How to Apply to Computer Science at the University of Victoria: Direct Entry From High School, 77% in Pre-Calculus 12 for BC Students, and Requirements and Timeline for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

The University of Victoria (UVic) is in Victoria, BC’s capital. Computer Science is offered by the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, leading to a Bachelor of Science (BSc). UVic states that high school students and transfer students can apply directly to this program. Here is what you need to know for September 2027 entry, based on UVic’s official information, for students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students), students at high schools in China, and transfer students.

1. Program and co-op

• Combined degrees: besides Computer Science alone, options include Computer Science and Health Information Science, Computer Science and Mathematics, Data Science, Geography and Computer Science (Geomatics), Music and Computer Science, Physics and Computer Science, Psychology and Computer Science, and Visual Arts and Computer Science.
• Co-op: open to everyone, including international students with co-op work permits; work terms are paid, career-related and count toward the degree. UVic says that on average 70% of co-op students graduate with a job offer.
• First-year housing: you can apply for the Engineering Living and Learning Community.

2. Students at Canadian high schools

• BC and Yukon:
  • Grade 11: approved English 11, Pre-Calculus 11, an approved science 11 and an approved social studies 11/12;
  • Grade 12: English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 (minimum 73%), Pre-Calculus 12 (minimum 77%), an approved science 12 and an approved academic 12;
  • Estimated admission average: minimum 80% (on required Grade 12 courses), based on recent cycles and possibly higher in future.
• Ontario: English 4U (minimum 73%), Advanced Functions 4U (minimum 77%), an approved 4U science and three more 4U/4M courses; estimated average at least 80%.
• Expanded qualifications: grades are the main criterion, but a limited number of Canadian high school graduates may be considered on non-academic qualifications.
• IB in Canada: full Diploma with at least three HL subjects; English HL or SL (minimum 3); Math HL or SL (minimum 4; Math Studies and Math AI SL are not accepted); one science; estimated IB score 27 (excluding bonus points).

3. Students at high schools in China

• Graduation and grades: senior secondary graduation showing Senior Years 1 to 3, with an overall average of at least 80%; Huikao or Xuekao.
• Subjects: three years of senior math (Pre-Calculus), with at least 85% in senior math; three years of senior science in two subject areas.
• Estimated admission average: 85% (years 10 to 12). UVic’s China requirements do not mention the Gaokao.
• A-levels: one of these combinations with at least C in each: three A Levels; two A Levels plus two AS Levels in distinct subjects; or four AS Levels. English at O or A Level; Mathematics at A Level, minimum B; a science at A or AS Level. Estimated grades BBC (three A Levels).
• IB: as above, estimated 27 points.
• American curriculum: at least 14 college-preparatory courses, including 4 English, 4 math including pre-calculus (minimum B-), 3 science and 3 social studies; estimated unweighted GPA at least 3.20; SAT/ACT optional but considered (SAT 1250, ACT 26).

4. English requirements

• Direct admission: IELTS Academic 6.5 with 6.0 in each band (one-skill retakes accepted); TOEFL iBT 88 (20 in each section) or 4.5 on the new scale (4.0 in each); Duolingo 120 (subscores 110); PTE 65; CAEL 70.
• Some programs can offer conditional admission to applicants slightly below these scores; check your offer and the English requirements page for whether Computer Science is included.

5. Timeline

• Apply through EducationPlannerBC.
• 31 January 2027: deadline for most September programs. UVic says some programs stay open after the deadline while they remain selectable on EducationPlannerBC, but may close at any time.

6. Tuition and scholarships

• International tuition (two terms, rates effective 1 May 2026, CAD): Year 1 42,618, Year 2 48,746, Year 3 51,670, Year 4 54,770.
• Other fees: the estimate also lists a co-op program fee of CAD 1,764 a year, Engineering Student Society CAD 60, UVic Students’ Society CAD 174 and medical insurance CAD 265, among others.
• Automatic entrance scholarships (no application): CAD 15,000 once for international students with an admission average of A- or equivalent; Canadian citizens and permanent residents with 90% or higher (or IB 32) also receive automatic awards. You must enter first year directly from high school.

7. Transfer students

• Minimum transfer averages (calendar minimums; actual averages may be higher; repeated and failed courses count):
  • BC college: eight or more university-transfer courses (12 UVic units or 24 credits) with at least C+ (3.00 on UVic’s 9-point scale) on the most recent 12 units; A- (7.00) for one full year of a diploma program; B (5.00) for a completed diploma; certificate programs are not eligible.
  • Canadian university (including UVic): eight or more university-level courses with at least C+ on the most recent 12 UVic units.
• Required courses (or equivalents): CSC 110 or 111, CSC 115 or 116, MATH 100 or 109, and MATH 101.
• If you have not completed 12 UVic units or one year of a diploma, you must also meet the high school requirements for Year 1.

Checklist

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students):

• Apply to Computer Science on EducationPlannerBC by 31 January 2027
• English Studies 12 at 73%+, Pre-Calculus 12 at 77%+, plus a grade 12 science; aim for 80% or higher

Students at high schools in China:

• At least 80% across Senior Years 1 to 3, 85% in senior math, and three years of science in two subjects; aim for 85%
• IELTS 6.5 (6.0 each), TOEFL 4.5 (new scale) or Duolingo 120
• International students with an A- admission average receive CAD 15,000 automatically

Transfer students:

• Complete two programming and two calculus courses (CSC 110/111, 115/116; MATH 100/109, 101)
• At least C+ on the most recent 12 UVic units; A- for one year of a BC college diploma

Sources: University of Victoria, Computer Science program and admission requirements (with fee estimate); Application deadlines; English language requirements; How to apply; Entrance scholarships. Information is for September 2027 entry (tuition rates effective 1 May 2026). Check UVic for the latest details.