Outgoing Exchange

The International Centre for Students (ICS) Exchange Program allows current students to study at one of UVic's partner universities, while earning UVic units and paying UVic tuition fees.

Students can complete up to two exchange terms (Fall and/or Spring semesters) during their degree at UVic. It is recommended that students consider an exchange opportunity in their 3rd year or beyond. 

The ICS Exchange Team coordinates outgoing exchange opportunities for students in the following faculties:

• Humanities
• Fine Arts
• Science
• Social Sciences

Students in the following faculties must first consult with their undergraduate or graduate adviser to see if an international exchange is compatible with their degree requirements:

• Engineering and Computer Science
• Education
• Health
• Graduate Studies
• Law
• Business

Why Go On Exchange?

• Immerse yourself in a new culture
• Make new friends and travel to far-off places
• Develop your skills in a second (or third!) language
• Gain international perspectives in your field of study
• Enroll in the SDGs-in-Action challenge during your exchange to receive a Certificate of Completion co-signed by UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research) and CIFAL Victoria

Partner Universities

UVic students can attend one of over 80 partner universities in various countries around the world, from Japan to Chile. For a full list of partners, with more details about their offerings, academics, and accommodations, please click on the button below:

Credits on Exchange

Each host university has different courses and a different credit system than UVic. As such, exchange students will need to determine the value of the credits at the host university, as well as course equivalency.

It is each students' responsibility to ensure the credits they earn on exchange add up to 4.5 UVic units (part-time exchange) or 7.5 UVic units (full-time exchange). To do this, students will need to submit exchange course evaluations.

Exchange Course Evaluations at UVic: 

• Once accepted into the ICS Exchange Program, UVic exchange students will be able to submit host university courses to UVic for evaluation.
• The results will indicate how many UVic units each host university course is worth, as well as the course equivalency.
• Students must use the evaluation results to ensure their host university courses credits add up to the equivalent UVic units they are registered for. 
• This online evaluation process opens in late September for Spring exchange terms and in late March for Fall exchange terms. Evaluations take 4-6 weeks for results to be made available via email. 
• Course evaluations results are tentative until the end of the exchange term, when a final evaluation is conducted by UVic Records using students' official host university transcript, and the results are applied to the students' UVic record. 

How to Apply

1. Your first step is to review our requirements below to ensure you are eligible for ICS Exchange Program.
2. Then, you should research and identify a host university that aligns best with your academic goals and cultural interests.
3. Your final step is to submit an application to participate in the ICS Exchange Program by the deadline.

Review Requirements

• be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in the Faculty of Fine Arts, Humanities, Sciences, or Social Sciences at UVic
  • Fine Arts: If you are a Fine Arts student, please connect with the FA undergraduate adviser to discuss the exchange program and your degree
  • Economics: If you are a student in the Department of Economics, please refer to the ECON department website for additional exchange information specific to your program
  • French: If you are a student in the Department of French, please contact your department to discuss the possibility of exchange before you apply
  • Graduate Students: If you are a graduate student, please consult with your department before you apply
  • Students outside of the tri-faculties (Humanities, Science and Social Sciences): If you are registered in Business, Law, Nursing, Engineering or other professional programs, please consult with your department before you apply

• be registered as a full-time UVic student
  • in order to be eligible, students must be enrolled full time as defined by the UVic calendar. Students registered with the Centre for Accessible Learning may have an accommodation to take a reduced course load and still be considered a full time student for academic purposes.

• have completed at least one year of study at UVic (12.0 units) before you leave for your exchange

• be in good academic standing as outlined by the current UVic Undergraduate Calendar

Do Your Research

• Review our partner university pages for detailed information about where you can study
• Consider how an academic adviser can assist in preparing for your exchange term
  • Recommended: Make an appointment with an academic adviser to discuss your exchange related to your UVic degree requirements, declaring your major, understanding your Curriculum, Advising and Program Planning (CAPP) report and exchange credits
• Check out the StoryMap project to learn from previous exchange student experiences
• Register for events hosted by the exchange team 
• Use the application documents as planning tools to help guide your research

Timeline

• ICS Exchange Program application deadline for Fall and Spring term

3 weeks after exchange application deadline

• ICS Exchange Team to review applications
• Students to receive exchange offer via email with a 48 hr acceptance deadline

4-6 weeks after offer accepted from ICS Exchange Team

• ICS Exchange Team submits student nominations to host university
• Nomination processes/deadlines vary amongst host universities

2+ weeks after host university nomination deadline

• Host university reaches out to students with invitation to apply to their institution
• Students follow directions to apply directly to host university

• Host university to inform students about the outcome of their exchange application 
• An acceptance letter will be issued by the host university, and by the ICS Exchange Team, upon request

Once you have ensured that you are eligible for the ICS Exchange Program, it is time to review the application instructions. Please click the button below to check out all of the applications steps that need to be followed before you can submit your application:

Application Deadline

February 1st

• Fall semester or two-term (Fall & Spring) exchanges

August 1st

• Spring semester exchange

Connect with the ICS Exchange Team

• The ICS Exchange Team would be happy to chat with you about your plans for exchange.
• Please reach out to Christian, the Exchange Student Adviser, via email or you can book an appointment using the button below.
• Appointments can either be held in-person at the office in the International Centre for Students in the Jamie Cassels Centre (JCC B202d), or virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Preparing for Departure

After you have been selected to participate in the ICS Exchange Program, you'll work closely with the Exchange Team to prepare for your departure. You can expect to:

• receive guidance from the Exchange Student Adviser on applying to your host university
• attend several pre-departure sessions host by the ICS Exchange Team, which cover travel safety, courses/credits, funding, and cultural intelligence
• connect with the exchange team at your host university to receive local resources and supports

Identities Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to explore the world, but every journey is shaped by who you are. Factors like your cultural background, gender identity, race, or disabilities can influence your experiences in new environments. At UVic, we are committed to supporting you as you navigate these unique opportunities and challenges. 

Our Identities Abroad pages are designed to help you plan for your international experience with tailored resources, reflective questions, and practical advice. Studying abroad is a chance to connect with the world, grow as an individual, and broaden your perspective—and we are here to help you make the most of it. 

To be published soon!

SDGs-in-Action

Upgrade your exchange!

Add a United Nations CIFAL qualification to your international experience (and your CV!) by taking the SDGs-In-Action challenge.   

Learn how to advance a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal in your host community with our brand new, self-paced pre-departure course. Then, design and run your own community engagement activity. You could coordinate a beach clean-up, mobilize a food bank service, host an upskilling workshop, or engineer a health awareness campaign. So many ways to make a difference! 

This course is certified by CIFAL Victoria, an accredited United Nations (UN) International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders (known by the French acronym CIFAL). CIFAL Victoria provides certification for training courses that build the capabilities of individuals and communities towards the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Participants who successfully complete this course are eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion co-signed by UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research) and CIFAL Victoria.

StoryMap Project - Student Experiences

The ICS exchange team is excited to capture exchange student experiences on our StoryMap site.

The Journey Across Borders StoryMap is a project from students for students. Check out the preview below or go directly to the site. 

StoryMaps intro

StoryMaps is an online storytelling tool that allows you to easily create compelling interactive content that combines maps, multimedia and text.

It can be used to share stories about your exchange, capture memories and inspire future student to study abroad.

Get started with your story

Here are some ideas to help you get started:

1. The Beginnings: Reflect on your initial feelings, expectations, and the moment you set foot in your host country. What were your first impressions, and how did they evolve over time?
2. Cultural Connections: Share stories of cultural encounters, whether it's a local tradition, a favorite dish, or a festival that left a lasting impression.
3. Academic Insights: Describe the courses, professors, or projects that stood out to you during your exchange program. How did this experience contribute to your academic growth?
4. Unexpected Discoveries: Highlight any surprises or unexpected adventures that you stumbled upon during your time abroad. What did you learn from these experiences?
5. Friendships and Connections: Introduce us to the people who made your exchange memorable. Share anecdotes about the friendships you formed and the connections you'll cherish forever.
6. Personal Growth: Reflect on the ways in which this exchange program has influenced your personal development. Did it challenge you, inspire you, or lead you to newfound passions?
7. A Glimpse into the Future: Share your aspirations and how this exchange program has shaped your future goals, both personally and professionally.

Share your StoryMap

We’re excited to hear your story! Please share it with us by completing this form.

With your permission, we will highlight your StoryMap on our UVic International StoryMap and on social media!

If you have used an alternative mode to capture your experience such as a blog, vlog, padlet or photo diary, let us know - we are happy to link it to our map to inspire prospective students!

Exchange Photo Contest

*2024 Photo Contest Closed*

• Are you currently on exchange or have you recently returned from studying abroad? Share the incredible moments from your study abroad experience by entering our Exchange Photo Contest. Submit your favourite photos for a chance to win exciting prizes!
• We are no longer accepting photo submissions but stay tuned for a new deadline for the 2025 Photo Contest. 

Events

Explore the upcoming events tailored for both current and prospective outbound exchange students, as well as informative sessions on other international opportunities.

Don't forget to follow the ICS Exchange Program on Instagram for upcoming opportunities, events, student stories, and deadlines: @uvicinternational

Looking for information and events for inbound exchange students? Check out our Inbound Exchange page.

Returning to Canada

Returning to Canada is just as much a part of the exchange experience as leaving. When you plan your departure from your host country, please allow adequate time for administrative details, travel arrangements, farewell parties, and other important tasks.

Make sure you consider the steps that you will need to take before you leave your host country and once you return to Canada.