University of British Columbia

Introduction

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of the world’s leading public research universities, established in 1908, and located in the province of British Columbia on Canada’s scenic west coast. Its two campuses, Vancouver and Okanagan (Kelowna), serve as globally recognized hubs for innovation, sustainability, and academic excellence. UBC continues to rank among the top universities worldwide due to its pioneering research contributions, vibrant community, and commitment to inclusive and impactful education.

Over more than a century, UBC has grown into a world-class destination for students seeking strong academic foundations combined with outstanding research and industry exposure.

With thousands of faculty experts, advanced learning facilities, and a culture of innovation, the university remains at the forefront of global challenges such as climate change, health sciences, engineering, and technological advancement. International students choose UBC not only for its ranked programs but also for the welcoming, multicultural environment that integrates academic growth with real-world readiness.

To learn more about UBC, book a free consultation with LCI Group today!

Key Statistics

• International Students Population: Around 2016 students
• Student–Faculty Ratio: Around 10:1
• Acceptance Rate: 52.4% on average

Accreditations and Affiliations

UBC is accredited and maintains rigorous quality assurance, ensuring its programs meet high academic and professional standards. As a long-standing public institution, UBC also adheres to strict national and international education regulations that strengthen its credibility and global recognition.

The university holds multiple accreditations and is a proud member of several global networks:

• Accredited by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education and quality-assured by the Degree Quality Assessment Board (DQAB).
• Member of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), Universitas 21, and the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).
• Extensive global partnerships across research institutions, governments, and industry leaders such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Canadian innovation hubs.

Academic Information

Programmes Offered

UBC offers a broad portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to meet the evolving demands of global industries. Its undergraduate offerings span Arts, Sciences, Applied Science (Engineering), Business, Fine Arts, Media, Human Kinetics, and Data Science.

At the postgraduate level, UBC provides extensive course-based and research-based programs, including MA, MSc, MASc, MEng, MBA, Master of Data Science, MPH, and numerous PhD options. New offerings reflect UBC’s focus on emerging fields such as Manufacturing Engineering, Quantum Computing, Bioinformatics, and Environmental Engineering.

Undergraduate Programs

• Arts (Psychology, Economics, Political Science)
• Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics)
• Applied Science (Engineering specializations)
• Management (only at UBC Okanagan)
• Fine Arts, Media Studies, Human Kinetics
• New Offerings: Data Science, Manufacturing Engineering, Bioinformatics

Postgraduate Programs

• Master of Science (MSc), Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Applied Science (MASc)
• MBA (Vancouver campus)
• Master of Data Science
• Master of Public Health
• Research-intensive PhD and thesis-based options

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees at UBC vary based on program, degree level, and campus. The costs reflect access to world-class faculty, modern laboratories, co-op programs, and resources built to enhance students' academic experience and employability. Fees also depend on the course duration—most undergraduate programs take four years, while master’s programs range from one to two years depending on the program structure.

Undergraduate Fees (per year)

• Arts & Social Sciences: CAD $42,000 – $46,000
• Science & Engineering: CAD $52,000 – $60,000
• Management (UBCO): CAD $45,000 – $50,000

Postgraduate Fees (per year)

• Course-based Master’s: CAD $35,000 – $55,000
• Research Master’s & PhD: CAD $9,500 – $12,000
• MBA (Vancouver): CAD $53,000 – $60,000

Admission Requirements

UBC’s admissions emphasize academic excellence, subject preparation, and overall student potential. Most programs require a strong academic record, depending on competitiveness. Engineering, Computer Science, and Management typically require higher grades and subject prerequisites such as advanced math and sciences. UBC also considers personal profile submissions, allowing students to demonstrate leadership, extracurricular activities, and achievements.

Undergraduate Admission

• High school completion with strong academic scores
• Minimum 80–90% (varies by program)

English Requirements:

1. IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
2. TOEFL iBT: 90+
3. Duolingo: 125+

Postgraduate Admission

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum 65–75% depending on program
• Strong academic background in relevant field

English Requirements:

• IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90+
• Some programs require GRE/GMAT (MBA requires GMAT or equivalent)

Rankings and Recognition

• QS World University Rankings 2026: 40th
• Times Higher Education (THE) 2026: 45th

Campus and Facilities

UBC Vancouver Campus

The Vancouver campus is UBC’s flagship centre, known for its global community, advanced research infrastructure, and strong academic reputation. The campus houses leading faculties such as Applied Science, Sauder School of Business, Land and Food Systems, and Science. Students have access to world-class laboratories, sustainability centres, entrepreneurship hubs, and cutting-edge technology resources. The campus also features the iconic Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, Museum of Anthropology, botanical gardens, and ocean-facing study spaces.

Vancouver’s multicultural environment, vibrant industry ecosystem, and dynamic lifestyle offer strong career and networking opportunities. Students benefit from partnerships with tech companies, healthcare providers, research institutes, and government agencies, creating strong pathways for internships, co-op, and post-graduation employment.

UBC Okanagan Campus

UBCO provides a more intimate and personalized learning environment, ideal for students seeking strong faculty interaction and community-driven academic experiences. Located in Kelowna, a growing innovation and technology hub, UBCO is known for programs like Management, Psychology, Human Kinetics, Engineering, and Interdisciplinary Studies. Modern teaching and research facilities, makerspaces, simulation labs, and health innovation centres support hands-on learning.

The campus is surrounded by nature, mountains, lakes, and vineyards—offering a unique blend of academic rigor and relaxed lifestyle. Its smaller size fosters deeper peer connections, collaborative projects, and opportunities to work closely with faculty on research initiatives.

Important Note: LCI Group is officially partnered only with the UBC Okanagan campus and supports applications exclusively for this location.

UBC Facilities

UBC offers one of the most extensive ranges of academic and student facilities in Canada. Both campuses house comprehensive libraries, tech-enabled classrooms, advanced research laboratories, sports and recreation centres, student residences, wellness hubs, and cultural spaces.

UBC Vancouver Campus Features

• Olympic-grade sports facilities
• Multiple museums
• Large-scale research infrastructures

UBC Okanagan Campus Features

• Provides modern residences
• Recreation complexes
• Fitness centres
• Collaborative study spaces that support academic engagement and community development.

Support Services

International Student Support

International students receive dedicated orientation programs, pre-arrival support, and ongoing guidance from UBC’s international offices. Services include

• Pre-arrival and comprehensive orientation programs
• Visa and study permit support
• Settlement help (housing, banking, healthcare)
• Mental health counselling and wellness services
• Student clubs, cultural societies, and peer mentorship

UBC Career Services

UBC’s career services offer personalized career advising, resume and interview workshops, employer meet-ups, and co-op opportunities across disciplines. Apart from that, the university also offers:

• Dedicated centre for student involvement & careers
• Internship and co-op programs across STEM, business, and arts
• Resume building, interview preparation, employer networking
• Strong links with tech, research, healthcare, and global companies
• Access to Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

UBC Scholarships and Financial Aid

Available UBC Scholarships

UBC offers generous financial aid packages for international students. Major scholarships reward academic excellence and leadership. At UBC Okanagan, additional campus-specific scholarships support high-achieving undergraduate and graduate students. Graduate students may receive research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or funding through the Graduate Support Initiative (GSI)

• International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
• Outstanding International Student Award (OIS)
• UBCO International Student Scholarships
• Graduate Support Initiative (GSI)
• Research and teaching assistantships

UBC Application Process

• Most scholarships are automatic, based on academic excellence
• Some require separate statements or references
• Deadlines typically align with program application timelines (December–January)

Study at University British Columbia (UBC)

Start your journey with one of Canada’s most globally recognized universities. LCI Group’s expert counselors will guide you through program selection, eligibility checks, documentation, and a smooth application process—exclusively for the UBC Okanagan campus.

Book your free consultation with LCI Group today and begin your application for the upcoming intakes.