General Studies CGS FAQ
Yes: no more than 75% of your courses should come from one single program area.
Students who complete this program are awarded a University of Victoria credential.
The value of this certificate lies in its interdisciplinary nature and in the unique combination of courses chosen by you to meet your specific needs.
This program was created so that you will have maximum flexibility to learn what you identify as being most useful to your professional or personal objectives and receive a credential for your work.
Each of the applicable courses is part of a recognized certificate or diploma program offered through the University of Victoria’s Division of Continuing Studies.
No, only courses taken through UVic’s Division of Continuing Studies are applicable to the program.
Completion of a minimum of 270 hours of coursework (typically 8 courses) meets the requirements for the Certificate in General Studies.
Student Service fees are mandatory in each term of full-time face-to-face study, and include a bus pass, gym membership to the on-campus athletic facility CARSA, and UVic student society access. In addition, international students studying in Canada will be charged for Guard.me medical insurance until MSP coverage is in place.
More information for international students can be found through the UVic Continuing Studies International Student Fees and Health Insurance page.
Course tuition and any required student fees are due at the time of registration for each term of study. Since courses in the Certificate in General Studies Program are taken from multiple areas, registration open dates will vary.
We do not accept pre-payment of tuition fees in the Certificate in General Studies Program.
UVic Dormitories: on-campus dormitories are generally limited to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in programs through main campus, which does not include our Continuing Studies students.
Homestay: limited housing with local families may be available through the Continuing Studies Homestay program.
Rentals: most students seek rental housing, which can often be found on local Victoria classified websites. Additionally, the UVic Housing website has an off-campus housing resource page containing several resources for finding housing and connecting with potential roommates.
International Students: the UVic International Student Services website has additional information about off-campus housing.
Since rental housing in the Victoria market is in high demand, it is a good idea to research housing well in advance of your intended arrival.
Courses range from 18 to 52 instructional hours each and the majority of courses are 36 or 39 instructional hours. Each course will also require reading, research and completing assignments outside of class.
The Division of Continuing Studies offers bursaries in the fall and spring terms to assist learners in furthering their education. Bursaries are awarded to learners who can display evidence of a commitment to lifelong learning and who can demonstrate financial need. Visit the Continuing Studies Bursary page for more information.
Yes, you have the same access to the library as all students at UVic.
You can view and change your contact information (phone number, mailing address, email address) in the online student registration system. You can view and print off your unofficial transcripts there too.
The primary language of instruction at the University of Victoria is English. In order to succeed in this program, you will need verbal and written fluency in English. If your first language is not English, you will be asked to provide evidence of English fluency. Please contact us for more information.
Your Learning Contract can be adjusted at any time throughout the program. Please contact the Program Coordinator at cgsprogram@uvic.ca to discuss.
Please see full details on our program policies page.