University of Victoria Geography MSc 2027: Remote Sensing Route and Funding

The University of Victoria Geography MSc is a two-year research degree in Canada, with geomatics and remote sensing among its strengths. It suits graduates who want to work in mapping, satellite data or GIS, and eligible new students get a yearly funding guarantee. You can apply from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya or India, but you need a supervisor’s support and a Canadian study permit.

Status: cannot verify a funded wildfire mapping vacancy. UVic’s Geography, graduate admissions and faculty pages do not advertise a funded master’s position in wildfire mapping, and they do not show a November 15, 2026 deadline. The regular MSc route is open to you, with a January 15 deadline for September entry (checked November 4, 2026).

What it covers

The Geography MSc is a full-time, on-campus program with a thesis or project and optional co-op.

The department lists two remote sensing faculty as accepting graduate students:

• Ji Won Suh: remote sensing, GeoAI, time-series analysis, and forest and biodiversity mapping.
• Randall Scharien: remote sensing, the cryosphere and Arctic sea ice.

Geography MSc funding

• Guaranteed minimum income: $15,500 to $19,500 a year for the first two years of an MA or MSc. International students get a slightly higher amount, to offset higher tuition.
• You are considered for funding automatically. An offer normally comes with your admission offer.
• UVic fellowships reach up to $20,000 a year in most programs and need a B+ average over your last two years.
• Research assistant pay is negotiated with the faculty member. Teaching assistant work is hourly.

UVic’s pages do not say this funding covers all your costs, and tuition is charged each term. Run your figures in the UVic fee estimator.

Who can apply

You need a four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent with at least a B average over the last two years. UVic’s country minimums are:

• Nigeria: honours bachelor’s, 3.5/5.0, B, upper second class, 60%.
• Ghana and Kenya: honours bachelor’s, upper second class.
• India: four-year bachelor’s, or master’s at first class, 60%, 7/10.

Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission.

English: Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya are on UVic’s designated English-speaking list, so a degree from there exempts you. India is not on it. Indian applicants need a test score or a degree from a recognized institution taught in English. The minimum is IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0.

Key details

How to apply

1. Email faculty whose work matches yours. One must agree to supervise you and recommend your admission.
2. Prepare a one-page statement, a current resume, transcripts and two referees’ email addresses.
3. Apply online and pay the fee. UVic does not process unpaid applications.
4. If admitted, apply for your study permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Tips before you apply

• Ask a professor directly whether a funded wildfire project exists, and get the funding terms in writing.
• Write to supervisors now. January 15 is close for first contact.
• Apply early, as UVic says early materials get better consideration for limited awards.

Related guides

• 8 master’s degree pathways in Europe for an AI career (2027 entry)
• Mauritius-Africa Scholarship Scheme 2027: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply
• Western University Graduate Research Funding 2027: Eligibility and Deadlines

Details are taken from the official University of Victoria website, checked on November 4, 2026. Confirm the current rules there before you apply.