The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of Canada's leading public research universities, recognized globally for its excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. Founded in 1915, UBC welcomes over 72,000 students from more than 155 countries and has a strong reputation for academic excellence, sustainability, and global impact. Whether you're planning to pursue a bachelor's degree, master's programme, MBA, or PhD, this guide provides an overview of University of British Columbia admissions, available programmes, admission requirements, scholarships, and the application process for international students.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Vancouver, Canada |
| Program Levels | UG · Master's · MBA · PhD |
Which Program Level Fits You?
The University of British Columbia offers programmes across a wide range of academic disciplines for students at different stages of their educational journey.
| Program Level | Overview |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Undergraduate) | Ideal for students completing high school. UBC offers more than 250 undergraduate programmes across various fields. |
| Master's (Postgraduate Taught) | Designed for graduates looking to gain advanced knowledge and specialization, with over 230 master's programmes available. |
| MBA | Suitable for professionals seeking advanced business and leadership education. |
| PhD (Research) | Research-focused programmes for students pursuing academic and professional research careers. |
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary depending on the programme and level of study.
| Level | Requirement | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | IELTS | 6.5+ |
| Bachelor's | TOEFL iBT | 90+ |
| Bachelor's | Duolingo English Test | 125+ |
| Bachelor's | PTE Academic | 65+ |
| Master's | GPA | 3.3+ |
| Master's | IELTS | 6.5+ |
| Master's | TOEFL iBT | 90+ |
| Master's | GMAT | 650+ |
| Master's | GRE | 320+ |
| Master's | Duolingo English Test | 125+ |
| Master's | PTE Academic | 65+ |
Cost of Attendance
The University of British Columbia tuition fees vary depending on your programme and student status. Students should also budget for accommodation, food, transportation, and other living expenses while studying in Canada.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
The University of British Columbia scholarships for international students include entrance scholarships, merit-based awards, faculty-specific funding, and graduate funding opportunities.
Scholarship eligibility and deadlines vary by programme, so applicants are encouraged to explore available funding options early.
Visa & Post-Study Work
International students admitted to the University of British Columbia generally require a Canadian Study Permit before starting their studies. Eligible graduates may apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing them to gain valuable work experience in Canada after completing their degree, subject to current Canadian immigration regulations.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Study Permit | International students generally require a Canadian Study Permit before starting their studies. |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Eligible graduates may apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing them to gain valuable work experience in Canada after completing their degree, subject to current Canadian immigration regulations. |
How to Apply
Every study level follows a similar application process, although deadlines, admission criteria, and required documents vary depending on the programme.
- Undergraduate — choose your programme — Choose your preferred programme and complete the online application.
- Undergraduate — submit documents — Submit academic transcripts and supporting documents, and meet the English language requirements.
- Undergraduate — accept your offer — Receive and accept your admission offer.
- Postgraduate — apply online — Apply through the university's graduate application portal and upload required academic documents.
- Postgraduate — meet requirements and accept — Meet programme-specific admission requirements, receive your admission decision, and accept your offer.
- Apply for your Canadian Study Permit — After accepting your offer, apply for your Canadian Study Permit.
FAQs About Studying Here
Is the University of British Columbia good for international students?
Yes. UBC is one of Canada's top-ranked universities and welcomes students from over 155 countries.
What English language tests does UBC accept?
UBC accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test, and PTE Academic for many programmes.
Does UBC offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. International students can apply for a variety of entrance scholarships, merit-based awards, and graduate funding opportunities.
How do I apply to the University of British Columbia?
Students can apply online through the University's admissions portal by submitting academic records and supporting documents.
Can international students work after graduating from UBC?
Eligible graduates may apply for Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing their studies.
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