International programs

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 and THE’s 2019 Global University Employability Ranking identifies UVic as the best Canadian comprehensive university, and one of only nine Canadian universities overall, in preparing its students for the workplace, based on feedback from top international companies. 

And since UVic’s inception in 1963, the Division of Continuing Studies (DCS) 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 as well as international learners.

Studying at Continuing Studies at UVic, you’ll benefit from:

learning from a team of experienced instructors and presenters who are real-world experts, delivering relevant and practical content in your field of study
a world-class education from one of Canada’s most respected universities
an award-winning team of English language specialists (in the ELC programs) who will help those looking to further develop their English skills prepare for further study or a career in an international market
innovative, student-centred online learning opportunities that allow you to benefit from Continuing Studies at UVic from your home country
dedicated support for on-campus students from day one, to help you transition into life in Canada
networking with and learning alongside Canadian and international classmates and instructors, who bring a truly global perspective to your studies
 

We have international experience

Continuing Studies at UVic has a long history of offering customized and scheduled programming to individual students and groups from around the world. As an international student at UVic, you can expect a quality Canadian education with a global perspective, preparing you for wherever your studies or career take you from here.

For international students for whom English is not their first language, we offer a variety of academic and professional English language programs, online or on-campus, through our English Language Centre (ELC). The ELC has been delivering high-quality intensive English language programs at UVic since 1970, and is now one of the largest English schools in Canada.

We foster a welcoming, culturally diverse learning environment

At Continuing Studies at UVic, we aspire to create an intercultural community that promotes harmony and understanding between all people. Our academic programs are complemented by social activities that encourage students to share the unique culture of their country, region, religion, or linguistic group, in a safe, respectful environment. Through these and other such activities, we aspire to create an intercultural community that celebrates diversity and encourages friendship between all people.

We also have a dedicated Student Support team to assist our international students with a smooth transition into their housing, classes and the other logistics that come with settling into a new country and culture.

What we offer

Select a topic below to view our international programming options:

 
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Business &
Management
 
Data, Computing
& Technology
 
English as Additional
Language (EAL)
 
Health, Wellness
& Safety
 
Science & the
Environment
 
Teaching, Learning
& Development
 
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  • Administrative Technology

    This micro-credential equips learners with the critical skills sought by employers to succeed in a computerized office—from software and database management to data analytics skills, cloud-based applications, digital communication and more.

    Credential: Micro-certificate
    Delivery: Online, Blended
  • Business Administration

    Learn the integrated nature of business functions within a global environment. You will develop your decision-making and problem-solving abilities and learn to apply new skills in a variety of professional contexts.

    Credential: Certificate, Diploma
    Delivery: Face to face, Online, Blended
  • Birds flying in formation

    Business Communication

    This versatile program provides practical information and easily applied strategies to help you become a confident communicator in any industry. With a focus on developing self-assurance, you’ll learn to foster trust, provide clarity and direction, create better relationships and promote team building as you go places in your career.

    Credential: Micro-certificate
    Delivery: Face to face, Online, Blended
  • Certificate in Business Administration

    Business Intelligence and Data Analytics

    Understanding and harnessing the power of your organization's data has never been more important. Training in this area will focus on how to create, interpret, and use data to solve problems, make business decisions, and predict and model the future.

    Credential: Micro-certificate
    Delivery: Online, Blended
  • Cloud Computing

    Organizations value people who can understand and evaluate the design, construction and structures of cloud systems. This course will develop an understanding of different service models and key job skills, such as setting up a cloud environment and constructing and employing a solution in the cloud.

    Credential: Varies
    Delivery: Online
  • Computer Programming

    Enhance the abilities of your team with coding concepts and languages. Customized programs are available to meet any skill and proficiency level.

    Credential: Varies
    Delivery: Face to face, Online
  • Intercultural Communication in the Workplace

    In a global environment, organizations need to be able to work—both face to face and virtually—with people of different nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds. Help your management team understand the nuances of working with cross-cultural teams or international clientele to foster cohesiveness and improve performance.

    Credential: Varies
    Delivery: Face to face
  • Ecological Restoration

    Training in the area of ecological restoration uses a holistic approach for professionals working in the field of landscape architecture, design, management, agrology, biology, forestry, mining, etc., who are needing advanced training in restoring disturbed and degraded ecosystems.

    Credential: Professional Specialization Certificate
    Delivery: Online
  • English for Professional Communication

    Improve your employees’ public speaking and presentation skills. This program is designed for professionals for whom English is not their first language, but who need to give presentations in English.

    Credential: Certificate of participation
    Delivery: Face to face
  • English+ Project-based Presentations

    Enhance your team’s English skills while learning about the community through project-based learning. Projects will be selected according to the learners’ or organization’s area of interest.

    Credential: Micro-certificate
    Delivery: Face to face
  • English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI)

    EMI programs are designed for professors and researchers hoping to teach their subject matter in English. These programs offer a stimulating, interactive teaching and learning environment in which education professionals will receive teacher training and professional development in various skill areas and pedagogies.

    Credential: Micro-certificate
    Delivery: Face to face, Online, Blended
  • English for Global Communication

    Designed to offer an interactive learning experience to students who want to improve their English for academic, travel or professional purposes.

    Credential: Certificate of participation
    Delivery: Online
  • Environmental and Occupational Health

    For professionals who identify health risks, prevent accidents, and maintain safety regulations in the workplace, we can design a customized program to develop skills in areas such as health and safety program management, emergency management, environmental protection, ergonomics, hazardous waste management, and occupational hygiene.

    Credential: Certificate
    Delivery: Online
  • Foundations in Business English

    In these Business workshops, you will build confidence in using your English skills in a professional setting. The program can be tailored to various levels of English proficiency and business focused interests. Observations and opportunities to engage with professionals in the field. can also be arranged. Company visits can also be arranged.

    Credential: Varies
    Delivery: Face to face
  • Intensive English (ELPI)

    This 12-week immersive program combines fun socio-cultural activities with general or academic English language learning.

    Credential: Certificate of Participation
    Delivery: Face to face
  • Intensive English - Summer (ELPI-Summer)

    This modified ELPI program offers an intensive combination of general English classes and academic electives during 9 weeks in the summer. It is the perfect option for those looking for a full-summer program or for those enrolled in the April and September ELPI who want to keep building their skills through the summer.

    Credential: Certificate of Participation
    Delivery: Face to face
  • Intensive English - Online (ELPI-O)

    Our most popular program - ELPI – is now available online! This intensive program focuses on academic English at four class levels.

    Credential: Certificate of Participation
    Delivery: Face to face
  • Monthly English

    This short-term intensive program offers 80 hours of English language instruction in just 3 to 6 weeks. Enjoy a variety of opportunities to connect with Canadians and explore Victoria through free and optional activities.

    Credential: Certificate of Participation
    Delivery: Face to face
  • Online Pedagogy and Internationalization

    The Online Pedagogy and Internationalization program empowers educators with the knowledge and tools they need to quickly convert face-to-face content to an effective online course that not only meets the needs of existing students, but opens up a world of opportunity to bring that content to a broader global audience.

    Credential: Micro-certificate
    Delivery: Online
  • Visitor and Community Engagement

    Palliative Care Pharmacy

    Expand on the principles of palliative care with skills and tools to optimize the use of medications for symptom management and pain relief for palliative patients. With this expertise, pharmacists are able to guide other members of the interprofessional team in palliative care planning.

    Credential: Micro-certificate
    Delivery: Online
  • Summer Language and Culture

    This month-long summer program features English study each morning complemented with immersive cultural experiences each afternoon. Our Cultural Assistants organize an amazing variety of activities outside of classes, including workshops, games, sports and culture nights. You’ll be so busy with new friends and adventures that you might not even notice that you’ve been practicing English the whole time!

    Credential: Certificate of Participation
    Delivery: Face to face
  • Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

    TEFL programs offers a stimulating, interactive teaching and learning environment in which international teachers can build a professional network and develop their ability to communicate and teach more effectively in English in their home country.

    Credential: Micro-certificate, Professional Specialization Certificate
    Delivery: Face to face, Blended
  • University Admission Preparation (UAP)

    This advanced program offers academic English preparation if you want to pursue a UVic degree program. Develop skills in oral presentations, note-taking, report-writing, reading academic texts, research and more.

    Credential: Certificate of Participation
    Delivery: Face to face
  • University Admission Preparation (UAP) and Canadian Studies

    This intensive summer program will help prepare you for success as a UVic degree student by polishing your academic English skills and providing an introduction to Canadian Culture. This program features courses in Advanced English and Introduction to Canadian Studies.

    Credential: Certificate of Participation
    Delivery: Face to face
  • University Admission Preparation Online (UAP-O)

    Designed for students who want to pursue a UVic degree program or have already been admitted and need some additional language and study skills to get prepared for university.

    Credential: Certificate of Participation
    Delivery: Online
  • University Pathway Program

    This specialized first year program allows you to meet UVic’s English language requirement while completing first year degree courses in the Faculties of Social Sciences, Science or Engineering. You can look forward to a challenging, supported first year of university that will put you on the path to success in your UVic degree program.

    Credential: Certificate of Participation
    Delivery: Face to face
  • Wound Management for Health Professionals

    The impact of wounds on the health care system in terms of human suffering and economic burden is enormous and grows as populations age. This customizable option for health professionals will cover the principles of wound management and develop the skills to deliver evidence-based wound assessment and care.

    Credential: Micro-certificate
    Delivery: Online
  • Custom training for international groups

    Custom learning for international groups

    We create custom training and educational programs for groups of international learners in a wide range of topics. Connect with us to explore how we can help you.