One of Canada's leading research universities, set on the Pacific coast with strong programs across arts, sciences and professional fields.
The University of British Columbia, known as UBC, is a large public research university with its main campus in Vancouver and a second campus in the Okanagan. It offers a very wide range of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs and is regularly recognized as one of Canada's top universities for research.
Students choose from faculties such as Arts, Science, Applied Science, Land and Food Systems, Forestry, Sauder School of Business and Medicine. Co-operative education, undergraduate research and community-based learning are available in many programs.
UBC's Vancouver campus is built on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people. The university has a large international community and a strong reputation for sustainability and Indigenous initiatives.
Tuition in CA$, 2026-2027
Students who live in British Columbia apply for student aid through StudentAid BC; students from other provinces apply through their own province’s program. A provincial application also covers the federal Canada Student Grants and Loans.
UBC offers its own entrance awards, need-based bursaries and merit scholarships to help students afford their education.
Tuition for 2026-27 from the school’s own published fees, for a typical first-year arts program, rounded. Ancillary fees, books and housing are extra. Confirm the current figure on University of British Columbia’s fee page.
Scholarship names and amounts are estimates and change every year; confirm them with University of British Columbia.
Applications to University of British Columbia go through EducationPlannerBC, British Columbia’s application service.
Applicants typically need British Columbia secondary school graduation or an equivalent, with required prerequisite courses for their chosen program. Many programs also consider a personal profile or additional application components.
Apply through EducationPlannerBC, British Columbia's application service, by selecting UBC and your program, then submitting your transcripts and any required supporting materials by the deadline.
The admission average and deadline are estimates; confirm them with University of British Columbia and EducationPlannerBC.
The Vancouver campus sits on the tip of the Point Grey peninsula, surrounded by forest and ocean, about 30 minutes by bus from downtown Vancouver. The Okanagan campus is in Kelowna, overlooking Okanagan Lake in the interior of the province.
UBC has a large and active campus community with hundreds of student clubs, cultural groups and recreation opportunities. Many students take advantage of the outdoors, from hiking and skiing to ocean activities.
The Thunderbirds compete in U Sports in a wide range of varsity sports.
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the school’s official website.