The minimum GPA required for admission to the University of Victoria (UVic) in Canada is 4.0 on UVic’s 9-point scale, which is equivalent to a B average. However, most programs at UVic are competitive and require a higher GPA for admission. For example, the School of Environmental Studies typically only admits students who have a GPA of 6.5 (B+ / A-) or greater over the second half of their program.
Graduate programs at UVic also have higher GPA requirements. For admission to a master’s program, you must have a GPA of at least 5.0 (B) over the last two years of your undergraduate degree. For admission to a PhD program, you must have a GPA of at least 7.0 (A-) on your master’s degree.
Here is a table of the minimum GPA requirements for admission to UVic, by program type:
| Program Type | Minimum GPA | |—|—|—| | Undergraduate | 4.0 (B) | | Master’s | 5.0 (B) over the last two years of undergraduate degree | | PhD | 7.0 (A-) on master’s degree |
Please note that these are just the minimum requirements. In practice, you may need a higher GPA to be admitted to your desired program, especially if it is competitive. It is also important to note that some programs have additional admission requirements, such as specific courses or letters of recommendation.
Admission and program requirements
Prerequisites and Criteria for Admission to Masters and PhD Programs in Environmental Studies
MA/MSc. The only formal prerequisite for admission to the Master of Arts or Master of Sciences (MA/MSc) programs in Environmental Studies is a bachelors degree with a GPA of 6.5 (B+ / A-) or greater over the second half of program. In practice, a higher GPA may be required for admission.
PhD. Admission requires a master’s degree, preferably in an area of study related to your proposed graduate program, with a minimum overall average of A-, 7.0 on the University of Victoria 9-point scale. In practice, a higher GPA may be required for admission.
Admission to all of these programs is highly competitive and the School of Environmental Studies typically only admits students who meet the following criteria:
- Students must have First-Class standing, based on the last two years (or equivalent number of terms) of full-time study. This means that to be considered, students must have an even higher GPA than that stated above: at least 3.7/4.0 (or A-), equivalent to 7.0 on UVic’s 9.0-scale. Some exceptions may be made, in extenuating circumstances, such as with mature applicants who have: 1) achieved significant work experience, 2) shown evidence of an ability to complete major projects in a competent and timely manner, and 3) have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities expected of highly accomplished undergraduate students.
- Students must have made contact with one of our faculty members approximately four to twelve months before the application due date. Our faculty members conduct research in our School’s three streams of study: political ecology, ethnoecology, and restoration ecology. Our research-intensive master’s degrees are thesis-based and require that you find a project of mutual interest with one of our faculty members. On your application, you will be required to indicate a faculty member to be your proposed supervisor, and only those who have established a connection with a faculty member are likely to be considered for admission. Information on our faculty can be found on our website, under the People tab.
When looking for a prospective supervisor, it is vital that you familiarize yourself with the research our faculty members do by visiting their research pages. Many faculty members include information for prospective students on their web page, and some list the documents they would like to receive in email inquiries. In general, including a transcript, a curriculum vitae/resume, a summary of your research background, and a prospective research proposal is required. It is critical that your research proposal is well-developed and demonstrates how it is connected to the research of the faculty member you are contacting. All applications will be reviewed by the School’s Graduate Program Committee, but only applicants who have communicated with a faculty member and been encouraged to apply are likely to be considered for admission.
Proof of English-language proficiency may be required if English is not your first language, as determined by our Faculty of Graduate Studies. The tests accepted by UVic are TOEFL, IELTS and MET. More information about who is exempt from this requirement can be found on the UVic website Test scores must be submitted to the Graduate Admissions and Records Office together with their application forms. Even with passing language proficiency scores, students may be required to take English language courses as well as their other course work.
Documents Required for Submission with Application
- Statement of research interest (1-2 pages; identifying the faculty member(s) you wish to work with. Remember that this must be someone you have established contact with who has indicated an interest in working with you)
- Brief essay highlighting your past accomplishments, evidence of creativity and research potential (1-2 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae / resume
Please consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies for additional information regarding admissions requirements.