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The University of British Columbia, Vancouver
British Columbia, Canada | Estd in 1908 | Government University
THE Rank : 41 | QS Rank : 34
About The University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is a public research institution in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The university was established in 1908 and is among the top 20 public universities in the world. The university is accredited by AACSB.
The University of British Columbia is home to several world-renowned research centres and institutes and consistently ranks as one of the world’s top research universities across many fields. It is also one of the top universities in Canada. The University of British Columbia’s rankings are 34th in the QS and 41st in THE for 2024. The University alumni comprises 8 Nobel laureates and 3 Canadian prime ministers and its varsity athletes have won 65 Olympic medals.
The University of British Columbia’s acceptance rate is around 53%. The University of British Columbia’s entry requirements for Indian students include a minimum aggregate of 80% for undergraduate and 65% for postgraduate admissions. The English proficiency tests accepted at UBC are IELTS, TOEFL, CAEL, and PTE Academic.
UBC’s Vancouver campus has more than 58,000 students including international students from over 140 countries. Its main campuses are located in Vancouver and the Okanagan.
Also Read: Work while studying in Canada.
Latest Updates at the university
All international students must apply to their preferred course at the University of British Columbia before the deadlines. The deadlines given by the university are illustrated in the table below:
Application Deadlines:
Particulars | Application Deadlines |
Winter Session (September 2025 to April 2026) | January 15, 2025 |
Summer Session (May to August 2025) | January 15, 2025 |
January 2026 | March 25, 2025 |
Why should I choose the University of British Columbia?
One must consider the University of British Columbia because it has been a global centre for teaching, learning and research since its establishment. Moreover, the institute is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the world.
The University of British Columbia Highlights
- Domestic: 41960
- International: 16808
The University of British Columbia Ranking and Stats
The University of British Columbia’s rankings in 2024 are at 34th in the QS World University Rankings, and 38th in the graduate employability Ranking. Times Higher Education has ranked UBC at 41st place in 2024 rankings, and 26th in Impact Rankings 2023. The university is ahead of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, which have ranked 42nd and 43rd in THE World University Rankings, 2024, respectively.
U.S. News and World Report has placed the university at number 2 in Canada, and 5 in the world in the Best Global Universities Rankings.
University of British Columbia Subject-wise Rankings by the US News and World Report, 2023
Subjects / Courses | World Rankings |
Social Sciences and Public Health | 13 |
Environment/Ecology | 14 |
Psychiatry/Psychology | 24 |
Clinical Medicine | 34 |
Electrical and Electronic Engineering | 40 |
Neuroscience and Behavior | 42 |
Education and Educational Research | 46 |
Arts and Humanities | 47 |
Mathematics | 51 |
Engineering | 68 |
What is the rank of the University of British Columbia?
The University of British Columbia is ranked 35 under "Best Global Universities" and 2nd under "Best Global Universities in Canada" according to US News in 2024. It is also at 34th rank in the category of "World University Rankings" in 2024 by QS.
Parametric Score and Ranking 2024
| Domain | Year | Score | Rank | Rank Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 2024 | 78 | 41 | NA |
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The University of British Columbia Courses
The University of British Columbia offers 256 Undergraduate and 253 Postgraduate programmes. The university also offers professional and English pathway programmes. The University of British Columbia’s top courses include health and medicine, nursing, biotechnology and applied microbiology, arts and humanities, electrical and electronic engineering, computer science, economics and business, psychiatry/psychology, etc.
What courses are UBC famous for?
Some of the famous courses offered at the University of British Columbia which are popular and internationally recognised include International economics, Journalism, Media studies, Nursing, Engineering, and many more.
Accreditations
The University of British Columbia Fees
| Courses | Duration | International Student | Local Student |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.A.(48 courses) | 2 years | ₹5.95 L - ₹18.99 L/yr | ₹3.39 L - ₹9.50 L/yr |
| M.Sc.(43 courses) | 2 years | ₹5.95 L - ₹19.38 L/yr | ₹3.39 L - ₹16.44 L/yr |
| B.Sc.(40 courses) | 1 year-5 years | ₹28.45 L - ₹37.84 L/yr | ₹3.59 L - ₹4.64 L/yr |
| B.A.(39 courses) | 4 years | ₹27.62 L - ₹29.87 L/yr | ₹3.59 L - ₹3.66 L/yr |
| M.Ed.(25 courses) | 1 year-2 years | ₹5.04 L - ₹18.99 L/yr | ₹3.39 L - ₹9.50 L/yr |
The University of British Columbia Cost Of Living
The University of British Columbia’s tuition fees for international students is around INR 28.26 L - INR 30.15 L/yr for undergraduate programmes whereas it is around INR 38,69,461.28 for the 12-month full-time master’s programme. International students can pay their fees in three installments in the first week of January, May, and September. The students have to complete 120 credits to be awarded a full-time degree from the University of British Columbia.
Is it expensive to study at the University of British Columbia?
The University of British Columbia's cost of living is quite expensive. The students can expect to spend between CAD 2,097 and CAD 2,212 per month on living expenses, excluding tuition fees which is equivalent to INR 1,31,373 to INR 1,38,565 per month for Indian students. The cost of living in Canada can vary depending on several factors, including lifestyle choices, the type of accommodation, and the selected programme of study. The estimated living expenses while studying at UBC are given in the table below.
University of British Columbia cost of living for international students
Cost Item | Expenses per month in Canadian Dollars |
On-campus residence | 3,600-6,300 |
Off-campus housing | 1,200-2,500 |
Food | 300-500 |
Utilities (heat, hydro, internet) | 100-200 |
Transportation | 100-200 |
Other expenses (clothing, entertainment, personal care) | 200-500 |
How much does it cost to live at the University of British Columbia?
The estimated amount of money to cover the annual living expenses is around USD 16,364 which includes the cost of Room & Board, Books & Supplies, Insurance, Personal & Household Expenses, and Entertainment.
The University of British Columbia Admission and Application
The University of British Columbia’s acceptance rate is around 53% (unofficial sources) which means that the university has competitive admission requirements and moderate selectivity depending on the programme and campus of choice. All applicants are required to check the admission requirements of the selected course of study before application.
How to apply for the University of British Columbia?
To apply to the University of British Columbia, the applicant must follow the given steps.
Undergraduate Admissions
Visit the official website of the University at ubc.ca.
Go to the Admissions tab and click on the link for Undergraduate Admissions.
Click on the link ‘Apply to UBC’.
Fill out the application with all the required information.
Applicants are required to write their profile as a part of the application.
Pay the application fee and submit it.
Note the UBC number for future reference.
The UBC will send the email with the subject line “Your UBC Application – Next Steps”, where all the required documents must be submitted.
The documents must be uploaded electronically via email at final.grades@ubc.
The applicants will be informed about their admission status within 4 - 6 weeks from the date of application after the completion of document verification.
Postgraduate Admissions
Visit the official website of the University at ubc.ca.
Go to the Admissions tab and click on Graduate Admissions.
Click on the link to apply for the Vancouver campus under ‘Ready to Apply’.
Now, on the new page, click on the link to create a new CWL.
Create an account for CWL and the login will be sent via email.
Use the credentials to log in, fill out the application form, and pay the application fee.
The supporting documents will be uploaded to the link sent via email.
The University of British Columbia Application Fee
UBC's application fee to apply as an international student is CAD 125.25 for undergraduate and CAD 168.25 for graduate programmes. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid in Canadian funds.
Documents Required for Admission to the University of British Columbia
The applicants will receive an email from UBC with the subject line “Your UBC Application – Next Steps” that outlines the required documents and the mode to submit them. Documents submitted in support of an application become the property of UBC and will not be returned unless they are irreplaceable.
Higher Secondary School (class 12th) Certificate.
Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or institution.
Academic Transcripts of schools and colleges.
Letter of recommendation or references.
Master’s or M.Phil degree for Ph.D. programmes.
GMAT or GRE scorecard, if required.
Certificate of English Language Proficiency Test scores.
Any additional document as per the requirements of the chosen course of study.
The University of British Columbia Scholarship
The University of British Columbia offers scholarships to recognize the academic achievement of international students from around the world. UBC devotes more than CAD 30 million annually to awards, scholarships, and other forms of financial support for international students. The details about the application process, eligibility, and deadlines of these scholarships can be viewed under the Financial planning section of the university homepage.
Scholarships in Canada are usually offered based on academic achievement and involvement in extracurricular activities. Some of the prominent scholarships of UBC are mentioned below.
The University of British Columbia Scholarships for international students
International Major Entrance Scholarship | President's Scholarships |
Outstanding International Student Award | Killam Doctoral Scholarships |
Premier Undergraduate and Westbrook Scholarship (UG) | President's Academic Excellence Initiative Ph.D. Award |
International Student Awards (UG) | Vanier Scholarship |
Graduate Student Awards (PG) | International Tuition Award |
Ph.D. Minimum Funding |
How can I get a full scholarship at UBC?
One can get a scholarship from the University of British Columbia if they demonstrate an exceptional academic background and the amount ranges from USD 10,000 to USD 25,000 for international students.
The University of British Columbia Eligibility
The eligibility requirements of the University of British Columbia vary according to the Programmes offered at the University. The basic minimum eligibility required to gain admission at UBC is given below.
Undergraduate Admissions
The minimum age of the applicant must be 18 years.
Must have completed Higher Secondary School (class 12th) as a minimum requirement for admission to UG courses.
Must have a GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 point scale, 3.7 is the most preferable GPA, equivalent to 80% of the minimum aggregate score.
English language proficiency as per the University requirements.
Postgraduate Admissions
A 4-year bachelor’s degree is required for most courses, however, a 3-year bachelor’s degree will be accepted, only if,
A first-division degree is granted by an NAAC-accredited ‘A’ grade institution.
A degree is granted by an Institution of National Importance, such as the Indian Institute of Technology.
A minimum aggregate of 65% (first division) or a GPA of 8.0 on a 10-point scale is required for admission to postgraduate and research programmes.
English language proficiency as per the University requirements.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
International applicants who have completed/are completing four or more consecutive years of full-time education in the English language in a country other than Canada where English is the principal language may get an exemption from the below-mentioned English proficiency requirements. English proficiency tests accepted at the University of British Columbia are TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo English Test, CAEL, CAE/CPE, PTE Academic, and MELAB.
If any applicant has completed an online English language proficiency test that is not listed in the table below and wants it to get considered by the UBC, can email the test result along with a waiver request with other required documents to final.grades@ubc. Also, applicants who do not meet these requirements may get themselves enrolled in English pathway programmes at UBC.
University of British Columbia English Proficiency Test Scores
English Proficiency Tests | Minimum Scores for UG | Minimum Scores for Graduate Studies |
TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | 90 |
IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 6.5 |
Duolingo English Test | 125 | — |
CAEL | 70 | 70 |
Cambridge English Scale (CAE/CPE) | 180 | CAE: B CPE: C |
PTE Academic | 65 | 65 |
MELAB | — | 85 |
What GPA is needed for the University of British Columbia?
A minimum GPA score of 3.3 out of 4.0 is required by every applicant to get admitted into the University of British Columbia. There may be requirements to attain a GPA than this which depends on course to course.
The University of British Columbia Campus Facilities
Wifi
The ResNet facility of UBC connects residences to the internet and campus network. ResNet is delivered through either a hardwired port or a wireless connection.
Library
The University of British Columbia library offers Secured Internet Access, Group and silent study spaces, Technology Spaces, Workshop and presentation Rooms, Technology Support, Pianos, and more.
Club
UBC is home to over 350 AMS (Alma Mater Society) clubs. Each faculty is represented by a student society. Students can connect with clubs and organisations to enhance their skills.
Sports
UBC sports clubs give students an opportunity in a variety of sports including alpine skiing, fencing, sailing, tennis, and synchronised swimming with the Aquatic Centre, Golf Club, Tennis Centre, Hangar Fitness and Wellness Centre.
Parking Facility
UBC Parking provides a paid car parking facility. Most parking lots and parkades are open to students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors.
Transport Facility
UBC offers many transportation options like cycling, carshare, and public transit. Other transportation facilities include Community Bike Clinics, E-Bike Program, and Accessibility Shuttle for students with disabilities.
Physical Challenged Student
The University has a wide variety of services for students with disabilities and physical challenges, including special assistance and Accessibility Shuttle.
Medical/Hospital
UBC Parking provides a paid car parking facility. Most parking lots and parkades are open to students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors.
The University of British Columbia International Office Details
The University of British Columbia has a total of 58,768 students studying at the Vancouver campus out of which 28.6% are international students representing over 100 countries. The university is named one of the most international universities in the world by the Times Higher Education Report and provides its overseas students with all the necessary support and benefits.
UBC provides career support services, part-time work, pathway programmes, English language support services, health insurance, scholarships, accommodation, etc for its international students. The university’s International Student Advisors provide immigration-related support to assist students in their smooth transition and easy arrival to the country.
Is it hard to get into the University of British Columbia?
The University of British Columbia’s acceptance rate is approximately 53% as per the unofficial sources as the university does not provide any official information regarding its acceptance rate. This shows that the university has a moderate yet competitive selection process, and requires its applicants to have a strong academic background and extracurricular skills. The international students can contact the University of British Columbia at the given details.
Address: 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4
Website: www.ubc.ca
Phone No. 604 822 2211
Email: ubco.global@ubc.ca
Does the University of British Columbia accept international students?
Yes, the University of British Columbia accepts international students. Moreover, the institute is comprised of the student body out of which around 28.6% belongs to students from around 100 countries of the world.
The University of British Columbia Gallery
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FAQ's
The University of British Columbia is an expensive institution in terms of tuition fees and living expenses. The international tuition fees of UBC range between 28 L to 30 L per academic year for UG students, and approximately 38 L for PG students. The living expenses can also be expected around 1.5 L per month. Overall, the total cost of attendance can range from 45 L to 50 L per year, however, it may vary depending on the preferences and lifestyle of the students.
UBC is a top-ranked university with a strong reputation for academic excellence and research innovation. It is a highly competitive university with a moderate selectivity rate of around 53%. The university requires a minimum GPA of 3.3 out of a 4-point scale for undergraduate programmes, however, 3.7 is the most preferable. For postgraduate admissions, the university requires a minimum GPA of 8.0 out of 10 (65% or above). The minimum GPA requirements can be higher for some courses.
Yes. The University of British Columbia offers scholarships for international students. The scholarships are offered on a merit basis to attract academically strong students from around the world. International Major Entrance Scholarship and Outstanding International Student Award are some examples of UBC scholarships that are offered to international students. Overseas students can also apply for several other scholarships in Canada, specifically designed for them.
UBC is among the top 50 universities in the world and is also named one of the most international universities by THE Report. The University of British Columbia’s acceptance rate is approximately 53%, implying that it has moderate selectivity but it is still very competitive as it receives large amounts of applications from around the world. Applicants with excellent academic records and research potential have a strong chance of getting into the University of British Columbia.
The University of British Columbia rankings have shown that it is among the top 50 universities in the world. It has been ranked 34th in the QS and 41st in THE world university rankings, in 2024. According to the US News and World Report, 2023, the university is at 2nd place in Canada, and 5th place globally. UBC is one of the leading institutions and receives a good number of international applications.
Yes. The University of British Columbia is one of the most international universities as per the Times Higher Education Report, and accepts students from all around the world, including India. However, Indian applicants must fulfill all the eligibility requirements of the university to get admitted. Indian applicants can apply to the various academic programmes at UBC through its online application portal.
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