University of British Columbia

University of British Columbia, Canada: Courses, Fees, Rankings, Campus & International Student Guide

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public research university with major campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan Valley in Kelowna. The university offers a broad selection of undergraduate and graduate programs and has a substantial international student community. UBC's current institutional facts report 72,100 students, including 59,688 undergraduate students and 12,412 graduate students, across its two main campuses.

For international students, UBC provides study opportunities across areas such as business, engineering, computer science, science, health, arts, forestry, land and food systems, education and social sciences. Its Vancouver campus is located in a major Canadian metropolitan area, while the Okanagan campus provides another university environment in Kelowna.

UBC is also strongly research-oriented. Its 2026 institutional facts report more than $936 million in research funding, over 435,000 alumni worldwide and more than 20,000 faculty and staff across both campuses.

For an international applicant, however, university reputation is only one part of the decision. Program requirements, tuition, scholarships, accommodation, living expenses and the specific campus experience should all be considered before applying.

What is University of British Columbia Known For?

UBC is known for its research-intensive academic environment, international community and broad range of programs.

The university offers programs across many disciplines, including:

• Applied Science and Engineering
• Arts
• Commerce and Business
• Computer Science
• Science
• Forestry
• Kinesiology
• Nursing
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Social Work
• Land and Food Systems
• Architecture and Design
• Education

UBC also has extensive research activity in areas such as climate and sustainability, health, technology, engineering, natural sciences and social sciences.

Its two major campuses give students different settings. The Vancouver campus is located in the city of Vancouver, while the Okanagan campus is located in Kelowna.

Rankings – University of British Columbia

UBC is included in several major international university rankings.

According to UBC's current institutional facts page, its 2025 rankings include:

Ranking	World Position	Canada Position
Times Higher Education	41st	2nd
ARWU	53rd	2nd
QS	38th	3rd

These figures are from the respective 2025 ranking editions and use different methodologies.

UBC's Provost office also reports that the university was #45 globally and #3 in Canada in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Because ranking editions and methodologies differ, students should check the date and ranking system when comparing universities.

Why These Rankings Matter

Rankings can provide useful context about a university's research activity, academic reputation, international outlook and other measured indicators.

However, an overall university ranking does not necessarily describe every individual program.

International students should also examine:

• The specific degree curriculum
• Program-specific admission requirements
• Tuition fees
• Scholarships
• Research opportunities
• Co-op or experiential learning
• Campus environment
• Accommodation
• Career support
• Location and living costs

Quick Facts

Category	Details
University	University of British Columbia
Location	Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia
Institution type	Public research university
Main campuses	Vancouver and Okanagan
Total students	72,100
Undergraduate students	59,688
Graduate students	12,412
International students	Yes
International IELTS	6.5 overall, no component below 6.0
Major academic areas	Business, Engineering, Science, Arts, Computing, Health and more

UBC's 2026 institutional data lists 25.4% of Vancouver students and 17.4% of Okanagan students as international students.

Q&A: Is the University of British Columbia a good option for international students?

UBC offers a broad academic portfolio, significant research activity and a large international community. Students should assess the specific program, admission requirements and total cost before applying.

Campus – University of British Columbia

UBC operates two major campuses.

Vancouver Campus

The Vancouver campus is located at the western end of Vancouver and provides a large university environment with academic buildings, research facilities, libraries, residences, recreation facilities and student services.

The campus is also connected to Vancouver's wider metropolitan environment, giving students access to public transportation, cultural activities, businesses and other city services.

Okanagan Campus

The Okanagan campus is located in Kelowna in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley.

It provides another UBC environment with undergraduate and graduate programs, research facilities, student services and campus activities.

UBC also operates additional facilities and learning locations, including UBC Robson Square and the UBC Learning Exchange in Vancouver.

Q&A: Where is the University of British Columbia located?

UBC's two main campuses are in Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia. The Vancouver campus is the larger of the two.

Courses – University of British Columbia

UBC offers a large selection of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Applied Science and Engineering

Engineering students can explore areas such as:

• Civil Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Integrated Engineering

Business and Commerce

The Sauder School of Business provides programs in areas including:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Business Analytics
• Operations
• Entrepreneurship
• International Business

Computer Science

Computing-related studies cover areas such as computer systems, software, data, artificial intelligence and theoretical computer science.

Science

Students can study subjects including:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Earth and Ocean Sciences
• Environmental Sciences

Arts and Social Sciences

Arts programs include disciplines such as:

• Psychology
• Economics
• Political Science
• Sociology
• History
• English
• Anthropology
• Philosophy

Health and Professional Areas

UBC also offers programs in areas including Nursing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Social Work and other health-related disciplines.

Popular Subject Areas at University of British Columbia

UBC's wide academic portfolio allows students to choose from numerous subject areas.

Engineering: Multiple engineering disciplines combine academic study with technical and applied learning.

Business: Students can study finance, accounting, marketing, management and other business areas.

Computer Science: Computing programs cover software, systems, data and emerging technologies.

Science: Students can choose from biological, physical, mathematical and environmental sciences.

Forestry and Environmental Studies: UBC has substantial academic and research activity related to forests, natural resources and sustainability.

Health Sciences: Nursing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Social Work and other health-related programs provide additional pathways.

Q&A: What courses is UBC known for?

UBC has a broad academic portfolio rather than being focused on one subject. Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Science, Arts, Forestry and health-related disciplines are among its major areas of study.

Student Life at University of British Columbia

Student life at UBC extends beyond academic classes.

Students can participate in clubs, student organizations, athletics, cultural activities, volunteering, academic societies and campus events.

The size of the university also means students can find communities connected to specific academic, cultural, recreational and professional interests.

UBC reports that 84% of undergraduate students participate in enriched learning experiences by the time they graduate, based on the 2023 National Survey of Student Engagement.

International students can also become involved in campus communities and activities while adjusting to studying and living in Canada.

Facilities & Campus Life

UBC's campuses provide extensive academic and student facilities, including:

• Libraries
• Research laboratories
• Study spaces
• Student residences
• Recreation facilities
• Dining facilities
• Health and wellness services
• Academic support
• Student organizations
• Career resources

The Vancouver campus includes major library and research facilities, while both campuses provide spaces for student activities and academic work.

UBC also reports that 15,854 students live in on-campus housing, according to its 2025/26 campus facts.

Q&A: Does UBC provide student accommodation?

Yes. UBC provides on-campus housing options. Availability, eligibility and application procedures vary by campus and residence type, so students should review current housing information and apply within the relevant deadlines.

Careers & Employability – University of British Columbia

UBC provides career resources and experiential-learning opportunities to help students connect their education with professional development.

Depending on their program, students may gain experience through co-op placements, internships, research, student employment, volunteering and other practical learning opportunities.

The university reports 8,185 co-op work terms placed during the 2024/25 academic year, demonstrating the scale of its co-operative education activity.

Students can develop professional skills through:

• Co-op
• Internships
• Research
• Career events
• Employer networking
• Resume preparation
• Interview preparation
• Experiential learning

Career Support Includes

• Career advising
• Resume and application support
• Interview preparation
• Employer events
• Networking
• Co-op and experiential learning
• Job and internship resources
• Career planning

Q&A: Does UBC offer career support?

Yes. UBC provides career resources and experiential-learning opportunities, including co-op opportunities for eligible programs and students.

Fees – University of British Columbia

UBC tuition varies substantially by program.

For international undergraduate students beginning in the 2026/27 academic year, UBC's published tuition schedule shows different per-credit rates across programs. For example:

• Nursing: CAD 1,720.94 per credit
• Pharmaceutical Sciences: CAD 1,769.40 per credit
• Science: CAD 1,769.40 per credit
• Social Work: CAD 1,717.68 per credit
• Music: CAD 1,434.70 per credit

UBC notes that tuition is reviewed annually and that international undergraduate tuition for students starting in 2026/27 will increase by no more than 3% annually for the subsequent four years or until graduation, whichever comes first.

Estimated Tuition Fees for International Students

Study Area	Example Published 2026/27 Tuition
Music	CAD 48,779.80 for 34 credits
Nursing	CAD 51,628.20 for 30 credits
Social Work	CAD 51,530.40 for 30 credits
Pharmaceutical Sciences	CAD 53,082.00 for 30 credits
Science	CAD 53,082.00 for 30 credits

These are examples from UBC's published tuition schedule rather than a universal annual fee. Other programs can have substantially different costs.

Students should also budget separately for:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Transportation
• Books and supplies
• Health-related expenses
• Personal expenses
• Student and campus fees

Scholarships for International Students

UBC offers several scholarship and award opportunities for international students.

For the 2026/27 academic year, the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) is valued at CAD 10,000–25,000 per year. It is intended for new international students entering directly from secondary school who demonstrate strong academic achievement and other qualifying characteristics.

UBC also offers the Outstanding International Student Award, a merit-based entrance scholarship for qualified international students.

For students applying for the 2027 Winter Session, UBC's current deadline for international applicants who want consideration for the International Scholars Program awards is November 15, 2026. The general application deadline for the 2027 Winter Session is January 15, 2027.

Q&A: Does UBC offer scholarships to international students?

Yes. UBC offers several scholarships and awards for eligible international students, including the International Major Entrance Scholarship and Outstanding International Student Award. Eligibility and deadlines vary by award.

University of British Columbia for International Students – Vancouver & Okanagan

UBC has a substantial international student community across its two main campuses.

Its 2025/26 campus facts report international students from 153 countries and territories, while current institutional data reports 25.4% of Vancouver students and 17.4% of Okanagan students as international.

International applicants must meet the academic requirements for their chosen program and satisfy UBC's English Language Admission Standard.

For the 2026/27 Winter Session, UBC's English-language standard includes:

• IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, no component below 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: 90 overall, with minimum component scores
• PTE Academic: 65 overall, with minimum component scores
• Duolingo English Test: 125 overall, with minimum component scores
• CAEL: 70 overall

UBC's application process also has specific deadlines for international applicants and scholarship consideration.

Q&A: What IELTS score is required for UBC?

UBC's general English Language Admission Standard requires IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0. Some programs can have additional requirements.

The Honest Verdict – Is University of British Columbia the Right Choice for You?

UBC provides a large research-university environment with a wide range of academic programs, extensive facilities and a substantial international community.

The university's two major campuses also provide different geographical and campus settings: Vancouver offers a major metropolitan environment, while Okanagan is located in Kelowna.

International students should consider the specific degree they want to pursue because tuition, admission requirements and academic structures vary considerably between programs.

University of British Columbia Is an Excellent Choice If You...

• Want to study at a major Canadian research university
• Are interested in research or experiential learning
• Want a wide choice of academic programs
• Are considering Engineering, Business, Computer Science or Science
• Want access to a large international community
• Prefer studying in British Columbia
• Want access to co-op and experiential-learning opportunities
• Are prepared to plan carefully for international tuition and living costs

It May Not Be the Right Fit If You...

• Prefer a very small university environment
• Need a low-cost international tuition option
• Want a program that UBC does not offer
• Prefer a smaller city and less extensive campus environment
• Are unable to meet the academic and English-language requirements of your intended program

Frequently Asked Questions About University of British Columbia

Is UBC a public university?

Yes. The University of British Columbia is a public research university in British Columbia.

Is UBC a DLI?

Yes. UBC is a designated learning institution in Canada.

What IELTS score does UBC require?

The general English Language Admission Standard is IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0.

How much does UBC cost for international students?

Tuition varies considerably by program. Published 2026/27 examples range from approximately CAD 48,780 for a 34-credit Music load to more than CAD 53,000 for 30-credit Science or Pharmaceutical Sciences loads.

Does UBC offer scholarships to international students?

Yes. UBC offers international scholarships including the International Major Entrance Scholarship and Outstanding International Student Award.

Does UBC have student accommodation?

Yes. UBC operates on-campus housing options across its campuses.

What can international students study at UBC?

Students can choose from a wide range of disciplines, including Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Science, Arts, Forestry, Nursing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Social Work and other fields.

Where is UBC located?

UBC's two main campuses are located in Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia.

A Final Word – Why University of British Columbia Deserves Your Consideration

The University of British Columbia offers international students a broad academic environment supported by extensive research activity, multiple campuses and a large global student community.

Its programs cover disciplines ranging from Engineering and Computer Science to Business, Science, Arts, Forestry and health-related fields. Students can also access research, co-op and other experiential-learning opportunities depending on their program.

The financial side requires careful planning. UBC's international tuition varies significantly by degree, while accommodation and living expenses are additional. Scholarship opportunities can help eligible students, but requirements and deadlines need to be checked well in advance.

For students considering UBC, the most useful next step is to identify the exact degree, review its admission requirements and calculate the complete cost of attendance before applying.