEL 50 with no section less than 40
  • IELTS 5.5 with no section less than 5.0 
  • TOEFL 71 with no section less than 15
  • Passing grade for level 410 in the Intensive English (ELPI) Program

International Students coming from a Canadian curriculum high school:
International students attending high school in a Canadian curriculum whose first language is not English may apply to the Pathway Program, if they completed Grade 12 English Studies (or its equivalent) with a grade of 50% or higher. In addition, students must satisfy UVic’s English Language Proficiency Requirement (ENPR) and academic requirements stated above.

How to apply

To view full application information, please click the Apply Now button.

RELATED TOPICS: ELC on-campus programs