The uStart program provides an opportunity for high-achieving high school students from the Greater Victoria School District (SD61) to enroll in selected courses at the University of Victoria (UVic) for dual credit during their grade 12 year. As a uStart participant, you will:

• Explore a university environment while completing high school  
• Experience post-secondary education with your tuition paid by SD61
• Receive elective credits towards your high school diploma and university credit from UVic 
• Get a head start on your post-secondary studies

​Eligibility
​Participation in uStart is open to students who are:
In their Grade 12 year at a secondary school in SD61
Canadian citizens or permanent residents ( International students can access UVic through the Accelerated Entry program – fees apply)Getting started
Applications are submitted during the Grade 11 school year, enabling students to plan how they will fit courses at UVic into their Grade 12 studies.
Review the program guide to see if uStart is the right fit for you and your educational goals. You’ll need to think about your future post-secondary plans, what class you’d like to study at UVic and if you’ll have room with your high school timetable and busy schedule.
If you’re thinking about applying, you should speak with your high school counsellor or principal as early as possible about your interest in the program. Together you can decide if participation is a good option for you. Your high school counsellor or principal can help you prepare your application package.Tuition and program fees
Your uStart tuition will be paid by SD61. However, you are responsible for paying student fees and other costs related to your studies, such as textbooks and lab supplies.
Note that your student fees enable you to use the services and facilities provided by the UVic Students’ Society (UVSS) and UVic Athletics & Recreation. Estimated student fees per term  UVSS: $35.43 UVSS renovation fee: $2.50 U-PASS (bus pass)* $81.00 Athletics & Recreation $41.05 *Students who already have valid BC Transit bus passes may opt out of the U-PASS program.

​Selection decisions
April – applications are sent in
May – decisions are sent by email.
May / June – uStart students select courses (with help from high school counsellors)
End of June – Official admission letters are mailed to uStart participants.
Fall / winter – Participants attend classes at UVic ​.