The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver, Canada

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Shilpa Saxena
Updated on Sep 22, 2022 7:19 PM IST

Overview

The University of British Columbia is renowned worldwide for its teaching and research excellence, as well as its global impact. The university was founded in 1908 and first opened its doors in 1915. Since 1915, the university has been welcoming those with the curiosity, passion, and vision to make the world a better place. It attracts, nurtures, and inspires over 68,000 students from Canada and over 140 countries worldwide. At UBC, studying abroad could be the most exciting and formative year of your academic career, and with over 200 partner colleges to select from, students will have a plethora of opportunities. 

The University of British Columbia locations include its two main campuses: the Vancouver campus and the Okanagan campus in Kelowna. The University of British Columbia Vancouver campus is larger than the other, housing more than 85% of the total students. Among these, approximately 28.6% of students on the Vancouver campus and around 21.8% on the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus are international. Additionally, both the campuses and the towns in which they are located are rich in arts venues and cultural activities. There are several possibilities to join in the vibrant art scenes of Kelowna and Vancouver, ranging from live theatre to debate series to concerts.

UBC provides 254 undergraduate and 244 postgraduate programmes in Business, Science, Education, Health and Medicine, Engineering, and Humanities. Clinical instruction is provided to Faculty of Medicine students at 80+ training sites around British Columbia. If students want to meet friends and get engaged on campus, joining one of UBC's 350 clubs or societies, which range from anime appreciation to sustainability to beer making, is a great place to start. The University of British Columbia offers an excellent environment for students to learn, grow, and develop. The university's graduates include 8 Nobel laureates and 71 Rhodes Scholars, as well as three Canadian prime ministers.

Planning to study in CANADA?

Latest Update

  • August 12,2022 12:00 AM IST
  • University of British Columbia - Application Dates 2023 Announced for International Students

    International students can now apply to the university for the 2023-24 intakes as the University of British Columbia application deadlines 2023 are already out. Interested applicants must check the eligibility criteria for bachelor's and master's courses to apply to the university successfully. 

    In general, UBC also requires students to submit relevant documents including a letter of Intent, CV or resume, copy of transcripts and degree certificates, 3 Letters of Reference, etc. 

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The University of British Columbia Courses

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University of British Columbia Highlights 2022

Here is a quick highlights table for all students interested in studying at British Columbia's oldest university, which is ranked among the top three universities in Canada:

University of British Columbia Highlights

Year of Establishment

1908

Also Known As

UBC

Total International Students

17225

Size of Campus in acres

400

Male/Female Ratio

1.25

UG/PG Course Ratio

1.56

No. of Campuses

2

Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense

CAD 15,257

University of British Columbia Ranking 2022

The University of British Columbia is one of the world's top 20 public universities. The University of British Columbia was ranked #47 in the international university rankings by QS World University Ranking 2023. Let us check out some of the global rankings of University of British Columbia:

University of British Columbia Ranking

ARWU (Academic Ranking of World Universities)

13

THE (Times Higher Education) 

37

QS (QS World University Rankings)

47

US News & World Report

35

University of British Columbia Admission 2022

The University of British Columbia admission process for international students opens in September for the seasonal intakes of Summer, Winter, and Fall. The admission process at University of British Columbia is competitive, with acceptance rates of over 57% for UG programmes and around 25% for PG courses. 

Depending on the course offered by University of British Columbia, candidates will be required to submit competitive and English language exam scores such as IELTS/TOEFL, GRE/GMAT, as well as essential documents such as SOP, LOR, essays, transcripts, and more. When applying for admission to a university, it is important to maintain track of deadlines and submit applications as soon as feasible. 

How to Apply to the University of British Columbia?

Since the University of British Columbia admission criteria is competitive and comprehensive, the admissions committee considers candidates' complete profile. International applicants can apply for admission through the University of British Columbia admission portal. 

Aspirants must follow the following steps to complete their application to study at the University of British Columbia: 

  1. Create a new account on the university's online University of British Columbia admission portal for graduate courses.

  2. Choose the program that best suits your needs.

  3. Select the program's intake.

  4. Fill in your personal information and other blanks.

  5. Fill out the remaining forms and submit the application.

Note: The UG programme application fee is 120 CAD (approx.). The application fee for all PG programmes is 170 CAD (approx.), except for the MBA, which is 150 CAD (approx.)

Documents Required to Apply to the University of British Columbia

Here is the list of important documents that will be required for international students during the University of British Columbia admission procedure:

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The University of British Columbia Entry Requirements 2022

Thousands of students apply to the University of British Columbia for admissions each year, making it even more critical for you to stand out. The table below highlights the entry requirements for University of British Columbia that you must meet in order to pursue your dream course at UBC:

Courses 

Exams 

MEng 

IELTS: 6.5-7.0

TOEFL: 90.0-100.0

PTE: 59.0-65.0

MA

IELTS: 6.5-7.5

GRE: Accepted/Optional

TOEFL: 100.0 and Above

MS

IELTS: 6.5-7.5

TOEFL: 90.0-100.0

PTE: 65.0 and Above

MIM

IELTS: 6.5-7.0

GMAT: 550.0 and Above

GRE: 310.0 and Above

MBA

GMAT: 550.0 and Above

GRE: 310.0 and Above

IELTS: 7.0 and Above

MArch 

IELTS: 6.5-7.0

TOEFL: 100.0 and Above

PTE: Accepted

BA

IELTS: 6.5 and Above

TOEFL: 90.0 and Above

PTE: 65.0 and Above

BSc

IELTS: 6.5 and Above

TOEFL: 90.0 and Above

PTE: 65.0 and Above

BE/BTech 

IELTS: 6.5 and Above

TOEFL: 90.0 and Above

PTE: 65.0 and Above

BCom/BBA

IELTS: 6.5 and Above

TOEFL: 90.0 and Above

PTE: 65.0 and Above

The University of British Columbia Scholarships 2022

The scholarships offered by University of British Columbia acknowledge excellent students from throughout the world's academic achievement by allocating more than CAD 30 million per year to awards, scholarships, and other types of financial assistance for international students. Some of the most popular scholarships at University of British Columbia for Indian students include:

For Bachelors

  • Faculty and School-Specific Scholarships

  • International Major Entrance Scholarship

  • International Community Achievement Award

  • Vantage One Excellence Award

  • Outstanding International Student Award

For Masters 

  • Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarships

  • International Tuition Awards

  • Four-year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF)

  • Iva Maria LESTER Memorial Graduate Scholarship in Accounting

  • Earl R. PETERSON Memorial Scholarship in Civil Engineering

  • Graduate Support Initiative (GSI)

  • Madhu VARSHNEY MBA Entrance Scholarship

  • HOEGG Family MBA Scholarship

  • Malcolm LOWRY Scholarship

University of British Columbia Placements 2022

The University of British Columbia placement cell constantly strives for the complete development of the candidate and is geared to promote their professional career. The university also provides excellent consultation services to its students in order for them to pursue various internships, teaches students how to create a stellar CV or resume in order to land a job as soon as they graduate, and many other services that enable UBC graduates to go out into the world and achieve the highest of accomplishments in their careers.

Every program has a unique set of job opportunities based on the specialisations the student pursues as well as their academic and extra-curricular achievements. A UBC Graduate Student's average annual pay is CAD 29,631, or approximately INR 18.3 lakhs. UBC graduates earn annual income ranging from CAD 25,080 (INR 15.49 lakhs) to CAD 41,497 (INR 25.63 lakhs).

University of British Columbia Top Recruiters

Accenture

GE Healthcare

IBM

Ernst & Young

McKinsey

Microsoft

Cost of Studying at the University of British Columbia

The cost of studying at UBC varies depending on the school, course, and degree of study. For example, pricing at UBC for Medical courses is not the same as tuition for Law courses. Furthermore, the typical University of British Columbia fees for international students vary from that for domestic students. 

The tuition fee for a Bachelor’s program at UBC ranges from CAD 39,197.40 to CAD 46,241.30 for the 2022 academic year. In addition, the average cost of a master's degree at UBC is around CAD 26,389.26 for international students.

Aside from the tuition fee, there are other expenses that will add up while calculating the fees to study at University of British Columbia for international students. These include expenses such as accommodation or rent (CAD 800-2000 per month), groceries/food (CAD 200-400 per month), cost of public transportation (CAD 100-175 per month), health insurance (CAD 75 per month) and more.

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Student Life at University of British Columbia

Services offered by University of British Columbia

  • High-tech classrooms, on-campus accommodation, UBC library, UBC health, student service centre, UBC botanical garden, student health service, safety and risk services, student housing, and world-class infrastructure are available on the Vancouver Campus.

  • Academic and career advising career development, international student advising, sexual violence prevention and response office, the student learning hub, student health clinic, library, student housing, bookstore, conferences, parking, and computer labs are available on the Okanagan Campus.

Student Life at University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia offers an excellent environment for students to learn, grow, and develop. UBC is one of the world's top 25 public universities, blends award-winning professors and outstanding research with a flexible, student-centred learning environment that offers innovative and multidisciplinary program options. 

As a result, you will have a contemporary learning experience that will motivate and excite you to pursue your particular interests and create a bright and successful future. There are plenty of opportunities to do what you love or learn something new with a diverse selection of recreational, social, and cultural events. From athletics to arts and culture, campus life energises the mind, body, and spirit.

Campus Location

The University of British Columbia

2329 West Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada

https://www.grad.ubc.ca/about-us/contacts/contact-us | 604 822 2848 | graduate.apply@ubc.ca

The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada FAQs

Does UBC require SAT for Indian students?

Yes, some undergraduate or bachelor’s courses at the UBC require international students to submit their SAT or ACT scores as an eligibility requirement. Applicants following the American school curriculum must submit an SAT (composite minimum 1,600) or ACT (minimum 25) score, as well as writing samples (minimum 10). Applicants must meet both general and program-specific standards. Admission is competitive because UBC receives many more applications than it can approve.

Which faculties function under the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses of UBC?

UBC has ten functioning faculties on the Vancouver campus and six on the Okanagan campus. These are the following: Applied Science, Arts & Sciences, Commerce & Business Administration, Arts & Social Sciences, Dentistry, Creative & Critical Studies, Education, Forestry Health & Social Development, Graduate & Postgraduate Studies, Land & Food Systems, Law, and Medicine.

Can I apply to UBC twice?

Yes, you may apply to the UBC twice for two different programs. Having said that, if you do this, you must submit a new application and application fee for each program to which you wish to apply. The program(s) make decisions, and they each require complete information in order to evaluate your application.

Can I apply for admission to UBC in the last year of study? Can you apply to UBC after a gap year?

Yes, you can apply for admission in University of British Columbia in the last year of study, and if your grades aren't available, UBC provides a timeframe in which final grades can be submitted so that applications can be evaluated. If you have been admitted to year one of an undergraduate degree and want to defer admission for reasons such as taking a gap year, you are eligible to apply for a deferral.

How hard is it to get into UBC as an international student?

Sadly, it is quite difficult but not impossible for international students to get admission in University of British Columbia. In general, the Vancouver campus of the University of British Columbia has a 57% admission rate for domestic students, whereas the Okanagan campus has a 74% acceptance rate. Acceptance rates for international students are 44% in Vancouver and 71% in the Okanagan. Graduate students are accepted at a rate of 27%.

Can I work while studying at UBC?

Yes, you can work while studying at the University of British Columbia as the UBC offers a work while studying program to international students. Also, you do not need a work permit to work on campus while attending UBC because your study visa allows you to work an unlimited number of hours on campus as long as you are engaged in full-time studies for immigration reasons.

What is the GPA requirement for UBC?

The University of British Columbia admission committee may evaluate post-secondary candidates based on a number of variables, including your grade point average (GPA), any prerequisite courses necessary, and an assessment of your general academic history. Admission to UBC requires a minimum academic standing of C (60%, where 50% is a passing grade), or a 2.0 on a 4.0 point scale, often on the most recent 30 credits attempted.

Is British Columbia good for international students?

Because of our world-renowned education and transfer system, British Columbia is one of the world's most preferred destinations for international students. There are numerous scholarships and special programs available to help you finance your studies in British Columbia. Furthermore, international students of all ages choose to study in British Columbia for a variety of reasons, including top-tier, diverse educational opportunities at all levels.

What are the English proficiency requirements to get into UBC for international students?

International candidates must meet the following English proficiency requirements in order to study at the University of British Columbia. English proficiency level, either: IELTS: A minimum of 6.5 bands overall, including at least 6 bands in each section. PTE Academic: A minimum total score of 65, with a minimum of 60 in each part. TOEFL: A minimum total score of 90, with a minimum of 22 in reading and hearing and 21 in writing and speaking.

Does UBC give scholarships to international students?

Yes, international or Indian students are eligible for a variety of University of British Columbia scholarships, ranging from partial tuition fee exemptions, such as the International Entrance Scholarship, to full-ride scholarships, such as the Karen McKellin Scholarship program. UBC provides international students with two types of scholarships: International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES) and the Outstanding International Student Award. Based on the strength of your college application, you may be considered for any of the two.

What is the acceptance rate at the University of British Columbia?

The University of British Columbia admission process is competitive, with acceptance rates of over 57% for UG programmes and around 25% for PG courses. The institution has 85 academic units and 330 different programs to offer to its national and international students.

How is UBC Vancouver different from UBC Okanagan?

The main distinction between the University of British Columbia Vancouver and the University of British Columbia Okanagan is the size of the campuses. While the former has over 60,000 students, the latter has roughly 12,000 students. All other disparities in program availability, staff, and research projects are primarily due to campus size.

How much does it cost to study at the University of British Columbia for international students?

The cost to study at the University of British Columbia for international students is around CAD 39,575 or more, which is approximately INR 24.48 lakhs for an Indian student. Students should also be prepared to spend more than 15,000+ CAD, or INR 9.26 lakhs, on rent, utilities, meals, health insurance, personal care, and other expenses.

Where are UBC’s campuses located?

UBC has two campuses, one in Vancouver and one in Okanagan. For more than a century, the University of British Columbia has been one of the world's leading research universities, bringing about constructive change both at home and abroad. Today, their two primary campuses recruit, nurture, and transform over 65,000 students from Canada and over 140 countries worldwide.

I want to apply to more than one program at UBC. Do I have to submit more than one application?

Yes, you must submit a separate application and application fee for each program to which you wish to apply. The programme(s) make decisions, and they each require complete information in order to evaluate your application. If you are applying to more than one program, references must be given to each one separately.

Is the UBC application fee refundable?

No, the UBC application fee is not refundable. We can only reimburse the application money if the program for which you applied is no longer available. Ascertain that your application is for the relevant program. If the application is not submitted, contact the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies before resubmitting, as your payment card may be charged again.

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