Study in Victoria, Canada

About Victoria

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, at the southern tip of Vancouver Island on Canada's west coast. Statistics Canada estimates the population of the Victoria census metropolitan area at 445,090 on 1 July 2025. The University of Victoria describes it as the city with the mildest climate in Canada, with 50% less rainfall than Vancouver.

Victoria suits students who want a smaller, relaxed city with easy access to the sea and the outdoors, while still studying at a large university or public college. It is also a popular place for English courses and for secondary school in a boarding environment.

Studying in Victoria

Our directory lists three schools in Victoria: two universities and colleges and one private school. Teaching is in English.

• The University of Victoria - English Language Centre (ELC) is part of UVic's Continuing Studies. Students from more than 30 countries learn English there, and its 12-week programmes start in January or April. The University of Victoria itself has more than 22,000 students, international students from over 100 countries and ten academic faculties, and its campus is 15 minutes from downtown.
• Camosun College is one of the largest public colleges in British Columbia, with more than 160 programmes. The province authorised it in October 1970; its name comes from a Lekwungen word meaning "where different waters meet and are transformed". According to the college, over 82% of its courses include experiential and applied learning.
• St. Michaels University School (SMUS) is a day and boarding school from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, with boarding for Grades 9 to 12.

Geography, biology, economics, history and psychology are among the subjects most often listed by the Victoria schools in our directory.

Cost of living for students

No official figure for typical student rents is published. According to UVic, it is common in Victoria for students to rent a room, an apartment or a house with roommates. English Language Centre students can also choose UVic homestay, available from September to June, or the UVic dormitories, from May to August, depending on the programme.

For day-to-day spending, UVic's English Language Centre suggests setting aside $200 to $400 for extra activities and lists a fast food meal at $12 to $20. Most foreign nationals also need a study permit for a designated learning institution (DLI); the application fee is CAN$150, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Students whose permit allows it can work off campus up to 24 hours per week during regular terms.

Getting around and daily life

Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is a 30- to 40-minute drive north of the UVic campus, and flights to Vancouver or Seattle take about 20 minutes. UVic advises international students to fly into Victoria rather than travel on by bus and ferry after a long flight. Local buses stop at a bus depot on the UVic campus, with services throughout the city.

With the mildest climate in Canada, Victoria is an outdoor city: many students spend their free time hiking, kayaking or at the beach.

Frequently asked questions

Is Victoria a good place to learn English?

Yes. The University of Victoria's English Language Centre teaches students from more than 30 countries and offers homestay or campus dormitory options, depending on the programme.

Which colleges and universities are in Victoria?

Our directory lists the University of Victoria's English Language Centre and Camosun College, one of the largest public colleges in British Columbia.

How do I get to Victoria?

Most international students fly to Vancouver and then take a 20-minute flight to Victoria International Airport (YYJ); the alternative is a bus and ferry trip to Vancouver Island.

Can international students work while studying in Victoria?

Students with a study permit that allows off-campus work can work up to 24 hours per week during regular terms, according to IRCC.