What exactly is University Canada West (UCW)?

University Canada West is an accessible, private sector university situated in Victoria, BC, Canada, delivering degrees in Arts and Science, and Business and Management, under the authority of the Government of British Columbia's Degree Quality Assessment Board (DQAB). The University uses a mixed model of residency and Internet enhanced programming. At the undergraduate level, programs are delivered via the Internet and face-to-face. With the face-to-face approach students move through their program together building strong bonds and networks. Some Internet enhancement is used. At the Graduate level our MBA is delivered in one or two years, face-to-face or with Internet delivery, it’s your choice.

Graduate programming combines short residencies with Internet delivery allowing participants to earn while they learn.

The term "university" is used under the written consent of the Minister of Advanced Education, Government of British Columbia, Canada, effective August 9, 2004, having undergone a quality assessment process and been found to meet the criteria established by the minister.

Do I have to make a decision about what degree I wish to pursue at the very beginning?

No. Since all students take the same 15 courses during their first academic year, you do not have to make a final decision about what degree to pursue until the end of the first year. This provides a great deal of flexibility and allows you to take advantage of new offerings when they become available.

Do you have a campus?

We have a campus at University Canada West and it is located in the City of Victoria on Kings Road, Quadra Village. For further directions please see our Directions/Maps Page.

How does Canada West compare to a traditional university?

UCW is one of Canada's newest and the westernmost university and it is Canada's first private sector university established under new British Columbia legislation. University Canada West is working with other Canadian universities and colleges in offering transfer credit and articulations. UCW provides significant support for students and has a learning centred approach where staff, faculty and students work as a learning organization to enhance personal growth.

UCW adds another choice to the excellent educational institutions in BC and Canada.

It's hard to know about institutions without visiting them - how can I know that University Canada West is right for me?

Professors with established reputations will teach your courses. For every class of 30 to 50 students there will be a Learning Coach to assist you in each course, as well as a full-time Program Assistant to provide technical, logistical, and other support. At UCW you are special. Your degree has been carefully designed to satisfy a high market demand while enriching your mind. Our focus will be on your success. You will enhance your abilities in leadership, teamwork, communication, and enterprise, the skills and attitudes considered most important by potential employers.

So if you like working within an environment of support, participating on teams, and carrying through with the same group of students over the three years your degree will take, then UCW is for you. You're accepted at UCW.

How do I become a University Canada West student?

We have outlined the steps needed in order for you to become a University Canada West student. Please refer to the Prospective Students Admissions - Getting Started page. Should you have any questions about this process, please contact us at: 250.978.1800

Who Can Study at UCW?

Students from Canada with Secondary School Matriculation and who have at least 65% entrance requirement can enter our undergraduate programs.

International students with the equivalent of a Canadian Secondary School Matriculation and a 65% average, who have satisfied visa requirement, and who have achieved the level of English competency as outlined under Prospective Students, then the International Students button on in this website, may apply.

Graduate School details can be found at Prospective Students, then the Programs Offered button.

I'm a student at another University - can I take courses at UCW?

Assuming you have at least a C average and have achieved necessary prerequisites, you may be able to transfer courses for credits and enter the UCW programs at an advanced level. Please contact the Dean in the Faculty in which you are interested.

I don't want to take a full program, just a few courses - can I apply?

Some students just take one or more courses for interest, or simply to find out if university education is right for them. Some wish to gain a particular skill, while others wish to "bank" credits against a future program. All are equally welcome.

 

Course and Program Choices

How do I get information about your courses and programs?

Course and program information can be accessed from this website under Academics - Faculty/Programs.

I need help selecting a program; whom can I talk to?

Contact the University and we will put you in touch with an appropriate Program Assistant.

How long do I have to complete my degree?

Completion time for undergraduate programs is normally less than 3 years. Graduate programs vary in length but normally do not exceed 2 years. Extensions are possible and should be discussed with the Dean of the Faculty in which the program exists.

 

Applying/Registering at UCW

How do I Apply?

Students will need to fill out an Application/Registration Form. Please visit the Getting Started page for a Step-by-Step guide to the application process. It can be done online or manually. and mailed or faxed as directed with the applicable fees and tuition.

Please note that we cannot begin fully processing your request until you have submitted all of the required fees and documentation such as transcripts. However, once received, you are assured of entry to our programs if they validate the information on your application form and we achieve student targets. Additionally, you can register provisionally and when your marks are verified through transcripts, we will grant you full admission. To apply for graduate courses please review the application/registration process for the individual programs. You can also use an online application/registration form for these purposes. Click here to apply.

When can I apply?

You can apply all year round for entrance into UCW.

What do I need to know about registering?

Undergraduate students:

Students should register prior to the start of a quarter and no later than the end of the first week of classes.

 

Course Transfer & Credit

Are UCW courses transferable to other institutions?

Like any British Columbia University, it is up to the receiving institution to determine what credit they will award. It is important that students get permission in writing from the registrar's office or the program head at the other institution they enrolled with. We are working with the British Columbia Council and Articulations and Transfers (BCCAT) to simplify this process.

Can courses successfully completed at another accredited institution be transferred to a program at UCW?

University Canada West accepts course credit from other BC and Canadian Universities, and for some courses and programs from community colleges. (Credit may also be available for courses and programs taken internationally.) Students must have achieved a passing grade at the institution from which the credit is to be transferred. At the graduate level a B standing or equivalent is required.

We will evaluate transcripts from other accredited institutions for transfer credit. Official transcripts need to be forwarded directly from your institution to University Canada West, Office of the Registrar. Assessment cannot begin until all transcripts, supporting documents, and fees have been received.

A Letter of Permission ensures that courses successfully completed at another institution can be transferred to your program at UCW. Consult the Calendar for detailed information.

Can I get credit for work-related prior learning?

University Canada West has a Prior Learning, Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process in place to evaluate potential credit for non-traditional, academic experience.

What are the costs of your courses?

Take a look at the Prospective Students, then Fees, or see page 37 of the Calendar.

Where can I find information on Student Bursaries and Awards?

University Canada West is developing its student awards and bursaries, so either contact the Registrar for an update and/or find general information in the Prospective Students, then Student Services section of the website.

Do you accept payment in installments?

We require full payment of application fees and, after you have been accepted, a deposit of $500 to reserve your seat. Students are required to pay half of their tuition fee during course registration and then the remaining balance of tuition to be paid on or before the first day of classes.

What are the payment deadlines?

Undergraduate students: Students are responsible for their course fees upon registration. Tuition is due before the start of classes, each quarter. A service charge of 2% (but not less than $10) is added to Quarter fees not paid by the end of the fourth week of classes.

Graduate students: Tuition is due prior to the start of each course. A service charge of 2% (but not less than $10) is added to course tuition not paid by the end of the fourth week of classes.

Can I apply for a student loan with UCW?

Yes. If you live in Canada and are a Canadian resident or landed immigrant, you apply through the Provincial Student Finance Office in your home province. You must submit your completed application along with your course requests directly to UCW. Your application will then be forwarded by UCW to the appropriate Awards Office.

What constitutes full-time status?

You must take at least 3 courses per quarter to be considered a full time student. However, the UCW undergraduate design encourages the taking of 5 courses per quarter in order to graduate within 3 years and to maximize the benefit of teamwork. Failure to take the full 5 courses per quarter will lengthen substantially your time to a degree as all required courses may not be offered in every quarter.

Can I take courses if I live outside of Canada?

Yes, University Canada West provides access online to undergraduate and graduate programs.

What are the fees for international students residing outside Canada?

We are excited to say that international student tuition fees are the same as domestic students. For more information on fees for international students please go to the Tuition and Fees page.

I am an international student residing in Canada. Can I be admitted to UCW and enrolled in a Program?

You may be admitted and enrolled in a program provided you satisfy the entrance requirements for that program and provide a valid study authorization as issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

What are academic credits?

You require 120 credits to qualify for graduation with an UCW undergraduate degree. All UCW courses are 3-credit courses. Some credits may be allowed through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition, course challenges, and transfers.

Can I choose electives?

UCW programs are highly structured, with no built-in allowance for electives. However, one course per quarter may be taken from another institution as long as it fits the program design you are in and you have the permission of the Dean..

What flexibility do I have in choosing a major/specialization?

At present UCW is authorized by the Minister of Advance Education, to offer the following degree programs to undergraduate students:

Bachelor of Commerce, Technology Management degree
Bachelor of Commerce, General Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Culture, Heritage and Tourism
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Bachelor of Arts in Geography
Bachelor of Arts: Media and Communications

UCW is authorized to offer the MBA for postgraduate students. However, other degree options should be available by the time you have completed the first fifteen core courses that all students must take before their concentration courses define the degree they graduate with.

On what basis should I choose a major/specialization?

All UCW degrees are designed for maximum practical outcomes, and your Advisors and your Learning Coaches can provide assistance in career planning. It is important that you choose a program that is of interest to you as it is likely to serve as a foundation for a life-long career.

What are course requirements?

Review the UCW Admissions section to check whether you have the pre-requisites to take the courses required for your program. Depending on your situation, your Program Assistant will direct you to the appropriate professor.

Can I do high-school make-up courses at UCW?

No.

How many transfer credits can I count towards my bachelor's degree?

You must do at least 50%, i.e. 60 credits or 20 courses at UCW. And you must do the final 5 capstone courses.

I took courses elsewhere some years ago. Can I still use my transfer credit?

Yes, assuming they fit the program design and you have the approval of the Dean of your Faculty.

Does UCW have distance-learning courses?

Yes, we provide access online to our undergraduate and graduate programs.

I want to add or drop a course, when should I do it?

You may drop courses until the last day in the third week of each quarter. A student who has a grade of E or F in a given quarter course may re-register in the course when it is offered again, if space is available. An undergraduate student who drops all courses and does not intend to register in any other credit course in the quarter is withdrawing from the University and must notify the Registrar's Office in writing.

What are the guidelines for withdrawing from courses?

Undergraduate students: Students who wish to drop courses must do so through the web registration system or by submitting written notice of changes in registration to the Office of the Registrar. Students should not rely on instructors to drop them from courses.

Drop dates: to the end of 2nd week of classes - no penalty.
-- end of 3rd week of classes - no penalty
-- during and until the end of 4th week of classes - 50% refund - no mark penalty
Students withdrawing after the 4th week receive no refund and an "N" for the course - to be recorded on their official transcript.

Graduate students: Students should not rely on instructors to drop them from courses.

Drop dates: up to the end of the 2nd week of classes (Friday), no penalty.
-- up to the end of the 3rd week (Friday) 50% refund and no penalty on record
-- anytime during the 4th week (or later) no refund and an "N" on record.

Are there student residencies at UCW?

UCW has no residencies but there is a searchable student housing database of local rental listings available to assist you in locating accommodation. For more information please visit our housing page.

Advisors & Counsellors

See: Counsellors page which is listed under the Prospective Students button.