A small, research-active university in northern British Columbia known for northern and Indigenous studies, environmental science, health programs and close student-faculty contact.
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is a public university based in Prince George, serving students from across the province, the country and abroad. It is known for small classes, accessible professors and research focused on northern communities, natural resources, health and the environment.
UNBC offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the sciences, humanities, social sciences, health, business, education and engineering. Its programs reflect the needs and strengths of northern British Columbia, and many students take part in hands-on learning, field work and community-based research.
The university works closely with First Nations and Indigenous communities and has a strong commitment to Indigenous education. Its regional campuses allow students in other northern communities to study closer to home.
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.
UNBC offers its own entrance awards, bursaries and in-course scholarships to help students with the cost of study.
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 Northern British Columbia’s fee page.
Scholarship names and amounts are estimates and change every year; confirm them with University of Northern British Columbia.
Applications to University of Northern British Columbia go through EducationPlannerBC, British Columbia’s application service.
Applicants typically need high school graduation with required courses for their program, such as English and, for science programs, math and sciences. Some programs have additional prerequisites or separate application steps.
Apply online through EducationPlannerBC, British Columbia's application service, by creating an account and selecting UNBC and your program of choice.
The admission average and deadline are estimates; confirm them with University of Northern British Columbia and EducationPlannerBC.
Prince George is the largest city in northern British Columbia, surrounded by forests, lakes and trails. The main campus sits on a hilltop overlooking the city, with direct access to outdoor recreation.
Student life at UNBC is close-knit, with a friendly campus community and many clubs, events and services. The surrounding wilderness makes hiking, skiing and other outdoor activities part of everyday life.
UNBC's varsity teams compete as the Timberwolves.
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the school’s official website.