University of British Columbia overview
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of the oldest Canadian public universities with strong traditions in multidisciplinary research. The university started out as “McGill University College of British Columbia” in 1908, The institution’s name changed after Jon Jessop made a proposal to the then provincial governor of British Columbia, about the need for a higher education institution in order to serve the local area.
The university is famed for its continuous effort in empowering students with technical skills and creating cognizance about the latest research trends, thereby enabling them to make a contribution to their chosen field of study.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) ranks second in Canada Universities after the University of Toronto. It ranks #13 among the top 1,115 universities from 94 countries that have made meaningful contributions and global impact through research, outreach, and stewardship.
Furthermore on the university’s ranking, the “US News and Report,” ranked it #31 in Best Global Universities. UBC also ranks well in various subjects. It ranks #6 in Plant and Animal Science, #11 in Environment/Ecology, #17 in Social Sciences and Public Health, 18 in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, #19 in Public, Environmental and Occupational Health, #24 in Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology, #37 in Biology and Biochemistry, #38 in Clinical Medicine, #39 in Agricultural Sciences, #45 in Mathematics, #46 in Arts and Humanities, #48 in Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems, #48 in Computer Science, #54 in Economics and Business, #61 in research, #63 in Engineering, #75 in teaching, #80 in Cell Biology and more.
The University of British Columbia is a good school to apply to as an“early decision.” Here, you garner inspiration, skill, and creative ideas that will make you take actions that are beneficial to you and to the world. Also, your generated ideas are transformed into innovative action.
What is the Acceptance Rate at University of British Columbia (UBC)?
UBC’s acceptance rate is 57%. The university considers and admits 57% of the applications received.
What are the SAT/ACT Requirements AT University of British Columbia (UBC)?
The university has joined other universities that have a test-optional policy. Hence, submission of standardized test scores is optional at the moment.
But, if you have your test scores and desire to submit them, you can. You must submit an SAT result (composite minimum 1,600) or ACT (minimum ~25) plus writing (minimum 10).
What is the Grade Point Average requirement at University of British Columbia (UBC)?
You are required to have a grade point average of about 3.6 or something higher. In essence, your grades should be” B’s” all through or a mix of “B’s” and “A’s”
What are the Admission requirements for first year/International students at University of British Columbia (UBC)?
- You are required to submit a transcript of grades to prove the completion of your courses. This should include courses in progress and anticipated grades. Your transcript alongside your recommendation must be emailed by your school to [email protected]
Kindly note this:
- It is important that your school mentions your full name and number in the subject of their email.
- You are required to submit official transcripts (showing all courses attempted as well as the courses in progress) from your current post-secondary institution. This should be sent directly to UBC by the issuing institution.
- You are required to submit official transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions you’ve attended. This should also be sent directly to UBC.
- Submission of SAT/ACT test scores is optional. It may however be added to further prove your proficiency in English.
- You are required to have a minimum of 70% in Grade 11 or Grade 12 English (or their equivalents)
- UBC recommends (not required) at least six academic/non-academic Grade 12 courses.
- Depending on the degree program of choice, the minimum grade point average for admission at UBC is 60% or C or a 2.0 on a 4.0 point scale typically on the most recent 30 credits attempted.
Kindly note this:
- Meeting the aforementioned GPA doesn’t guarantee admission into UBC. Like I mentioned earlier, it depends on the degree of program you selected.
- English language competency: The university’s official language of instruction is English, so, you are required to prove how proficient you are in English. Below are the nine ways to meet UBC’s English Language Admission Requirement:
1. You are to complete four or more consecutive years of recognized, full-time education in English within Canada immediately prior to attending UBC.
2. You are required to complete four or more consecutive years of full-time education in English in a country other than Canada where English is the principal language. These four years must be immediately prior to attending UBC.
3. You must attain at least a grade of 70% in your final exam on the provincial examination portion of Alberta English Language Arts 30-1, BC English 12 ( achieved August 2019 or earlier), or equivalents.
4. You must attain at least a final grade of 4 on Advanced Placement (AP) English Language & Composition or AP Literature & Composition, or achieve a final grade of 5 or higher on International Baccalaureate English A (higher-level or standard-level).
5. You are required to achieve the competence standard indicated by one of the “Tests of English Language Proficiency” that evaluates skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
6. You must successfully complete six credits of post-secondary first-year English studies at a recognized university in an English-speaking country. You must submit a transcript showing the completion of these courses.
7. Graduate from a recognized degree program at an accredited university where English is the primary language of instruction in a country where English is the dominant language.
8. Attend four or more years at an eligible international secondary school that uses English as the language of instruction but operates in a country where the primary language is not English. These four years must be immediately prior to attending UBC. You will need to submit a transcript as soon as possible to UBC’s Undergraduate Admissions Office.
9. You are to attain a UBC Certificate in English Language or CEL by completing Level 600 of the UBC English Language Institute’s English for Academic Purposes program on UBC’s Vancouver campus.
Below is the required minimum score for any of the tests:
Test
CAEL/CAEL Online (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment)
Minimum score
Overall 70
Test
Cambridge English Qualifications (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency)
Minimum score
180
Test
CEL (UBC Certificate in English)
Minimum score
600
Test
IELTS International English Language Testing System (Academic)
Minimum score
6.5, with no part less than 6.0
Test
PTE Pearson Test of English (Academic)
Minimum score
Overall: 65, Reading: 60, Listening: 60, Writing: 60, Speaking: 60
Test
TOEFL or TOEFL iBt Home Edition Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based test (UBC’s institution code is 0965)
Minimum score
Overall: 90, Reading: 22, Listening: 22, Writing: 21, Speaking: 21
Test
DET Duolingo English Test
Minimum score
Overall: 125
Kindly note the following:
- UBC will accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) only if there is no other exam available in your country to prove your English proficiency.
- You are required to submit via email a letter of recommendation from your school’s English teacher, guidance counsellor, principal, or headmaster. This recommendation letter should certify that your level of English proficiency is close to or equal to that of a native speaker. Your phone number and email address should be included in the letter.
- The tests of English language proficiency should evaluate your skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
- The aforementioned minimum scores must be achieved in a single sitting. Note that scores across multiple tests will not satisfy UBC’s minimum component requirements. If you are an applicant from the 2021/2022 Winter Session, you must submit test scores from January 1, 2019 onwards.
- If you are fully proficient in English but do not meet any of the nine options listed above, you may request a waiver for the English Language Admission Standard.
- You will not be evaluated by UBC until you submit evidence of English language proficiency.
- If you are unable to meet UBC’s English requirements, you can consider Vantage One. After completing an intensive 11-month program in computational or physical sciences, you transition directly into second year.
- You are required to provide information about your extracurricular achievements and interests. The information provided will be taken into serious conisderation.
Kindly note this:
- If you have satisfied UBC’s general admission and degree-specific requirements, but have not met the competitive average for your degree of choice, UBC will consider your academic history, work experience, educational goals, and other achievements to find the best admission pathway for you..
What is the cost of study at University of British Columbia (UBC)?
Tuition at UBC is calculated on a per-credit basis. The tuition ranges from $5,616 dollars to $10,000 for Canadians, and $42,000 to $60,000 for international students.
View the tuition of some programs below:
Canadian Students (2021/2022)
Program Fee
Applied Science (Year 1) ( $187.23, $6,927.51)
Applied Science (Years 2-5) ($199.86, $7,394.82)
Arts ($187.23, $5,616.90)
Commerce (Year 1) ($187.23, $5,616.90)
Computer Science ($187.23, $5,616.90)
Dental Hygiene ($187.23, $6,178.59)
Forestry – Wood Products Processing ($187.23, $5,991.36)
International Economics ($299.55, $8,986.50)
Land & Food Systems ($187.23, $5,991.36)
Media Studies ($249.17, $7,475.10)
Medical Laboratory Science ($187.23, $7,114.74)
Music ($187.23, $6,365.82)
Nursing ($187.23, $5,616.90)
Pharmaceutical Sciences ($187.23, $5,616.90)
Design in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urbanism ( $301.71, $9,051.30)
International Student tuition (2021/22)
Program Fee
Applied Science ($1,428.98, $52,872.26)
Arts ($1,371.88, $41,156.40)
Commerce (Sauder School of Business) ($1,775.15, $53,254.50)
Computer Science ($1,413.19, $42,395.70)
Dental Hygiene ($1,413.19, $46,635.27)
Forestry – Wood Products Processing ($1,413.19, $45,222.08)
International Economics ($1,659.58, $49,787.40)
Media Studies ($1,371.88, $41,156.40)
Medical Laboratory Science ($1,413.19, $53,701.22)
Music ($1,145.86, $38,959.24)
Nursing ($1,374.48, $41,234.40)
Pharmaceutical Sciences ($1,413.19, $42,395.70)
Design in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urbanism ($1,395.26, $41,857.80)
What is student life like at University of British Columbia (UBC)?
Learning is interesting at UBC. The university makes sure that academics are held in big rooms with modern facilities, although labs and tutorials are held in smaller groups.
As a student, you have access to the library’s collections and services that reflect Indigenous approaches to teaching, learning, and research.
Also, UBC accommodation or housing is conducive but it is 100% available for first-year UBC undergraduates, and newly admitted international students who are second-year undergraduates. This doesn’t mean that it is not available for returning undergraduate and graduate students, it is. But the former receive housing priority.
Life is really fun and bright at UBC. Beyond academics, you can take part in different activities to connect with other people and have fun.
If you are a lover of sport; there are loads of sports activities that you will keep running back to in school. If you are looking for a place or something to feast your eyes on, then you can visit the Anthropology Museum. The museum has beautiful world arts and cultures, and you can also get inspiration from those arts in the museum
You can also join any of the hundreds of clubs at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Being a member of any club or organization enables you to meet new people, as well as discover, pursue, and share your passions with others outside your academic field.
So, just take a break, socialize and enrich your UBC experience!
In conclusion, the University of British Columbia (UBC) has a long history of excellence in research, teaching, enriching students’ education experience, international collaborations, collaboration with businesses and the public sector. Hence, getting employment after graduation is as easy as taking candy from a baby.
How many campuses does the University of British Columbia (UBC) have?
UBC has two (2) campuses. They are the Vancouver Campus and Okanagan Campus.
The Vancouver campus is situated at 2329, West Mall, Vancouver, BC Canada. This campus is bigger than the Okanagan Campus.
The Okanagan campus is situated at 3333, University Way, Kelowna, BC Canada.
What are the subjects or courses offered at University of British Columbia (UBC)?
Law, Life sciences, Agriculture & Forestry, Biological Sciences, Sport Science, Engineering & Technology, General Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physical sciences, Geology, Environmental, Earth & Marine Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics & Statistics, Physics & Astronomy, Arts & Humanities, Architecture, Languages, Literature & Linguistics, Art, Performing Arts & Design, Archaeology, History, Philosophy & Theology, Computer science, Clinical, pre-clinical & health, Medicine & Dentistry, Education, Social sciences, Geography, Sociology, Politics & International Studies (incl Development Studies), Communication & Media Studies, Business & Economics, Economics & Econometrics, Accounting & Finance, Business & Management, Psychology.