Bachelor of Education - Indigenous Post-Degree Professional Program
Offered by the Department of Indigenous Education, this program is a direct pathway to becoming an elementary or middle school teacher. It will provide aspiring teachers, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, with a relevant, relational, and transformative education designed to foster a deeper understanding of First Nations, Inuit and Métis histories and cultures, and ways of knowing and being.
Designed for those who already hold an undergraduate degree, graduates of this 20-month program are eligible to apply for a Professional Teaching Certificate from the BC Ministry of Education.
Applications are currently being accepted for September 2025.
Field experience
Cultural & community connections
Students in this program will take part in multiple off-campus cultural learning experiences, like visits to museums, art galleries, Indigenous art studios and community spaces.
You'll also visit a variety of local schools to observe unique classroom settings and discover innovative teaching approaches across diverse communities.
Practicum
Get your feet wet with two practicums during this program, where you'll have opportunities to test-drive your teaching skills with support from mentor teachers and Indigenous Education field advisers.
These transformative experiences connect theory to practice, growing your cultural awareness, adaptability and a richer understanding of the environments that shape learning.
Student testimonials
I am a settler who moved from Ontario for this program. In the first week, I knew I was in the right place; we danced the Red River Jig with a local Métis Elder and spent most of our class time outside learning from the flora in the campus forest. Throughout the next few months, we spent afternoons leading lessons by the ocean, processing wool in an Elder's backyard, and working in a community garden.
Perhaps the most impactful aspect of the program included the small cohort of like-minded, driven and passionate peers who challenged and supported me. Almost every day, we engaged in deep heart work, examining who we are as people and educators and critically reflecting on our own biases.
I am now excited to move forward with the toolkit I filled up throughout this program. My goal is to create inclusive learning environments that are experiential and grounded in respect for each other, our community and the land.
Going through the teaching education program with an Indigenous lens has deepened my philosophy of teaching and filled the gaps that my own education was missing. It is important for teachers to be informed of the history of our school systems so that we may work towards reconciliation within it. Land-based and cultural experiences have inspired what I will bring to my practice.
I am forever grateful for the relationships and experiences this program has brought me. If you’re considering being an educator, this program is a must!
Program structure
This program is composed of 30.0 units typically taken over 5 terms or 20 months. Students attend this program in a cohort and are provided with a course schedule for each session. In addition to school visits, there are two practicums; a 6-week practicum and a 10-week practicum to support your development into a professional school teacher.
| Fall term |
Spring term |
Summer term | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Year 1 |
4 courses (6.0 units) |
3 courses (4.5 units) |
4 courses (6.0 units) |
|
Year 2 |
4 courses (6.0 units) |
2 courses (3.0 units) + 10-week practicum (3.0 units) |
-
|
Sample courses
- IED 302 - Literacy and Language in Indigenous Elementary Education
- IED 303 - Foundations of Indigenous and Canadian Education
- IED 336 - Technology Innovation in Indigenous Education
- IED 373 - EL TELNIWT and Indigenous Education
- IED 402 - Instructional Practices of Reading
- IED 403 - Curriculum and Instruction in Indigenous-focused Science
- IED 404 - Curriculum and Instruction in Indigenous-focused Social Studies
- IED 405 - Curriculum and Instruction in Indigenous-focused Mathematics
- IED 486 - Culturally Relevant Arts-Based Pedagogy for Education
- IED 490 - Situating Ourselves with Transformative Inquiry and Practice
Estimated program costs
The following are estimated figures only and should be used to give students, parents and/or sponsors an approximation of the tuition and ancillary fees. This estimate does not include housing, food, cost of books and supplies or other expenses that students can expect in a term. Estimates are in Canadian dollars.
Learn about tuition & funding for Faculty of Education students, including awards and scholarships.
| Canadian Citizens & Permanent Residents | Year 1 | Year 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,546.68 | $5,031.12 |
| UVic Students' Society (UVSS) | $502.00 | $502.00 |
| UVic Dental & Extended Health | $416.74 | $416.74 |
| Education Students' Association (EDSA) | $16.00 | $16.00 |
| International Students | Year 1 | Year 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $38,065.32 | $25,376.88 |
| UVic Students' Society (UVSS) | $502.00 | $502.00 |
| UVic Dental & Extended Health | $416.74 | $416.74 |
| Mandatory Temporary Medical Insurance | $265.00 | $265.00 |
| Education Students' Association (EDSA) | $16.00 | $16.00 |
Admission requirements
Eligibility for this post-degree program includes both course and grade requirements (academic requirements) and experience requirements. Students must have:
- a letter of application that indicates why you are choosing this program
- a summary of your relevant experience outlining your practical experience working or volunteering with youth or in community
- admissibility to UVic
- a degree from an accredited university
- a demonstrated proficiency in written English (see Written English Competency Requirement)
- a grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on your most recent 30 units
How to apply:
- Visit the UVic admissions website to see detailed admission requirements for this program and to learn about key dates and deadlines.
- Prepare your application materials, including your letter of application and summary of experience.
- Get in touch with an IED advisor if you have any questions.
- Submit your application online through EducationPlannerBC.
Learn more
Do you have questions about this program? Connect with the Department of Indigenous Education to speak with a member of our team:
ied.practicum@uvic.ca
250-721-7824
Indigenous Education Office
MAC A260