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Uncovering one of Canada’s best kept secrets: the University of Victoria

Located on Canada’s Pacific coast, the University of Victoria is a fantastic destination for international students. With impressive rankings and an incredible track record of preparing students for career success, it’s one of Canada’s best kept secrets. 

Keep reading to learn more about why UVic is such a hidden gem! 

High return on investment  

UVic is ranked as the #1 comprehensive university in Canada for preparing career-ready students (THE Global University Employability Ranking 2023—2024). You’ll have access to a range of career services and programs that give you an excellent return on your financial investment.  

For example, through UVic’s Co-op program, you can start building a successful future right away. It allows you to supplement your studies with paid work experience in your chosen field. You can get up to 16 months of paid employment, earning an average of CAD $50,000 during your degree program — the ideal start to your career! 

Other career services provided by the University include::  

  • Appointments with career directors 
  • Free online courses provided by the University’s Career Clarity program
  • Mock interview clinics 
  • Professional skills and courses workshops 
  • Virtual and in-person career fairs

With such effective and wide-ranging career support available at UVic, you’ll get a valuable head start on your career — and it could help you stand out to potential employers!

Global leader in sustainability  

For many years, the University of Victoria has been a leading university for sustainability, ranking an impressive #3 in the world for climate action (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023). The University is dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment, which is why its campus has been carbon-neutral since 2010.  

More recently, Uvic has achieved a Gold rating in sustainability in 2020 using the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS), which is the third time it has received the rating. The University is committed to a wide range of eco-friendly initiatives, such as collecting rainwater and using it to feed campus greenery.  

On top of that, undergraduates can even study a Climate Science degree program at UVic. It’s the first degree on North America’s West Coast to receive UN accreditation, making it truly unique! 

Live in the world’s best small city 

Not only does the University of Victoria have a beautiful walkable campus, it’s a short bus ride to the #1 small city in the world! (Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2023)

Located on Vancouver island, the city of Victoria has the sunniest climate of any major city in British Colombia, and it is close to sandy beaches and places where you can see incredible wildlife, such as otters and bald eagles. It’s no surprise that the city attracts 4 million visitors every year! 

Victoria also gives you easy access to bigger cities along the West Coast, such as Vancouver and Seattle, so you could take a day trip to the USA! These two locations also have booming job markets, which makes UVic a great place to launch your career. After graduating, you could stay in Victoria or seek professional opportunities in one of these incredible cities.

Apply to study at UVic 

If you would like to study a degree program at the University of Victoria, Kaplan can help. With us, you can gain entry to an undergraduate or graduate degree that suits you and join a vibrant community of international students from over 100 countries. 

To learn more, get in touch with us and one of our friendly Educational Advisors will be happy to explore your options with you.  

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