Global education. Right next door.

A UBC guide for students in the United States

The University of British Columbia | Vancouver | Okanagan | Canada

UBC offers American students a world of opportunities:
A beautiful, safe setting in one of the most desirable regions
to live. An internationally renowned and recognized education
at a top research university. And a chance to expand your global
boundaries from close to home. Welcome to UBC.

The UBC advantage
What are the benefits for an
American studying at UBC?
Americans at UBC
1. Gain a global education
In a global economy, employers want college graduates
with an international perspective. UBC offers you an
international education without leaving the continent.
You’ll be learning alongside more than 5,500 international
students from over 130 countries and Canadians from
highly diverse backgrounds.You can add international
experience to your resume through an exchange program
at one of our 180 partner universities in 39 countries,
by gaining global work experience through UBC’s Co-op
Education program or by studying one or more of the
23 languages offered.
2. Educational excellence
Award-winning faculty and programs have led to UBC’s
international reputation for academic excellence.
Prestigious publications such as The Economist and
Newsweek consistently rate UBC in the top 40 of the
world’s best universities; and among the top 10 public
universities in North America alongside UCLA and the
University of Michigan.
• 1,232 American students (761 undergraduate, 471 graduate)
study here, the largest group of international students on campus
• Active UBC alumni branches in 16 US cities, including New York,
San Francisco, Washington DC, Chicago and Seattle
3. International recognition
UBC grads go on to leading graduate and professional
schools — from Harvard to MIT, from Oxford to the
London School of Economics. American companies
recruiting at UBC include Microsoft, Proctor & Gamble,
Amazon.com and many more. There are UBC alumni
associations in 16 US cities, with over 7,000 active members.
4. Two campuses. Unlimited opportunities.
With two distinct campuses, you can choose the setting
that’s right for you. UBC Vancouver is a grand, multi-
disciplinary campus set just minutes from a fast-paced
cosmopolitan city. UBC Okanagan offers all the advantages
of a world-class research and teaching university but within
an intimate learning community.
•E  xchange partnerships with 19 US colleges, including
Berkeley, UCLA and the University of Washington
• Course offerings in American literature, history, government,
politics and a major in United States Studies
• More than 250 full-time faculty members are US citizens
More to explore What’s it like living at UBC?
Whether you study in Vancouver or Kelowna, UBC’s mild
climate, proximity to the city and miles of beaches and
trails offer a wealth of year-round outdoor and cultural
activities. More than 7,000 undergraduate students live in
on-campus housing, so there are plenty of opportunities to
make new friends and get involved in campus life.
“I was consciously looking for a science program in an urban
setting. Classes are full of people from all over the world, which
encourages an open perspective on a variety of issues. I feel I have
ideas I want to pursue and the faculty are so supportive and
encouraging by making the time to discuss my ideas. ”
Amelia Daly, Los Angeles, California; Santa Monica High School
Faculty of Science, UBC Vancouver
“Vancouver is an amazing and dynamic place. It’s on the cutting
edge, with a lot of ideas going back and forth. UBC and Vancouver
offer a glimpse into the future, because there’s a balance with the
natural world. Sustainability is one of the biggest issues in the
world right now, and UBC allows the discussion to happen.”
Jack Smith, Portland, Maine; Waynflete School
Faculty of Arts, UBC Vancouver
What sports and recreational activities are there at UBC?
UBC’s legendary intramural program offers a diverse
selection of sports, more than 30 annual special events,
and over 50 fitness, dance and martial arts classes.
Recreational choices are unlimited, from working out at
the fitness centre to hiking, from mountain biking through
miles of trails to relaxing at the beach. The new Winter
Sports Centre at UBC Vancouver has three new ice rinks
and seating for 8,000. The centre will host events of the
2010 Winter Olympics.
www.rec.ubc.ca or
www.ubc.ca/okanagan/students/athletics/campus.cfm
What about varsity sports at UBC?
UBC has one of the largest and most successful varsity
athletic programs in Canada, comprised of 30 teams
participating in 13 different sports. With teams for each
campus—the UBC Vancouver Thunderbirds and the UBC
Okanagan Heat—no university in Canada has won more
national championships in the past decade.
www.gothunderbirds.ca or
www.ubc.ca/okanagan/athletics

1
 American admissions
General requirements
(ALL applicants must meet
these requirements)
Faculty-specific requirements
2 laureate faculty member—Dr. Carl Wieman (Faculty of Science)
UBC welcomes applications from qualified American students. Please note that you must meet both the general How is the UBC application process different applications, it can take several weeks to evaluate and
admission requirements and the prerequisites for the Faculty/School you are interested in. Admission is competitive, from that of a typical American college? process a completed application file.
and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. 1. Admission criteria
• Graduation from an academic or college-prep program at a US-regionally accredited institution Admission to UBC is based primarily on your academic Can I transfer to UBC from an American
• Four years of English to the Senior Level (not ESL) and three years of math record.Your admission average will be calculated on four college or university?
• At least three other full-year senior academic subjects and prerequisites for intended program senior level academic subjects. The courses used to UBC welcomes applications from qualified students in good
• Either SAT I or ACT + Writing scores must be submitted in support of your application. calculate this average vary depending on the field of study academic standing who wish to transfer to UBC from
UBC’s institution SAT code is 0965, and its institution ACT code is 5259. (Faculty or School) you’re applying to. SAT or ACT + another accredited US college or university. UBC also
• Although not required, additional personal information in support of your application is strongly Writing scores are also required. accepts applications from visiting students and from students
recommended. See online supplemental application on page 4. 2. Rolling admissions and two-part application
at accredited institutes of technology or polytechnics.
UBC begins accepting applications in October and a decision 1. Basis of admission for transfer applicants from colleges
is made once your application is complete. There are two and universities
UBC Vancouver UBC Okanagan
parts to your application: 1. Apply to the University with If you have not taken sufficient courses at the post-secondary
Applied Science (Engineering) Senior Level Math Arts See general requirements (above) your first and second choice of program and campus. level to form the basis of admission (minimum 24 semester
(pre-Calculus); two full years of Chemistry Engineering Senior Level Math (pre-Calculus); 2. After applying, UBC will notify you of the required credits), you will be evaluated on your final secondary school
(or AP Chemistry) and Physics (or AP Physics) two full years of Chemistry (or AP Chemistry) documents to submit including SAT/ACT scores, and grades and your partial post-secondary studies. Secondary
Arts See general requirements (above) and Physics (or AP Physics) official transcripts including the first semester or trimester school prerequisites are required for some UBC Faculties/
of your senior year. programs. Admission is competitive and meeting the
Sauder School of Business Senior Level Math Health Studies See general requirements (above)
minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
(pre-Calculus); Supplemental Application required, Human Kinetics Senior Level Math; one of Biology (or AP When will I be notified of my acceptance?
see www.sauder.ubc.ca/bcom 2. Transfer credit
Biology), Geology (or AP Geology), Chemistry (or AP To help ensure a timely admission decision, applicants
(Students may also apply following first-year university) should submit their online application well in advance of Transfer is possible to the 2nd or 3rd year of a UBC
Chemistry), or Physics (or AP Physics)
the application deadline, pay their application fee, complete program, depending on the number of transferable credits
Forestry Senior Level Math (pre-Calculus); Two of Biology, Management Senior Level Math (pre-Calculus)
the online supplemental application form, and send all you have taken­— maximum allowable transfer credit is no
Chemistry, or Physics (at least one for two years or AP
Science Senior Level Math (pre-Calculus) with a required supporting documents to Undergraduate more than 50% of the degree program. Transfer credit is
equivalent); (Wood Products Processing requires one year
minimum grade of C+; Chemistry (at least one year); Admissions as soon as possible. Due to the large number of determined at the time of evaluation and will be included
each of Chemistry and Physics)
Physics (at least one year) is strongly recommended in the offer of admission.
See www.forestry.ubc.ca
Visual Arts Portfolio and letter of intent
Human Kinetics One of: Senior Level Math (pre-Calculus), About UBC • UBC ranks ahead of MIT and Stanford in US patents filed and • 99.1% of full-time faculty members have PhDs
or two full years of Chemistry (or AP Chemistry), Physics startups formed per US$100 million of research funding (highest percentage in Canada)
• Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 • Over 90% of first year full-time students go on to second year
(or AP Physics) or Biology (or AP Biology)
• UBC researchers bring in more than $485 million CAD in • 47% of 1st and 2nd year classes have 100 or fewer students
Land & Food Systems Senior Level Math (pre-Calculus); research funds annually from government, industry and • 44% of 3rd and 4th year classes have 50 or fewer students
two of Chemistry, Physics or Biology (at least one year each) not-for-profit foundations • UBC Vancouver undergraduate enrollment: 35,079
• UBC has 17 Faculties, 14 Schools, 187 undergraduate • UBC Okanagan undergraduate enrollment: 4,613
Science Senior Level Math (pre-Calculus) with a minimum programs, 154 master’s programs and 95 PhD programs
grade of C+; Chemistry and Physics (at least one year each) • UBC is one of only two Canadian universities with a Nobel
3
 Online Supplemental Application
Your academic record is the primary basis for admission to UBC, BRITISH COLUMBIA ALBERTA

but students from secondary schools outside Canada are strongly

encouraged to electronically submit personal information with their Calgary
1 hour flight
application. For details, see: www.students.ubc.ca/ssc Vancouver Kelowna
1 hour flight

Advanced credit Seattle

Canada-US border
1 hour flight
UBC offers generous first-year credit to students who achieve high
standing on the International Baccalaureate or Advanced Placement WASHINGTON STATE

exams. If you are taking concurrent college courses at an accredited Costs and finances
IDAHO How much will it cost to attend UBC? What financial aid and awards are available to
institution, you may receive credit and will be notified when you
Tuition fees at UBC compare favourably with similar high- US students?
are offered admission. For a complete list of specific course credits OREGON

calibre US schools and are the same at UBC Vancouver and Last year UBC dedicated $2.2 million CAD to financial aid
and minimum exam scores required, visit the Admissions section of UBC Okanagan at Kelowna is a one-hour flight or a four-hour drive east of Vancouver.
UBC Okanagan. Fees are adjusted annually by the Board of and awards for international students, along with additional
you.ubc.ca
Governors and are subject to change. Undergraduate tuition resources for Canadian students. Please note however that
Study permit is charged on a per-credit basis. A typical course load varies BC Provincial and Canadian federal government loans and
To study in Canada, you will need a Canada Study Permit, available by Faculty and ranges from 30 credits (Arts) to 36 credits assistance plans are available only to citizens and permanent
from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) offices in the US (Engineering).The current tuition fee for international residents of Canada.
(located in most major cities), or at any Canadian port of entry students, including US citizens, is $644.47 CAD per credit Information on the variety of merit and need-based awards
(airport or border crossing). To complete your Canada Study Permit for most programs. Fees are higher ($724.00 CAD per credit) available for international students at UBC can be found
application, you will need your official letter of acceptance, valid for the Sauder School of Business. Different tuition fees apply online at www.students.ubc.ca/finance
photo ID and evidence of funds to cover one year’s tuition and to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
If eligible, international students holding a Canadian Study
living costs. www.cic.gc.ca/english/study Estimated costs for American students Permit may work part-time on- or off-campus for the duration
Discover more Vancouver
living on campus of their studies, and full-time for one year after graduating
Seattle
For more information about admissions including transfer 1 hour first year course load $CAD from UBC Vancouver or two years from UBC Okanagan.
Tuition (30 credits at $644.47 per Credit) $19,334
requirements, general requirements or if you are interested in new york Tuition (36 credits) $23,200
US citizens may be eligible for Stafford or Plus Loans.
Chicago 5 hours
attending UBC as a visiting or unclassified student, Denver
4.5 hours Room and board $7,000 Stafford Loans — Borrowed directly by the student
visit the Admissions section of you.ubc.ca los Angeles
2.5 hours
3 hours
Houston
Other expenses http://students.ubc.ca/finance/loans.cfm?page=us&view=stafford
5 hours Student fees $700
Experience UBC’s campuses, see some of the great facilities and Books $1,250 PLUS loans— Borrowed by the parent to help fund the
talk to students about UBC. Check out the Campus Tours section Personal expenses $2,500 student’s education
of you.ubc.ca. For a virtual tour, see www.students.ubc.ca/virtualtour or Transportation $176 http://students.ubc.ca/finance/loans.cfm?page=us&view=plus
Health insurance $587
www.ubc.ca/okanagan/students/virtualtour
Estimated total cost (30 credits) $31,547 Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Located in the southwestern corner of British Columbia, Vancouver is just 40 km
Estimated total cost (36 credits) $35,413 (FAFSA) form, available from a local college in most
(25 miles) from the US border, and on major air routes from around the world. American cities or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov
Specify UBC using the UBC Title IV Code: G08369.
4 5
Find out more about UBC Visit you.ubc.ca
Questions? askme.ubc.ca
International Student Recruitment
Brock Hall Welcome Centre
The University of British Columbia
1200 – 1874 East Mall
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z1
Tel +1.604.822.8999 or +1.877.272.1422 (US & Canada)
Fax +1.604.822.9888
Sign up for your campus tour you.ubc.ca

© International Student Initiative, The University of British Columbia.

Printed in Canada. No part of this book may be used without permission.
Design and writing: www.kaldor.com Photography: Perry Danforth,
Martin Dee, Richard Lam, Waite air.