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University of British Columbia

Vancouver, 🇨🇦 Canada Public
#2 National #40 QS World #45 THE #53 ARWU
University of British Columbia campus
70,898 students 28% international Multiple Campuses $34k - $49k/yr

About University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada, is a globally recognized institution renowned for its commitment to teaching, learning, and research. Consistently ranked among the top public universities worldwide, UBC attracts a diverse student body from over 160 countries. With a strong emphasis on innovation and making a positive global impact, UBC provides a dynamic environment for academic and personal growth.

Academics


UBC Vancouver offers an extensive array of degree programs across its 11 faculties, 11 schools, and 2 colleges, providing students with a wide choice of academic paths. The university is known for its interdisciplinary approach, with numerous innovative programs like Cognitive Systems, Environmental Sciences, and the Dual Degree in Arts and Science, encouraging students to explore connections between different fields. UBC emphasizes flexible learning and applies learning research to enhance teaching practices, fostering critical and independent thinking.

International Students


International students constitute a significant portion of UBC Vancouver's student population, making up over a quarter of undergraduates and a substantial percentage of graduate students. The university offers comprehensive support services, including International Student Advising (ISA) for immigration, health insurance, and general advice, as well as a study permit concierge service. English is the primary language of instruction, and strong English skills are crucial for academic success and cultural integration, with various resources available to assist students. UBC also hosts numerous student organizations with cultural and spiritual focuses, and the Global Engagement Office provides intercultural programs to foster a welcoming community.

Campus & Location


UBC's Vancouver campus is ideally situated on a peninsula, surrounded by ocean on three sides and adjacent to a large forest, offering a stunning natural environment. The campus itself is a vibrant hub, featuring numerous amenities, restaurants, and attractions, including the Museum of Anthropology, Nitobe Memorial Garden, and UBC Botanical Garden. Public transit, including a high-frequency bus service, provides convenient transportation to and from the campus, and there are also cycling routes and on-campus bike-sharing programs. Vancouver consistently ranks among the top cities globally for liveability, offering a diverse urban experience with easy access to outdoor activities like beaches and skiing.

Career Outcomes


UBC is dedicated to preparing its students for successful careers, with 79% of BCom graduates employed within six months of graduation. The UBC Career Centre provides extensive support, including experiential education programs like Work Learn and undergraduate research opportunities, to help students gain practical skills and make industry connections. Notable employers hiring UBC graduates include major companies in financial services, technology, and consulting such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Deloitte, and KPMG. The university also encourages a startup culture and offers resources for students interested in entrepreneurship.

Highlights

  • Top-tier global academic and research reputation
  • Beautiful coastal campus in Vancouver
  • Consistently ranked among Canada's top three
  • Leader in sustainability and climate action
  • Diverse international student and faculty population
  • Extensive multi-disciplinary research funding and facilities

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available

Photos

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Programs Offered at University of British Columbia (27)

Offers programs in:

Business & Management Computer Science Engineering Linguistics & Literature Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (10)

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting

Accounting

Accounting
bachelor in accountingstudy accountingstudy accounting in canadabachelor in accounting in canadaaccounting program in vancouver
48 months English Full-time

$42,000/yr

Bachelor of Science in Biology

STEM

Biology

Biology
bachelorbiologycanadascience
48 months English Full-time

$45,000/yr

Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering

STEM

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering
STEM degreeengineering jobstechnical degreecivil engineeringengineering career
48 months English Full-time

$48,000/yr

Bachelor of Commerce

Commerce

Commerce
bachelor in commercebachelor commercestudy commerce in canadabachelor in commerce in canadastudy commerce in vancouver
48 months English Full-time

$45,000/yr

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
computer science degreeenglish-taught bachelor computer sciencebachelor computer science in canadabachelor in computer scienceenglish bachelor computer science
48 months English Full-time

$45,000/yr

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Creative Writing

Creative Writing
bachelor in creative writingstudy creative writing in canadabachelor creative writing in vancouverbsc creative writingba creative writing
48 months English Full-time

$45,000/yr

Bachelor of Arts in Economics

Economics

Economics
economics degreemacroeconomicsmicroeconomicseconometricseconomic policy
48 months English Full-time

$40,000/yr

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences

STEM

Environmental Sciences

Environmental Sciences
environmental sciences programs in canadaundergraduate in environmental sciencesstudy environmental sciences in canadastudy environmental sciences vancouverbest environmental sciences programs
48 months English Full-time

$45,000/yr

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Nursing

Nursing
bachelor in nursingbachelors in nursingstudy nursing in canadabachelor in nursing in canadabachelors nursing
48 months English Full-time

$45,000/yr

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
artsbabachelorbachelor of arts in psychologybachelor's
48 months English Full-time

$40,000/yr

Master Programs (8)

Master of Archival Studies (MAS)

Archival Studies

Archival Studies
archival studiesMS archival studiescareer opportunitiesMSc archival studiesarchival studies jobs
24 months English Full-time

$10,000/yr

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Business Administration

Business Administration
master in business administration in vancouvermasters in business administrationmaster in business administration in canadamasters business administration degreebusiness administration master abroad
16 months English Full-time

$90,000/yr

Master of Engineering in Clean Energy Engineering

STEM

Clean Energy Engineering

Clean Energy Engineering
canadacleanclean energyenergyenergy engineering
12 months English Full-time

$30,000/yr

Master of Science in Data Science

STEM

Data Science

Data Science
MSc Data Sciencestudy Data Science in Canadamasters in Data Sciencedata science degreebig data program
12 months English Full-time

$35,000/yr

Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

STEM

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Electrical And Computer Engineering
msc electrical and computer engineeringelectrical and computer engineering university vancouverelectrical and computer engineering degreeelectrical and computer engineering careermasters electrical and computer engineering abroad
24 months English Full-time

$10,000/yr

Master of Arts in English Literature

English Literature

English Literature
masters in english literature in canadaenglish literature mastersuniversity of british columbia masters english literaturemasters english literature vancouverenglish-taught masters english literature in canada
24 months English Full-time

$10,000/yr

Master of Science in Kinesiology

STEM

Kinesiology

Kinesiology
masters in Kinesiologymaster's in KinesiologyMaster of Science in Kinesiologystudy Kinesiology in CanadaKinesiology in Vancouver
24 months English Full-time

$10,000/yr

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Public Health

Public Health
britishcanadacolumbiagraduatehealth
24 months English Full-time

$15,000/yr

PhD Programs (9)

PhD in Chemistry

STEM

Chemistry

Chemistry
study chemistry in canadachemistry program in vancouverphd in chemistrydoctorate chemistryphd chemistry in canada
48 months English Full-time

$9,000/yr

PhD in Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
PhD computer science CanadaUBC computer science doctorateCS research graduate Canadaartificial intelligence PhD Canadamachine learning research UBC
48 months English Full-time

$9,000/yr

PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering

STEM

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Electrical & Computer Engineering
canadacomputerelectricalelectrical and computer engineeringengineering
48 months English Full-time

$9,000/yr

PhD in Forestry

STEM

Forestry

Forestry
canadadoctor of philosophydoctoraldoctorateforestry
48 months English Full-time

$9,000/yr

PhD in Kinesiology

STEM

Kinesiology

Kinesiology
study kinesiology in canadaphd kinesiologyphd in kinesiologyenglish-taught phd kinesiologyphd degree in kinesiology
48 months English Full-time

$9,000/yr

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

STEM

Mechanical Engineering

Engineering
canadadoctor of philosophydoctoraldoctorateengineering
48 months English Full-time

$9,000/yr

PhD in Neuroscience

STEM

Neuroscience

Neuroscience
phd in neurosciencestudy neuroscience in canadaphd neuroscience in vancouverphd neuroscienceneuroscience career
60 months English Full-time

$9,000/yr

PhD in Oceanography

STEM

Oceanography

Life Sciences
canadadoctoraldoctorateoceanographyphd
48 months English Full-time

$9,000/yr

PhD in Physics

STEM

Physics

Physics
phd in physicsdoctorate physicsphd physics in canadastudy physics in canadaphysics program in vancouver
48 months English Full-time

$9,000/yr

University of British Columbia Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

6.5+ IELTS
90+ TOEFL
Acceptance Rate Moderate (40-60%)
Intakes January, May, September
Application Deadline January 15
Tuition (per year) $34k - $49k/yr
Teaching Language English

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Frequently Asked Questions About University of British Columbia

Common questions from international students considering University of British Columbia.

What is the acceptance rate at University of British Columbia?

University of British Columbia is classified as "Moderate (40-60%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does University of British Columbia cost for international students?

Tuition at University of British Columbia ranges from $34k - $49k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.

What is University of British Columbia ranked globally?

University of British Columbia holds the following rankings: QS World #40, Times Higher Education #45, ARWU #53, #2 in Canada. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

What English language requirements does University of British Columbia have?

University of British Columbia typically requires IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.

Are scholarships available at University of British Columbia?

Yes, University of British Columbia offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does University of British Columbia start its semesters?

University of British Columbia has intakes starting in January, May, September. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

How many English-taught programs does University of British Columbia offer?

University of British Columbia offers 27+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.

Where is University of British Columbia located?

University of British Columbia is located in Vancouver, Canada 🇨🇦. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

What are the admission requirements for University of British Columbia?

For specific details about University of British Columbia, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

What programs does University of British Columbia offer?

For specific details about University of British Columbia, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

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