The University of British Columbia is a public research university in British Columbia with campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna. The University of British Columbia ranks amongst the world's top 20 public universities. UBC's main campus is in Vancouver and spans 400 acres. University of British Columbia offers 350+ programs at bachelor's and master's levels. UBC is home to over 68,000 students from Canada and 140+ countries.
International admissions applications to the institution are open in September for the seasonal intakes of Summer, Winter, and Fall. Indian students need a minimum GPA of 2.4 (75%) for the graduate program to be admitted to UBC. The average GPA of admitted students at UBC for both undergraduate and graduate programs is 3.6 (90%).
As an Indian student, you will be spending anywhere between 6,000 to 34,000 CAD per year, depending on the program. To assist the students financially, a plethora of top UBC scholarships such as the Karen McKellin International Leader Award, Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarships, Vantage One Excellence Award, and others are offered.
Want to have a student perspective on University of British Columbia? Collegedunia reached out to Suchitra Arora, 2nd year MBA student at University of British Columbia. Mentioned below are the major points of interest we gathered by interviewing her:
Admission: Suchitra Arora secured admission in MBA at University of British Columbia with an IELTS score of 8.0. Some of the other notable points for admission to University of British Columbia were:
- University generally expects 85% from students but if you don't have the required grades then make sure that your personal profile is good.
- Be genuine while writing your personal statement, highlight your strengths and tell a compelling story about how you faced a challenge and solved it.
Education System: Suchitra faced a significant transition while studying at UBC, as everything was conducted through computer-based instruction. Though she was accustomed to traditional methods of studying with physical textbooks, she quickly adapted to the new approach of using laptops for all her studies.
- Learning how to use tools like Microsoft Word and Excel will help you do assignments more efficiently.
Student Experience: At UBC, there are over 400 clubs to choose from, catering to a wide range of interests, from social enterprise and sustainability to scuba diving. Additionally, students are welcome to join multiple clubs, providing ample opportunities for involvement and personal growth.
- UBC campus is like its own city with lots of events happening all the time.
- Follow the university's events pages on Facebook to stay up to date on the newest happenings. This way, you'll always be up to date on what's going on.
Tips for Indian Students: There will be lots of challenges but at the same time there will be a lot of opportunities. It is important to be prepared to weigh the pros and cons and make informed decisions when faced with the need to make a trade-off.
- Before you reach the university make sure to familiarize yourself with the differences in education between studying abroad and studying in India.
Check out the student review of University of British Columbia to get detailed information
University of British Columbia Rankings 2023
Rightly considered as one of the best higher education institutes in Canada, the University of British Columbia ranks #37 worldwide by the recent 2022 rankings survey conducted by the THE. Some other rankings for UBC are:
| Ranking Agency | Ranking 2023 |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | #47 |
| Best Global Universities US News | #35 |
| World University Rankings THE | #40 |
| Best Global Universities in Canada in US News | #2 |
Also Expore:
| UBC Computer Science Rankings | UBC Business Rankings |
| UBC Medicine Rankings | UBC Graduate Employability Rankings |
University of British Columbia Ranking Comparison
The University of British Columbia scores 87.3 in Academic Reputation according to QS Rankings 2022. Mentioned below is the comparison of some of the top-ranked programs at UCB with some of the top Canadian universities:
| Programs | University of British Columbia | University of Toronto | University of Alberta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | #8 | #12 | #151 |
| Psychology | #16 | #15 | #150 |
| Computer Science and Information System | #21 | #12 | #104 |
| Economics and Econometrics | #23 | #20 | #150 |
| Civil and Structural Engineering | #25 | 30 | 100 |
| Medicine | 27 | 10 | 90 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering | 31 | 19 | 132 |
Also Check University Comparison:
- University of Alberta vs University of British Columbia
- University of British Columbia vs Simon Fraser University
- University of British Columbia vs University of Toronto
University of British Columbia Courses
Vancouver Campus of the university offers more than 300 bachelor programs and 331 graduate degree programs around its 12 faculties and 2 schools. The faculties are home to thousands of students and are reputed for different reasons.
UBC Popular Programs
| Program Name | Annual Tuition Fees | Annual Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science [B.S], Data Science | INR 28,30,013 | CAD 46,295 |
| Master of Science [M.S], Data Science | INR 23,34,310 | CAD 38,186 |
| Bachelor of Commerce [B.Com], Business Technology Management | INR 35,54,893 | CAD 58,153 |
| Master of Engineering [M.Eng], Mechanical Engineering | INR 13,38,625 | CAD 21,898 |
| Master of Law [L.L.M] | INR 5,69,365 | CAD 9,314 |
| Master of Architecture [M.Arch] | INR 22,17,613 | CAD 36,277 |
| Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] | INR 55,05,123 | CAD 90,056 |
| Master of Science [M.S], Business Analytics | INR 29,46,405 | CAD 48,199 |
| Bachelor of Arts [B.A]/Master of Management [M.Mgmt] | INR 24,75,276 | CAD 40,492 |
| Master of Science [M.S], Computer Science | INR 4,26,259 | CAD 6,973 |
| Master of Science in Nursing [M.S.N] | INR 4,26,749 | CAD 6,981 |
| Master of Business Administration [M.B.A], Professional | INR 27,52,562 | CAD 45,028 |
University of British Columbia Campus
The institute has two main campuses located in Vancouver and the Okanagan Valley. The main campus in Vancouver is near several beaches and boasts views over the North Shore mountains. There are a number of botanical and memorial gardens on campus as well as a renowned performing arts center.
UBC’s Vancouver campus is situated in more than 400 hectares at a location 30-minute bus ride to the heart of downtown Vancouver.
- The campus has two additional sites: UBC Robson Square and Great Northern Way
- Home to some excellent facilities, including:
- The Centre for Interactive Research in Sustainability (CIRS);
- Museum of Anthropology, Canada’s largest teaching museum;
- UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research.
- Out of 54,863 students on the campus, 28.1% of the population are international students.
University of British Columbia Accommodation
The University of British Columbia ensures your stay in Canada is safe & comfortable and provides both on and off-campus accommodation alternatives for the same. One of the most beautifully distracting cities, Vancouver is a sought-after site in Canada, and a chance to live there as a student is too good of an opportunity to miss. The institute welcomes over 12,000 students to its 14 UBC on-campus residences offering them the best learning environment for growth.
The first-year residents are encouraged to reside on campus with guaranteed accommodation. These students are usually allotted Totem Park, Place Vanier, or Orchard Commons. Following are the average cost of living on campus at University of British Columbia:
| Accommodation Type | Annual Cost (in CAD) | Annual Cost (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Single room in residence hall | 7,700- 12,300 | 4.65 lakhs- 7.43 lakhs |
| Double room in a residence hall | 6,700- 11,300 | 4.05 lakhs- 6.83 lakhs |
| One Bedroom apartment | 9,200- 15,500 | 5.56 lakhs- 9.37 lakhs |
| Shared apartment | 4,500 – 7,500 | 2.72 lakhs- 4.53 lakhs |
Check: On-campus UBC Accommodation options
Off-Campus Accommodation
Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada and the World with a very minimal housing vacancy rate. Though finding a place to reside in Vancouver can be a task, an affordable place on top of that is never going to be a cakewalk. The cost of off-campus student accommodation near the University of British Columbia (UBC) varies depending on the location, size, and amenities of the housing option. However, on average you can expect the following costs:
| Accommodation Type | Monthly Cost (CAD) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Shared apartments | 600-1000 | 36 thousand- 60 thousand |
| Studio apartments | 1000- 1500 | 60 thousand- 90 thousand |
| 1-Bedroom apartments | 1200- 2000 | 72 thousand- 1.21 lakhs |
| 2-Bedroom apartments | 600- 2500 | 36 thousand- 1.51 lakhs |
| Houses and Townhouses | 2000- 3000 | 1.21 lakhs- 1.81 lakhs |
University of British Columbia Admission Process
It is always mandatory to keep close track of the application deadlines to ensure you never a chance at admission because of a silly mistake on your part. To help aid this step in the admission process, some of the upcoming deadlines at the university are compiled as follows:
University of British Columbia PG Admission
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | Graduate Studies Application Portal |
| Application Fee | PG- 168.25 CAD | MBA- 145.75 CAD |
| GPA Requirement | Minimum- 2.5 or 80% | Average- 3.6/4 or 90% |
| English proficiency test scores | TOEFL IBT: 90| IELTS: 6.5 |
| Standardized Exam Scores |
GMAT: 550 (650 for competitive edge) |
| Additional Requirement | 3 LOR’s | Resume | Statement of Purpose | Portfolio | Work Exeprience |
| Admission Deadline | 15 March 2023 (Closed) |
University of British Columbia UG Admissions
|
Category |
Requirement |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | University Portal |
| Application Fee | UG- 118.5 CAD |
| GPA Requirement | 3.0 or 86% |
| English proficiency test scores | TOEFL IBT: 90 | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Standardized Exam Scores | Average SAT: 1600+ | Average ACT: 25+ |
| Admission Deadline | January 15, 2023 (Closed) |
University of British Columbia Cost of Attendance
If you are an international aspirant with an aim of getting enrolled at the university, it is mandatory to have a prior idea and basic plan for the expenses required to survive the duration of the course in a foreign country. The estimated cost of living in Canada for the applicants is as compiled below:
UBC Tuition Fee
University of British Columbia Cost of Living
| Expense | Cost of Living in Canada in CAD | Cost of Living in Canada in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Books and Material (yearly) | Up to 1,665 CAD | Up to 1 lakh |
| Health Insurance (monthly) | 550- 915 CAD | 33,000 to 55,000 |
| Food (monthly) | 250 CAD | 15,000 |
| Transport (monthly) | 30- 65 CAD | 2,000-4,000 |
| Entertainment (monthly) | 135 CAD | 8,000 |
| Phone & Internet (monthly) | 30 CAD | 2,000 |
University of British Columbia Scholarships
Committed to the cause of aiding education for the excellent academic and extracurricular achievers around the world, the university offers various scholarships to study in Canada for the international aspirants. Apart from scholarships, they can also avail of various other financial aids in the form of grants, bursaries, and awards.
Some of the UBC Scholarships available for international applicants are:
| Scholarship/Award | Award Amount (in USD) | Awarded to | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Major Entrance Scholarship | 11,979- 14,973 | Exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs | Renewable for up to 3 additional years of study |
| Outstanding International Student Award | 4,492-10,481 | Meritorious international students who display involvement outside of the classroom | One-time, merit-based entrance scholarship |
| Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award | Full-ride scholarship | International undergraduate students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, leadership skills, involvement in student affairs and community service | Renewable for up to 3 years of duration of the program |
| Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award | Full-ride scholarship | Meritorious international undergraduate students from underprivileged or war-torn areas who would be unable to attend university without financial assistance | Renewable for up to 3 additional years of undergraduate study or to degree completion |
| Outstanding International Student Award | 6,000 - 14,000 | Continuing student; Demonstrated significant contribution to UBC community | Renewable for up to 3 additional years of study |
| Vantage One Excellence Award | Tuition + living expenses | Enrolled in a Vantage pathway program | Renewable for up to 3 years of duration of the program |
Work While Study at UBC
Working on campus is a great way for students to make strong connections within the UBC community and build professional skills needed for life after graduation. Each year, $400,000 in minimum wage subsidies are made available through the Work Study Program to assist faculty and staff at UBC's to develop great student employment opportunities. A competitive application and assessment process is used to give funding to eligible employers.
The Work Study Program offers a flat minimum wage subsidy of CAD 15.65 per hour beginning June 1, 2022. Employers are responsible for paying the 14% employer-paid payroll expenses (CPP, EI, etc.) plus any discretionary salary top-up via an authorized UBC cost center by payroll deadlines.
University of British Columbia Alumni
UBC graduates have received numerous Nobel Prizes, over 60 Rhodes Scholarships, and over 200 have been elected to the Royal Society of Canada. As an alumnus, you are entitled to several alumni perks and services that you may utilize for the rest of your life. Some of the benefits include Alumni UBC App, Alumni Savings, Financial Services, UBC Library Access, Event & Meeting Venues, etc.
Notable Alumni of UBC
| Alumni Nmae | Company | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Trudeau | Liberal Party of Canada | Prime Minister of Canada |
| Rick Hansen | Rick Hansen Foundation | CEO |
| Bjarni Tryggvason | Canadian Space Agency | Astronaut |
| Yael Cohen | Motherlucker | Founder |
| Belinda Wong | Starbucks China | President |
University of British Columbia Placements
The Centre for Student Involvement & Careers at UBC is here to help its students and graduates in developing their achievements and career goals. The highest paying degree at UBC Columbia is the Executive MBA, with alumni earning an average salary of ₹11,571,000.
MBA Placements at UBC
Some of the top employers of UBC MBA Graduates are Amazon, Best Buy, Deloitte, Nestle, Royal Bank of Canada, etc. Mentioned below is the employment stats and career outcomes of UBS’c MBA graduates.
The University of British Columbia faithfully complies with the spirit of its motto, giving its candidates a chance to make the best of their university years. While there are tons of opportunities spread around its massive campus, but nothing is served to the students on a platter and is left up to them to explore and learn.
Also Read: High Paying Jobs in Canada
Where Vancouver could be one of the very distracting cities for students, the institute, on the other hand, has an excellent reputation in terms of education. So, if you could overcome this moral conflict and manage to study in spite of the wonders that Vancouver offers, then UBC awaits you.
FAQs
Ques. What are the general admission requirements at UBC?
Ans. The general admission requirements at UBC for international students is:
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts
- Academic CV/ Resume
- Statement of Purpose (depending upon program requirement)
- Proof of professional experience (if any)
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- English proficiency test scores
- IELTS- 6.5
- TOEFL iBT- 90
Ques. How is UBC Vancouver different than UBC Okanagan?
Ans. The significant difference between both is the campus size. While UBC Vancouver is home to over 60,000 students, UBC Okanagan currently houses approximately 12,000 students. All the other differences in terms of program availability, faculty, research projects, are majorly due to campus size only.
Ques. What is the acceptance rate at the University of British Columbia?
Ans. Since UBC is a globally renowned university, it is difficult for students, especially international students to obtain admission here. As per the previous records, the acceptance rate for UG and PG students is 50% and 25% respectively.
Ques. How much it cost to study in British Columbia for international students?
Ans. The tuition fee of UBC for international students is CAD 39,575+ i.e around 24.48 lakhs for an Indian student. Students should also be prepared to spend 15,000+ USD i.e 9.28 lakhs, which includes rent, utilities, meals, health insurance, personal care, etc.
Ques. How many programs are available at the University of British Columbia?
Ans. Presently, the university is offering around 300 undergraduate-level programs and 330 postgraduate-level programs to international students.
Ques. Does UBC give scholarships to international students?
Ans. Yes, international students are entitled to various UBC scholarships ranging from partial tuition fee waivers like the International Entrance scholarship to full-ride scholarships like the Karen McKellin Scholarship program.
Ques. Does UBC offer a work while studying program to international students?
Ans. Yes, UBC's working while studying option is available to all students. However, international students are required to work in limitation as per the immigration regulations.
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