FAQs for Guidance Counsellors
We would like to thank everyone who advises students about their academic future. We know the time, effort and care you take, and we appreciate it. In fact, we couldn't do our job without you. This portion of the website has been designed to answer all the questions counsellors, advisor and their students may have. UCW has so much to offer, please browse and let us know if we can be of any further service.

Where is UCW located?
University Canada West is located near downtown Victoria at 950 Kings Road in the Quadra Village. UCW is the first urban university in the city, with many amenities within walking distance.

Please visit our directions/map page for detailed directions to University Canada West.

What are the student admission requirements?
If a student is graduating from high school and has a 65% average or better and is motivated, they have what it takes to be accepted at University Canada West. Please see our list detailing complete admissions requirements on our Admissions Page.

Is there an application fee?
There is a $100 application fee for all students.

What are the entrance requirements for international students?
Applicants to undergraduate programs are expected to have the equivalent of a Canadian High School (Grade 12) diploma. English is the language of instruction and communication and UCW so if English is not a student’s first language, they will need to provide evidence of their competence in English. For more details please see our international students page.

What is the average class size?
Class size will never exceed 50 students, and will be divided into five to six student Learning Teams. Face-to-face environments will provide opportunities for students to apply learning skills and time-management strategies to their courses their your life.

Can students attend classes in the evenings?
Undergraduate students will only attend classes during the daytime. Graduate students will attend classes during evenings and weekends.

What credentials do your professors have?
UCW is proud that our faculty compare with the most qualified of any institution in both academic and research experience. We require our professors to have the same qualifications as those of Canadian public sector universities. At the post-graduate level, our faculty has doctorate or its equivalent agency-accredited professional degree. Undergraduate instructors must have at least a Masters degree or its equivalent.

Are your courses transferable to other post-secondary institutes?
As with any British Columbia University, it is up to the receiving institution to determine what credit will be awarded. If a student wants to transfer UCW credits to another institution, they will need to get permission in writing from the registrar's office or the program head at the institution they wish to transfer to. We are working with the British Columbia Council of Articulations and Transfers (BCCAT) make this process easier.

Do all a students Grade 12 courses need to be Provincially examinable?
No, in some schools, academic courses on specific subject may be accepted. For more information contact the Registrar’s Office.

Are UCW degrees recognized?
All of our degree programs have been approved and recognized by the British Columbia Government Quality Assessment Board.

Does UCW offer scholarships, bursaries or awards?
University Canada West will be offering a variety of scholarships and bursaries to qualified students. UCW students will also be eligible for awards offered by other organizations. Contact the Registrar’s Office for more information.

Do students attend classes in the summer?
The University Canada West academic year is broken into four, 12-week quarters. Students attend a maximum of three quarters each year, taking five courses each quarter. The fourth (Summer) Quarter will be an opportunity for students to take holidays, work or pursue other enriching activities away from the classroom.

Can students take longer than 2.5 years to get their degrees?
UCW’s program format condenses the work of a traditional four-year degree program into less than three years. Students are welcome to take longer than 2.5 years but are encouraged to complete their degree within a six-year time frame. The sooner a student graduates, the sooner they can be earning a salary.

Does UCW have a Co-op program?
No.

Does UCW have any student exchange or study-abroad opportunities for UCW students?
We have recently signed a number of Memorandums with International institutions and are working to establish student exchanges and study-abroad programs later this year. Contact the Vice President of Recruitment and Student Services for more information.

What sort or eating/dining services are available at UCW?
UCW does not have a dining room on campus. There are a number of eating establishments in the immediate area. Limited food service is available at certain times on campus. Extensive vending services are available at all times.

Do you have facilities for students with learning disabilities?
We will prepare to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities on an individual basis as required.

Are there any student residences on campus?
UCW does not have on-campus accommodation at this time. Students are encouraged to seek residential accommodation in the community prior to arriving in Victoria. The rental market in Victoria is very competitive and students should arrange for more than one place to see, as rentals tend to be booked very quickly after they are advertised. Please visit the University Canada West online housing database for local accommodations. A Homestay option is available to International students.

Do you recognize prior/life learning?
UCW respects the knowledge and skills that gain through a life of learning. We have a Prior Learning, Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process in place to evaluate potential credit for non-traditional, academic experience.

What extra curricular activities do you have for students?
An events coordinator in our Student Services Department will provide a vast array of activity options for UCW students.

How do you help student’s transition into the working world?
UCW will assist students with career counseling and potential job opportunities in an integrated fashion using both internal and external resources.

What are your application deadlines?
For a list of deadlines, see our Admission Deadlines page.

What is the best way to register?
The easiest way to register is at www.universitycanadawest.ca using our on-line registration form.

Will UCW mail out student calendars/handbooks to school resource centres?
UCW is happy to send out calendars/handbooks to resource centres. You may submit your request to: