Safe, friendly, and beautiful, University of Victoria is Canada’s most charming school, and for good reason. As a younger university with a progressive reputation, UVic is recognized for its civic engagement, diverse student body, and lush natural beauty, close to mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It’s ranked among the country’s top research institutions, attracting an international pool of researchers, educators, and students to its picturesque campus on Vancouver Island.
University of Victoria English Language Standalone Program









About the Program
Program Advisor

At a Glance
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
Kyoko Hama
At first, I wasn't able to have a good conversation, but I was able to deepen my English and friendships by going out for dinner and playing table tennis together.
University of Victoria SAF Alumni

About the University
University of Victoria
This is a young university committed to economic wellbeing, technological advances, and social justice. Given degree-granting status in 1963, University of Victoria (UVic) accelerated to become one of Canada’s top research institutions, and it is widely recognized for its civic engagement. It is little surprise that UVic alumni include notable politicians, jurists, and founders of leading tech firms Hootsuite, Flickr, and Slack.
The charmingly supportive community reaches out virtually in this English language learning experience.
Learn more at University of Victoria's official website.
Academics

The University of Victoria's Academic Approach
The University of Victoria’s English Language Program (ELC) immerses you in English, from dynamic classroom settings to organized social events and activities that encourage a natural progression of English. Find even more support at teaching labs in The Writing Center and Computer Assisted Language Lab, which further help to develop your language skills without the pressure of a formal setting.
Courses
Registration occurs before you arrive on campus.
Classroom Hours
The SAF program fee tuition rate covers 30 hours of language instruction per week in spring and fall, 20 hours per week in winter, and 22.5 hours per week in summer.
Each quarter includes:
- Core classes
- Electives that focus on language skills according to your needs and interests
- ELC Learning Centre
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Application Requirements
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
There are no requirements to join this program. A language test when you arrive determines your skill level. No prior test is necessary to participate.
Learn More About Language Requirements
Program Dates
When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.
The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.
Fall 2023 Language Standalone
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Fall 2023 Language Standalone + Winter Quarter 2024 Language Standalone
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Fall 2023 Language Standalone + Winter Quarter 2024 Language Standalone + Spring Quarter 2024 Language Standalone
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Spring Quarter 2024 Language Standalone + Summer 2024 Language Standalone
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Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
Spring Quarter 2024 Language Standalone + Summer 2024 Language Standalone + Fall 2024 Language Standalone
Program dates:
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
Spring Quarter 2024 Language Standalone + Summer 2024 Language Standalone + Fall 2024 Language Standalone + Winter Quarter 2025 Language Standalone
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Housing Information

Homestay
The SAF program fee includes a comfortable and friendly homestay with a local family.
*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.
About Victoria

Why Victoria
Where the founders of leading tech firms Hootsuite, Flickr, and Slack made their mark, Victoria is on the southern end of beautiful Vancouver Island. The people of Victoria are as proud of their penchant for discovery, innovation, and creativity as for their passion for the planet, which is fueled by the Pacific and their indigenous Lekwungen neighbors.
The Student Experience

Hotspots of music and culture to explore in Victoria, Canada
Plan your day or night out in Victoria on the southern tip of Vancouver Island!
Orientation
Advising and Support
The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it.
Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.
Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad
Student Blogs

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Must visits and quirky spots in Melbourne
Discover the sights and sounds of Melbourne — Australia’s cultural capital — for the ultimate study abroad experience.

Books to read while studying abroad in Edinburgh
Add to your experience of studying abroad in Edinburgh by reading some of its most famous book and literary giants.
Upcoming Events
Why Travel With SAF?
Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.
