Training
Training at UVic
CIFAL Victoria works with University of Victoria (UVic) faculty and staff to deliver dynamic training programs across campus and beyond. We support programs and courses that advance UVic’s commitments to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) across our four thematic areas.
Supporting excellence in education for sustainability
We collaborate with our partners to build learning experiences that create meaningful impact. These include undergraduate courses, graduate training programs, continuing education, experiential learning, micro-certificates and community training.
We work with UVic faculty, staff and community partners to align their programs and courses with the criteria for UNITAR-CIFAL certification. Our review process supports partners in aligning their content with the UN SDGs, UNDRIP, and Education for Sustainable Development principles. This ensures learners will receive internationally recognized credentials.
Hands-on & community-oriented sustainability training
We support the design of learning experiences that create lasting change. Every course and program we certify uses a results-based approach with clear learning objectives and measurable outcomes. These are intended to connect sustainable development learning to real-world applications. Our UN-certified training provides learners with the knowledge and practical competencies to advance the SDGs for themselves, their organizations and their communities.
Ready to get your course certified?
Frequently asked questions
How does CIFAL Victoria ensure that courses and programs adhere to UN standards?
CIFAL Victoria uses UNITAR’s Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) and UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development Goals Learning Objectives. These ensure our certified courses meet the required learning outcomes and strategic goals.
What is the value of getting a course or program certified?
The value added to courses certified by UNITAR-CIFAL include:
- global recognition of a United Nations certification
- credibility and competitive advantage of a course being aligned with the knowledge and experience offered through the United Nations
- international perspectives on learning outcomes, which are valued by students and employers
- the SDG-related knowledge and skills acquired by course graduates, which may enhance their employability
How will completion of a UNITAR-CIFAL certified course or program be acknowledged?
Learners who successfully complete a certified course will receive a Certificate of Completion signed by the Head of the CIFAL Global Network and the Director of CIFAL Victoria. The personalized certificate is issued as a secure PDF, sent by email directly to the student from CIFAL Victoria.
Is there a fee for getting a course or program certified by CIFAL Victoria?
Yes, CIFAL Victoria charges a fee for course certification. The fees vary by course.
The fee supports the administrative and operational costs of evaluating courses based on UNITAR standards. It also covers issuing course certificates. Additionally, the fee includes recommendations and guidance from CIFAL Victoria on course design and delivery.
Courses must be reassessed (and fees reissued) each year. They must also be reassessed following any major changes to the course content or delivery. CIFAL Victoria will issue an invoice the the organizing partner upon agreeing to certify the course or program.
Explore our catalogue of certified courses…
Courses & certificate programs at the University of Victoria
Coastal Climate Solutions Leaders
Graduate Training Program
Trainees in this program gain an advanced technical understanding of climage change science, impacts and mitigation. Theydevelop skills that are highliy sought out in the climate action workforce. They also learn to navigate the complexities of implementing climate solutions and appreciation of the societal context. Students will also complete a real-world design challenge.
Ongoing – Check course page for registration status.
SDGs-in-Action
Course
Course for departing University of Victoria (UVic) students going on international exchange. Learn how to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in your host community with our brand new, self-paced SDG-in-Action course. Then, design and run your own community engagement activity in your host community.
Ongoing – Check course page for registration status.
WASH Canada Training Programme
Graduate Training Program
This is a graduate-level training opportunity focused on water and sanitation for low-resource contexts. The aim is to upskill the next generation of Highly Qualified Personnel (HQPs). This program offers an interdisciplinary and experiential training environment. Students will gain the necessary skills to co-engineer fit-for-purpose solutions to problems in low-resource contexts.
Ongoing – Check course page for registration status.
Co-Creating Research for Sustainable Futures (GEOG 411)
Course
Today’s challenges require new ways of understanding and working together. This course focuses on building capacity in Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR). Students will develop the skills to support community-identified sustainability needs and help enact solutions.
Intermittently offered – Check course page for availability.
ESG and Impact Fundamentals for SMEs
Course
This course focuses on building capacity for small and medium enterprises. Participants will gain skills in ESG and impact measurement, management, reporting to investors, and responding to regulatory pressures. All while improving their environmental and social impact!
Intermittently offered – Check course page for availability.
Impact Investing Summer School
Certificate program
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the world? Do you want to gain cutting-edge skills in impact investing and contribute to accelerating the net zero transition? This 8-day intensive summer school is designed for students from all disciplines who aspire to lead the future of sustainable finance. The summer school focuses on investing in the energy transition and climate solutions. A new cohort will begin training in August 2026.
Intermittently offered – Check course page for availability.
Courses & programs with Continuing Studies at the University of Victoria
Applied AI for Administration
Micro-certificate
Applied AI for Administration is designed to equip administrative professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for work or daily tasks.
Ongoing – Check program page for registration status.
Climate Action Planning
Micro-certificate
The climate crisis can have you feeling lost in a storm. This program acts as a compass, guiding you in the right direction to respond effectively to climate challenges. Our program blends policy, social justice and science, empowering you to enact effective, collaborative action across communities.
Ongoing – Check program page for registration status.
Ecological Restoration
Professional Specialization Certificate (PSC)
The Ecological Restoration program offers specialized training in high-level ecosystem functioning. The program is designed for practitioners working in restoration and related environmental fields who see problems with current practices and want to investigate alternative solutions.
Ongoing – Check program page for registration status.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Micro-certificate
This program supports both employers and employees to create positive change in the workplace. It focuses on building equitable, diverse and inclusive workplaces. Participants will learn about intercultural communication, systemic barriers and talent acquisition. These tools help to transform work environments and promote collaboration.
Ongoing – Check program page for registration status.
Facing Human Wrongs 2.0: Climate Complexity & Relational Accountability
Course
This six-week online intensive course was designed to guide you through an exploration of the ongoing systemic violence towards each other and the planet.
Ongoing – Check program page for registration status.
Intellectual and Cultural Property Law
Professional Specialization Certificate (PSC)
This program explores the principles, concepts and relationship between intellectual property and Indigenous cultural property, laws, customs and traditions.
Ongoing – Check program page for registration status.
LiDAR Fundamentals for Climate Change Risk Analysis
Micro-certificate
LiDAR is a remote sensing survey method that facilitates 3D mapping of the Earth’s surface including urban and rural topography. This program equips learners to use and analyze LiDAR data for use towards mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Ongoing – Check program page for registration status.
Mapping with Drones
Micro-certificate
Do you want to take your connection to our planet to new heights? Capture detailed images from the sky for mapping landscapes and monitoring environmental change. Develop your analytical skills to identify real-world landscape features, allowing you to provide detailed assessments of our planet.
Ongoing – Check program page for registration status.
Restoration of Natural Systems – Certificate
Certificate Program
Knowing where our planet is headed requires an understanding of environmental impacts and recovery strategies. The program connects this knowledge with the practical skills for solving complex restoration issues.
Ongoing – Check program page for registration status.
Restoration of Natural Systems – Diploma
Diploma Program
This program is for those interested in the rapidly emerging field of ecological restoration. Learn about the most current restoration practices from experienced and knowledgeable instructors. You will gain conprehensive knowledge and practical skills with peers who share your passion for the natural world.
Ongoing – Check program page for registration status.
Transformative Climate Action
Certificate
The need for transformative climate action is urgent. An effective and practical response requires significant changes to how we live. This program provides tools for driving social, cultural and political change for building diverse, ethical and flourishing communities.
Ongoing – Check program page for registration status.
Fire Ecology for Environmental Restoration
Micro-certificate
The Fire Ecology for Environmental Restoration program equips learners with practical knowledge to understand and treat the effects of fire on natural ecosystems.
Intermittently offered – Check program page for availability.
From Theory to Practice: Competencies for Community Engagement
Workshop series
This four-day workshop helps academics, staff, graduate students, and community leaders build important community engagement skills. Participants will engage in several interactive sessions with their peers. Together, they will learn to about participatory research methods, building authentic partnerships, and ethical decision-making.
Intermittently offered – Check program page for availability.
Knowledge Democracy in Higher Education
Certificate of Completion
This 5-part series provides all the information and resources you need to refine your knowledge democracy skills in the context of higher education.
Intermittently offered – Check program page for availability.
Population Health Data Analysis
Professional Specialization Certificate (PSC)
This program focuses on analyzing health data to positively impact societal well-being. Through practical exercises, you’ll develop insights into services, programs and policies in various sectors. If you’re driven by a desire to improve social health using data analytics, this program is for you.
Intermittently offered – Check program page for availability.
Teaching the Holocaust
Micro-certificate
There has been a recent alarming rise in antisemitism, both nationally and internationally. Holocaust education plays a vital role in countering hatred and historical misinformation. This program for educators presents ways to contextualize traumatic histories and promote a more peaceful and fair future. It provides a platform for combating dehumanization and discrimination, safeguarding democracies worldwide.
Intermittently offered – Check program page for availability.
Tourism Sustainability
Micro-certificate
The future of tourism is changing! And it’s calling for bright, curious minds with the right set of skills. The industryneeds bright, curious minds to make the sector more resilient and manage climate change impacts. This program fosters an understanding of sustainability and enhances the skills of individuals currently employed or seeking a career in the tourism sector. Explore the possibilities for a greener future and make your mark.
Intermittently offered – Check program page for availability.