Finances

A university education requires financial planning, since underestimating costs can result in financial difficulties. To prepare an effective budget, you need to have a realistic idea of how much your tuition, student fees and living expenses will cost, and you need to consider your finanical options. Prices, currency values and exchange regulations change frequently, so be sure to base your budget on up-to-date information.

Tuition and student fees

Students who do not have Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status are required to pay international tuition fees at colleges and universities across Canada. Visit the Tuition and Fees webpage for details. Other fees that will be charged to your UVic account include student society fees, athletics and recreation fees and the UVic bus pass. You will also be expected to pay for all required textbooks and course materials. Tuition and student fees will vary according to your faculty or program, whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student and how many courses you take.

Exchange students: You will pay tuition fees at your home institution. Contact your UVic exchange advisor for more information.

Living expenses

Living expenses include food, clothing, accommodation and utilities, transportation, health insurance, recreation, entertainment and personal or family care. For an estimate of living expenses in Victoria check out the Annual Costs webpage. Keep in mind that your living expenses will depend on your lifestyle and be sure to allow for unexpected costs.

Financial assistance

Financial assistance for international students can be very limited as you are not eligible to apply for Canada's student loan programs. Some awards and scholarships available to international students studying in Canada are listed on the International Scholarships website. UVic also offers a number of awards, scholarships and bursaries. Visit the Student Awards and Financial Aid website for more information.

Graduate students: Grants, fellowships and research awards are available for graduate students. More information is available through the Faculty of Graduate Studies website. You should also contact your department to inquire about the possibility of obtaining a teaching or research assistantship.

Work permits and employment

The immigration regulations that allow for international student employment can be found on the Work Opportunities webpage. Read these regulations carefully, and do not work without the proper authorization. If you do, you may be asked to leave Canada.

Although employment opportunities are available, there is no guarantee you will find a job and there are restrictions on the number of hours you can work while studying. Also, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will not consider potential employment income as proof of sufficient funds for a study permit application. For these reasons, it is unwise to rely on potential employment income when preparing your budget.

TIP: If you have a study permit and are registered in full-time studies you can work on campus without a work permit. If you want to work off campus, you will need to apply for a student work permit.