How to apply

To apply to an English Language Centre (ELC) program, please select the type of program below and read through the application steps. 

  • If you are represented by an agent or university, please make sure to register through them directly. 
  • View available payment options
  • View ELC policies

Application information for:

To apply for ELC programs, you must:

Application steps

1. Complete the online application

You must complete and submit the full application in one session. Applications that are not fully completed and submitted in one session will not be saved and will require you to re-enter your information again.

Online application form

Please note:

Application does not guarantee admission. Apply for programs early, as space is limited. For Homestay application deadlines, visit Homestay FAQ for students.

2. Pay non-refundable application fees and deposit(s)

  • CAD $150 application fee
    • If you apply for more than one program at the same time, you only pay the CAD $150 application fee once.
  • CAD $300 UVic Homestay application fee (if applicable)
  • CAD $350 deposit per program
    • If you apply to two programs, you will need to pay CAD $700. If you apply to three programs, your deposit will be CAD $1050.This deposit is part of the tuition fee, not an additional cost.
  • CAD $1500 long-term study deposit if applying for programs totalling 6 months or more
    • The additional deposit will allow us to provide a “Provincial Attestation Letter” (PAL), a required document for international students applying for a study permit. This deposit will be credited toward the first program’s tuition; it is not an additional cost.

For studies under 6 months: Once our registration team has processed your application, they will email acceptance documents, including an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) as proof of your English studies at UVic.

For studies 6 months or more: Once our registration team has processed your application, they will email acceptance documents, including an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) as proof of your English studies at UVic. The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) will be issued / emailed separately.

Please wait for your study documents before making travel plans.

3. Apply for the appropriate visa (if applicable)

Contact the Canadian Embassy or Consulate in your country to see if you need a Study Permit or Temporary Resident Visa. To find a visa office, visit the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada website.

4. Pay the tuition balance

Pay the remaining program fees and student services fees five weeks before the start of your program. Students are not permitted to attend class until their fees are paid in full.

Admission requirements

Academic 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 for the Pathway Program, 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
  • Complete the UVic ELC's 410 level 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.  

Application steps

1. Complete the online application

You must complete and submit the full application in one session. Applications that are not fully completed and submitted in one session will not be saved and will require you to re-enter your information again.

Online application form

Please note:

Application does not guarantee admission. Apply for programs early, as space is limited. For Homestay application deadlines, visit Homestay FAQ for students.

2. Pay non-refundable application fees and deposit(s)

  • CAD $325 application fee
  • CAD $1000 deposit per program (This deposit is part of the tuition fee, not an additional cost)
  • CAD $300 UVic Homestay application fee (if applicable)

3. Submit an official test of English Language Proficiency such as an official IELTS or TOEFL

The official test results must be submitted directly from the testing centre to Undergraduate Admissions. Undergraduate Admissions will not accept any unofficial test results for evaluation. UVic’s institution code is #0989.

4. Submit an official transcript

UVic will only accept an official transcript if it is sent directly from the issuing organization. Transcript sent by applicants are not considered official. Arrange for your ministry of education, educational institution or issuing authority to send your official transcript to admsscanning@uvic.ca or the address below.

Official transcripts should be sent electronically whenever possible, but we will also accept transcripts by mail or by courier. For further information, please visit Submit your final grades.

Mailing Address

Pathways Coordinator
Undergraduate Admissions
University of Victoria
PO Box 3025 STN CSC
Victoria BC
V8W 3P2
Canada

Courier Address

Pathways Coordinator
Undergraduate Admission
University of Victoria
University Centre
3800 Finnerty Road (Ring Road)
Victoria BC
V8W 5C2 Canada

5. Pay the tuition balance

    • Term 1: $13,405 (Due August 3, 2026)
    • Term 2: $11,590 (Due November 30, 2026)
    • Term 3: $18,680 (Due March 1, 2027)

If students are required to repeat a course, extra fees will apply.