About this blog

Our dedicated admissions and financial advisors will help you through the application process by writing about admission requirements, financial matters, the application, events and visits, and everything in between.
Subscribe

Topics

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!

Programs spotlight: History, law, and politics

By Crissy Campbell on April 19, 2023

Programs spotlight: History, law, and politics

Deepen your knowledge of the past and build on your understanding of current events by studying one of UBC’s history, law, and politics programs. The topics within these fields are wide-ranging – Indigenous studies, religion, international relations, anthropology – and can lead to a number of diverse career paths, including social work, journalism, government work, education, and more.

 

Explore your program options

International Relations

In the International Relations program at UBC Okanagan, you’ll develop a solid background in related areas of political science, history, sociology, anthropology, economics, and modern languages. The program stresses critical thinking, and will equip you with the skills necessary to assess the contours and dynamics of international politics and events – from conflicts in Afghanistan and the Congo, to the rise of women as political actors.

 

The student scoop

Danilo, Honours Political Science

Meet Danilo, an Honours Political Science alum who chose UBC because it’s the most international university in North America.

Political Science

In the Political Science program at UBC Vancouver, you’ll study the nature, causes, and consequences of collective decisions and actions taken by groups of people embedded in cultures and institutions that structure power and authority. Topics include the nature of power, the causes of conflict, the tensions of Canadian federalism, security in the post-Cold War international system, globalization, critiques of liberal democracy, feminist analysis, democratization, the rise of Asia, and much more.

 

The student scoop

Dela Hini, Political Science

Meet Dela, a Sociology and Political Science student who found her calling by getting involved with student leadership.

Indigenous Studies

In the Indigenous Studies program at UBC Okanagan, you can build the foundational skills needed to pursue a career in government, Aboriginal Peoples organizations, Indigenous leadership roles, or resource management. Your studies will include Indigenous perspectives and governance, the justice system, land claims, traditional ecological knowledge, and the protection of heritage in the Okanagan, Canada, US, and world communities.

 

The student scoop

Duncan McCue, UBC Law

Meet Duncan, a UBC Law alum who became an award-winning reporter for the CBC.

Law

The Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC Vancouver is one of Canada’s leading law schools, and has a strong global reputation. Innovative researchers, inspiring teachers, and outstanding graduates have established a national presence and international reach. You’ll receive a first-rate legal education that balances traditional areas of practice with emerging fields of specialization.

 

See a full list of history, law, and politics programs at UBC

 

 

Top five tips for choosing your university

By Crissy Campbell on April 12, 2023

Top five tips for choosing your university

Choosing which universities to apply to isn’t easy. Your friends might be set on one school, your parents might be insisting on another, but something about a different university really caught your eye. How do you know which one is right for you? Here are a few tips to help you get started.

 

Consider how the school stacks up

A university education is a big investment, and the school you choose sends a signal to the world. At a top-ranked school, you’ll enjoy one of the best educations in the world and join the workforce with a wealth of options. Graduating with a degree from a top 40 research university like UBC says something about you, and can open doors around the globe when you’re looking to begin your career.

 

Check out your academic options

If you have a program in mind, check out what and where you’ll learn. If you’re still not sure what to study, look for a school and degree that will give you lots of options down the road. Some universities provide the opportunity for combined programs, or let you select from a range of different electives across multiple subjects while still fulfilling the requirements for your degree. At UBC, you can choose from among 42 undergraduate degrees and hundreds of opportunities for specialization.

 

Choose a place you want to live

It’s important that the campus you choose has the right vibe for you. Universities can be rural or urban, in a major metropolis, or form a mini-city of its own. Some schools place more of an emphasis on academics, while others have a tradition of excellence in sports or the arts. UBC’s Okanagan and Vancouver campuses both have inclusive, well-rounded communities that will welcome and support you in whatever you’re passionate about, and each one offers a distinctive experience and unique path to a UBC degree.

 

Picture yourself on campus

Most schools offer campus tours, and many also offer online events for you to get to know the campuses you’re considering. At UBC, we have in-person campus tours, where you’re invited to check out the facilities in person. If you’re unable to make it to Vancouver or the Okanagan, you can take advantage of a live virtual campus tour from home or a self-guided virtual tour that you can take at any time. You’ll get a sense of where you could be going to lectures and studying for exams, eating lunch, and hanging out with friends between classes.

 

Crunch the numbers

Going to university is an investment in your future, and the costs can add up. Tuition varies across schools, as do the living costs, financial assistance, and awards available to you. You can usually find out all you need to know about planning your finances from a university’s website. For UBC, you can easily do the math with our cost estimator.

 

 

You’re Invited to the UBC Chat-a-thon

By Crissy Campbell on April 10, 2023

You’re Invited to the UBC Chat-a-thon

If you’re an international student or Canadian living abroad and you have been admitted to UBC for 2023 you’re invited to the UBC Chat-a-thon!

What is the UBC Chat-a-thon?

The UBC Chat-a-thon is a two-week long virtual event where you will have the chance to connect with other students, faculties, and UBC advisors about programs and general UBC questions through a text-based live chat. Each session will include a Dean’s, Associate Dean’s, or director’s kick-off, a prize giveaway, and an opportunity to chat with advisors and specific faculties.

 

Why should you go to the UBC Chat-a-thon?

Over the course of the events, you’ll get the insider perspective as you hear directly from your advisors and start building your community early by connecting with your new classmates.

 

Dates and schedules

From April 17 until April 29, we’ll be running live chat sessions. Check out the schedule and sign up to ensure you don’t miss out on asking your questions and meeting your first friends.

 

On-demand website

We’ll also be uploading on-demand videos every week to stream at your convenience. Keep checking back regularly for new content and to climb the leaderboard to win exciting prizes.

If you register for the on-demand website, you’ll be able to:

  • View curated recordings of presentations from the UBC Chat-a-thon
  • Watch UBC student experience videos
  • Earn points by engaging with our website with the possibility of winning prizes

 

How to register

Visit UBC’s events page and select the UBC Chat-a-thon sessions that work best for you. You are welcome to attend as many sessions as you want!

Remember: if you register with your UBC applicant email, you’ll be in the running to win prizes!

Programs spotlight: Engineering and technology

By Crissy Campbell on March 23, 2023

Programs spotlight: Engineering and technology

Are you looking for a future-proof profession? Pursuing an education in a STEM field is a surefire way to equip yourself with the skills and knowledge to secure a bright career path. UBC’s engineering and technology programs will challenge you intellectually, connect you with a community of dedicated scientists and engineers, and open a world of opportunities.

 

Explore your program options

Mechanical Engineering

In the Mechanical Engineering program at UBC Okanagan you’ll investigate practical, hands-on ways of creating and improving physical systems to meet the demand of modern industries – from aircraft and energy systems to biomedical, mechatronics, and manufacturing. The program is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board of the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers and will help you master fundamental engineering concepts while learning more about the application of practical design skills.

The student scoop

Hellen L, Civil Engineering

Meet Hellen, a Civil Engineering student who loves UBC Okanagan’s community feel and the closer, mentor-like relationships she is able to have with her instructors.

Wood Products Processing

The Wood Products Processing program at UBC Vancouver begins with foundational courses in math, physics, and chemistry, and transitions into developing your knowledge of wood and material science, and wood processing technologies. You’ll study in the award-winning Forest Sciences Centre and the Centre for Advanced Wood Processing, Canada’s national centre of excellence for wood products. In your senior years, you’ll learn how to analyze and optimize manufacturing operations, finishing up with a major project drawing on your personal interests.

 

 

The student scoop

Andrew K., Mechanical Engineering

Meet Andrew, a Mechanical Engineering alum who is now an engineer at Tesla. While at UBC, Andrew gained real-life experience through student design teams, internships and co-ops.

Data Science

UBC’s Data Science program at the UBC Okanagan is grounded in statistics – to formulate relevant questions and determine the answer based on data – and computer science – to manipulate and visualize data efficiently. You’ll learn more about decision-making supported by data while taking courses in machine learning, network science, data analytics, and much more. Your courses will prepare you for graduate studies, or for careers in e-commerce, finance, government, genomics, entertainment and sports, management, and other areas that increasingly rely on data sets.

 

The student scoop

Jason Samuel Suwito, Data Science

Meet Jason, a Data Science student who has found success within UBC Okanagan’s diverse community.

Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineers use engineering tools like design, modelling, and fabrication, and apply them to science and healthcare issues. They develop new technologies that enable doctors, therapists, biotech companies, and researchers to improve human health. As a Biomedical Engineering student at UBC Vancouver, you’ll take specialized courses to help you build a unique foundation in engineering, biology, math, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, design, and the healthcare system. In your third year, you’ll have the chance to customize your degree based on your interests.

 

See a full list of engineering and technology programs at UBC

 

 

Tips from UBC students for after you’ve been admitted

By Crissy Campbell on March 9, 2023

Tips from UBC students for after you’ve been admitted

All of your hard work has paid off, and you’ve been admitted to UBC! The road ahead is filled with crucial tasks to ensure that you’re ready for your first year of university – including planning your finances, registering for courses, and getting mentally prepared for life at UBC.

Take a look at these tips from four UBC students and one UBC advisor on how to make the upcoming months simple and stress-free.

Meet the students

UBC Okanagan student An Goto

An Goto | Bali, Indonesia

Chemistry (Honours), Mathematics (Minor)

“I chose UBC because I thought that the learning environment offered at the Okanagan campus exactly met the criteria that I had for an ideal university.”

 

UBC student Abdullah Khair

Abdullah Khair | Amman, Jordan

Chemical Engineering

“The student-centred environment at the university stood out to me and made me realize that there are endless ways to grow and discover myself on this campus.”

 

UBC student Thao Atkinson

Thao Atkinson | Métis, Midway, Canada

Commerce

“I loved the values UBC had and the high level of support UBC has for Indigenous students. I felt it was important for me to be in a community where I could exceed academically, but also have a sense of community.”

 

UBC student Moozhan Ahmadzadegan

Moozhan Ahmadzadegan | Lake Country, Canada

Visual Arts (Major), Art History (Minor)

“UBC is one of the best universities in the world, plus, I was born and raised in the Okanagan. It seemed only natural that I attend university in the place I call home.”

 

Enrolment Services Professional Claudia

Claudia | UBC advisor

As a UBC staff member dedicated to helping students, Claudia has many useful tips for you: “As a UBC advisor, I wear many hats. I specialize in financial advising, but I can also answer questions about undergraduate admissions, fees, tuition, registration, financial support, exams, graduation, transcripts, and so much more. If you have a question I can’t answer, I likely know the person or department who can.”

 

 

Accepting your offer

accept-ubc-offer

“My Peer Mentor helped with the transition into university by letting me know about events and other opportunities for students on campus.” – Moozhan

“My UBC advisor was extremely helpful to me, and especially at the beginning of my university career as I was still figuring out the very little details about being a student at UBC. This included things like how to pay my tuition, registering for courses, and transferring over some of my high school credits.” – Abdullah

 

 

Applying for a study permit

study-permit

“UBC’s International Student Guide is your go-to online resource for information on immigration, health insurance, taxes, and more. There’s even a study permit tutorial.” – Claudia, UBC Advisor

 

 

Planning your finances

“My UBC advisor helped me make sure how I knew how to handle money and how to budget for the year. He’s awesome!” – Thao

“Look for external awards and opportunities through banks, companies, and Internet-based databases like Scholarships Canada and yconic.” – Claudia, UBC Advisor

 

 

Finding a place to live

“If you live in residence, you have to vacate your room at the end of each academic year. Keep your belongings as compact as possible for smooth moving.” – An

“My residence room must-haves are a comfy pillow, snacks, and an alarm clock.” – Thao

“I always kept some late-night study snacks as you don’t really get access to a kitchen or hot food past a certain hour in university residence.” – Abdullah

 

 

Exploring your academic options

“The best part of being a Chemistry major is about the opportunity to be able to meet with professors who not only shaped me towards being a well-rounded chemist, but also a more independent individual.” – An

“When I picked my program, I was intrigued by the programs that the Sauder School of Business offered. This included co-op opportunities, global exchanges, and the various clubs offered by UBC.” – Thao

“I picked Engineering as I was interested in different sciences and mathematics. The best part about my degree at UBC is that they provide a general engineering program during first year and then you get to choose which specialty you’d like to be enrolled in.” – Abdullah

“My Visual Arts Course Union offers different opportunities to plan or volunteer at. It really creates a community within a program and is a great way to make connections and gain valuable experiences. It’s also a great chance to be involved and learn new things outside the classroom.” – Moozhan

 

 

Registering for courses

“Throughout my journey at UBC, I planned my courses by referencing the degree requirements for my Chemistry and Mathematics degrees, which were located in UBC’s Academic Calendar.” – An

“I had to register for some extra electives, and found that the Degree Navigator tool in the Student Services Centre was extremely useful in laying out what courses satisfy the elective requirements I had.” – Abdullah

“There is a lot to choose from, and it can be a challenge to narrow down your interests. Most of my courses were required, so that helped. My advice for first-timers: pick something you think will sustain your interest over the semester.” – Moozhan

“If your faculty does not have a standard timetable, reach out to older students who can help you with the process! UBC’s welcome events were a great way to meet upper year students who love to support and help incoming students.” – Thao

 

 

Getting ready for life at UBC!

“UBC offers a variety of support, courses and clubs that will undoubtedly pique your interest. If you’re thinking about coming to UBC, go to the orientations they provide, ask other students your questions, and research the things that you value!” – Thao

“Make sure university is what you want – it’s a commitment and can be a really great experience. UBC is an exceptional university and having the opportunity to attend a place of inclusion and acceptance is definitely a good incentive.” – Moozhan

“Finding community may seem a little overwhelming. However, with time and as you settle in, you will slowly find yourself immersed in many smaller groups at UBC. Whether that’s through your faculty, classes, or clubs, the smaller communities will make UBC feel like a bigger home to you.” – Abdullah

 

 

Programs spotlight: Business and economics

By Crissy Campbell on February 24, 2023

Programs spotlight: Business and economics

Maybe you started a lemonade stand as a kid, or you watched the world markets before you could even buy stock. Perhaps you have a shrewd mind for business, or a curiosity for commerce. UBC’s business and economics programs can foster that budding interest and help you hone in on your niche, whether you have leadership ambitions and dreams of the C-suite, or you want to get in the weeds as a business analyst.

UBC’s range of programs and the opportunities for specialization within them can take you where you want to go after graduation.

 

Explore your program options

Management

Are you looking to use your leadership skills to make a difference in the world? In the Bachelor of Management at UBC Okanagan, you’ll learn how to incorporate social, financial, and environmental sustainability into the way organizations are run. You’ll finish the degree with hands-on experience creating real-life management solutions for one of UBC’s partner organizations. After graduating, you’ll be ready to work within your community, launch your own business, or empower organizational change.

 

The student scoop

Baljit Badhan

Discover how the Bachelor of Management program taught three students the skills to achieve their goals, including fighting for marginalized people in India, helping Indigenous communities in Canada, and launching their own business.

 

Manufacturing Engineering

As a manufacturing engineer, you’ll be tasked with turning raw material into new products in the most effective, efficient, and economical way you can. It’s your job to research and develop tools, processes, machines, and equipment, and to combine them all to meet your goals. At UBC, you’ll get the chance to master the entire manufacturing process, from designing concepts and creating mechanical parts all the way through to product delivery. Studying Manufacturing Engineering at UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver – or both – you’ll gain the technical skills to set you up for a broad range of jobs in the industry.

 

Commerce

The Bachelor of Commerce at UBC Vancouver will provide you with a solid foundation of business basics and management skills you’ll need to thrive in your chosen career. Sharpen your critical thinking, problem solving, communication, organization, and leadership while you study a diverse range of course offerings that allow you to tailor your degree to your interests and career aspirations. Specialization options include accounting; business technology management; entrepreneurship; finance; general business management; global supply chain and logistics management; marketing; operations and logistics; organizational behaviour and human resources; and real estate.

 

The student scoop

Andrej G, Commerce Student

Meet Andrej, a student from Slovakia who chose UBC’s Commerce program, with a specialization in Finance, for its emphasis on teamwork and critical thinking and its strong career development support.

Food and Resource Economics

As climate change continues to threaten species and cultures, a booming industry has emerged around foodstuffs and natural resources. In the Bachelor of Science in Food and Resource Economics at UBC Vancouver, you’ll learn what the limitations and solutions are for optimizing the global food supply, and find out how best to deal with the world’s diminishing natural resources. In addition to gaining deep subject knowledge, you’ll discover how to work with large data sets and develop your critical thinking and analytical skills. During your studies, you’ll be able to take a number of business management electives, allowing you to finish the program ready to work in the food, agricultural, and natural resource sectors.

 

See a full list of business and economics programs at UBC