Who it's forApplicants who have completed at least three years of post-secondary study.
“If you have fewer than 3 years of post-secondary study, admission is unlikely.” No references are required in the general JD stream.
Who it's forApplicants to the joint Canadian common law and Indigenous legal orders degree.
“The JD/JID is a smaller cohort program that admits a minimum of 25 students each September, at least half of which self-identify as Indigenous.”
It requires a separate application from the JD — “Separate applications are needed for JD and JD/JID programs” — on the same deadline and fee. Unlike the general JD, references are required.
Part A should describe “your connection to and/or involvement in an Indigenous community,” your “reasons why you want to pursue the program,” and “how you will enrich the learning environment at the faculty.”
Black applicants “will be considered only for the program they apply to but may submit applications to both the JD and JD/JID programs.”
GPA and LSAT are “weighted equally at 50%.” Beyond that, UVic conducts “a holistic review that considers the full context of your application, including any supporting documentation.”
“Your personal statement should be an intentional and authentic reflection of who you are and your interest in law.” Applicants “from across Canada and abroad are encouraged to apply.”
Interviews are never mentioned in UVic’s materials — treat them as not used.
UVic publishes something few schools do: “All Admissions committee members, as well as members of the Admissions team, undergo anti-oppression, personal bias and decolonization training annually.”
Decisions consider “equity, anti-racism, decolonization and inclusion.” The faculty “welcome[s] and [is] actively recruiting applicants from communities that experience historical and present-day systemic discrimination and marginalization, and who are committed to social justice, equity, anti-racism and decolonization.”
Conversion charts are used for different grading systems, and percentage grades are converted where possible.
The renaming is deliberate — “a switch from exclusionary to inclusive language,” alongside “adopting a strengths-based approach to admissions.”
Who it's forThe default stream.
No references required.
Who it's forApplicants who identify as Indigenous — “may, but are not required to, apply through our Indigenous Admission Stream.”
Requires “a statement describing your connection to an Indigenous community (or lack thereof, and the reasons why)” — no set format, 1–3 pages recommended, with concise language valued. It is “your opportunity to share your voice and experiences.”
Reviewed holistically “with emphasis on personal statements and life experiences, not just academic metrics.” “There are no quotas.”
Who it's forApplicants who can demonstrate that challenges they faced directly affected their academic metrics.
The requirement is unusually strict: applicants must “demonstrate a clear, direct and obvious impact of their challenges on GPA and/or LSAT scores.” Those without that nexus will be rejected and cannot be transferred to another stream.
Requires a statement explaining how the challenges affected your academic performance, plus evidence of the barriers. If you are missing standard academic units, add a brief explanation of up to 500 words.
Supporting documents are “helpful” but optional; use judgment with sensitive material and avoid “graphic or highly confidential materials.”
Who it's forApplicants who self-identify as Black. Optional stream.
Requires a Black admission statement — 1–3 pages recommended, no strict word limit — which may cover connection to the Black community, personal strengths, career goals, and other relevant experience. UVic recommends removing sensitive personal details.
Published rationale: “we acknowledge that our admissions processes have inadequately responded to the systemic discrimination experienced by Black students, and the underrepresentation of Black students in Canadian law schools.”
“There are no quotas, and all applications are assessed using the same process.”
Why you want to study at UVic Law and what makes you a good fit — your background, experiences, and personal qualities.
UVic looks for statements that are “authentic, intentional and purposeful,” answering: “who are you? why law? why UVic? what do you bring to the community and environment at UVic law, and beyond?”
In outline form, list academic, work, extracurricular, and community experiences, achievements, and accolades: “summarize what you did, evaluate what you learned and reflect on its applicability to law school/your future.”
“Please simplify language as much as possible. Spell out acronyms, detail definitions and help us understand your lived experience in plain language.”
Since September 2024 all applicants are invited to share pronouns in Part B — optional, and it “will have no bearing on the assessment of the merits of their applications.”
Track via My UVic application — keep your application ID (A00…), V number, and password.
Note: a course-by-course evaluation is not required for exchange or graduate transcripts.
“Deadlines are firm—the online system closes at 4 p.m. PST.” And “an incomplete application will not be considered.”
If you are still working on a degree, “we’ll review your application based on completed courses, but won’t make a final decision until we get your updated transcripts.” Final fall grades are emailed to the senior admissions assistant by January 15.
“Deferrals are only granted in exceptional cases, such as unique work opportunities, study opportunities or personal hardship. If approved, your acceptance deposit will be held for the following year.”
“We encourage early applications, as timing may affect your chances for admission.” Offers must be accepted within a set window, though its length is not published.
Who it's forStudents at other law schools, or with foreign law degrees, seeking upper-year entry.
A small number are admitted annually. “You must complete at least 2 years of law school here” to earn a UVic JD.
Who it's forStudents seeking one or two semesters at UVic.
Requires “a letter of permission from the student’s current law school.” Course programs need approval from the deans of both institutions.
Who it's forApplicants to the joint common law and civil law program.
Listed on UVic’s upper-year deadline table alongside transfer and visiting applications.
All information on this page is drawn from University of Victoria’s official admissions pages. Requirements and deadlines change — always confirm with the school before applying.