Let's get global ready.
At Continuing Studies at the University of Victoria (UVic), we believe in the transformational power of education to build connections, enhance innovation and prepare you to become a successful global citizen.
Here's what getting "global ready" looks like:
An interconnected world – Working well together across borders, boundaries and differences is essential to solving the complex issues of our time. Our programs focus on developing advanced communication skills and engaging with real-world issues through active, competency-based learning.
A unique experience – Every educational journey is different. Improve your language skills to live or work abroad and learn about different cultures to develop new collaboration skills. As you approach your goals from new angles, the new knowledge and skills you’ll gain will further your future success.
Building relationships – We are proud to work collaboratively with many international partners to provide the resources you need to build professional networks and lifelong connections around the world.
Watch video: Get Global Ready
What we offer
If you're a student, professional or an organization, we can help you thrive and reach your personal or professional goals. Let’s take a closer look at how you can get global ready:
Welcome to the Division
The University of Victoria’s Division of Continuing Studies offers a wide variety of adult education options for international students and professionals. Our innovative programs are designed by industry-leading experts to advance learners in their academic and career goals. Learners enhance their language and/or professional skill sets through programs delivered in on-campus, online or hybrid formats.
With extensive resources, specialized instructors and collaborative networks at UVic and beyond, getting global ready is what we do best!
View Get Global Ready Brochure (interactive PDF)
Improve your English
UVic's award-winning English Language Centre (ELC) is home to a multicultural community of students pursuing unique language-learning goals (through on-campus or online studies). We are committed to your support and success, which is why our program staff coordinate every aspect of the experience so you can focus on classes, enjoy activities and deepen your cultural competencies as global citizens.
English Language Centre programs:
Get Global Ready: Improve your English
Pursue a degree or diploma
Studying English is often the first step if you want to further pursue academic or professional studies at UVic. The ELC offers many options to get you closer to your goals:
University Admission Preparation (UAP)
An advanced English program for those who meet UVic’s admission requirements (except for English proficiency). Many UAP learners qualify for conditional admission, with a passing UAP grade satisfying the English requirement, for entry into their UVic undergraduate degree. Learn more about UAP
UVic Pathway
This first-year program allows you to meet UVic's English language requirement while completing academic credit courses as part of an undergraduate degree. Learn more about Pathway
Intensive English (ELPI)
Learners who meet the admission requirements for our Certificate or Diploma in Business Administration, except for English proficiency, can prepare their English through the ELC’s Intensive English (ELPI) program. Enrolling in ELPI qualifies learners for conditional admission to business programs at Continuing Studies. Learn more about ELPI
Get Global Ready: Pursue a degree or diploma
Gain professional skills
An incredibly ambitious community of international learners choose to get global ready through our business programs at Continuing Studies.
The Certificate and Diploma in Business Administration programs will support you with learning about current business practices and technologies for your personal and professional success. Our students study a variety of business content (online and face-to-face), as they work towards a new career or advance in their current profession.
These programs also meet the eligibility requirements by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). Many learners apply for the PGWP successfully, however, IRCC policies are subject to change so we cannot guarantee PGWP approval.
Business programs:
Get Global Ready: Gain Professional Skills
Enhance your teaching
The ELC's expertise in English language programming includes professional development training if you are an international educator who teaches English, or teaches their subject area(s) in English. Academic and curriculum specialists at the ELC develop a variety of options for pre-service and in-service international educators, covering fields from early childhood education to the post-secondary level.
In these programs, you’ll explore education-related topics from a Canadian perspective while building a professional network. Our interactive learning environment allows you to develop confident English communication skills and to enhance teaching methodologies so you can teach more effectively in your home country.
Programs for International Educators:
Get Global Ready: Enhance your teaching
Customize team training
Continuing Studies has extensive experience offering customized training programs to institutional, corporate and government groups from around the world.
We use a collaborative three-step process to develop specialized training programs that equip you with fresh, relevant skills to prepare you for success in your studies and careers.
We work with you to better understand your current situation and your team’s learning needs or goals.
We identify your priority learning objectives, and program elements, and then collaborate with our team of advisers, educators and real-world experts to design a program uniquely suited to your group.
Our instructors deliver your customized program, ensuring your expectations are met, and provide opportunities for reflection and feedback.
Get Global Ready: Customize team training
Why choose Continuing Studies at UVic?
As a University of Victoria (UVic) student, you’ll be studying at one of the best universities in Canada. UVic is consistently ranked as one of Canada’s top-ranked comprehensive universities. Since UVic started in 1963, Continuing Studies has been an integral part of campus, providing adult and continuing education programming to domestic and international students. We partner with all UVic faculties to provide stimulating, high-quality education opportunities to local and international learners.
If you choose to study with Continuing Studies at UVic, you’ll benefit from:
About UVic and Continuing Studies
World-class education in Canada’s best small city
With extensive resources, specialized instructors and collaborative networks at UVic and beyond, getting global ready is what we do best. Learn more about UVic
UVic highlights
- Student population of over 22,000
- 12 academic faculties and divisions
- 17% of UVic’s student body is international, representing 110 countries
- 15 minutes to downtown Victoria; 15 minutes to the beach
- Natural campus environment with gardens, hiking trails and wildlife
The English Language Centre (ELC)
If you're an international student where English is not your first language, we offer a variety of academic and professional programs through the English Language Centre (ELC). The ELC has been delivering high-quality intensive English language programs at UVic since 1970 and is one of the largest English schools in Canada. Learn more about The English Language Centre (ELC)
About Victoria, BC
Victoria is a vibrant city on Vancouver Island and Canada’s spectacular West Coast. Famous for its natural environment, mild climate and welcoming community, Victoria’s relaxed island lifestyle makes it the perfect place to live and learn for international students.
Victoria Facts & Highlights:
- Population of Greater Victoria: 400,000+
- Capital city of British Columbia
- Approximately 30-minute flight to Vancouver or Seattle
- Over 200 downtown restaurants and pubs
- Excellent shopping in a beautiful, clean city
- World-famous gardens and outdoor activities
Watch video: What's it like to live in Victoria, BC?
Stay connected
Have questions about where to start, our programs, or what it’s like to live and study in Victoria? Reach out today to connect.
Contact
Tel: 1-250-721-8469Fax: 1-250-721-8774
Email: recruitasst@uvic.ca
Web: continuingstudies.uvic.ca
Address
Division of Continuing StudiesUniversity of Victoria
PO Box 1700 STN CSC
Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2
Canada
Territory acknowledgement
We acknowledge and respect the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples on whose traditional territory the University of Victoria stands, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
