Plan your finances

Getting your finances in order before you arrive on campus is essential. Our online cost estimator can help you estimate your costs and start budgeting for your first year at UBC.


First-year cost estimator

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Budget planning worksheet
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Paying your tuition

You have several options for paying your tuition to UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver. Regardless of the payment method you choose, be sure to indicate your name and student number. It may take several business days for UBC to receive your funds and post them to your account. If you have proof of payment by the due date, your payment will be considered on time.

International students

You are encouraged to use UBC’s Western Union Business Solutions international funds transfer. This method lets you pay in your home currency, secure a competitive exchange rate for up to 72 hours, and avoid additional transaction fees. No Canadian bank account is required.

Funding your studies

Scholarships, awards, and bursaries

UBC is strongly committed to recognizing students for academic excellence, community and school involvement, and demonstrated leadership through merit- and need-based awards.

You may already be familiar with the University’s entrance awards, but other scholarships and awards are available for subsequent years of study. Review eligibility requirements and application deadlines closely for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver.

Canadian students

Funding your university education is your responsibility, but UBC is committed to ensuring that no eligible Canadian student is prevented from attending the University for financial reasons alone. If you do not have the resources required, UBC can help you develop a financial plan and access financial support.

Non-repayable, need-based bursaries are also available through UBC. If you have a full-time student loan and unmet financial need, a general bursary can help fill the gap between your educational costs and government assistance. If you’re connected to a specific club, trade union, company, geographic region, demographic group, or you self-identify as Aboriginal, there may also be an affiliation bursary out there for you. Review eligibility requirements and application deadlines closely for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver.

If you are a student with a disability, a former youth in care, or a Canadian veteran, there are additional awards and funding available to you.

Loans

Canadian students

You may be eligible for federal and provincial student loans. If you do not currently live in Canada, apply to the province where you last resided. If you hold Canadian citizenship but have never lived in Canada, apply through the Province of BC. Learn more about Canadian student loans for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver.

US students

You may be eligible for Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized loans and Direct PLUS loans for parents through the US federal government. Learn more about US student loans for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver.

Band sponsorship

If you’re an Indigenous student, you may be able to finance some or all of your educational expenses with band funding. One common type is third-party sponsorship billing, where your band office pays your tuition and fee payments directly to UBC through Enrolment Services. If you pursue band sponsorship, be sure to review responsibilities and deadlines closely with your band office.

Part-time employment

Most degrees offer paid co-op placements or internships, and programs like Work Study (UBC Okanagan) and Work Learn (UBC Vancouver) can help you find a job on campus. Part-time employment is not only a way to help finance your university education, but also a chance to gain professional experience and develop critical skills.

International students

If you’re a full-time UBC student with a valid Canadian study permit, you’re eligible to work part-time on or off campus.

Advisor tip

“Look for external awards opportunities through banks, companies, and internet-based databases such as Scholarships Canada and yconic.”

Claudia, UBC advisor

Contact an advisor

Have questions about tuition? Need help planning your finances?

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