Frequently Asked Questions

1. I've applied to UVic. What happens next?
   
   
2. How long will it take for my application to be processed?
   
   
3. Where can I send my transcripts/documents?
   
   
4. How can I make a change to my application?
   
   
5. I've applied before. Do you still have my transcript?
   
   
6. I've been attending college/university. Why do you still need my secondary school transcript?
   
   
7. My application is pending. What does that mean?
   
   
8. My application is on hold. What does that mean?
   
   
9. How will I know what courses transfer from my previous study?
   
   
10. Can I appeal an admissions decision?
    
    
11. Where do I go for program/course-planning advice?
    
    
12. Can someone inquire about my application on my behalf?
    
    
13. I have been accepted for studies in September, but I've decided to take a year off to work and travel. Can I defer my acceptance until next September?
    
    
14. How do I find out if I have been accepted into student housing?
    
    
15. Where can I get a UVic calendar?

1. I've applied to UVic. What's happens next?
   
   Thank you for your application. If you applied online, you will receive your UVic student number via email in 2-3 days. If you applied by submitting a paper application, you will receive your UVic student number via mail.
   
   You will need to check MyStatus to determine any documents that are still required in order to complete your application. Once your application is complete and an admission decision is made, you will be notified by mail.
   
   You can access your application record online at MyStatus by using the same ID and password you used for your online application. If you submitted a paper application, use your 9-digit student number ("V" number) and PIN (use your birthday in DDMMYY format).
   
   By using MyStatus, you can check to see if your transcripts have been received and you can also see if and when an admission decision is made. If you have been offered admission, you can also check to see if you have been awarded transfer credit for any eligible courses.
   
   
2. How long will it take for my application to be processed?
   
   Processing time depends greatly on the time of year, the program you have applied to, and the volume of applications received at any given time. Undergraduate Admissions is busiest between February and June.
   
   
3. Where can I send my transcripts/documents?
   
   All transcripts/documents should be sent to:
   
   Undergraduate Admissions
   University of Victoria
   PO Box 3025 STN CSC
   Victoria BC V8W 3P2
   Canada
   
   
4. How can I make a change to my application?
   
   Please call Undergraduate Admissions at 250-721-8121. You may change your program choice up until the application deadline.
   
   
5. I've applied before. Do you still have my transcript?
   
   If you applied for admission for the last academic session and did not attend, we will keep the documents you submitted for one year. We require an official transcript from any education undertaken since that time. If it has been more than a year since you applied, then we will no longer have your documents and you will need to submit a new application and transcripts of your academic record.
   
   
6. I've been attending college/university. Why do you still need my secondary school transcript?
   
   An evaluation may be possible with only your post-secondary transcripts, but we may require your secondary school transcript to check for admission requirements/course prerequisites.
   
   
7. My application is pending. What does that mean?
   
   When all of your documents have been submitted and your file is complete and ready to evaluate, the status is changed to pending. It is placed with other complete applications and they are evaluated in chronological order from when they are made pending.
   
   
8. My application is on hold. What does that mean?
   
   UVic has minimum admission averages that are published in the UVic calendar. However, the actual average required for admission may be higher than the minimum published average due to limits on enrolment. If your application is on hold, this means that your average is above the minimum average, but it may not be above the actual admission average. Your application will be on hold until the actual admission average is determined.
   
   The University does not guarantee that students who meet the minimum requirements will be admitted. In cases where the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number that can be accommodated, the University reserves the right to set enrollment limits and to establish admission criteria beyond the minimum requirements.
   
   
9. How will I know what courses transfer from my previous study?
   
   You will receive a list of your transfer credit with your offer of admission. Any transfer credit awarded upon admission is also listed on your student record online. If you have attended a BC post-secondary institution, you may consult the BC Transfer Guide online at www.bccat.bc.ca
   
   
10. Can I appeal an admissions decision?
    
    Applicants who are denied admission to the University and who can prove extenuating circumstances or provide information that was not presented initially should forward a written request for a review of their application to:
    
    New Students need to submit their appeal to:
    
    The Senate Committee on Admission, Reregistration and Transfer
    c/o Admissions Officer
    Office of the Registrar
    University Centre Bldg.
    University of Victoria
    PO Box 3025 STN CSC
    Victoria BC V8W 3P2
    Canada
    
    Fax: (250) 721-6225
    
    Returning Students need to submit their appeal to:
    
    The Senate Committee on Admission, Reregistration and Transfer
    c/o Records Officer
    Office of the Registrar
    University Centre Bldg.
    University of Victoria
    PO Box 3025 STN CSC
    Victoria BC V8W 3P2
    Canada
    
    Fax: (250) 721-6225
    
    Note that there are no personal appearances before the Committee. The request should include any additional information together with any supporting documents from persons familiar with the applicant's abilities and circumstances.
    
    Normally, grounds for appeal are limited to:
    
    
    • significant physical affliction or psychological distress documented by a physician or other health care professional
      
      
    • evidence of incorrect advice or errors of administration by authorized University personnel, with evidence that the applicant's studies were adversely affected
      
      
    • documented significant distress, or documented significant responsibility as a caregiver, as a result of an immediate member of the family suffering from a serious trauma or illness

    
    Dissatisfaction with University regulations, or disagreements concerning the evaluation of admissibility (for example, calculation of grade point average, evaluation of English proficiency) or failure to meet published deadlines will not be considered grounds for appeal.
    
    The Senate Committee on Admission, Re-registration and Transfer will consider all the documentation presented and will make a final decision on the application, subject to review by the Senate Committee on Appeals on the grounds of specific procedural error.
    
    

11. Where do I go for program/course-planning advice?
    
    For course planning advice, please contact the Academic Advising Center for your faculty/program area.
    
    
12. Can someone inquire about my application on my behalf?
    
    If you anticipate that a family member or representative will be inquiring about your application on your behalf, and you wish that person to have access to that information, we require your written permission before any personal information is released. You can give this permission when completing your application form, or you may fax or mail to your written permission to Undergraduate Admissions. You must specify the person’s name and their relationship to you.
    
    
13. I have been accepted for studies in September, but I've decided to take a year off to work and travel. Can I defer my acceptance until next September?
    
    Deferrals are only granted to students who have extenuating medical circumstances, or who will be participating in an approved exchange program. Deferrals are not granted to students who wish to take a year off for travel or work.
    
    To request a deferral, please submit a written request outlining the reason for deferral to Associate Registrar, Undergraduate Admissions. Supporting documents such as a doctor’s note or proof of exchange program acceptance must be submitted.
    
    
14. How do I find out if I have been accepted into student housing?
    
    Contact Housing at:
    
    Web: housing.uvic.ca
    Email: yriddell@uvic.ca
    Tel: 250-721-8395
    Fax: 250-721-8930
    
    
15. Where can I get a UVic calendar?
    
    UVic calendars can be picked up at the UVic Bookstore, or ordered by phone at 250-721-8311. The calendar is also available online at www.uvic.ca/calendar.