| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 1.5 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | - | |
Location:
Two main campuses:
Vancouver Campus (Point Grey)
Okanagan Campus (Kelowna, BC)
Founded:
1908
One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Canada
Type:
Public research university
Motto:
"Tuum Est" (Latin for "It is yours" or "It is up to you" – empowering and student-focused)
Top 3 in Canada and consistently ranked Top 40 worldwide
Member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities
Known for excellence in sustainability, research, technology, life sciences, business, and arts
Offers 300+ undergraduate programs and 200+ graduate programs
Strong faculties include:
Sauder School of Business
Faculty of Applied Science (Engineering)
Faculty of Medicine
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Arts
Also well-known for its forestry, education, and law programs
One of the most research-intensive universities in Canada
Home to world-class research institutes like:
Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies
BC Cancer Research Centre
Centre for Brain Health
UBC researchers contributed to major discoveries, including advances in quantum computing, climate science, and public health
The Vancouver campus is known for its stunning location – surrounded by forests, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean
Okanagan campus offers a more close-knit and personalized experience
Culturally vibrant with a diverse international student population (over 30% international students)
Offers clubs, sports, and extracurriculars in abundance
Justin Trudeau – Prime Minister of Canada (B.Ed.)
Kim Campbell – First female Prime Minister of Canada
Douglas Coupland – Author of Generation X
Robert Mundell – Nobel Prize-winning economist
Tuition varies by program and student status (domestic vs. international)
UBC offers generous financial aid and prestigious scholarships, including:
International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES)
Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
U.S. Students: Presidential Scholars Award
UBC is a global leader in climate action and green building design
First Canadian university to declare a climate emergency
Frequently ranked in the top 10 globally for sustainability
UBC offers 300+ undergraduate programs across a wide range of disciplines. Below are some of the major faculties and popular programs:
Psychology
Political Science
Economics
Sociology
Anthropology
International Relations
Linguistics
English Literature
History
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
Specializations: Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Real Estate, Operations and Logistics, International Business
Biology
Computer Science
Mathematics
Statistics
Physics
Chemistry
Earth and Ocean Sciences
Environmental Science
Engineering Physics
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Chemical and Biological Engineering
Civil Engineering
Mining Engineering
Integrated Engineering
Forest Resources Management
Urban Forestry
Natural Resources Conservation
Wood Products Processing
Food, Nutrition and Health
Applied Biology
Global Resource Systems
Food and Resource Economics
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
Bachelor of Midwifery
Visual Arts
Creative Writing
Media Studies
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
Kinesiology
JD (Juris Doctor) – Graduate-level entry
UBC offers over 200 graduate programs, including Master's and PhD degrees, professional programs, and research-based degrees.
MBA – Master of Business Administration
MSc/PhD in Computer Science
MSc in Data Science
MEng in Mechanical Engineering
MSc in Public Health
MFA in Creative Writing or Visual Arts
MA in Psychology, Economics, Sociology
Master of Education (MEd)
Master of Forestry (MF)
LLM (Master of Laws)
MD (Doctor of Medicine) – through the Faculty of Medicine
JD (Law)
MD (Medicine)
MBA (Business)
MDS (Data Science)
MEng (Engineering)
BEd (Education, post-degree)
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) |
4 years |
~$44,000 |
|
Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) |
4 years |
~$47,000 |
|
Bachelor of Applied Science (Engineering) |
4 years |
~$47,500 |
|
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology, Econ, etc.) |
4 years |
~$39,000 |
|
Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences) |
4 years |
~$47,000 |
|
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
4 years |
~$42,000 |
|
Bachelor of Media Studies |
4 years |
~$39,500 |
|
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) |
4 years |
~$39,000 |
|
Bachelor of Forest Resources Management |
4 years |
~$39,000 |
|
Bachelor of Kinesiology |
4 years |
~$39,000 |
|
Bachelor of Food, Nutrition & Health |
4 years |
~$41,000 |
|
Bachelor of International Economics (BIE) |
4 years |
~$44,000 |
|
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sci. |
4 years |
~$46,000 |
|
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations |
4 years |
~$39,000 |
|
Bachelor of Media and Creative Technology (BMS) |
4 years |
~$39,500 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
16 months |
~$52,000 |
|
Master of Data Science (MDS) |
10–12 months |
~$47,500 |
|
Master of Science in Computer Science (MSc) |
2 years |
~$9,000 |
|
Master of Applied Science (Engineering - MASc) |
2 years |
~$9,000 |
|
Master of Engineering (MEng) |
1–2 years |
~$28,000 |
|
Master of Public Health (MPH) |
20–24 months |
~$25,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Economics (MA) |
1–2 years |
~$9,000 |
|
Master of Education (MEd) |
1.5–2 years |
~$9,000 |
|
Master of Science in Physics (MSc) |
2 years |
~$9,000 |
|
Master of Science in Biology (MSc) |
2 years |
~$9,000 |
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) |
2 years |
~$9,000 |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
1 year |
~$9,300 |
|
Master of Forestry (MF) |
1–2 years |
~$9,000 |
|
Master of Urban Design (MUD) |
1 year |
~$30,000 |
|
Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences |
2 years |
~$9,000 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
PhD in Computer Science |
4–6 years |
~$6,500 |
|
PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering |
4–6 years |
~$6,500 |
|
PhD in Mechanical Engineering |
4–6 years |
~$6,500 |
|
PhD in Physics |
4–6 years |
~$6,500 |
|
PhD in Chemistry |
4–6 years |
~$6,500 |
|
PhD in Mathematics |
4–6 years |
~$6,500 |
|
PhD in Biology |
4–6 years |
~$6,500 |
|
PhD in Forestry |
4–6 years |
~$6,500 |
|
PhD in Psychology |
4–6 years |
~$6,500 |
|
PhD in Economics |
4–6 years |
~$6,500 |
|
PhD in Sociology |
4–6 years |
~$6,500 |
|
PhD in Political Science |
4–6 years |
~$6,500 |
|
PhD in Education |
4–6 years |
~$6,500 |
|
PhD in Law (PhD in Legal Studies) |
4–6 years |
~$6,900 |
|
PhD in Business Administration |
4–6 years |
~$6,900 |
|
PhD in Public Health |
4–6 years |
~$6,500 |
The University of British Columbia is one of Canada's most prestigious and globally recognized universities. It's a top destination for international students due to its academic excellence, diverse programs, world-class research, and stunning campus environments.
UBC has two main campuses:
Vancouver Campus – The larger and more internationally known campus, located on the west coast in beautiful British Columbia.
Okanagan Campus – A smaller, more intimate campus located in Kelowna, offering a close-knit community and growing research opportunities.
UBC offers over 300 undergraduate programs and more than 200 graduate programs across a wide range of fields including:
Arts and Humanities
Science and Engineering
Business and Economics
Health and Medicine
Education
Forestry
Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Data Science and Computer Science
Law and Policy
Whether you're looking for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program, UBC has options in both course-based and research-based formats.
For international students, tuition fees vary depending on the program:
Undergraduate programs: Usually range from $39,000 to $47,000 USD per year.
Master’s programs: Research-based degrees cost around $9,000 USD/year, while professional programs like MBA or MEng can cost $25,000 to $52,000 USD/year.
PhD programs: Around $6,500 to $6,900 USD/year, with many fully funded through scholarships or assistantships.
UBC's campuses are in beautiful, safe, and student-friendly environments. The Vancouver campus is surrounded by ocean and forest, while the Okanagan campus is in a scenic wine and lake region.
Estimated living costs (housing, food, transport, insurance, etc.) are about $12,000–$18,000 USD per year, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.
UBC offers excellent financial support for international students, including:
International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES)
Outstanding International Student Awards (OIS)
Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award (for students from war-torn or economically disadvantaged regions)
Graduate Fellowships and Research Funding
Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) for PhD students
UBC has a wide range of support services, such as:
International Student Advising
Orientation programs
English language support
Career services
Mental health and wellness resources
Work and study permits guidance
Consistently ranked in the Top 3 universities in Canada
Over 18,000 international students from 150+ countries
World-class research opportunities
Beautiful campus locations
Strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and global impact
UBC offers hundreds of undergraduate and graduate programs. Start by selecting a program that aligns with your academic interests and career goals.
For undergraduate programs: Choose up to 2 program choices on your application (first and second choice).
For graduate programs: Apply directly to your chosen program/department.
Use the UBC Program Finder to explore programs.
Admission requirements vary depending on your:
Country of education
Academic background
English language proficiency
Completion of high school or equivalent (with strong academic performance)
Specific course prerequisites based on the program (e.g., math, sciences)
English language proficiency, via one of the following:
IELTS (minimum overall 6.5, no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL iBT (minimum 90, with 22 in reading & listening, 21 in writing & speaking)
Duolingo English Test (accepted for some intakes)
Completion of UBC-approved English curriculum
A Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized institution
A minimum GPA (typically a B+ average or equivalent)
English test scores (same as above or program-specific)
Some programs may require:
GRE/GMAT scores
Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation
Resume/CV
Research proposal (for PhD or thesis-based Master’s)
All applications are submitted through the official UBC website.
For undergraduate programs: Apply via UBC Undergraduate Admissions Portal
For graduate programs: Apply through the UBC Graduate Studies Portal
Application Fees:
Undergraduate: ~$125 CAD (international students)
Graduate: ~$168 CAD (international students)
Undergraduate (Winter intake – September):
Application opens: early October
Deadline: typically January 15
Document submission deadline: late January to February
Graduate: Varies by program, but usually between December and March for September intake
Depending on the program, you may be required to upload or send:
Academic transcripts
English test scores
Personal statement or essay
Letters of recommendation (graduate level)
Portfolio (for creative programs)
Some documents must be submitted online via your UBC applicant portal or sent by your school directly.
Once you apply, UBC will send you login info to your applicant portal, where you can:
Upload documents
Check status updates
View admission decisions
If you're admitted:
You’ll receive an offer of admission via your portal and email.
You'll need to accept the offer and pay a deposit to confirm your place.
Undergraduate deposit: ~$1,000 CAD
Graduate deposit: varies by program
After accepting your offer, use your UBC Letter of Acceptance to apply for a Canadian study permit through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
Processing times can vary, so apply early!
UBC provides orientation, housing help, and pre-arrival guidance. You’ll also want to:
Apply for housing (if needed)
Book your flight to Vancouver or Kelowna
Register for classes
Arrange for health insurance (e.g., iMED for international students)
UBC mainly offers two academic intakes:
Most undergraduate and graduate programs begin in September.
Application opens: Early October (of the previous year)
Deadline: Mid-January (for undergraduate programs), varies by program for graduate studies
Only select undergraduate courses or short programs available
Few graduate programs offer May intake (mostly research-based or professional)
Very few programs admit new students in January
Check individual graduate departments for availability
Completion of high school (secondary education) with strong academic performance
Must meet UBC’s country-specific requirements
Completion of prerequisite courses (e.g. Math, Sciences, English) depending on the program
You must meet UBC’s English language requirement through one of the following:
IELTS: Minimum overall 6.5, no band less than 6.0
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 90 overall, with at least 22 in reading/listening, 21 in writing/speaking
Duolingo English Test: Minimum 125 (accepted for some programs)
Completion of UBC-approved English curriculum
Other ways to meet the English requirement:
Studied in an English-language school system for 4+ years
Completed an English Literature course at the senior level (with a good grade)
A four-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university
A minimum overall GPA of B+ (or equivalent), usually in the last two years of study
Some programs may require:
GRE or GMAT scores (especially for MBA, MSc, or PhD)
Research experience or thesis for research-based degrees
Statement of Purpose or Letter of Intent
Letters of Recommendation
Resume or CV
Writing sample or portfolio (for arts or design programs)
Same as undergraduate, unless otherwise stated:
IELTS: 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: 90 minimum (some programs require higher)
Exemptions for applicants who studied in English for 4+ years
Ranking System |
Global Rank |
Canada Rank |
Category / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Top 35–40 |
#3 in Canada |
Strong in Environmental Sciences, Engineering, CS |
|
U.S. News Global Universities |
Top 35 |
#2 in Canada |
High research output and global reputation |
|
Times Higher Education (THE) |
Top 40–45 |
#2 in Canada |
Strong citations and international outlook |
|
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU / Shanghai Ranking) |
Top 45–55 |
#2–3 in Canada |
Known for research performance & Nobel laureates |
|
QS Graduate Employability |
Top 100 globally |
#3 in Canada |
Strong employer reputation and alumni outcomes |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Value / Coverage |
Level |
|---|---|---|---|
|
International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) |
High-achieving international students entering UBC |
Up to $25,000/year, renewable |
Undergraduate |
|
Outstanding International Student Award (OIS) |
Automatically considered upon admission |
One-time award ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 |
Undergraduate |
|
Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award |
Students from war-torn, poor, or disadvantaged regions |
Full tuition + living expenses |
Undergraduate |
|
Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) |
Exceptional academic, leadership, and community record |
Full tuition + living expenses, based on need |
Undergraduate |
|
UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowship |
International graduate students from developing countries |
Up to $18,200/year + tuition |
Graduate (Master’s/PhD) |
|
Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) |
Outstanding international PhD students |
$18,200/year + full tuition coverage |
PhD |
|
Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship |
Exceptional incoming Master's/PhD students |
Up to $10,000 one-time award |
Graduate (Master’s/PhD) |
|
International Tuition Award (ITA) |
International grad students in research-based programs |
Up to $3,200/year toward tuition |
Graduate |
|
UBC Sauder MBA Entrance Scholarship |
Strong candidates applying to UBC Sauder MBA |
Varies, up to $30,000+ |
Master’s (MBA) |
|
UBC Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) |
PhD students working on public-engaged research |
Up to $20,000/year for 2 years |
PhD |
Campus |
Residence Name / Type |
Room Type |
Facilities |
Cost/Month (USD) |
Meal Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Vancouver Campus |
Totem Park / Place Vanier (First-Year Students) |
Shared or Single Dorm Room |
Furnished rooms, shared washrooms, common lounges |
$800–$1,050 |
Included (~$2,900/year) |
|
|
Orchard Commons |
Modern Single Rooms |
Study lounges, laundry, dining hall, Wi-Fi |
$950–$1,100 |
Included (~$2,900/year) |
|
|
Marine Drive / Walter Gage (Upper-Year & Graduate) |
Studios, 1–4 Bedroom Apartments |
Private kitchen, furnished, internet, laundry |
$900–$1,400 |
Optional |
|
|
Thunderbird Residence |
Studios & Family Housing |
For graduate students or families; self-contained units |
$1,000–$1,600 |
Not included |
|
|
Exchange Residence (Upper-Year / Grad) |
Studio or Shared Apartments |
Central location, modern amenities, private bathrooms |
$1,100–$1,400 |
Optional |
|
Okanagan Campus |
Nicola, Cassiar, Purcell, Skeena Residences |
Shared or Single Dorm Rooms |
Basic furnishings, lounges, community kitchens |
$600–$900 |
Optional (~$2,500/year) |
|
|
Monashee Place / Upper-Year & Grad Housing |
Apartments (1–4 Bedrooms) |
Furnished, kitchen, Wi-Fi, laundry |
$850–$1,200 |
Not included |
UBC is home to over 18,000 international students from more than 150 countries. It’s one of the most multicultural and inclusive universities in Canada. Whether you're from Asia, Africa, Europe, or Latin America, you'll find a strong sense of community and cultural support.
There are countless student clubs, cultural groups, and global events that make it easy to meet people and feel at home.
Both campuses (Vancouver and Okanagan) are stunning, with natural surroundings like forests, beaches, and mountains.
Vancouver campus: Big, energetic, and full of modern buildings, green spaces, museums, and cafés. It's perfect if you enjoy a busy, city-connected life.
Okanagan campus: Smaller, more personal vibe with close-knit classes and a strong sense of community.
Students enjoy top-class libraries, gyms, labs, and study spaces, with lots of spots to relax, hang out, or get work done.
Living on campus at UBC is more than just a place to sleep. First-year students often live in residence halls with meal plans, making it easy to make friends and settle in. Upper-year and grad students can opt for apartment-style housing.
Residence Life staff host events, movie nights, game tournaments, and wellness workshops to build community.
UBC has over 350 student clubs – academic, social, cultural, hobby-based, and more. Want to join a photography club, model UN, hiking group, or dance team? UBC has it all.
There are regular festivals, cultural nights, open mic events, and even massive events like Storm the Wall (a UBC tradition combining athletics, fun, and teamwork).
UBC cares about mental health and well-being. There are wellness centers, peer support programs, and free counseling services available to all students.
You’ll also find yoga classes, fitness bootcamps, intramural sports, and gyms open to students for keeping active and staying balanced.
UBC helps students prepare for the future with:
Career advising and resume workshops
Co-op programs (get work experience while studying)
On-campus jobs and internships
Networking events and job fairs
International students can work up to 20 hours/week during studies and full-time during breaks on a study permit.
Don’t worry if university life gets tough—UBC offers:
Academic advisors
Peer tutoring
Writing and language support
Study skill workshops
You're never alone; there's always help available.
Studying at UBC is also a chance to explore one of the most beautiful parts of the world. On weekends, students hike mountains, visit beaches, go skiing in Whistler, or explore the nearby city of Vancouver or Kelowna.
There are also global exchange programs where you can study abroad for a term or year.
While Canadian universities (including UBC) do not follow a "campus placement" system like in some countries (e.g., India), they do provide strong career support, job opportunities, and connections to employers across Canada and globally.
UBC has a dedicated Centre for Student Involvement and Careers (Vancouver) and a Career Development office (Okanagan) that offers:
Career coaching and advising
Resume and cover letter workshops
Mock interviews
Job and internship postings
Networking events with employers
Career fairs (featuring companies from tech, business, healthcare, and more)
Students also get access to alumni mentorship, where graduates working in industries help current students with career planning.
UBC is known for its Co-op Education Programs, available in several faculties, including:
Engineering (Applied Science Co-op)
Commerce (Sauder School of Business Co-op)
Computer Science
Science, Arts, Forestry, and more
Through co-op, students alternate between study terms and paid work placements in their field — sometimes earning up to $50,000 CAD per year in co-op earnings.
International students can work under the Co-op Work Permit, in addition to their regular Study Permit.
Technology & Software – Microsoft, Amazon, Google, SAP, Meta, local startups
Finance & Consulting – Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG, RBC, BMO
Healthcare & Pharma – BC Cancer, Vancouver Coastal Health, Medtronic
Engineering & Construction – SNC-Lavalin, Stantec, Hatch, Tesla
Public Sector & NGOs – UN agencies, government departments, non-profits
UBC is consistently ranked in the Top 100 globally for Graduate Employability (QS Rankings).
Strong alumni network across North America, Asia, Europe, and beyond.
Actual salary depends on field, role, and experience, but here are some averages:
Computer Science / Software Engineering: $65,000–$100,000+
Business / MBA Graduates: $60,000–$90,000+
Engineering Graduates: $60,000–$85,000+
Arts / Social Sciences: $45,000–$65,000+
PhD Researchers: Varies by field; often continue in academia or R&D roles
After graduating from UBC, international students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid up to 3 years, allowing them to work anywhere in Canada and gain permanent residency pathways (e.g., Express Entry, BC PNP).
The overall acceptance rate at UBC is estimated to be around:
This may sound moderate, but it's important to understand that acceptance rates vary significantly by:
Program
Level of study (undergraduate, graduate, PhD)
Campus (Vancouver vs. Okanagan)
Applicant pool strength (especially for international students)
Vancouver Campus: More competitive due to popularity and higher application volume
Estimated acceptance rate: 40% to 50%
Okanagan Campus: Slightly higher acceptance rate
Estimated acceptance rate: 55% to 65%
Popular and high-demand programs such as:
Sauder School of Business (BCom)
Computer Science
Engineering
...can have much lower acceptance rates, sometimes 20–30% for international students.
Graduate program acceptance is more selective, especially for research-based Master’s and PhD programs, where admission depends on:
Academic performance (GPA)
Statement of purpose
Research experience
Supervisor availability (PhD)
Funding
Estimated acceptance rate for graduate programs:
Master’s programs: 20% to 35%
PhD programs: 10% to 25%
Professional programs like MBA, MDS (Data Science), and Law are also very competitive and require high test scores (GMAT/GRE), strong resumes, and interviews.
High academic scores (above 85% or equivalent GPA)
Strong English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL scores)
A well-written personal statement or essay
Extracurricular achievements
Relevant work or research experience
Letters of recommendation (graduate level)
Location: Point Grey, Vancouver, British Columbia
Distance from Downtown Vancouver: About 10 km (6 miles) west of downtown
Campus Size: Over 400 hectares (1,000 acres)
Setting: Coastal – surrounded by forests, beaches, and views of the Pacific Ocean and North Shore Mountains
Main campus for most faculties (Science, Arts, Engineering, Commerce, Law, Medicine, etc.)
Home to the Sauder School of Business, Faculty of Applied Science, and UBC Hospital
Includes UBC Botanical Garden, Beaty Biodiversity Museum, and Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Bustling student life with residences, gyms, eateries, libraries, and research institutes
Location: Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Distance from Vancouver: About 400 km (250 miles) northeast – a 1-hour flight or 5-hour drive
Campus Size: About 209 hectares (516 acres)
Setting: Interior region – surrounded by vineyards, mountains, and lakes
Smaller, more intimate campus with a growing student population
Offers programs in Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Education, Management, and Health
Strong research focus with more personal interaction with professors
Close to nature, hiking, and outdoor activities
