Established in 1908, the University of British Columbia is an open research university. Based on the founder of the university, Henry Marshall Tory, a medal of his name was brought into existence in 1941. Recently, the university is recognized as the most international university in North America. It has a motto that says, “It is Yours”. This motto was declared in 1915 and commits to support innovation of ideas, discovery, and learning. The motive is to encourage the students and create new concepts that bring remarkable changes in the world. By the 20th century, the university began to offer a degree in the field of nursing, agriculture, and engineering. Also, it introduced the American model of specialization and a research thesis.
Located in Point Grey, the university comprises of two campuses, one in Vancouver and the other in Okanagan. The main campus is in Vancouver and is spread across 400 acres of land. The campus is covered with greenery all over. It houses some popular centers like the Chan Centre for Performing Arts, Centre for Interactive Research in Sustainability, UBC Welcome Centre and UBC Centre for Plant Research. Few of the departments that are found at the campus include Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Law and Faculty of Science. Okanagan Campus is known to be home to the center of research and learning. Both campuses organize many cultural activities and events.
The university offers undergraduate degree programs, postgraduate degree programs, joint academic programs, exchange programs, and distance education programs. A wide list of subjects incorporates under these programs that give students the opportunity to choose among the various subjects according to their area of interest. The list includes Applied Science, Architecture, Law, Medicine, Dentistry, Philosophy, Anthropology and Ancient Culture, Religion and Ethnicity. Moreover, the students are guided under expert professionals that provide basic knowledge and practical experience. Also, the students are given a chance to understand the curriculum of different universities and learn many other things under the student exchange program. In addition, the university is visited by experienced faculty that takes the students to the work field for exposure.
UBC has a notable list of alumni that includes Justin Trudeau (Current Prime of Canada), Kim Campbell (19th Prime Minister and the 1st to serve in office), William Gibson (significant figure in Cyberpunk movement), Bjarni Tryggvason (Astronaut), David Suzuki (Broadcaster and Environmentalist), Monica Lam (Founder of Moka5) and Evangeline Lily (Actress).
Requirements for admission vary depending on where you attended high school, which UBC campus you hope to attend, and which degree you’re applying to. If you’re a mature student or have already completed some post-secondary education, you’ll have your own set of specific requirements.
UBC is widely acknowledged as one of Canada’s best universities. Your journey to get here begins with meeting UBC’s general and degree-specific admission requirements.
As a UBC student, you will be part of a diverse community that is home to some of the brightest minds in the world. To be admitted to UBC, you must successfully meet the general admission requirements that apply to all applicants, as well as the degree-specific requirements that depend on which province you’re applying from and what degree(s) you’re applying to.
Canadian high school students
English language requirement
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are nine different ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
- Graduation from high school
- Minimum of 70% in Grade 11 or Grade 12 English (or their equivalents)
- At least six academic/non-academic Grade 12 courses (recommended, but not required)
English language requirement
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are nine different ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
International high school students
General admission requirements
- Graduation from a university-preparatory program at a senior secondary school: West African Senior School Certificate
English language requirement
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
International Baccalaureate students
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- Students who complete the IB Diploma in English are required to achieve a minimum score of 3 in an IB Group 1 English course at either Standard or Higher Level. (If you are an international student with a score of less than 3, you may be eligible for UBC Vantage One programs.)
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
All AP courses are eligible for admission consideration and can be combined with an approved Canadian high school or international high school curriculum to meet the University’s admission requirements.
Generally, we use school percentage grades in AP courses to calculate admission averages. Your AP exam results may be included in the calculation if they are available at the time of admission.
Those results will be converted to the following percentages:
| AP Grade | % equivalent |
| 5 | 96 |
| 4 | 86 |
| 3 | 80 |
| 2 | 70 |
AP Capstone
AP Capstone complements the subject-specific knowledge gained through AP courses and exams, and allows students to develop skills in research, analysis, writing, and presentation.
The AP Capstone Diploma Program, AP Seminar and Research Certificate, and AP Seminar and AP Research courses aren’t eligible for UBC transfer credit, but we will look at them positively when you apply.
First-year credit
If you achieve a grade of 4 or better on approved AP exams, UBC will grant you first-year university credit.
With our combination of world-class academic programs and vibrant campus life, UBC is widely acknowledged as one of Canada’s best universities. Our goal is to provide a rich learning environment by attracting and retaining the best students from across BC, Canada, and the world, many of whom have Advanced Placement experience.
At UBC, we recognize the value of AP courses. All AP courses are eligible for admission consideration and AP course grades may be combined with an approved high school curriculum to meet the UBC’s admission requirements.
Entry Criteria
| Courses | Exams |
|---|---|
| MBA(1 Course) | GMAT: 550 & AboveGRE: 310 & AboveIELTS: 7 & Above |
| MIM(7 Courses) | GRE: 310 & AboveIELTS: 6.5-7TOEFL: 100 & Above |
| BBA(3 Courses) | IELTS: 6.5 & AboveTOEFL: 90 & AbovePTE: 65 & Above |
| MS(60 Courses) | GRE: AcceptedIELTS: 6.5-7.5TOEFL: 90-100 |
| MEng(15 Courses) | IELTS: 6.5-7TOEFL: 90-100PTE: 59-65 |
| BE/Btech(19 Courses) | IELTS: 6.5 & AboveTOEFL: 90 & AbovePTE: 65 & Above |
| MASc(9 Courses) | IELTS: 6.5-7TOEFL: 90-100PTE: 65 & Above |
| MArch(4 Courses) | IELTS: 6.5-7TOEFL: 100 & AbovePTE: Accepted |
| MFA(4 Courses) | IELTS: 6.5-7 |
| BSc(29 Courses) | IELTS: 6.5 & AboveTOEFL: 90 & AbovePTE: 65 & Above |
| MA(41 Courses) | GRE: AcceptedIELTS: 6.5-7.5TOEFL: 100 & Above |
| Other Courses(136 Courses) | IELTS: 6.5-7.5TOEFL: 80-107SAT: Accepted |
Special message about your application
We will be as flexible as possible to ensure that your application to UBC is not disadvantaged by COVID-19 (coronavirus) disruptions.
We know that – like all students around the world – you are adjusting to ongoing changes meant to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep everyone in schools safe. We are carefully watching and listening, so we can accommodate these changes in this year’s admissions process.
We want to reassure you that as these disruptions and changes continue to roll out, UBC will assess and adjust our current processes. Keep checking your email and our blog post to discover any flexibilities and changes.
Plan for UBC
It’s never too early to start thinking about university. If you already know which degrees you’re interested in applying to at UBC, you can choose your Grade 11 (junior year) and Grade 12 (senior year) courses accordingly.
For post-secondary transfer students
If you are a well-qualified student attending a post-secondary institution, we welcome your application to transfer to UBC. Read more about transfer eligibility, and find your requirements if you are a post-secondary student in Canada or a post-secondary student outside of Canada.
Choose what to study
When you apply to UBC, you’ll have the opportunity to select a first and second choice of degree. The degree you choose now will determine your program options in your second or third year of study.
Knowing which degrees you’re interested in applying to will help you choose your Grade 11 (junior-year) and Grade 12 (senior-year) courses. Have a look at our worksheets (PDF download) to help you plan ahead.
Write your personal profile
The personal profile is an important part of your UBC application. It’s your chance to tell us about your life achievements and experiences to help us determine if you’re a good fit for UBC.
Complete the application
Once you’ve chosen a degree and reviewed your admission requirements, it’s time to complete the application. If you have a disability that will impact your ability to meet the academic standards of your degree, you’ll have an opportunity to disclose it here.
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