The University of Victoria (UVic) is the largest post secondary institution on Vancouver Island and one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities. Located on the municipal borders of Oak Bay and Saanich, the UVic campus is in one of the most desirable parts of town and walking distance from the beach.
UVic Ranks among the World’s Best Universities
Uvic has collected numerous accolades and awards over the years for academics and research, helping the school become one of the most reputable in the province. Here is an overview of UVic’s more recent and notable recognitions:
- The 2022 Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking ranked UVic #1 among Canadian comprehensive universities for preparing career-ready students.
- In 2023, Maclean’s Magazine ranked UVic #1 among comprehensive universities in medical/science grants per faculty.
- The Leiden University rankings has UVic rated #1 in North America for international research collaborations.
- The Leiden University rankings also has UVic rated #1 in Canada for mathematics and computer science.
- The 2024 QS rankings has UVic at #4 among all Canadian universities in citation impact per faculty member.
- The 2023 THE Impact Rankings ranked UVic #3 in the world for climate action.
- In 2022, Maclean’s Magazine ranked UVic #1 in Canada for promoting Indigenous visibility.
UVic Vikes Athletics
The Vikes Athletic program has experienced considerable success over the years, winning 88 national titles since 1969. The Vikes are part of three main university sports organizations: U SPORTS (formerly CIS), Canada West University Athletic Association (CWUAA), and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Vikes also compete in BC Premier rugby and field hockey leagues, while competing annually in the Canadian University Rowing championship and Golf Canada’s Canadian University/College Golf championship. Here are some of the sports you can play at UVic:
- Basketball
- Cross-country
- Track & Field
- Field Hockey
- Golf
- Rowing
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Swimming
As well as being one of the foremost research institutions in Western Canada, the University’s legal centre provides free legal assistance to the disadvantaged. The UVic Law Centre is the only full-time, term clinical program offered by a Canadian law school and reflects the faculty’s emphasis on integrating legal theory, legal skills, and community service.
UVic also owns and operates the Vancouver Island Technology Park, a state-of-the-art commercial research facility located on 35 acres just outside the city of Victoria near the Camosun Interurban campus. Home to several organizations, this facility is a collaboration centre and the perfect environment for growing companies. The tech park focuses on technology, such as fuel cell, new media, wireless, life science/biotech, ocean technology and ICT companies.
The University of Victoria has a lot to offer to people who are living in Victoria, and those who come here to study and gain an education. Uvic is home to:
- 22,020 students
- 17% international students
- 5,000 employees
- 580+ patents filed to date
- 169 start-up companies to date
>> Read on about all of the colleges and universities in Victoria
