The diploma option requires formal admission to UVic as well as admission to the Canadian Studies program. The certificate option requires admission to the program only.
We usually recommend the diploma option to students. Because it comprises four courses more than the certificate, it offers a wider range of study. Also, although certificate and diploma students do exactly the same work in each course, the certificate is non-credit. This means that courses are not transferable to other programs at UVic, and may not be transferable to other educational institutions. If you choose the diploma option, you may be able to use some of the courses towards a degree or another university credential in the future.
People choose the certificate option when they are certain that they will not want to use the credit towards any other university or college program.
Students who are unable to complete the diploma or certificate requirements while attending the university may:
Each course requires 36 to 39 instructional hours, plus a usual minimum of 80 hours of reading, research, and completing assignments outside of class. You should count on about 8 to 10 hours per week, per course, during the term.
If you are a certificate or non-credit student, use the receipt you receive when you pay your fees to Continuing Studies.
If you are a diploma student, you pay your program fees to Continuing Studies and your course fees to UVic. Please keep your receipt from Continuing Studies for your income tax. UVic Accounting will mail you an additional income tax receipt for the course fees you paid during the previous calendar year at the end of February.
The Division of Continuing Studies offers small bursaries to assist learners in furthering their education. Bursaries are awarded on the basis of financial need and a demonstrated interest in lifelong learning, and may be used towards the program fees for Canadian Studies. Applications are available from the receptionist at the Division of Continuing Studies, or by calling +1 (250) 472-4747. If you are a diploma (credit) student, you may be eligible for student loans. Check the UVic Financial Aid Web site or call +1 (250) 721-8423 for information.
Yes, you have the same access to the library as all students at UVic.
For transportation and other helpful information about the campus, please see our About the University section, check the General Information section of the Continuing Studies Web site, or consult the Continuing Studies Community Education and Professional Development calendar.
We also recommend that you look at the Campus Security Web site, for complete parking regulations, how to purchase parking permits, and other useful information; or call Campus Security at +1 (250) 721-7600.
A campus map is available here.
You can check for on- and off-campus housing at the University's Housing, Food, and Conferences Web site, or call +1 (250) 721-8395 for information. You could also check Victoria's local newspaper, the Times-Colonist.
This is not an extra fee. UVic requires that every newly admitted student confirm the offer of admission by paying a deposit of CDN$200. This deposit is deducted from the balance of the tuition you will pay to Accounting for the first course you take. You should not pay the CDN$200 unless you are sure you will take a course during the session in which you are admitted, as it is not refundable if you do not take a course.
Some students are informed that they have not satisfied the university English requirement because they do not have the formal indication acceptable to UVic of English proficiency. If you receive this designation, you need to arrange to take the Language Proficiency Index (LPI).
Follow this link to find out more information about the LPI, or call +1 (604) 822-4146; you may also call the UVic English Department at +1 (250) 721-7236 to have information mailed to you. If required, you should complete the LPI early in the program so that you know whether or not you will have to take an English course. Some students in the program may satisfy the English requirement through writing the test, but if you are required to take English 115, or another first year English course, you will find it valuable for improving your writing skills.
International students who need to advance their English to the level of proficiency required for admission to UVic may wish to consider an enriched program for language skill development such as the University Admission Preparation and Canadian Studies program, prior to applying for the Canadian Studies diploma or certificate.
You will need to familiarize yourself with the requirements for the degree by reading the UVic calendar. Most degrees require a certain number of credits in a major and a minor area of interest, as well as electives. In addition, there may be regulations, such as no more than five 100-level courses can be applied to a degree. When you are nearing completion of your diploma you should go to the Advising Centre for Humanities, Sciences and Social Sciences to discuss a plan to work towards a degree. Most courses you will take for the diploma should be transferable to a degree, but it will depend on the degree you choose as well as a number of other factors.
With the permission of the Canadian Studies Program Steering Committee, you may transfer up to 4.5 units of appropriate credit courses completed at UVic or other accredited universities towards your diploma, as long as you have not previously used these credits towards a degree. Conversely, you may transfer credits earned within the diploma to an undergraduate degree program.
All credit (diploma) students need to be familiar with the regulations listed in the first 35 or so pages of the UVic calendar. See the UVic Calendar Web site or pick up a copy of the calendar at the UVic Bookstore. If you have been admitted, you will receive a voucher for the calendar in your registration guide. If you have not yet been admitted, the cost of the calendar is CDN$4.00.
