Canada is one of the most popular study destinations among international students, and the University of British Columbia is one of the universities that has gained widespread popularity across the globe. The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a leading public research university with campuses in Vancouver and Okanagan. It offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and other programs in different fields. So, let’s explore this amazing university.
Acceptance Rate
The University of British Columbia does not publish one single university-wide acceptance rate because its admission rate varies according to the campus, program, and student category. According to recent estimates based on UBC admission data, the overall acceptance rate is around 52%. However, the admission rate can be different for UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan. For the 2025/26 undergraduate admission cycle, the reported admit rate was around 60% for Vancouver and 76% for Okanagan. The rate for international students was around 71% at Vancouver and 82% at Okanagan.
However, students should not assume that admission is easy because of these figures. Some programs can be much more competitive than others, and UBC considers academic performance as well as other admission requirements.
Rankings
The University of British Columbia is one of the top universities in Canada and the world. It ranks #45 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, UBC ranks #45 in the world.
The university is particularly well known for teaching, research, and international outlook. It has more than 60,000 students and offers a very broad range of academic programs at its two campuses.
Courses
The University of British Columbia offers courses in almost every major field of study. Students can choose from programs related to Business and Economics, Engineering, Computer Science, Arts, Science, Forestry, Medicine, Education, Law, Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, and many others.
Some popular undergraduate programs include Computer Science, Engineering, Business and Commerce, International Economics, Psychology, Biology, Data Science, Nursing, Forestry, Media Studies and International Relations. UBC also offers interdisciplinary programs and combined degree options for students who want to study more than one field.
At the postgraduate level, students can pursue master’s and doctoral programs in areas such as Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, Education, English, Science, Management and many other subjects. UBC offers graduate programs at both its Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.
Fees
The tuition fees at the University of British Columbia vary according to the course and the student’s status. For international undergraduate students starting in the 2026/27 academic year, the tuition fee also varies according to the program.
For example, the 2026/27 annual tuition fee for international students is CAD 51,530.40 for Arts, CAD 53,082 for Computer Science and Science, CAD 66,199.66 for Applied Science – Engineering, and CAD 66,678.30 for Commerce at the Sauder School of Business. International students studying Medical Laboratory Science pay CAD 67,237.20, while the fee for Nursing is CAD 51,628.20.
For postgraduate programs, fees vary significantly according to the course. For example, the international tuition fee for the Master of Data Science is CAD 59,767.92 for the first year, while the MBA program has a program fee of CAD 108,420.76. Therefore, students should check the exact fee for their chosen program before applying.
Scholarships
The University of British Columbia offers several scholarships and awards to help international students with their educational expenses. UBC currently provides more than CAD 35 million annually in financial support for international undergraduate students.
The International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) is one of the major scholarships for international undergraduate students. For the 2026/27 academic year, the award is valued at CAD 10,000 to CAD 25,000 per year and can be renewed for up to three additional years, subject to the applicable conditions.
Another important option is the International Scholars Program, which is designed for international students with outstanding academic performance, leadership qualities, community involvement, and significant financial need. UBC also offers other awards for international students, so students should check the university’s official website for the latest eligibility requirements and deadlines.
Accommodations
Accommodation is unquestionably a major requirement for international students who go to study in Canada. UBC provides several student residences at its Vancouver campus, offering different types of rooms and apartments for undergraduate, graduate, and student-family residents. The university houses nearly 14,000 students in 15 residences.
Some popular UBC residences include Place Vanier, Totem Park, Ponderosa Commons, Walter Gage, Fairview Crescent, Orchard Commons and Ritsumeikan-UBC House. Depending on the residence, students can find furnished rooms, shared accommodation, suites, study spaces, Wi-Fi and meal-plan options.
Students can also choose off-campus accommodation such as private rental apartments, shared apartments, homestays, and purpose-built student accommodation near the university.
Campus Life at the University
The campus life at the University of British Columbia can be a memorable experience for students. UBC provides opportunities to participate in clubs, sports, research, co-op programs, and other extracurricular activities. Students living on campus can also enjoy access to beaches, recreational activities, restaurants, theatres, and various student events.