Finances

Your education is a vital investment in your future goals. Spending time to carefully plan your budget and consider your funding options is essential for maximizing the return on that investment. Prices, currency values and currency exchange regulations change frequently, so be sure to use up-to-date information when planning your budget.

TIP: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) requires all study permit applicants to show proof that they have sufficient funds to cover student fees and living expenses.

Tuition

Students who do not have Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status are required to pay international tuition at colleges and universities across Canada. The amount of tuition you must pay at UVic will depend on your program of study. Visit the Tuition and Fees webpage for details.

TIP: Contact tuition@uvic.ca for information about paying tuition by wire transfer from an international bank.

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

Living expenses

Living expenses include accommodation and utilities, food, health insurance, recreation, clothing and personal or family care. For an estimate of living expenses in British Columbia, visit the Estimated Expenses webpage. Keep in mind that your actual living expenses will depend on your lifestyle - and be sure to set aside some money for unexpected costs.

Financial assistance

Financial assistance for international students is limited and highly competitive. Awards available to international students studying in Canada are listed on the International Scholarships website. Visit the Student Awards and Financial Aid website for information about scholarships and bursaries offered by UVic.

Graduate students: Information about grants, fellowships and research awards is available on the Graduate Studies website. You should also contact your academic unit to inquire about funding opportunities such as teaching and research assistantships.

Employment

The Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) 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, 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 valid study permit and are registered in full-time studies you can work on campus without a work permit. The definition of full-time studies is available in the UVic Calendar. If you want to work off campus, you will need to apply for a work permit.