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Programs spotlight: Education

By Crissy Campbell on May 23, 2023

Programs spotlight: Education

Do you believe education should put students and the quality of their learning first? Do you enjoy sharing knowledge with others and helping people find and develop their innate talent? Consider one of UBC’s seven Bachelor of Education degrees for an internationally recognized learning experience that will launch your career as an educator in Canada and beyond.

Explore your program options

Elementary, Middle, or Secondary School

Gain hands-on experience teaching elementary, middle, or secondary school curricula in one of UBC’s education programs. Choose between Teaching Children and Teaching Adolescents at UBC Okanagan, or Elementary and Middle Years and Secondary at UBC Vancouver. Students in all programs will complete school-based practicums and engage in collaborative learning with instructors, classmates, practising educators, and community partners, and have the opportunity to participate in place-based learning opportunities.

West Kootenay Teacher Education Program

If you believe rural and small school settings present exciting educational opportunities for teachers, the West Kootenay Teacher Education Program (WKTEP) could be for you. Based in the WKTEP Learning Centre in Nelson, BC, and in the surrounding communities, this 11-month post-degree program offers an opportunity to develop the professional qualities and practices necessary to teach in today’s complex learning environments. With a strong focus on community, collaboration, and innovation, you’ll graduate prepared to teach in an elementary, middle, or secondary school setting.

Indigenous Teacher Education Program

Build upon your Indigenous identity and cultural heritage while learning how to be an effective educator in public, band, and independent schools in BC. In the Indigenous Teacher Education Program (NITEP), you’ll develop the skills and academic knowledge expected of beginning educators and complete a specialization in Indigenous Education. As a student at UBC Vancouver, you’ll have access to the Xwi7xwa Library, a centre for academic and community Indigenous scholarship.

International Baccalaureate

Join a community of students focused on international education in Canada’s first IB-recognized teacher education program. You’ll learn key concepts and transdisciplinary themes through enriching, hands-on learning opportunities that promote discovery, exploration, and thinking about real-world issues. You’ll graduate with a strong foundation in the educational practices and underpinnings of IB, and will be eligible for the Level 1 IB Educator credential.

 

See a full list of education programs at UBC

 

 

Ready for UBC 101?

By Crissy Campbell on May 18, 2023

Ready for UBC 101?

Once you’ve been admitted to UBC Okanagan, it’s time to start getting to know your new home. UBC 101 is a series of online modules that will help you learn more about your campus, and take care of the basics before classes start.

What is UBC 101?

From textbooks to housing, medical insurance to degree planning, UBC 101 will set you up with the knowledge to help you succeed when you arrive on campus. This online program will:

  • Introduce you to the history, traditions, and culture of UBC Okanagan.
  • Guide you through your academic transition to university.
  • Introduce you to on-campus support services.
  • Teach you how to register for your first-year courses.

When is UBC 101?

UBC 101 starts in mid-May and runs until mid-August, but it’s a relatively small time commitment with a big pay-off. Modules will be released every week between mid-May and mid-August. Completing the modules will take about 1 hour each week.

How to access UBC 101

All new-to-UBC Okanagan students, except Bachelor of Education students, are eligible to take part in UBC 101. You’ll be automatically enrolled starting in mid-May.

You can access UBC 101 anytime by clicking the link to the orientation on your Canvas dashboard. That’s also where you’ll find any updates or news about the UBC 101 material.

All the ways you can pay your UBC fees

By Crissy Campbell on May 16, 2023

All the ways you can pay your UBC fees

Once you’ve accepted your offer of admission and registered for courses, there are many different ways to pay your tuition, student fees, and residence and meal plan fees. The payment options available will depend on the specific type of fee you’re paying, which bank you are using, which campus you’re attending, and where you are in the world.

If you’re a Canadian student or paying from a Canadian account

Here are just a few of the ways you can pay your tuition and fees:

  • Online or telephone banking bill payment from any Canadian financial institution
  • Interac® Online from Canadian accounts at select financial institutions
  • Electronic funds transfer (EFT) from any Canadian financial institution
  • Payment at any Canadian HSBC branch (you do not have to be an HSBC customer)
  • Online credit card payment (a 1.75% convenience fee applies for certain payments)
  • In person by cheque or debit at the Student Records and Financial Services office at UNC 214 (UBC Okanagan students only)

You also have the option of:

If you’re an international student or paying from an international account

You can pay your fees in a number of ways. Here are a few options:

  • International funds transfer (IFT) with Convera
  • Online credit card payment (a 1.75% convenience fee applies for certain payments)
  • Payment at any Canadian HSBC branch

Did you know?

If you’re an international student, UBC’s international funds transfer option with Convera 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 required.

Convera Price Match

If you find a better quote to send a payment to UBC from your bank than the one provided by GlobalPay for Students, Convera will match the total price you have been offered. To take advantage of the offer, read through their terms and conditions (pdf).

Step-by-step instructions

For a full list of payment options and to get step-by-step instructions for your payment method(s) of choice, check out the links below. Please note that tuition fees and residence fees are paid to different departments at UBC.

 UBC Okanagan:

UBC Vancouver:

Questions?

If you have questions about paying fees, we’re here to help!

Your UBC Okanagan orientations

By Crissy Campbell on May 15, 2023

Your UBC Okanagan orientations

Congratulations on your offer of admission to UBC Okanagan! Once you’ve decided UBC is the right place for you and accepted your offer, it’s time to take a look at your orientations before classes start.

This summer, these activities and events will help you build your community and meet your first friends, learn more about campus life, and get ready for your first day in September.

UBC 101

As a new-to-UBC-Okanagan student, you’ll be automatically enrolled in UBC 101. This course has two streams: an Indigenous student stream and a general student stream. Both streams contain a series of online modules that will help you discover the history and traditions of UBC Okanagan, learn about the academic transition to university, and be introduced to on-campus support services. Make sure you don’t miss the module that provides important information about course registration.

UBC 101’s Indigenous student stream is self-paced, takes about 2 hours, and can be completed anytime between mid-May and mid-August. As an Indigenous student in this stream, your learning will be supported by the Indigenous Programs and Services Office and Indigenous peer mentor team.

UBC 101’s general student stream modules will be released every week between mid-May and mid-August. Completing the modules will take about 1 hour each week and your learning will be led by an upper-year UBC Okanagan student who can answer your questions and help you take care of the essentials before classes start.

Who should take part

All undergraduate students coming to UBC Okanagan, except Bachelor of Education students.

Dates and deadlines

If you’re eligible, you will be automatically enrolled starting in mid-May.

Jump Start at UBC Okanagan

Jump Start at UBC Okanagan will help you discover campus life, learn about opportunities, and connect with other students. This multi-day event is a great way to make friends before the first day of term through fun social activities in small groups of around 25, led by upper-year peers.

You can take part in Jump Start’s commuter stream or residence stream, depending on whether you’ll be living on- or off-campus in your first term. Whichever stream is right for you, you’ll enjoy academic success workshops designed to welcome you to your degree, as well as the chance to connect with faculty members, staff, and other students who are available to help you throughout your time at UBC. You’ll find out what it’s like to learn in a university environment and can take part in sessions hosted by UBC Okanagan staff and faculty to show you the campus resources and services. By getting the fundamentals out of the way, you’ll have more time to focus on what matters on your first day.

Who should take part

All first-year students coming to UBC Okanagan from high school.

Dates and deadlines

Jump Start at UBC Okanagan runs from August 28 to September 1. Residence students may begin moving in on August 26 – 27. Register now!

Create

Kick off your first year at UBC Okanagan with Create orientation. This free campus-wide event is here to help you build connections to the people, places, and resources that will support and shape your university experience. Over the course of the day, you’ll meet other new students and connect with upper-level peers who are ready to answer all your questions.

You’ll learn about UBC Okanagan and be welcomed by UBC’s leadership. You can also discover more about the campus and Kelowna community at the Showcase Information Fair. After you’ve registered for Create, you will receive an official email in late August with your personal schedule, including your group number and other important information about the day.

Who should take part

All new-to-UBC Okanagan undergraduate students.

Dates and deadlines

Create takes place on September 4. Registration will open in July.

Indigenous Student Orientation

Indigenous Student Orientation (ISO) is designed to help undergraduate and graduate students prepare for a successful start at UBC and develop connections and meaningful relationships.

Get to know UBC Okanagan and begin to discover your community on campus at Indigenous Student Orientation. Join the Indigenous Programs and Services team during a fun-filled day where you will learn more about campus, get to know your peer mentor and other new-to-UBCO Indigenous students, and enjoy a lunch together while being entered to win some great door prizes.

Who should take part

Indigenous Student Orientation is open to all First Nation (status and non-status), Métis, and Inuit students new to UBC’s Okanagan campus.

Dates and deadlines

ISO takes place on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Registration will open in July.

Your UBC Vancouver orientations

By Crissy Campbell on May 15, 2023

Your UBC Vancouver orientations

Your first day at UBC Vancouver is coming up fast! Once you’ve accepted your offer, you’re ready to start thinking about the orientation options available for you this summer. Together, they’re designed to help you meet your first friends, get ready to learn in a university setting, and hit the ground running as soon as classes begin in September.

Academic Essentials

Academic Essentials is an online program that will prepare you for academic success as you transition to university. There are three courses you can take: Reading and Writing at University, Readiness for University Mathematics, and Live Well to Learn Well. You can take one, two, or all three. Each is offered online as a self-paced and self-directed online course, and you’ll be guided by facilitators who are current UBC undergraduate students who can help you with the course material, share their first-year learning experiences, and give you some helpful tips for success. In all your Academic Essentials courses, you’ll build your academic skills, develop confidence in your academic readiness, and get access to a library of learning and wellness resources to help you get the most out of your first year and succeed at university.

Who should take part

All incoming first-year students to UBC Vancouver.

Dates and deadlines

Academic Essentials runs from July 4 to August 11. Registration will open June 5th, 2023.

Jump Start at UBC Vancouver

Jump Start at UBC Vancouver is a multi-day academic orientation program designed to give you a first look at university life, let you meet your professors and academic community, and help you make your first friends at UBC Vancouver. This year, depending on whether you’re planning to live on or off campus in your first term, you’ll be able to participate in Jump Start’s residence or commuter stream.

In both streams, you’ll enjoy scheduled group events with your classmates, as well as sessions and offerings you can take part in at your own pace. You’ll be assigned to a learning community which will be led by two upper-year students and a faculty fellow. Together, you’ll take part in fun activities like trivia nights, sports, dance tutorials, and art activities, as well as opportunities to explore campus and learn how to successfully transition from high school student to university scholar.

Who should take part

All first-year students coming to UBC Vancouver from high school.

Dates and deadlines

Jump Start at UBC Vancouver residence stream runs from August 28 to September 1, and residence students may move in on August 27.

Jump Start at UBC Vancouver commuter stream runs from August 30 to September 1.

Register now!

Choosing your first-year courses

By Crissy Campbell on May 5, 2023

Choosing your first-year courses

As soon as you’ve been admitted to UBC, you can begin thinking about the courses you’ll take in first year. If you familiarize yourself with how to read course descriptions now, you’ll have a head start when it’s time to build your course timetable. Registration for first-year degrees at UBC Okanagan and registration for first-year degrees at UBC Vancouver both begin in June.

Review your degree requirements

It’s important to be aware of your degree requirements. These are the courses you must complete to graduate with your chosen degree. Step seven of the Next steps for admitted students guide lists the basic requirements for each degree, but some degrees may require additional courses.

For a full list of your degree requirements, check out the Academic Calendar and your faculty website:

If you have questions, you can contact Academic Advising at UBC Okanagan or an academic advisor for your faculty at UBC Vancouver.

Pay close attention to any English requirements

Most undergraduate degrees at UBC also have an English, communication, or writing requirement that applies to all students, regardless of first language or citizenship.

Most UBC faculties on either campus will require you to take three or six credits of first-year English, and you should check your faculty requirements before you register to be sure that you are taking the right ones for your program.

Start exploring your options

Most students are able to fit in a few courses beyond their degree requirements – and there’s a wide range to choose from. Taking courses outside your faculty is highly encouraged at UBC, so don’t be shy about choosing electives that take you beyond your degree and help you pursue other interests. Start exploring the Academic Calendar and see what you find!

International students in Canada: Remember to update your study permit

By Crissy Campbell on May 4, 2023

International students in Canada: Remember to update your study permit

If you’re an international student coming to UBC from a Canadian high school, you’ll need to take action to extend your study permit while you are in Canada.

You must extend your study permit before it becomes invalid. Your study permit becomes invalid in one of two ways: either 90 days after you receive written confirmation of your high school completion (even if your study permit has not expired), or on your study permit’s expiry date – whichever comes first.

You can start your studies at UBC if you applied for a study permit extension before your study permit became invalid and you’re waiting for your new study permit, as long as you didn’t leave Canada after your study permit became invalid.

You can maintain your study permit requirements in Canada if you have less than 150 days between programs or institutions and have a valid study permit, or have applied to extend it before it expired. If it will be more than 150 days between programs or institutions please contact International Student Advising for support.

When do you apply?

You should apply as soon as you receive your letter of admission from UBC. If you are in Canada you must apply before your study permit becomes invalid.

How do you apply?

If you’re in Canada and your existing study permit is still valid, apply to extend your study permit by reviewing the step-by-step study permit extension tutorial for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver, then complete the Canvas application review course. Be sure to apply before your study permit becomes invalid.

You can only apply for a study permit extension when you are in Canada. If you have travel plans, you have a few options:

  • Apply for an extension before you leave Canada using a trusted friend’s Canadian address, and return before your study permit becomes invalid and your Temporary Resident Visa expires (if applicable). If your study permit is issued while you are away, ask your friend to send a digital copy and mail the original study permit to you so that you can return with it.
  • If you have already left, you may come back to Canada and extend your study permit before your study permit becomes invalid and your Temporary Resident Visa expires (if applicable).
  • If you will not be returning to Canada before your study permit becomes invalid, apply for an initial study permit by using the step-by-step initial study permit tutorial for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver from outside Canada as soon as possible. Check the Canvas application review course for regular applications or Student Direct Stream before you submit it. In general, extension applications submitted in Canada are faster and simpler.

Learn about the differences between applying inside or outside Canada and be sure to review our travelling to Canada guide before making travel plans.

What if you still have questions?

To find out more about your study permit requirements, check out our UBC International Student Guide for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver. If you still have questions, our International Student Advising team at UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver is here for you.

International students: Remember to apply for a study permit

By Crissy Campbell on May 3, 2023

International students: Remember to apply for a study permit

To study in Canada, you’ll need to apply for a study permit well in advance and receive approval before you travel to Canada and start your UBC classes. You’ll also need to ensure you have a valid study permit throughout your studies. Study permits are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and allow you to study and stay in Canada. Learn more about study permits at UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver.

Depending on your country of citizenship, you also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada (US citizens are exempt). If you apply for your initial study permit application outside Canada, you will automatically be issued a TRV or eTA when your study permit is approved.

When do you apply?

You should apply for a study permit online as soon as you receive your letter of admission to UBC. Applications can take several months to process.

How do you apply?

To prepare your application, visit UBC’s step-by-step initial study permit tutorial for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver. Here, you’ll learn about the application process, how to fill out the application form, and what documents to provide.

If you are currently a resident of Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, or Vietnam, you have the option to apply through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). Learn about pre-payment of tuition for SDS for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver.

If you are a US citizen, US permanent resident, or a resident of Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you have the option to apply for a study permit at the airport or land border crossing on arrival.

Be sure to check our Canvas application review course for the regular process or Student Direct Stream (SDS) to go over your application before you submit it.

What if you’re already studying in Canada?

You are coming to UBC from a Canadian high school

If you have been studying in secondary/high school in Canada and you have been admitted to UBC, you must apply to extend your study permit before it becomes invalid. Your study permit becomes invalid in one of two ways: either 90 days after you receive written confirmation of your high school completion (even if your study permit has not expired), or on your study permit’s expiry date – whichever comes first.

You can only apply for a study permit extension when you are in Canada. If you are in Canada, apply for a study permit extension by reviewing the step-by-step study permit extension tutorial for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver as soon as you receive your letter of admission. Check the Canvas application review course before you submit your application. If you will not be returning to Canada before your study permit becomes invalid or expires and your Temporary Resident Visa expires (if applicable), apply for an initial study permit for UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver from outside of Canada as soon as possible. In general, extension applications submitted in Canada are faster and simpler.

You are transferring to UBC from a Canadian college or university

If you already have a valid study permit for post-secondary study in Canada, you might be able to use that permit to study at UBC.

  • If you did not complete your previous program and your study permit has not expired, you must inform the government by changing your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) online via your MyCIC account.
  • If you completed a program at your previous institution, you must extend your study permit by reviewing the step-by-step study permit extension tutorial for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver within 90 days after you received written notification of program completion or before your study permit expires – whichever comes first. Check the Canvas application review course before you submit your application.

You can maintain your study permit requirements in Canada if you have less than 150 days between programs or institutions and have a valid study permit, or have applied to extend it before it expires. If it will be more than 150 days between programs or institutions please contact International Student Advising for support.

What do you need to prepare before travelling to Canada?

Before making travel plans, be sure to review our Travelling to Canada Guide for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver to learn about when to travel, what to bring,  ensuring your study permit allows you to work, and more.

If you still have questions

The UBC International Student Guide for UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver is a great resource and reference handbook for everything you need to know about coming to UBC.

If you still have questions, our International Student Advising team at UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver is here for you.

We also recommend that you enroll in iPREP, a pre-arrival course designed for new students to learn about immigration documents, health insurance, banking, cell phones, and more.