The University of British Columbia: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

UBC operates two primary campuses, each designed to deliver high-quality education and student engagement on a large scale. While both campuses uphold the university’s academic severity and research focus, they differ in terms of student size, specializations, and campus culture.

Here’s a closer look at the key campuses:

• UBC Vancouver: This is UBC’s larger and more research-intensive site, known for housing the majority of its globally ranked faculties, advanced research infrastructure, and interdisciplinary institutes.
  • Enrollment Scale: Serves around 55,000 undergraduate and graduate students annually.
  • Academic Strengths: Hosts key faculties such as Applied Science, Sauder Business, Arts, Science, and Medical science.
  • Research & Facilities: Home to Canada’s national particle physics lab (TRIUMF), 20+ libraries, botanical collections, museums, and professional arts venues.
  • Student Engagement: Offers diverse clubs, innovation hubs, and cultural programs integrated into day-to-day campus life.
• UBC Okanagan: A newer and more compact campus that has expanded rapidly, UBCO offers smaller class sizes and a close learning environment, attracting students looking for a balanced academic and community setting.
  • Enrollment Scale: Hosts approximately 8,300 students from over 80 countries.
  • Growth & Infrastructure: Includes science labs, research precincts, and shared academic commons; campus size has tripled in under two decades.
  • Program Diversity: Offers undergraduate and master’s programs in arts, sciences, engineering, healthcare management, and education.
  • Community Emphasis: Focuses on collaboration, regional partnerships, and student-led initiatives across academic and extracurricular areas.

UBC also operates Robson Square, the Centre for Digital Media, and distributed medical sites across B.C., expanding its reach beyond the main campuses.

Campus life shapes daily experience, but UBC’s global rankings highlight its research strength, teaching quality, and worldwide reputation.

UBC remains a consistent top-50 institution, ranked #40 by QS in 2026, following earlier placements of #38 and #34 in 2025 and 2024 respectively. Times Higher Education and U.S. News both placed UBC at #41, reflecting its strength across research, global outlook, and teaching metrics.

Here's a detailed view of The University of British Columbia rankings, along with year-wise positions across major global ranking agencies.

Beyond institutional rank, UBC also earns discipline-level recognition across multiple ranking agencies. Its subject-wise placements tell a more detailed story of departmental strengths and global relevance.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2025

Subject rankings show UBC’s academic breadth, with Arts & Humanities ranked #19 globally by QS and Civil Engineering in the top 25. Times Higher Education lists UBC among the world’s top 30 for medical and health programs, while Computer Science holds the #51 spot.

Here’s how UBC performs across key disciplines and ranking bodies:

High subject rankings often translate to competitive application pools. For those considering UBC, it’s essential to understand how admissions work, and what makes an applicant stand out.

The University of British Columbia acceptance rate stands at 65%, reflecting a balance between accessibility and academic standards. While many programs admit qualified candidates, competitive faculties like Sauder and Engineering demand stronger academic records and well-rounded profiles.

Now, let’s explore eligibility, tests, and application specifics for 2025:

Admission Requirements

UBC evaluates applicants on academic readiness, program-specific prerequisites, and overall fit through a mandatory Personal Profile. While undergraduate programs expect 67–90% in core subjects, graduate entries require a recognized four-year bachelor's degree with solid supporting documents.

Here’s what you’ll need to apply, depending on your level:

Academic Qualification

Applicants must demonstrate academic readiness aligned with UBC’s entry standards, which differ by level and faculty. While undergraduates need high school completion with subject-specific grades, postgraduates must show equivalency to a four-year Canadian degree.

See the complete criteria breakdown below:

 Language Proficiency

UBC accepts a range of English tests, with IELTS and TOEFL being the most common. Programs typically expect a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0. Duolingo is accepted only in specific cases where other tests aren’t feasible.

Refer to the test-wise requirements here:

Competitive Exams

Standardized tests like SAT or GRE are not always mandatory but can strengthen applications, especially for programs in management, science, or graduate research. For instance, a GMAT of 650+ is often expected for MBA applicants.

Here’s a look at exams required to study in Canada at UBC.

Note: These are the average scores expected for a competitive application to the University of British Columbia.

After securing admission, visa approval becomes the next hurdle. A clear understanding of the document checklist can prevent delays during the study permit application process.

Visa Requirements

After securing admission, international students must apply for a study permit and supporting documents like proof of funds and biometrics. UBC’s acceptance letter is central to your visa filing, which follows IRCC’s official process.

Below are the required documents for a successful student visa for Canada application:

Knowing what’s required is only useful if submitted on time. UBC operates across Winter and Summer intakes, with specific deadlines tied to scholarship eligibility and program cycles.

UBC offers over 490 undergraduate and graduate programs across its Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. Fields span Applied Science, Arts, Business, Computer Science, Life Sciences, Education, and more.

The University of British Columbia courses are offered in full-time, part-time, and online learning formats, with some programs tied to industry certifications or research centers.

Standout UBC Programs include:

• BASc in Engineering: Offered in streams like Civil, Electrical, Integrated, and Environmental Engineering, with strong co-op pathways and access to research labs under the Faculty of Applied Science.
• BSc in Computer Science: Covers software systems, AI, and data management; supported by strong industry connections and a well-established tech hiring pipeline.
• BCom at Sauder: Includes 12 specializations such as Finance, Business Analytics, and Sustainability. Ranked among the top business programs in North America.
• MSc in Life Sciences & Forestry: Offers concentrations in Food Science, Applied Biology, and Forest Resource Management with research-driven curricula.
• Master of Journalism (MJ): Combines investigative reporting, digital storytelling, and internship placements; hosted by the School of Journalism, Writing & Media.
• Master of Digital Media (MDM): A collaborative graduate program with industry co-creation, offered through the Centre for Digital Media in partnership with leading tech firms.
• MLIS & MAS (iSchool): Highly ranked programs in Library and Information Studies and Archival Science, known for their academic stringency and global recognition.

Once your course is selected, the next step is to assess its cost. Tuition at UBC can vary widely across faculties, with specialized programs priced higher than general degrees.

The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers multiple intakes throughout the academic year to accommodate a wide range of program types and student needs. Understanding these intakes can help you plan your application and admission timeline effectively.

UBC primarily has two major intakes for international students:

1. Winter Intake (September)

• Most popular intake at UBC, with the widest range of undergraduate and graduate programs available.
• Ideal for students completing high school or bachelor’s degrees mid-year.
• Offers full-year courses, co-op options, and access to extracurricular activities from the beginning of the academic year.
• Deadlines: Applications usually open in October of the previous year and close around mid-January.

2. Summer Intake (May)

• Also known as the Summer Session, this intake includes limited course offerings.
• Typically used for short-term study, summer programs, or accelerated coursework.
• Fewer program options, mostly available to continuing students or those in specific programs such as Engineering or Education.

UBC opens applications by early October for both Winter and Summer sessions, with major scholarship deadlines falling between mid-November and early December. The final application cut-off for all applicants is January 15, 2026, covering both seasonal intakes.

Here’s a summary of important dates and timelines to keep in mind:

Application planning also depends on the course you’re applying to. With over 600 programs, UBC offers academic paths ranging from foundational sciences to hybrid disciplines.

UBC’s tuition varies significantly across disciplines, with programs like the Masters in Data Science costing up to CAD 57,469 (INR 36.1L), while a 16-month MBA is relatively lower at CAD 26,062 (INR 16.3L). Undergraduate tech-focused degrees such as BSc in Computer Science average around CAD 51,000 (INR 32L).

Here’s a closer look at the cost of studying in Canada across key programs, followed by estimated living costs for international students:

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on the current exchange rate.

In addition to academic expenses, lifestyle costs such as housing, transport, and food significantly impact your budget. UBC students should plan for a wide cost range based on housing choice and city.

Living expenses at UBC can add another CAD 22,640 to CAD 41,604 (INR 14.2L to INR 26.1L) annually, driven mostly by accommodation and food, which alone can reach CAD 33,600 (INR 21.1L) depending on housing type.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Canada that international students should plan for:

Note:

• Currency conversions are approximate and based on the current exchange rate.
• Actual costs may vary by location, housing type, and individual lifestyle.

For many international students, scholarships offset these expenses. UBC offers both internal and external funding options, some of which cover full tuition and living costs.

UBC commits over CAD 35 million annually to international student financial support, with recipients from more than 108 countries and over 560 International Scholars funded since 2001. Whether awarded for merit or need, these fully funded scholarships in Canada ease tuition costs for a wide student base.

Let’s explore internal and external options below for broader opportunities:

Internal Scholarships

UBC’s internal awards primarily support incoming international students, with major entrance and need-based programs offering up to CAD 25,000 (INR 15.7L). 

These scholarships reward high academic performance, leadership potential, and financial need, often as early-entry awards tied to admission decisions.

Here’s a snapshot of key internal scholarships in Canada for international students:

Apart from UBC-administered awards, various Canadian foundations and government bodies offer scholarships that students can apply for separately. These expand your options significantly.

External Scholarships

External funding options are available to both domestic and international UBC students, often based on personal circumstances, health status, or professional interests. 

Awards like the AbbVie IBD Scholarship and Foster Children Bursary address niche eligibility groups and typically range from CAD 2,000 to CAD 5,000 (INR 1.2L to INR 3.1L).

Below are some of the notable study abroad scholarships UBC students may access:

Funding your education is only part of the equation. UBC’s placement record helps illustrate the return on that investment, both in employment outcomes and employer diversity.

UBC consistently prepares students for successful career transitions across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Over 80% of Sauder School of Business BCom graduates secure full-time roles within six months of graduation, with a median starting salary of CAD 62,000 (INR 39L).

Students benefit from industry partnerships, co-op programs, and career development services customized to discipline-specific goals.

Key highlights include:

• 80%+ job placement rate for BCom graduates within six months
• Dedicated Centre for Student Involvement and Careers supporting internships and employment
• PhD graduates placed in top roles across universities, think tanks, and R&D departments globally
• Co-op programs are available in various engineering types, Arts, Sciences, and Business to build early work experience.

From finance and consulting to tech and healthcare, UBC alumni find roles across global firms. These companies consistently hire from UBC’s top-performing faculties and co-op programs.

Top recruiters

UBC’s placement outcomes are supported by strong ties to leading employers across sectors such as finance, consulting, technology, and real estate. 

Faculties like Sauder, Applied Science, and Computer Science consistently attract recruiters through career fairs, co-op programs, and on-campus events.

Here's a look at some of the key companies that regularly hire UBC graduates:

• Deloitte, KPMG, EY, PwC: These Big Four firms frequently recruit BCom and Economics students for full-time roles and internships in audit, assurance, consulting, and tax advisory, with dedicated Sauder pipelines for early talent.
• Google, Microsoft, SAP: Known to engage engineering and CS graduates through UBC’s tech fairs and co-ops, these companies offer roles in product development, systems design, and cloud-based analytics.
• RBC, Scotiabank, CPP Investments, CMLS Financial: These financial institutions hire across investment analysis, risk management, and real estate finance, often recruiting directly from UBC’s finance and commerce cohorts.
• Telus, QuadReal, L’Oréal: Recruiters from these firms seek talent in marketing, operations, and real estate strategy, with several rotational leadership programs targeting undergrads.
• Bain & Company: Actively recruits Sauder BCom and MBA candidates through case competitions and networking sessions, offering roles in the business analysis process and strategic consulting across North America.

These partnerships reflect UBC’s emphasis on real-world readiness and its consistent presence in employer recruitment pipelines.

Success at UBC isn’t limited to academics or jobs. A wide array of student-led clubs, support groups, and campus activities ensures personal growth throughout the university journey.

The University of British Columbia offers an active campus life with more than 350 student clubs and organizations spanning academic, cultural, and recreational interests. As a standout example of student life in Canada, UBC is home to dedicated student associations like the Alma Mater Society (AMS), which supports over 60,000 students.

Whether through performance clubs, student-run media, or competitive sports, students have numerous avenues to connect, grow, and lead.

• Clubs & Organizations:
  • UBC Science Undergraduate Society (SUS): Supports 9,900+ science students across 50 clubs, offering academic events, social mixers, and leadership roles.
  • AMS Clubs & Student Societies: Includes academic unions, language clubs, cultural groups, and interest-based communities like the UBC Knitting & Sewing Club or UX Hub.
  • UBC Players Club: One of the oldest campus theatre groups, offering workshops, open mics, and full-scale productions.
  • The Ubyssey & CiTR Radio: Run by students, these platforms provide opportunities in journalism, photography, podcasting, and broadcasting.
• Sports & Recreation:
  • UBC Thunderbirds: 26 varsity teams (13 men’s, 13 women’s) with top performances in volleyball, soccer, and ultimate Frisbee.
  • Intramurals & Fitness: Wide range of intramural leagues, fitness classes, outdoor activities, and Aquatic Centre access.
  • UBC Recreation Clubs: Includes outdoor clubs, martial arts, rowing, and Quidditch for casual and competitive participation.
• Student Support Services:
  • Health & Wellness: UBC offers counselling services, wellness coaching, peer support, and the Wellness Centre.
  • Graduate Student Society (GSS): Organizes professional development events, social activities, and advocacy for grad students.
  • International Student Advising: Helps with immigration, post-graduation work permits, and settlement support through UBC Global.

These activities create a connected, resource-rich student experience where learners thrive socially, culturally, and personally alongside their academic journey.

UBC’s dynamic campus environment has shaped leaders across politics, science, tech, and the arts. Many notable alumni trace their influence back to formative experiences at the university.

UBC’s alumni network includes over 410,000 graduates across 145 countries, spanning politics, science, entertainment, and tech. From producing three Canadian prime ministers to two Nobel laureates and top industry leaders like Andre Karpathy and Belinda Wong, UBC’s global impact is both deep and diverse.

Here are some of the university’s most distinguished alumni and their contributions:

For those still deciding, comparing UBC with other top global universities helps refine your choice. A head-to-head breakdown across cost, programs, and outcomes can guide next steps.

Each of these three universities, UBC, University of Toronto, and Melbourne, lands in the global top 50, but they differ sharply in tuition, course diversity, and graduate outcomes.

For example, UBC graduates report average salaries of CAD 77,000 (INR 48.4L), slightly higher than Melbourne’s AUD 65,300 (INR 36.7L). Meanwhile, Toronto offers the widest academic spread with over 900 programs.

Below is a detailed comparison across key academic and financial indicators:

What makes one better than the other depends less on rankings and more on how well each aligns with your field, finances, and future plans. The real advantage lies in choosing the university that matches your intent, not just its reputation.

Program fees at UBC reflect both field of study and program structure. For instance, the combined MPH + MS Nursing program in Canada is among the highest at CAD 66,408 (INR 41.7L) annually, while MSc in Forestry costs under CAD 10,000 (INR 6.2L).

Undergraduate programs like Sauder’s Commerce bachelor’s degree command higher fees than Arts. 

Here’s a breakdown of annual tuition across select undergraduate and graduate programs:

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on the current exchange rate.

Annual tuition isn’t the only expense. Factoring in total education costs, including books and fees, gives a clearer picture of your financial commitment at UBC.