uStart

The uStart program provides an opportunity for high-achieving high school students from the Greater Victoria School District to enroll in selected courses at UVic for dual credit during their Grade 12 year.
  • Explore a university environment while completing high school
  • Experience post-secondary education with your tuition paid by SD61
  • Receive elective credits towards your high school diploma and university credit from UVic
  • Get a head start on your post-secondary studies

​Eligibility​

Participation in uStart is open to students who are in their Grade 12 year at a secondary school in SD61 and Canadian citizens or permanent residents (International students can access UVic through the Accelerated Entry program – fees apply)

Getting started

Applications are submitted during the Grade 11 school year, enabling students to plan how they will fit courses at UVic into their Grade 12 studies.
Review the program guide to see if uStart is the right fit for you and your educational goals. You’ll need to think about your future post-secondary plans, what class you’d like to study at UVic and if you’ll have room with your high school timetable and busy schedule.
If you’re thinking about applying, you should speak with Samantha or Ms. McDiarmid early as possible about your interest in the program. Together you can decide if participation is a good option for you.

uStart program fees

UVIC TUITION

Tuition is paid by the Greater Victoria School District. Further details are available in the full uStart Program Guide.
UVIC ANCILLARY FEES
Ancillary fees are mandatory for all UVic students, including participants in the uStart program. These fees are approximately $165 for uStart students, and include the University of Victoria Students’ Society, Athletics and Recreation, and the Universal Bus Pass.
UVic ancillary fees are your responsibility and must be paid in full by the fee deadline. Ancillary fees are refundable only if you withdraw before the 100% drop date.
Please Note: Written notice to Undergraduate Admissions is required in order to withdraw from the uStart program
UVIC TUITION
Tuition is paid by the Greater Victoria School District. Further details are available in the full uStart Program Guide.
UVIC ANCILLARY FEES
Ancillary fees are mandatory for all UVic students, including participants in the uStart program. These fees are approximately $165 for uStart students, and include the University of Victoria Students’ Society, Athletics and Recreation, and the Universal Bus Pass.
UVic ancillary fees are your responsibility and must be paid in full by the fee deadline. Ancillary fees are refundable only if you withdraw before the 100% drop date.
Please Note: Written notice to Undergraduate Admissions is required in order to withdraw from the uStart program

Admission criteria

uStart applicants must meet the following admission criteria:

  • Enrolled in Grade 12 at an SD61 school (Grade 11 at the time of application)
  • Completing the full range of grade 11 and 12 courses required to be admitted to degree studies at UVic
  • Minimum 85% average in all academic subjects to date
  • High academic standing (approximately 90%) in the field of study you plan to pursue at university
  • Recommended for admission by your secondary school principal
  • Complete all prerequisites identified for the course(s) you’ve selected prior to the first day of classes
  • Demonstrate language proficiency if English is not your primary language (uvic.ca/esl)
  • Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • At least 16 years of age (except under special circumstances)

 

APPLICATION TIMELINE

NOW
Discuss the program with your high school counsellor

FEBRUARY
Obtain a copy of the full uStart Program Guide and application from your counsellor

BY APRIL 21
Prepare and submit the application and supplementary materials

EARLY MAY
uStart selection committee begins reviewing all eligible applications

MID MAY
Successful applicants are notified by email

LATE MAY/EARLY JUNE
uStart students meet with their counsellors to go over the UVic timetable and make a final course selection

END OF JUNE
Official admission letters are mailed out to confirm students have been registered in their approved courses

 

If this opportunity looks like something you would like to apply for, connect with Samantha or Ms. McDiarmid