PROSPECTIVE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT GUIDE 2024
Find your fieldWith degrees in every major field of study, plus opportunities for specialization and co-op learning, there’s no limit to what you can study during your time at UBC.SEE YOUR OPTIONSRead all about the degrees that are available on both campuses.Search for programs that fit your interests.Explore by field of studySee program lengthLearn about program requirements, experiential learning, and moreyou.ubc.ca/programsInnovative programsUndergraduate degreesCampusesHow to applyAdmission requirementsAlumni storiesBudget planningKey datesNext stepsIllustration guideAbout UBCOutside the classroomyou.ubc.ca
“Being able to share ideas in both a classroom and community setting allows me to gain new perspectives.”JASON S., JAKARTA, INDONESIA DATA SCIENCEHow to apply Apply to UBC by January 15Or by December 1 to be considered for entrance scholarships (see page 15).International students: To be considered for the International Scholars Program awards, a separate award application is due by November 15.CHOOSE YOUR DEGREE AND CAMPUS When you complete your application, you will have the opportunity to select your first and second choice of degree. The degrees you choose can be in different faculties and on different campuses.View the programs 1COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION AND PAY THE FEE Give yourself plenty of time to complete the personal profile section. It plays an important role in our admission and awards decisions.Learn more 3Jason is a recipient of the IMES and OIS awards. He’s also a member of the Society of Scholars, an academic community of award recipients.REVIEW THE REQUIREMENTS Make sure you meet UBC’s general admission requirements and degree-specific requirements, and can demonstrate English language competency.View the requirements 2Dates are subject to change. For updates, visitREAD MOREyou.ubc.ca/programsyou.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/requireme ntsyou.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/ h ow-to-apply you.ubc.ca/deadlines How to applyInnovative programsCampusesAdmission requirementsAlumni storiesBudget planningKey datesNext stepsIllustration guideAbout UBCOutside the classroomyou.ubc.caUndergraduate degrees
3 TIPS1123WRITING YOUR PERSONAL PROFILE UBC also considers your experiences beyond academics. That’s where the Personal Profile section of the online application comes in. It’s a chance for you to tell the university what you’re most proud of and what you’ve learned from your experiences. Personal Profile questions require short written responses of 50 to 200 words. Be authentic and tell us what you want to say, not what you think we want to hear.Use details to provide context and elaborate on your answers.“I am always excited to come back to UBC, because the relationships have made the campus feel like home.”SEMON S., CALGARY, AB HUMAN KINETICSCalgaSemon is fascinated by human anatomy, and hopes to pursue a career in physiotherapy with his Human Kinetics studies.Tell us what you’ve learned from your experiences and accomplishments, instead of just listing them.For more tips on writing your Personal Profile How to applyyou.ubc.ca/applying-ubcInnovative programsCampusesAdmission requirementsAlumni storiesBudget planningKey datesNext stepsIllustration guideAbout UBCOutside the classroomyou.ubc.caUndergraduate degrees
Admission requirementsTo be considered for admission to UBC, you must meet our general admission requirements and degree-specific requirements, and demonstrate English language competency. Your degree-specific requirements depend on where you went to high school and which UBC campus you plan to attend. HOW UBC MAKES ADMISSION DECISIONSUBC’s admission process is competitive and comparative. matter what degree you apply for, UBC will broadly evaluate your academic history. All of your Grade 11 (junior-level) and Grade 12 (senior-level) courses will be considered in the admission decision, though not all grades will be used in the calculation of your admission average.Based on the degree you apply for, UBC will also do a core assessment of your grades from academic Grade 11 and Grade 12 courses that fall within related subject categories. If you present a course at both the Grade 11 and Grade 12 level, emphasis is placed on the more senior-level course.ENGLISH LANGUAGE COMPETENCYTo study at UBC, you must meet the English Language Admission Standard (ELAS). One way to meet the ELAS is to achieve a minimum score on a recognized English proficiency test, such as the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Find your requirements Discovery Ave.Knowledge Ln.you.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/requireme ntsyou.ubc.ca/english-language-competencyAdmission requirementsInnovative programsCampusesAlumni storiesBudget planningKey datesNext stepsIllustration guideAbout UBCOutside the classroomHow to applyyou.ubc.caUndergraduate degrees
Join a global network of UBC alumniUBC alumni are all over the world, working in every field and community imaginable.CARMEN C. FOUNDER, BIODIGENOUS CONSULTING LTD. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE ’15 MASTER OF SCIENCE ’19 GIFT LAKE MÉTIS SETTLEMENT FROM HIGH PRAIRIE, CANADA LIVING IN KELOWNA, CANADAANDREW K. MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER, TESLA BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE ’20 FROM MANILA, PHILIPPINES LIVING IN SAN FRANCISCO, USA375,000+ alumni in 160 countries245companies spun from UBC research8Nobel Laureates“UBC allowed me to have conversations with a large variety of people from dierent backgrounds and with widely diering perspectives. I made sure to engage in these conversations as often as I could.”Learn more about our alumni network 74Rhodes Scholars“Undergraduate research gave me the confidence I needed to pursue other research opportunities, including a graduate thesis. It allowed me to believe that I did have some unique skills and ideas to share with the world.”alum ni.ubc.caHow to applyInnovative programsCampusesBudget planningKey datesNext stepsIllustration guideAbout UBCOutside the classroomAdmission requirementsyou.ubc.caUndergraduate degreesAlumni stories
AWARDS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTSUBC makes available scholarships, awards, research grants, and career development initiatives from non-public sources to outstanding international undergraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership qualities.AWARDS FOR CANADIAN STUDENTSUBC works with prospective students and their families to ensure that no eligible Canadian citizen is prevented from attending the university for financial reasons alone. With the help of donors, UBC provides scholarships, bursaries, and career development initiatives to outstanding Canadian undergraduate students.Budgeting for your first yearA UBC education is a valuable investment that will pay dividends throughout your life. UBC’s tuition compares favourably with those of other top-ranked universities around the world.ONLINE COST ESTIMATORAt the link below, you can use our online tool to refine your estimate and plan your finances for first year.Learn more you. u bc.ca/financial -planning/costyou.ubc.ca/fi na ncial-planningBudget planningHow to applyInnovative programsCampusesKey datesNext stepsIllustration guideAbout UBCOutside the classroomAdmission requirementsAlumni storiesyou.ubc.caUndergraduate degrees
See all key dates Key dates & deadlinesHere are a few key application deadlines to add to your calendar. Dates are subject to change.DECEMBER 1CANADIAN STUDENTS Deadline to apply for admission for Winter Session (September to April) if you would like to be considered for a first-round oer of admission, Presidential Scholars Award, Centennial Scholars Entrance Award, or Beyond Tomorrow INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Deadline to apply for admission for Winter Session (September to April) if you would like to be considered for an International Scholars Award. Note: a separate award application is due by November 15.JANUARY 15Deadline to apply for upcoming Winter Session (September to April).Deadline to apply for upcoming Summer Session (May to August).MAY 1Deadline to apply for residence and be eligible for the first-year residence guarantee. Your accept date: MAY–JUNEDeadline to accept UBC’s offer of admission and pay the acceptance deposit. Most students will need to accept by May 1. Log into the Student Service Centre to find your assigned date. you.ubc.ca/deadlinesKey datesHow to applyInnovative programsCampusesNext stepsIllustration guideAbout UBCOutside the classroomAdmission requirementsAlumni storiesBudget planningyou.ubc.caUndergraduate degrees
Create an account to get important UBC information in your inbox“Being so close to nature and hearing the birds chirp in the morning … UBC definitely feels like it’s becoming home for me.”See what’s happening on campusConnect with an advisorWatch our videosContact us Download our degree planning worksheet Let’s connectTour campus or attend an event to meet UBC advisors and studentsFind answers to common questions Keyara loves animals, and originally started her studies in Zoology — but she switched to Biology and Psychology to pursue healthcare and help build healthier communities.KEYARA B., SQUAMISH NATION, MOHAWK ANCESTRY VANCOUVER, CANADA BIOLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGYaccount.you.ubc.ca instagram.com/ubcadmissions facebook.com/youbc twitter.com/youbcyoutube.com/@ubcadmissionsyou.ubc.ca/contact-usyou.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/blogyou.ubc.ca/worksheetsNext stepsyou.ubc.ca/tours-event sHow to applyInnovative programsCampusesIllustration guideAbout UBCOutside the classroomAdmission requirementsAlumni storiesBudget planningKey datesyou.ubc.caUndergraduate degreestiktok.com/@ubcadmissions
Illustration guideHere are the iconic UBC landmarks and events featured in the illustrations throughout this guide.On campus skate park, UBC VancouverBuchanan courtyard, UBC VancouverThe Engineers’ Cairn, UBC VancouverIllustration guideLadner clock tower, UBC VancouverHangar Fitness and Wellness Centre, UBC Okanagansilíʔtn, the Okanagan Story Poles, UBC Okanagansʔi:ɬqə qeqən, the Musqueam Post, UBC VancouverLower/Upper Cascades residences, UBC OkanaganFirst Nations Longhouse, UBC VancouverThe Aviary, UBC VancouverMuseum of Anthropology (MOA), UBC VancouverHow to applyInnovative programsCampusesAbout UBCOutside the classroomAdmission requirementsAlumni storiesBudget planningKey datesNext stepsyou.ubc.caUndergraduate degrees
Mascots for the and the Study pods, UBC OkanaganDiscovery Ave.Knowledge Ln.Engineering E, UBC OkanaganNsyilxcn street signs, UBC OkanaganBlue whale skeleton at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, UBC VancouverThe Commons, UBC OkanaganLantern at Nitobe Memorial Garden, UBC Vancouver Storm the Wall, UBC VancouverVancouver ThunderbirdsOkanagan HeatPride staircase, UBC Okanagan Illustration guideyou.ubc.caHow to applyInnovative programsCampusesAbout UBCOutside the classroomAdmission requirementsAlumni storiesBudget planningKey datesNext stepsUndergraduate degreesUBC Rose Garden, UBC Vancouver
Be a part of somethingAs an individual, you have so much to oer. Bring your skills, talents, and passions to a place where you can come together with others and find your voice. During your time at UBC, you’ll be immersed in academics, culture, and student life at one of our breathtaking campuses. Here, you can stand out and join in with our thriving and diverse community.Discover it all at UBC.Everyone who appears in this publication is a student, faculty member, sta member, or alumni from the UBC community. Some of the images were taken before the COVID-19 pandemic, and all photography was captured following public health guidelines.“The nature at UBC is unmatched! I am in constant awe that I go to such a beautiful campus.”AFNAN A., (CENTRE) TORONTO, ONTARIO APPLIED ANIMAL BIOLOGY“The high quality of education, strong support network, and a myriad of opportunities to get involved in at UBC makes me very confident about my future.”ANDREJ G., (LEFT) PARTIZANSKE, SLOVAKIA COMMERCEAndrej, Afnan, and Danilo are walking in Nitobe Memorial Garden, a traditional Japanese garden and one of Afnan’s favourite spots on campus.Look out for illustrations of iconic UBC landmarks and events throughout this guide. Then go to the and see if you found them all."UBC’s motto is Tuum Est, which means: It’s Yours, and It’s Up to You. Throughout my time at UBC I have strived to become the best version of myself, to grow, and to make university my own experience."DANILO A-M., (RIGHT) PLATO MAGDALENA, COLUMBIA POLITICAL SCIENCEAbout UBCAboutREAD MOREREAD MOREillustration guideCampusesOutside the classroomInnovative programsUndergraduate degreesHow to applyAdmission requirementsAlumni storiesBudget planningKey datesNext stepsIllustration guideyou.ubc.ca
It's all hereAs one of the world's top ranked universities, UBC is where academics and community come together. Here, you'll find unique opportunities to learn and grow, with endless support from our community. Whatever you're looking for, whatever role you want to play — you'll find it here.Tuum est. It’s yours.#1 most international university in North America1st university in Canada to offer a bachelor’s degree in Indigenous language fluency Top 40 research university in the worldTop 30 university in the world for overall impact towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including 4th overall for SDG #13 (Climate Action)The UBC community includes students, faculty, and sta from across Canada and over 150 countries. We’re committed to building a community in which equity and inclusion are embedded in all areas of academic, work, and campus life.Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings, Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Ranking), Times Higher Education World University Rankings.“I feel the instructors at UBCO are actual mentors if you give them the opportunity to help you and give you advice based on their own experiences.”HELLEN L., CAMPINAS, BRAZIL CIVIL ENGINEERINGHellen is standing in The Commons, a modern meeting place frequented by UBC Okanagan students.About UBCREAD MORECampusesOutside the classroomInnovative programsUndergraduate degreesHow to applyAdmission requirementsAlumni storiesBudget planningKey datesNext stepsIllustration guideyou.ubc.ca
1 BC Stats | 2 Canadian Federation of Independent BusinessUBC OkanaganA close-knit community waiting to be explored.UBC Okanagan is located within the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship is maintained in UBC’s respect for sustainability and the land. Situated in Kelowna, the modern campus offers a breadth of outstanding academic programs alongside unforgettable urban experiences and year-round outdoor adventures in the sunny Okanagan Valley.The campus is 20 minutes from Kelowna’s city centre and one hour from two world-class ski resorts.10,610undergraduate students from 110 countries229,000people in greater KelownaKelowna is one of Canada’s fastest-growing¹ and most entrepreneurial² cities.Okanagan campusWATCH THE OKANAGAN CAMPUS VIDEOyou.ubc.ca/okanaganCampusesOutside the classroomInnovative programsHow to applyAdmission requirementsAlumni storiesBudget planningKey datesNext stepsIllustration guideAbout UBCyou.ubc.caUndergraduate degrees
UBC VancouverAn urban setting with mountain adventuresUBC Vancouver is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. Nestled next to the Pacific Ocean, the campus provides endless opportunities to experience a cosmopolitan city, breathtaking natural wonders, entertaining excursions, and an environment of academic excellence.47,612undergraduate students from 140 countries2,773,000people in greater VancouverVancouver is considered one of the best cities in the world for quality of life.³3 - Mercer 2019 Quality of Living RankingsThe campus is 30 minutes from Vancouver’s city centre and a short drive to several ski destinations, including Whistler, one of North America’s top-rated ski resorts.Vancouver campusWATCH THE VANCOUVER CAMPUS VIDEOyou.ubc.ca/vancouverCampusesyou.ubc.caOutside the classroomInnovative programsHow to applyAdmission requirementsAlumni storiesBudget planningKey datesNext stepsIllustration guideAbout UBCyou.ubc.caUndergraduate degrees
New people, fresh experiencesFind your passion and enrich your life. With countless events, clubs, and cultural activities, you can dive deeper into current interests or try something new.500+ CLUBS AND COURSE UNIONS Explore a wide range of clubs and communities and connect with others over a common interest. And if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, why not gather some friends and start your own?STUDENT SERVICES If you need support, it’s here. Student services can assist with accessibility, safety, career development, finances, health and wellness, and more.RECREATIONAL OR COMPETITIVE SPORTS Get moving and make connections with intramural sports. Or, cheer on your classmates at a Okanagan Heat or Vancouver Thunderbirds game.CULTURAL EVENTS AND SPACES Celebrate our community’s diversity at the Global Collegium on the Okanagan campus or Global Lounge on the Vancouver campus. If you’re an Indigenous student, check out the Indigenous Centre on the Okanagan campus or the First Nations Longhouse on the Vancouver campus to meet and get to know other Indigenous studentsTop left: Nehiyo-pasqua-itsimowan Pow-wow at UBC Vancouver. Top right: Students celebrate Pride. Bottom: Day of the Longboat in Vancouver. Explore more you.ubc.ca/ubc-lifeCampusesOutside the classroomInnovative programsHow to applyAdmission requirementsAlumni storiesBudget planningKey datesNext stepsIllustration guideAbout UBCyou.ubc.caUndergraduate degrees
New ways to learnAt UBC, your learning doesn’t just happen within the walls of a classroom. Take your education out into the world with a co-op work placement, community-based learning, or an academic exchange. You’ll gain hands-on experience that complements your studies and provides even more opportunities to connect, grow, and explore.58.5% undergraduate students participate in experiential learning$773.7 M in research funding6,500+ co-op placements each year240+ exchange, research and study-abroad partners worldwide “In my third year I was a field research assistant in northern BC. We lived in camper vans, caught sapsuckers, took DNA samples and released them back into the wild. It was an incredible experience.”AFNAN A., (LEFT) TORONTO, ONTARIO APPLIED ANIMAL BIOLOGY Afnan and Andrej are walking on campus at UBC Vancouver, where the Musqueam Post tells the story of a two-headed serpent — and arms the Musqueam's connection to their ancestral territory. Afnan’s other experiential learning opportunities have included assisting in a biomedical engineering lab, and working with the Beaty Biodiversity Museum’s Cowan Tetrapod Collection.READ MOREyou.ubc.ca/ubc-life /gett i ng-involvedOutside the classroomCampusesInnovative programsHow to applyAdmission requirementsAlumni storiesBudget planningKey datesNext stepsIllustration guideAbout UBCyou.ubc.caUndergraduate degrees
you.ubc.ca/okanaganLearning for tomorrowAt UBC, you’ll find innovative programs, interdisciplinary learning, and modern teaching methods that will expand your mind and prepare you to lead in our changing world. In fact, UBC has more integrated first-year programs than any other Canadian university. Here are just a few.First-year study optionsARTS ONE AND THE COORDINATED ARTS PROGRAM Choose Arts One for a writing-intensive program with a humanities focus, or the Coordinated Arts Program to explore subjects in one of five different research streams. LAND ONE Get hands-on experience in small classes while learning about real-world issues through this integrated program for students in the Faculty of Forestry and the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. SCIENCE ONE AND FIRST YEAR FOCUS Explore biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics in an integrated format through Science One, or get a foundation in computational sciences in a cohort-based environment through the First-Year Focus program. VANTAGE ONE Earn first-year degree credits while you develop your English language skills in a cohort-based, 11-month program that prepares you for second year.Interdisciplinary studiesDATA SCIENCE Learn how to impact society using statistics and computer science, and work towards a career as a business and data analyst, data architect, or statistician. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Explore the dynamics of globalization and examine international politics while drawing on diverse disciplines, including political science, history, sociology, and anthropology. MEDIA STUDIES Prepare for a career in media by exploring eight arts disciplines and computer science through theory, research, and application. NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION Learn about protecting and managing our natural environment through analysis of urban development, agricultural practices, mineral and oil extraction, and fishery and forestry practices. SUSTAINABILITY Learn how to find solutions to contemporary sustainability issues such as climate change, land and water use, and energy transition. Students in this program will explore the connections between environmental, social, and economic issues.Dual-degree programsBACHELOR + MASTER OF MANAGEMENTThe Bachelor + Master of Management Dual Degree program is your opportunity to dive into a subject you’re passionate about, while concurrently earning a Master of Management. UBC SAUDER–UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG Immerse yourself in two distinct academic and cultural environments and earn two degrees: a Bachelor of Commerce from UBC Sauder School of Business and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Hong Kong. UBC ARTS–SCIENCES PO Build foundational knowledge with a regional focus at Sciences Po, France’s leading institution in the social sciences, and immerse yourself in the research-intensive and critically-minded culture of UBC’s Faculty of Arts. Explore UBC’s interdisciplinary and innovative programs 43undergraduate degree programs28dual degree programs18faculties 20schoolsProgramsyou.ubc.ca/forward- thinkingInnovative programsCampusesHow to applyAdmission requirementsAlumni storiesBudget planningKey datesNext stepsIllustration guideAbout UBCOutside the classroomyou.ubc.caUndergraduate degrees
“The Media Studies community is a tight-knit group of friends, and I’m exposed to a lot of extremely creative people with an abundance of intriguing ideas and knowledge to share.”JAYDEN E., MÉTIS + ENOCH CREE QUESNEL, BC MEDIA STUDIESOne of Jayden’s favourite spots on campus is the First Nations Longhouse. She feels a sense of community there when gathering with other students.READ MOREInnovative programsCampusesHow to applyAdmission requirementsAlumni storiesBudget planningKey datesNext stepsIllustration guideAbout UBCOutside the classroomyou.ubc.caUndergraduate degrees