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 four streams: Social Sciences, Science, Engineering & Computer Science or Business
  • 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 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
  • 4 program streams: Social Sciences, Science, Engineering & Computer Science or Business
  • 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 streams  Suitable for students who: Sample of courses offered: Types of degrees:
Social Sciences

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

Canadian Studies, Economics, English, Math, Social Sciences
BA or BSc in 7 disciplines: Anthropology, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology
Science
Want to focus on foundational first-year courses in order to pursue specific careers in science.
English, Math, Physics, Biology, Chemistry
BSc in 13 disciplines: Astronomy, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Ocean Sciences, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, Statistics, Forest Biology, Marine Biology, Neurobiology, Chemistry for Medical Sciences
Engineering & Computer Science Want to pursue a career in Engineering or Computer Science. Math, Computer Programming, Physics, English, Chemistry
BEng in 6 disciplines: Biomedical, Civil, Computer,  Electrical, Mechanical and Software Engineering
Business Are interested in studying business English, Economics, Math, Commerce, Entrepreneurship
BComm from the UVic Gustavson School of Business

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 at a glance

 

 

#1

VICTORIA RANKED BEST SMALL CITY IN THE WORLD

2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
 

 

#1

CANADIAN COMPREHENSIVE UNIVERSTIY FOR GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY

Times Higher Education Ranking 2023-2024

 

#4

IN CANADA FOR RESEARCH IN PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING

Leiden Rankings, 2023

 

#1

IN CANADA FOR MATHEMATICAL AND COMPUTIER SCIENCE

Leiden Rankings, 2023

 

 

News and resources

Courses and fees

Academic session Dates UVic degree courses English language courses

Winter Session

 

Sept–Dec 2025

Degree course 1 Academic English (ELPI 400)

Jan–April 2026

Degree course 2
Degree course 3

Academic English (ELPI 500)

Summer Session

April–May 2026

Degree course 4

Academic English (ELPI 600)

May–June 2026

Degree course 5
Degree course 6

English Tutoring Support

July–Aug 2026

Degree course 7

English Tutoring Support

Program completion

To qualify for continued academic study at UVic, you must pass Academic English Level 6 (ELPI 600) in the Spring term.

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 ($40,403 - $1,000) $39,403 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; $25 per night for additional nights

$15,795 You may also choose housing on UVic campus instead of Homestay. 
Total: $56,823

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

We will not accept tests taken more than two years before your application to the English Language Centre.

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. Programs currently open for registration will be available.

RELATED TOPICS: ELC on-campus programs