약칭은 ‘UVic’이다. 1903년 7월 1일, 빅토리아고등학교에서 발전한 '빅토리아대학(Victoria College)'으로 설립되었다. 이 당시 맥길대학교의 분교가 되어 예술과 과학 부문의 1~2학년 수업을 진행하였다. 당시 작은 목조 별관에서 수업이 이루어졌고 1914년 새롭게 문을 연 빅토리아고등학교 교사의 맨 위층으로 이전하였다. 

1915년 브리티시컬럼비아대학교가 개교하였으며, 이때 1908년에 제정된 법령에 따라 빅토리아대학은 고등교육을 실시하지 않게 되었다. 1920년 가을에 지역사회의 요구에 따라 브리티시컬럼비아대학교과 연계한 2년제 대학으로 다시 시작하였고 1921년에는 웅장한 던스뮤어(Dunsmuir) 저택으로 이전하였다. 1961년 첫 학사학위를 수여했고 1963년 학위를 완전하게 수여할 수 있는 종합대학교로 승격하면서 독립하여 현재의 고든헤드(Gordon Head) 캠퍼스로 이전했다. 브리티시컬럼비아주정부가 운영한다. 

2010년 기준 상학부, 교육학부, 공학부, 예술학부, 인간·사회개발학부, 인문학부, 법학부, 과학부, 사회과학부, 대학원학부의 10개 학부와 평생교육부, 의과부에서 다양한 학부·대학원과정을 제공한다. 

캠퍼스는 휴양도시 빅토리아의 교외지역인 오크베이(Oak Bay)와 사니치(Saanich) 사이의 고든 헤드에 있다. 캠퍼스 대부분이 자연으로 둘러싸였으며 아름다운 경관과 온화한 날씨로 유명하다. 특히 면적 2만 7000㎡의 피너티 가든(Finnerty Gardens)과 4만 4000㎡의 울창한 미스틱 계곡(Mystic Vale)은 널리 알려져 있다. 제2차 세계대전 중 캠퍼스 북쪽에 군대 막사로 지은 9층 규모의 실용적인 목조건물(Army Huts)은 역사적·문화적 가치가 인정되어 문화유산 건물로 지정되었다.   

부속시설로 도서관, 학습자료 센터, 미술관, 라디오 방송국, 학보사, 피닉스극장, 시네센타극장, 몰트우드미술관, 레거시미술관, 언어연구소 등이 있다.

The University of Victoria (UVic), one of Canada’s leading universities, is a rich and supportive learning community for students and faculty alike. Widely recognized for excellence in research, inspired teaching and civic engagement, UVic provides innovative programs and real-life learning experiences in a diverse and welcoming West Coast environment. UVic will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2012-2013 and is inviting the on- and off-campus community to join in the celebration.

At UVic, our West Coast setting is more than just a beautiful backdrop. It feeds our curiosity and informs our research, our teaching methods and our programs — whether it is environmental studies, earth and ocean sciences, or sustainable practices in business or environmental law. The drive to better understand the natural world has helped UVic become an international leader in fields including global change and sustainability, matter and energy, society and health, oceans and climate, and Indigenous

and cultural studies.

Serving more than 20,000 students from around the world, UVic’s academic programs are constantly evolving to provide education that will equip students for a rapidly changing world. UVic faculty members have received numerous awards for excellence in teaching, including national 3M Teaching Fellowships.

UVic is committed to increasing the number of Indigenous students graduating from all faculties. A variety of programs and initiatives support Indigenous students once they come to campus. First Peoples House, a beautiful structure in the heart of the campus, provides a welcoming and supportive space for Indigenous students, faculty and staff, and a place to promote intercultural understanding.

With one of the largest university cooperative education programs in the country, and extensive practica and internship opportunities, UVic is a Canadian leader in experiential learning.

UVic’s varsity athletics program is recognized as one of the best in Canada. Known as the Vikes, the varsity teams rank fourth in the nation, having won a total of 70 Canadian university championships. More than 150 athletes, coaches and Vikes alumni have

represented Canada at the Olympic Games.

The university is located a short walk from the beach and only a 15-minute drive or bus ride from downtown Victoria. The campus includes a system of scenic jogging trails, internationally famed rhododendron gardens and a wooded ravine preserved as an ecological area that serves as an outdoor classroom.

Student fees

Canadian student fees 2010 - 2011 *

Undergraduate tuition fees: $4,766

Graduate tuition fees: $4,950

International student fees 2010 - 2011 *

Undergraduate tuition fees: $15,422

Graduate tuition fees: $5,890

* Source: Statistics Canada. Fees for general programs in arts and humanities.

Note: In addition to tuition fees, universities generally charge fees for goods and services supplied to students. This includes areas such as student associations, sports and health. These additional fees vary widely per university and per student and can run from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Check with the university for details.

Student enrolment

2010 rounded preliminary fall enrolment *

Full-time (undergraduates): 12,770

Full-time (graduates): 2,810

Part-time (undergraduates): 4,250

Part-time (graduates): 210

* Source: University of Victoria