CANADA · VANCOUVER AND KELOWNA
University of British Columbia
public · Founded 1915 · Languages: en
In short
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a globally recognized public university with two campuses in British Columbia, offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. It is known for its strong research output, vibrant campus life, and commitment to innovation.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1915
- Students
- 60,000
- International students
- 18,000
- Acceptance rate
- 52%
- Tuition (intl)
- €26–45k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Vancouver and Kelowna, Canada
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a leading global center for teaching, learning, and research, consistently ranking among the top public universities worldwide. Established in 1915, UBC is committed to innovation and fostering individuals who aim to shape a better world. With two main campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan, the university offers an extensive choice of undergraduate and graduate programs across various faculties and schools. UBC is recognized for its strong research output, attracting significant funding and contributing to numerous spin-off companies. The university emphasizes student engagement and success, continuously applying learning research to improve teaching practices. It also actively supports a vibrant campus life with a wide array of recreational, social, and cultural activities. Situated on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people (Vancouver campus) and the Syilx Okanagan Nation (Okanagan campus), UBC is deeply connected to its regional heritage while maintaining a global outlook. The university welcomes a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff dedicated to academic excellence and impactful research.
Why study here
- Consistently ranked among the top public universities globally, offering world-class education and research opportunities.
- Benefit from a rich research environment with significant funding, partnerships, and a strong track record of innovation.
- Access a wide range of academic programs across two distinct campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan.
- Engage in a vibrant campus life with over 350 student clubs, extensive recreational facilities, and diverse cultural attractions.
- Receive comprehensive support services for international students, including English language programs and financial advising.
Student life
Life at UBC extends far beyond academics, offering a dynamic and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in over 350 clubs, ranging from academic to cultural and recreational interests. The university boasts strong athletic programs with the UBC Thunderbirds and UBCO Heat teams, alongside numerous intramural sports and fitness activities. Both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses provide a rich array of arts and culture, including museums, gardens, and performance venues. Extensive support services are available to help students thrive, and frequent events ensure a lively community spirit. UBC encourages students to explore new interests, develop leadership skills, and build lasting connections.
Fees
InternationalInternational undergraduate tuition at UBC Vancouver ranges approximately CAD 35,000–55,000 per year depending on program (roughly EUR 24,000–40,000). Graduate program fees vary widely by faculty.
HomeDomestic undergraduate tuition is approximately CAD 5,500–8,000 per year for most programs.
LivingLiving costs in Vancouver are approximately CAD 18,000–24,000 per year including accommodation, food, and transport.
Tuition fees for undergraduate students are typically assessed on a per-credit basis, while graduate student tuition is generally an annual program fee. Additional student, program, course, and faculty fees may apply. Detailed fee schedules are available in the UBC Academic Calendar.
Admissions
Secondary SchoolCompletion of senior secondary school with strong grades in relevant subjects
TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
English ProficiencyRequired if primary language of instruction was not English
TOEFL (iBT)90 overall (min. 22 reading/listening, 21 writing/speaking). Higher scores may be required by specific programs.
IELTS Academic6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each component). Higher scores may be required by specific programs.
Rankings
THE 202541st World, 2nd Canada
ARWU 202553rd World, 2nd Canada
QS 202538th World, 3rd Canada
University scholarships
Teaching Assistantship (MA Students)~CAD 15,000/year
Fellowship Stipend (PhD Students)~CAD 18,000/year
International Partial Tuition ScholarshipVaries
Graduate Student Conference Travel FundUp to CAD 3,000 over degree career
Accreditation
UBC is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities and is accredited by the relevant provincial and national bodies. Individual professional programs hold accreditation from their respective discipline-specific bodies (e.g., AACSB for business, CACB for architecture, LCME for medicine).
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Programs
a selectionUniversity of British Columbia · Canada
Diploma in Marketing & Sales Management
Diploma
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of British Columbia · Canada
Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy (PhD)
The PhD in Philosophy at UBC offers intensive philosophical training designed to prepare students for careers in philosophical research and teaching. You will work with award-winning faculty engaged in diverse research areas, from the philosophy of science and mind to ethics, logic, and Asian philosophy. The program also provides opportunities to gain teaching experience by serving as teaching assistants and instructors for a variety of philosophy courses.
PhD
Level
€6k
Tuition
—
Duration
University of British Columbia · Canada
Graduate Degree Programs at the University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a wide array of graduate degree programs across various faculties and specializations. These programs are designed to provide advanced academic and research opportunities for students looking to deepen their knowledge in their chosen fields. Students can explore programs ranging from Doctoral (PhD) degrees to Master's degrees (MA, MSc, MEng, MASc, MBA, MEd, etc.) and Graduate Certificates or Diplomas. The university provides options for different learning modes, including on-campus, online, or a hybrid combination. UBC's graduate programs are structured to foster critical thinking, research skills, and professional development, preparing graduates for impactful careers in academia, industry, and public service.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of British Columbia · Canada
Master of Advanced Studies in Architecture
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of British Columbia · Canada
Master of Advanced Studies in Landscape Architecture
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of British Columbia · Canada
Master of Architecture (MARCH)
The Master of Architecture (MArch) is a professionally accredited graduate degree program at UBC. This demanding, three-year course of study is primarily coursework-based, integrating design studios with studies in architectural history and theory, technical and material systems, and representation methods. While the curriculum is rigorous, students have opportunities to develop their individual interests through specialized design studios, elective courses, and a significant Graduation Project. The program is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in any discipline, though those with a pre-professional architecture degree may be considered for advanced placement.
Master's
Level
€35k
Tuition
42 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students at UBC?
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International undergraduate tuition at UBC Vancouver typically ranges from approximately CAD 35,000 to CAD 55,000 per year, varying by program. Graduate program fees differ significantly by faculty.
Where are UBC's campuses located?
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UBC has two main campuses located in British Columbia: one in Vancouver and another in the Okanagan Valley at Kelowna.
What are the living costs for students at UBC?
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Estimated annual living costs in Vancouver, including accommodation, food, and transport, are approximately CAD 18,000–24,000.
Does UBC require English language proficiency for international students?
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Yes, proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants whose primary language of instruction at their previous university was not English. Accepted tests include TOEFL (iBT) and IELTS Academic, with specific score requirements.
What is UBC's global ranking?
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UBC is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide, with recent rankings including 41st in the world by THE, 53rd by ARWU, and 38th by QS.
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