The University of Victoria is a public university on British Columbia's coast, serving over 22,000 students from more than 100 countries.
The University of Victoria is located at 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria BC V8P 5C2, Canada, on British Columbia's coast. The university operates under the authority of the University Act and is governed by a Board of Governors and Senate. Its Campus Plan is designed to help it achieve its vision of making a vital impact on people, places and the planet.
The origins of the university can be traced back to 1903 and the establishment of Victoria College, its predecessor institution. Victoria College was originally affiliated with McGill University, and the three martlets on the university's shield refer to those on McGill's crest. The university received degree-granting status in 1963.
The university offers 280+ undergraduate and graduate programs in a West Coast setting. It serves more than 22,000 students, including a large international population from over 100 countries. The institution has 6,000+ employees, including 900+ faculty members. Undergraduate applications are made through EducationPlannerBC, and graduate applicants apply with a supervisor.
The university ranked first in Canada for research impact and second overall among mid-sized universities in the Maclean's University Rankings 2027. It has identified five overlapping research impact areas and holds 68 Research Chairs. More than 50 research centres, entities and facilities support its research activity. Approximately 83% of graduating students find jobs.
Campus facilities include UVic Residence, the Mearns–McPherson Library, Diana M. Priestly Library, Special Collections & University Archives, and the Digital Scholarship Commons. The Legacy Art Gallery and the Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA) are also on campus, along with the CARSA Climbing Centre, a 2,100-seat performance gym, and the UVic Sports Injury Clinic.