This article contains information on the UBC acceptance rate, admission requirements and more. If you are a domestic or international prospective student of this school then this article will provide you with the information you need to study at the University of British Columbia.
If you’re looking to get into a Canadian university, you might come across the University of British Columbia. UBC is among the top 40 universities in the world and among the top three universities in Canada. For many, this is a dream school.
Canadian universities are known for offering top-quality academic programs at affordable rates. Studying at UBC is a rewarding investment you will be proud of.
Applying to UBC is a simple step to start an exciting academic journey in a world-class learning environment.
Read on as you discover the UBC acceptance rate and other important admission requirements for domestic and international students.
About the University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is recognised internally as a teaching centre, for learning and research. The school is consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world.
UBC utilizes innovation and turns ideas into action. Since 1908, UBC has opened up world-changing opportunities to people with curiosity, passion and vision.
UBC is responsible for sponsoring more than 8,000 projects annually.
UBC Vancouver also boasts two satellite campuses situated in the province of Vancouver: Vancouver Health Sciences General Hospital and Robson Square for part-time credit and non-credit programs.
The University of British Columbia offers over 200 different undergraduate and graduate programs. The school currently has more than 66,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students across all campuses.
UBC Rankings
The University of British Columbia is a renowned public research institution currently ranked in the top 35 universities in the world.
According to U.S News & World Report< UBC is currently ranked #2 in Best Global Universities in Canada and #35 in Best Global Universities.
UBC is ranked #34 on the list of the world’s top 100 universities according to QS World University Rankings. Times Higher Education also ranks UBC #40 in world university rankings.
UBC acceptance rate
The University of British Columbia’s acceptance rate is estimated to be 52.4%.
It’s a public university with a large student enrollment, one of the largest in North America.
The University of British Columbia during admission receives thousands of applications from high schoolers and postgraduate students. Those applying to UBC hail from high schools in British Columbia, outside the provide, neighbouring United States, and other countries.
Due to the small population compared to the United States, most Canadian institutions are willing to accept more international applicants .
Tips on how to get into UBC
- Stay organized: Assuming you applied to 6 different colleges, and to keep things organized, you have to have a comprehensive application system so you don’t miss deadlines. Your phone calendar makes it easier now, so make sure you know when your deadlines are because it’s the worst reason you won’t get into your dream school. Universities like UBC do not accept late materials due to the high volume of applicants, so stay tuned.
- Focus: I know this is your senior year, so hanging out with friends is important, but those who find ways to prioritize school are welcome. Imagine if you were accepted earlier, you could celebrate before the end of the semester.
- Be Serious: Visit the campus, meet with advisors, and take all the campus tours. If you know interesting facts about the school and can somehow include them in your application, it can turn things around.
- Follow up. If you can find direct contacts that are usually listed on the Internet, contact them or ask and say thank you. Gratitude always goes a long way and thanking a guide who took you through school tours, a counsellor, or anyone you’ve talked to can tip the scales in your favour.
Also Read: Columbia University Acceptance Rate, Admissions, SAT/ACT, GPA, Tuition
UBC Application Requirements
The first step to getting into UBC is to check the entry requirements for the program you’re interested in! Most UBC programs require the completion of several high school courses.
They also require you to meet a minimum grade point average (GPA). This minimum GPA is usually around 80%.
However, we recommend aiming for a 90% GPA to be a competitive candidate. It is important to note that different programs have different requirements, such as UBC Arts vs UBC Sauder.
If you have high grades, then you will stand a better chance of getting into UBC. It also increases your eligibility to receive scholarships!
Admission Requirements for UBC Undergraduate Students
Admission to UBC is competitive as we have seen in the acceptance rate and your requirements depend on your chosen degree and campus.
All applicants must meet the English Language Admission Standard and the UBC entry requirements in general.
To apply for undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia, the following documents are required:
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts of school/College
- English proficiency scores
- Academic CV/ Resume
- Statement of purpose.
All applications are submitted to the university’s undergraduate degree application portal.
Additionally, UBC charges 118.50 CAD for the application fee. Online payments can only be made with MasterCard or Visa credit cards. Only Canadian debit cards can be used as payment cards.
The University also accepts Interac payments/debit payments from TD Canada Trust or RBC Interac account holders.
Also Read: Columbia University, Columbia Student Portal Login: ssol.columbia.edu
Application Fee Waiver
According to the UN, applicants from the world’s 50 least-developed countries are exempt from application fees.
UBC Graduate Admission Requirements
UCB offers 85 course-based master’s programs where students can choose from 330 postgraduate specializations.
In order to apply for admission to the UBC Graduate School, the following documents are required:
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts
- English proficiency test scores
- Academic CV/ Resume
- Statement of Purpose (depending upon program requirement)
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Proof of professional experience (if any)
- English proficiency test scores.
Please note that the International Baccalaureate and all course documents must be submitted in PDF format.
You may want to learn more about the requirements for international students to pursue a master’s degree in Canada. Check out our related article.
All applications are submitted through the university’s Graduate Admissions portal.
In addition, UBC charges a graduate tuition registration fee of 168.25 CAD. Online payments can only be made with MasterCard or Visa credit cards. Only Canadian debit cards can be used as payment cards.
They also accept Interac payments/debit payments from TD Canada Trust or RBC Interac account holders.
Application Fee Waiver
According to the UN, applicants from the world’s 50 least developed countries are exempt from application fees.
Please note that there is no fee for applying to graduate programs in the Department of Chemistry at the UBC Vancouver campus.
UBC English Language Test Requirements
Applicants from universities outside of Canada where English is not the primary language of instruction must submit the results of an English language proficiency test as part of their application. The exams must have been taken within the last 24 months when the application is made.
The value of English fluency
English is one of Canada’s two official languages and the primary language used for teaching at UBC.
A strong command of English means that Freshers can quickly integrate into their academic environment and meet fellow students and staff who are their peers at UBC. Students with good English skills are more likely to succeed; they experience much less stress and enjoy learning more.
Applicants are encouraged to focus on learning to speak, listen, read and write English, regardless of whether they are preparing for the TOEFL exam (or any other exam), as this will best prepare them to communicate in all situations. Students with strong English skills are more likely to do well on the TOEFL test.
Students from eligible countries who intend to apply for a Student Direct Stream (SDS) are advised to check the eligibility requirements carefully. Currently, SDS applications are only accepted for IELTS.
Individual graduate programs may require higher English language scores and may also require minimum scores on various sections of any test. Check the English language score requirements on the individual course websites.
Acceptable Language Tests
As you pay attention to the UBC acceptance rate and other admission requirements, you should also ensure that you know about the acceptable English language tests.
Individual postgraduate programs may charge higher English proficiency points than others. Check the program requirements for your field of study.
In order for the English test results to be official, the testing agency must send them directly to the graduate school.
Acceptable English language proficiency tests for applicants seeking graduate programs are as follows:
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language)
The minimum score is 70, and no section is to be below 60.
Cambridge English Qualification
- C1 Advanced (Certificate of Advanced English).
- C2 Proficiency (certificate of English language skills).
The minimum score is 180, with no sub-section below 176.
*The results of these tests can be used at any time as they do not expire.
CEL (UBC English Language Certificate)
75% in each section of the 600-level course.
Duolingo English
The minimum total score is 125 and no section should be below 115.
*The exam is tentatively accepted until the summer of 2025.
Also Read: Columbia School of Social Work Acceptance Rate
IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) Academic
The minimum score for a band is 6.5, and no individual score should be below 6.0.
When ordering test results, use the school’s office address and enter the following information in the More Information section:
- Department Head’s Name: College of Graduate School
- Department Head’s email address: is gradadmissions.ok@ubc.ca
- Head of Department Tel: 250 807 8772
MET (Michigan English Test) 4 Skill tests
A minimum score of 64 with no component below 59.
PTE (Pearson) Academic
The minimum total score is 65 points, and no item is below 60 points.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT
The total score is 90, with at least 22 in reading and listening and at least 21 in writing and speaking (online version).
At least 22 reading and listening and at least 21 written (hard copy).
Scores that meet the minimum scores above will be considered eligible for the English language test.
School code TOEFL UBC – 0965.
TOEFL Essentials
The total score is 10 points, and no point is less than 8.5 points.
Scores that meet the minimum scores above will be considered eligible for the English language test.
UBC Okanagan’s institution code is 2499.
*The exam is tentatively accepted until the summer of 2025.
More information about UBC’s English language requirements can be found here.
Submission of test results
TOEFL and IELTS test takers can request the results to be delivered to the university electronically. The school only accept electronic delivery directly from the test centre to UBC. All other tests require an official paper test report ordered from the testing agency. No copies will be made of the test results.
What is the University of British Columbia’s acceptance rate for international students?
UBC’s international students come from more than 150 countries around the world. In essence, they invite students to a place of real change and learning.
UBC offers excellent student support to its international students to help them settle on campus. An example of such a support process is helping non-English-speaking students learn and adapt.
This is because most of their courses are taught in English in the same way as other foreign languages. As you know, foreign students pay a different tuition fee than domestic students. As an international student, you can be part of UBC clubs and sports teams.
In addition, you can enjoy high-quality and affordable accommodation in a learning environment. Therefore, the acceptance rate for international students at the University of British Columbia is 77%.
Also Read: 10 Cheap Universities in Canada to study almost for free
UBC Acceptance Rate By Program
- MSc. Computer Science: 7.04%
- Medical School: 10%
- Psychology: 16%
- Nursing: 20% to 24%
- Law: 25%
- Engineering: 45%
How much does it cost to study at the University of British Columbia?
The price of studying at UBC varies depending on the program and year of study. But on average, a bachelor’s degree costs $38,946, a master’s degree costs $46,920, and an MBA degree costs $52,541.
Visit the university’s official tuition fees page to find out the exact tuition fees for each program offered by the university.
UBC Tuition Fee for international students
Undergraduate tuition for international students at UBC ranges from $38,000 to $50,000 depending on the program applied for, some programs are lower and programs such as applied science, business and medical laboratory research have fees over $50,000.
For graduate students, tuition fees for master’s and doctoral degrees are also different, with a minimum of $3,500 and a maximum of $20,000 for a master’s degree, and a minimum of $3,000 to $15,000 for international students and graduate students.
The University of British Columbia Address
- School Address: Vancouver Campus- 2329 West Mall Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4
- Phone: +1 604-822-2211
- Okanagan Campus 3333 University Way Kelowna, BC Canada V1V 1V7
- Phone: 250 807 8000
Visit the official website of the University of British Columbia for the latest news on academics, research, and upcoming events.
Conclusion
The University of British Columbia is an excellent research institution where dreams are transformed into a profession. UBC accepts more than half of the applications submitted each year during admission.
If your academic qualifications meet the standards at UBC, you are likely to join the next freshmen class on campus.
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References:
- U.S News & World Report: University of British Columbia
- Top Universities: About the University of British Columbia
- Times Higher Education: University of British Columbia
