University of British Columbia

It's Yours

With its two stunning campuses full of modern learning spaces and innovative research facilities, UBC is home to endless opportunities. Maximize your potential, challenge the ordinary, meet peers from around the world, and discover how to make a difference.

UBC shares a meaningful relationship with the Indigenous host nations for our two main campuses. UBC’s Vancouver campus is located on traditional, ancestral, unceded land of the Musqueam people, and its Okanagan campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Syilx Okanagan Nation. For generations, these lands have been a place of teaching and learning for Indigenous peoples – a tradition that continues to this day.

TOP 40

research university in the world, with more than 200 programs to choose from

earth and ocean sciences, ubc

Take the first step

The first step to becoming a UBC student is to create an account. From there, you can register for a campus tour, sign up for a UBC event in your area, attend an online info session, and receive important UBC updates.

Join us at an event

Choosing where you want to go to university is a big decision. We understand that you want to pick the right school and campus for you, so our knowledgeable and friendly advisors are here to help you decide whether UBC is the perfect fit. We host many events across the year, including campus tours, student experience events, school visits and more, and we’re looking forward to connecting with you.

Craft your academic experience

At UBC, you’re encouraged to venture off campus and out into the world. Learn from professionals in your field through co-operative education, contribute to community-based projects with global significance, or experience other cultures on academic exchange. Collaborate with your professors on your own undergraduate research, or take part in a number of hands-on learning opportunities.

Whatever path you choose, you’ll have the freedom to craft a university experience that’s enriching and uniquely yours.

  • Leadership and volunteering

    Going to university is so much more than just attending classes. It’s your chance to build a new community of friends, experiment with things you’re interested in, and have fun doing it! With so many opportunities – volunteer placements, student government, leadership conferences – you have a lot to choose from. Here are some of the ways you can get involved during your time at UBC.

  • UBC student engaged in a work program

    Work programs

    Getting a university education is a crucial stepping stone on your path to starting a career, and it’s the best time in your life to begin building your network and developing your employable skills. Learn alongside professionals in your field and make important contacts through the Work Study program on the Okanagan campus, or Work Learn on the Vancouver campus.

  • Co-op learning

    UBC’s Co-operative Education Program is the largest of its kind in BC, with dedicated co-op support staff on both the Okanagan and Vancouver campuses to help you every step of the way. With co-op, you can combine your studies with full-time, paid work experience in a variety of fields.

  • Undergraduate research

    As a UBC student, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in hands-on research. It’s your chance to work alongside award-winning faculty, boldly testing new theories and developing technologies that have the potential to change the world. Both campuses offer you the chance to collaborate with your professors on research projects that excite you.

$773.7 MILLION

available in research funding

Food Science UBC Vancouver

Find out if UBC is right for you

Visiting UBC is the best way to experience campus life and decide if our Okanagan or Vancouver campus is the right place for you.

Map out your application

Ready to join the UBC community? It’s time to apply.

As one of the world’s top 40 universities, UBC has competitive admission requirements and attracts elite students from around the globe. Your journey to UBC begins with your online application, and we’re here to provide you with the information, deadlines, and tips to help you put your best foot forward.

Find out more about your admission requirements and application deadlines to be one step closer to studying at UBC.

  • Admission requirements

    To be considered for admission, you must meet UBC’s general admission requirements, degree-specific requirements, and English Language Admission Standard. Use your high school curriculum, plus your chosen campus and degree, to find a complete list of your requirements.

  • English Language Admission Standard

    English is the language of instruction at UBC. To study here, you must be able to demonstrate a minimum level of English language competency. There are nine different ways to meet the University’s English Language Admission Standard.

  • How and when to apply

    Applying to UBC is a straightforward four-step process, but be sure to give yourself plenty of time. Applications are due by January 15 (or December 1 if you wish to be considered for the University’s entrance scholarships and awards).

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    How UBC makes decisions

    UBC’s admission process is competitive and comparative. We consider the breadth, rigour, and relevancy of your course selection, as well as your grades in all academic courses, with a particular focus on subject categories related to your intended area of study.

How to write a strong personal profile

Your application to UBC will be evaluated on a combination of your academic achievements and your personal experiences. That’s where the personal profile section of the online application comes in.

Do you volunteer in your community? Excel at a sport? Hold a part-time job? Knowing more about you helps us determine whether you will flourish here. Find out how to write a strong personal profile so you can put your best foot forward.

Get tips for your personal profile

Planning your finances

Going to university is an investment in your future. Attending university has costs beyond your tuition fees, and in order to prepare, it’s important to start your financial planning early. You’ll need to think about your student fees and living costs, as well as the financial assistance and awards available to you. 

You can get started with planning your finances with our cost estimator.

Use the cost estimator

Look inside the UBC Student Guide

Get the Student Guide

Find out what’s possible at UBC in the 2024 University of British Columbia Undergraduate Student Guide. Click on the interactive PDF version, or request a printed copy to be mailed to your home.

2024 UBC Prospective Undergraduate Student Guide
3.1 MB PDF
View or save a copy of the interactive PDF file.

Plan your high-school courses

It’s never too early to think about what you’ll study at UBC. Knowing which degrees you’re interested in will help you choose your Grade 11 (junior-year) and Grade 12 (senior-year) courses accordingly. Download our worksheets to help you plan ahead.

2024 Student Guide worksheets
60 KB PDF
View or save a copy of the interactive PDF file.

Download the Indigenous Student Handbook

Browse UBC’s guide for Indigenous students and learn more about building a community on campus, finding resources, and planning your future.

2024 UBC Indigenous Student Handbook
4 MB PDF

Before you apply

You’ll need to decide what want to study.

UBC has more than 200+ innovative and hands-on programs for you to choose from across its two campuses. Find out which one is right for you.