The University of British Columbia was established in 1908 and is the oldest university in British Columbia. It is a top Canadian university that ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. It is also a global learning, research, and teaching center. Students at UBC are offered a dynamic learning experience allowing them to reach great heights in the future.
UBC has been actively involved in innovatively transforming ideas into action and has welcomed individuals driven by curiosity and the vision to develop the globe into a better place. UBC aspires to nurture global citizens via excellent engagement, learning, and research, and promote a just and sustainable community within British Columbia and across the world.
UBC has two campuses, the main campus located at Point Grey, Vancouver, and the branch campus in Okanagan, Kelowna. UBC offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate program choices at their campuses. For anyone interested in UBC and wondering how much it would cost for an international student to study there, this article is for you.
How much does the tuition fee cost for one year at the University of British Columbia?
For any student pursuing higher education abroad, one thing they need to be mindful of is finances. The annual cost of tuition fees for undergraduate programs at the University of British Columbia ranges from 42,543 CAD to 58,641 CAD (approximately 31,565 USD to 43,510 USD)
Graduate programs on the other hand are expected to range from 11,000 CAD to 160,000 CAD (approximately 8,234 USD to 119,770 USD). In both cases, fees may vary depending on the program.
However, as an international student, your expenses are not limited to tuition and study costs only. International students are also required to cover additional expenses, such as application fees, accommodation, books, transportation, living expenses, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Cost of Studying at the University of British Columbia
As mentioned above, studying at the University of British Columbia comes with several additional expenses for international students. It is therefore crucial that students take these additional expenses into account in their financial plan throughout their studies.
Let us now look into the varying expenses an international student may face when studying at the University of British Columbia. You will then be able to calculate the overall approximate cost at UBC.
Application Costs at the University of British Columbia
Before you enroll at the University of British Columbia, you will first need to apply to the university. This process involves application and administration fees, which you will have to keep note of. In addition, you must also be aware of what the fee covers.
The undergraduate application fee for international students is 128 CAD (approximately 95 USD), additional supplementary costs may include depending on the program ranging from 63 CAD to 257 CAD (approximately 46 USD to 190 USD) for most programs except the international Dental degree completion application fee, which is around 515 CAD (around 382 USD).
The graduate application fee for international students is 168 CAD (approximately 124 USD), additional supplementary costs may include depending on the program ranging from 75 CAD to 160 CAD (approximately 55 USD to 118 USD),
Additional administrative and document fees may entail such as faxes, or international courier.
Applications will be considered complete if the university has received the payment for application fees.
Tuition Fee Costs at the University of British Columbia
Before you start your education, you must understand your tuition fee for your selected program along with the payment structure. The tuition costs at the University of British Columbia for international students vary depending on your degree level and the program you select.
Below, we have a simplified version of tuition cost ranges for undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs at UBC, so that you may have a brief understanding of academic expenses.
Bachelor’s Tuition Cost at the University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia offers an unrivaled list of undergraduate degree programs at its two campuses. UBC is also reputed for its excellence in teaching, and research, and for producing well-rounded academically sound students.
Bachelor’s tuition fee at UBC varies depending on the programs. For international students, the rate ranges from 42,543 CAD to 58,641 CAD, approximately 31,565 USD to 43,510 USD.
Master’s Tuition Cost at the University of British Columbia
UBC also offers a comprehensive list of master’s programs in several fields. Master’s tuition fee at UBC varies depending on the programs. For international students, the rate ranges from 11,000 CAD to 160,000 CAD, approximately 8,234 USD to 119,770 USD.
Ph.D. Tuition Cost at the University of British Columbia
The tuition fee for standard doctoral degree programs is around 56,988 CAD, approximately 42,283 USD. UBC offers the option to take up a part-time doctoral degree which is great for working students. Students also have the option to take up combined doctoral degrees.
In addition, graduate students have the option to pay their tuition in installments spanning the course of their study, this significantly relaxes their financial strain.
Tuition fees and all other financial expenses that come with studying abroad would be a major part of your study abroad experience. When preparing for your financial plan, it is best to be aware of expected academic finances that will likely incur.
Other Costs
Several other expenses would require your attention, in addition to your academic expenses at the University of British Columbia. Some of the important ones are mentioned below.
Books and Miscellaneous Expenses
The cost of books and other miscellaneous expenses depends on each individual. The average cost for textbooks can vary from 400 CAD to 700 CAD (296 USD to 519 USD) depending on your program. However, you could cut down on expenses by opting for digital copies. The cost for books in the science field is much higher compared to fields like arts or commerce.
Accommodation and Transportation
Another important expense you’ll have to consider is accommodation and transportation costs. Fortunately, UBC offers several housing options which include on-campus and off-campus options, most of which come with meal plans as well.
The accommodation costs vary depending on the type and size of your selected accommodation, the amount ranges from approximately 10,300 CAD to 15,000 CAD (7,707 USD to 11,225 USD) per year if you choose to live-in residence provided by the university, depending on your accommodation type (homestays, dormitory, or renting).
As for transportation both Vancouver and Kelowna have very convenient public transportation systems that students can make use of.
Living Expenses
As an international student, your monthly expenses would also include expenses like accommodation, groceries, and transportation. Hence, your overall living expenses at UBC would depend on your lifestyle and spending habits.
On average the cost of living for an international student in Canada could be around 600 CAD to 800 CAD (450 USD to 600 USD), this would include expenses like food and groceries, restaurants, transportation, utilities, rent per month, and clothing.
It is advised that you budget other expenses like internet, phone, or personal care items, to avoid overspending or running out of money. You can also save on rent by opting to live on campus, which would also cut down on transportation costs. Do remember, prioritizing between your needs and wants when it comes to spending as this would help cut down on expenses too.
Choosing to study at the University of British Columbia as an international student certainly comes with its fair share of financial burdens. However, UBC is a reputed institute of higher education that guarantees students a quality education alongside a great student experience.
In addition, students would also have the opportunity to experience the wonderful experiences the cities of Vancouver and Kelowna have to offer. Yes, it may be tough, but it’s certainly going to be worth it.
One way of cutting down your financial expenses is to apply for scholarships. Learn more by visiting our Canada Scholarships Page for more information about applying for financial aid!
