uStart
The uStart program is for high-achieving students from the Greater Victoria School District (SD61) who want to take courses at UVic during Grade 12.
- Receive elective credit toward your diploma and university credit from UVic.
- Get a head start on your post-secondary studies with your tuition paid by SD61.
If you're thinking about applying, talk to your high school's career centre as soon as possible in your Grade 11 year. You'll need their assistance to prepare your application.
Admission criteria
To apply for uStart you must:
- be enrolled at a secondary school in SD61
- be at least 16 years of age (except under special circumstances)
- be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- be on track to complete the grade 11/12 courses required for admission to a degree program at UVic
- have a minimum 85% average in all academic subjects to date
- have high academic standing (approximately 90%) in the field of study you plan to pursue at university
- demonstrate language proficiency if English is not your primary language.
If you're not eligible for uStart, you may be able to apply for Accelerated Entry.
How to apply
Your application package must include:
- a completed application form (provided by your career centre)
- a completed student transition/education plan (provided by your career centre)
- a cover letter introducing yourself and why you want to participate in uStart, as well as your future post-secondary plans
- a $20 application fee (non-refundable)
Submit your application to your career centre. They'll send it to SD61's District Career Coordinator along with:
- a recommendation letter from your school's principal verifying your potential for success in uStart and future post-secondary studies
- a Diploma Verification Report, including in-progress grades for all courses to be completed by June of your Grade 11 year
Application timeline
- February 1, 2024: applications open for September 2024
- April 6, 2024: application deadline
- Mid-May: applicants are notified by email
- May/June: students select courses (with help from your career centre)
- End of June: official admission letters are mailed to uStart participants
Student fees
uStart tuition is paid by SD61, but you're responsible for student fees and other costs such as textbooks and lab supplies. Your student fees enable you to use services and facilities provided by the UVic Students’ Society (UVSS) and UVic Athletics & Recreation.
Estimated fees
- UVic Students' Society: $37
- Athletics & Recreation: $94
- U-Pass: $81
- Students who already have valid BC Transit bus passes may opt out of the U-Pass program.
Paying your student fees
Fees are due at the end of the first month for each term in which you are taking classes. You'll be able to check your balance online via your UVic student account.
Choosing courses
Review the list of first-year courses to find courses of interest. Beginning in May, you can visit the Course timetable page to find out if and when your preferred courses are offered.
- Once you've been accepted to the uStart program, your career centre will help you to determine the courses that fit best with your Grade 12 schedule and workload.
- uStart students are usually limited to one course per term.
- Your school will provide your final course selection to UVic in early June, and you'll receive an official admission letter with course confirmation in late June.
- You can request course changes before classes begin, but requests after July 1 may result in you being placed on waitlists.