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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.
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Application deadline extended to December 2

By Sheena Starky on November 29, 2019

Application deadline extended to December 2

Planning to apply to UBC this weekend? Our advisors are offline and will not be able to answer your questions. If something goes wrong with your application, don’t panic! You now have until December 2 at 11:59 pm PST to submit your application and still be considered for first-round offers and awards. We’ll be back on Monday to answer your questions.

Online resources

 

 

Five reasons to register for Jump Start

By Sheena Starky on June 13, 2019

Five reasons to register for Jump Start

Transitioning to university life can be challenging – especially if you’re moving to a new city, coming from a different country or culture, or both. Jump Start is a week-long orientation program held at the end of August, designed to introduce you to your campus, your faculty, and other first-year students.

It’s the best way to start life at UBC – but don’t take our word for it. We asked students on both UBC campuses about their Jump Start experiences and here’s what they had to say.

1. You’ll get to know your way around UBC.

“Attending the Jump Start program was a fantastic decision. Not only did I meet new people, I became more comfortable with the transition of moving away from home.”

“You’ll know how to move around campus and Vancouver.” [Or Kelowna, if you’re on UBC’s Okanagan campus!]

2. You’ll get answers to your questions from current UBC students.

“The orientation leaders provide the benefit of their experiences and are able to understand your concerns as a first-year student.”

“The student leaders are a meaningful resource and you can discuss anything and everything with them.”

3. You’ll feel more prepared for the start of the school year.

“Jump Start prepared me for the biggest change in my life, giving me the confidence I needed to emotionally succeed in this experience.”

4. You’ll get a taste of just how diverse the UBC community really is.

“You will meet people from all over the world.”

5. You’ll start making friends before classes even begin.

“Jumpstart enabled me to form long-lasting friendships and made me feel like a part of the UBC community.”

“You’ll get to know the people in your program as well as some of your professors.”

Ready to register?

Register for Jump Start on the Okanagan campus by July 31.

Register for Jump Start on the Vancouver campus by July 8.

Never too early for a campus tour

By Sheena Starky on June 5, 2019

Never too early for a campus tour

Are you heading into your final year of high school in September? Now’s a good time to start thinking about which universities you’d like to apply to for admission in 2020. Visiting campus is the best way to see if you can picture yourself at any university, including UBC.

How we do campus tours at UBC

All of our campus tours are led by our friendly (and knowledgeable!) student ambassadors – actual UBC students who are currently studying at the University and eager to show you around the Okanagan or Vancouver campus. They’ll take you to some of their favourite spots to learn, study, work up a sweat, and relax between classes. Best of all, you’ll get to see it all through the eyes of someone with firsthand experience of UBC life.

Three tips to make the most of your tour

  1. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Your walking tour will last approximately 90 minutes on the Okanagan campus or 2 hours on the Vancouver campus – and you’ll spend much of that time outside.
  2. Bring your family. Choosing a university is a big decision and significant financial commitment. If you fall in love with UBC, you’ll want your family on board too.
  3. Ask questions! During the tour, your student ambassador guide can tell you more about student life, and campus events and activities. After the tour ends, a UBC advisor will be available to answer questions about undergraduate programs, admissions, finances, and scholarships and awards.

Ready to come for a visit?

Sign up for a campus tour online

Important dates for new students

By Sheena Starky on May 22, 2019

Important dates for new students

Your high school career is coming to a close and summer’s just around the corner. Before you set your brain to vacation mode, mark these important dates and deadlines in your calendar. That way, you’ll be all set to start classes at UBC when September rolls around.

July 7

July 8

 

July 15

  • Recommended deadline to apply for student loans if you’re also planning to apply for the UBC bursary program

July 31

August 1

Note: If you’re participating in Jump Start on either campus, there’s no need to apply for early arrival.

August 15

(or 30 days after you receive your offer, whichever is later)

August 24

August 24–25

August 31

September 1

September 2

September 3

September 4

September 15

  • Deadline to submit your general bursary application for Winter Session if you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada

Major Entrance Scholarships

By Sheena Starky on April 5, 2018

Major Entrance Scholarships

Awarding UBC’s Major Entrance Scholarships is a highly selective process in which the University aims to recognize students with outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements.

This year, on UBC’s Okanagan campus, approximately 1,300 eligible applicants were competing for 39 renewable awards. On UBC’s Vancouver campus, approximately 6,800 eligible applicants were competing for renewable awards ranging in value from $16,000 to $60,000 over four years, and one-time awards ranging in value from $5,000 to $10,000 for first year only.

All applicants who have been awarded a Major Entrance Scholarship will be notified by email by April 27, 2018. Only those applicants who have received an award will be contacted.

We appreciate the time and energy required to meet our deadlines and applaud your dedication to academic and extracurricular pursuits. Congratulations on your outstanding achievements!

What to do before you arrive on campus

By Sheena Starky on August 2, 2017

What to do before you arrive on campus

It’s only a matter of weeks until you’ll step foot on campus as a first-year UBC student. You’ll be greeted with tons of new experiences and you’ll meet loads of new people, which can be both exciting and overwhelming. To ensure a smooth arrival and a stress-free first week, you’ll want to take care of some important things before you get here.

Here are eight easy tasks that you can complete now to make your arrival a breeze.

  1. Get ready for your orientation

On your first day, you’ll forgo normal class for a fun-filled, day-long series of welcome-to-UBC events. On the Vancouver campus, at the Imagine UBC orientation, you will be joined by the entire class of 2021 for a formal welcome, pep rally, lunch, and more. On the Okanagan campus, register for the Create orientation to join all new-to-UBC students for a day of events, including food, prizes, and more.

  1. Find back-to-school events and programs

The UBC student societies – the AMS on the Vancouver campus and the UBCSUO on the Okanagan campus – host events and programs for first-year students like you.

  1. Read the UBCfyi blog

Now that you’re an official UBC student, read the UBCfyi blog for campus updates and resources, plus info on events, health and well-being, money management, and more.

  1. Update your email address

Make sure your email address is correct in the Student Service Centre and remember to check your messages regularly.

  1. Learn about your student health plan

Visit the student health insurance website to learn more about your plan and coverage, or to opt out if you already have a health insurance plan.

  1. Sort out your financials

Ensure that you have a financial plan in place for the upcoming academic year, and learn about the financial resources available to you on UBC’s Vancouver campus and Okanagan campus.

  1. Pay your tuition online

Avoid lineups by paying your tuition online now.

  1. Get access to public transit

UBC students on the Okanagan campus can get a U-PASS sticker that provides unlimited access to BC Transit in Kelowna and the surrounding area. Just bring your student ID card to the Student Union Office (UNC133) to get your sticker.

UBC students on the Vancouver campus can load their U-Pass onto a Compass Card for unlimited transit services within Metro Vancouver. Obtain your Compass Card from the UBC Bookstore – or any SkyTrain Station or TransLink Fare Dealer – and then link it to your U-Pass online at upassbc.translink.ca. Apply online at least 48 hours before you intend to travel, and visit planning.ubc.ca for more information.