Established in 1908, the University of British Columbia (UBC) first opened its doors in 1915 and has grown by leaps and bounds since then. It now has more than 72,000 students and 20,662 faculty and staff. It is ranked 45th in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and third in Canada in that ranking.
With consistently high rankings, two beautiful campuses, a wide range of academic programs, and a diverse student community, this public university attracts many applicants from within Canada and around the world.
If you want to study here, it’s important to make a strong application that helps you stand out among the many applicants. The first step is to familiarize yourself with the application process. In this article, we talk about how to get into the University of British Columbia!
Admissions Process at the University of British Columbia
College admissions can seem complicated and stressful. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the application process, don’t worry; we have you covered. Here are the important details of how to apply to the University of British Columbia!
Step 1. Check if you Meet Admission Requirements
The requirements for undergraduate students depend on whether you attended high school in Canada or abroad, which degree program you are applying to, and which campus you have chosen. Find out which requirements apply to you and ensure you fulfill them by going through this list.
The university also requires students to show a minimum level of English language proficiency. For undergraduate admission, acceptable minimum test scores include TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS Academic 6.5 with no part below 6.0, or PTE Academic 65 with at least 60 in reading, listening, writing, and speaking. For graduate admission, UBC’s minimums include TOEFL iBT 90 with minimum component scores, IELTS Academic 6.5 with no component below 6.0, or PTE Academic 65 with at least 60 in each component. Individual graduate programs may require higher scores, so always check your program’s requirements. There are nine ways listed in which undergraduate applicants can demonstrate that they meet the English Language Admission Standard.
All graduate applicants have to meet the minimum requirements set by Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. In addition to this, different graduate programs might have other requirements, such as GRE, GMAT, or other test scores. Check the program websites to know the specific requirements and ensure you meet them.
Step 2. Start the Online Application
Applications to UBC are managed through the EducationPlannerBC website. You first have to create an EducationPlannerBC account, or log in to your existing account, and start your application.
You will be asked to fill in your general and academic details, referee information, and your first and second degree choices. The application also has a personal profile section. Some specific programs may ask you for additional information or documents.
For graduate students, applications are managed through UBC’s online graduate application system. You must have a Campus-Wide Login to apply. You will be asked for information such as personal and contact details, academic history, test scores, funding, experience and interests, additional questions, and references, along with required documents such as transcripts and other academic materials.
Step 3. Fill out your Profile / Statement of Interest
One of the most important parts of your undergraduate application is the personal profile. This section allows the university to get a glimpse of who you are and decide if you are the right choice for them. You will have to answer questions about your interests, achievements, and experiences, and you will also be asked to provide the names and contact information of two referees. Write original and thoughtful responses that reflect who you are; this is a major part of your assessment.
For most graduate applications, your Statement of Interest is a very important part of your application assessment. You can convey your research interests, experience, future goals, and why UBC is a good fit. Use this to show your knowledge of the field, your academic and research experience, and your familiarity with the department’s research. It is also a good idea to check whether your program expects you to contact potential supervisors before applying.
Step 4. Pay the Application Fee and Submit the Application
Once you have completed the application, you can pay the application fee and submit it. The fee you pay depends on whether you are a Canadian student or an international applicant. For undergraduate students, the fee is CAD 78.50 for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. For international students who require a study permit, the fee is CAD 173.25.
For graduate programs, the application fee is CAD 118.50 for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, refugees, and diplomats, and CAD 168.25 for international applicants. Some programs may charge different or supplemental application fees, so check your program listing before applying.
Step 5. Follow the Deadlines
Getting into the University of British Columbia can be competitive, so it’s crucial to follow deadlines.
Many entrance awards require earlier action to be considered. The International Scholars Program requires a separate award application, and some Canadian and international entrance awards require applicants to apply to UBC for an earlier deadline.
Check the website for the latest deadlines, including specific ones for your program. Graduate application deadlines are program-specific, and for a September intake, they can range from November of the previous year to later in the admission cycle. Once you have applied, keep track of deadlines for document submission.
Tips to Get Into the University of British Columbia
If you want to succeed in getting a place in this competitive admission race, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Tip 1. Plan for UBC in Advance
Please go through the admission requirements in advance to ensure you can meet them. Choosing the right courses in high school will also help you make a strong application.
But remember, academics are not everything. In addition to good scores, demonstrating interests and achievements outside the curriculum will set you apart, and you can share them in your application’s personal profile section.
For graduate programs, applicants should review the program instructions carefully to see whether they are expected to contact potential supervisors before applying. As you prepare to enter the University of British Columbia, make sure you also prepare your research topic carefully.
Tip 2. Be Honest and Accurate
Ensure you enter accurate details. Information in your personal profile and academic records must stand up to verification processes. Also, make sure you don’t use any plagiarized material in your application. Even though this might seem like an easy route, dishonesty, if caught, can result in an unsuccessful application, withdrawal of an offer of admission, or other serious consequences.
Tip 3. Be Organized
Leave enough time to write thoughtful responses and proofread everything you write. Most importantly, save everything as you fill out the application so you can avoid losing any of your hard work. The university recommends that you write your profile outside the application and then copy and paste it into the relevant section. This way, you don’t accidentally lose any work, and you can benefit from a spell-check.
The university also recommends that you save the UBC student number given to you, as it will be required later.
In summary, the University of British Columbia is a great place for higher education, with a strong academic profile and a diverse student community. As more students apply to this top university, make sure you put your best foot forward by starting your application process with enough time. Good luck!
We hope this article about how to get into the University of British Columbia: admission process and tips was helpful and informative. If you are interested, check out our Study in Canada and Available Courses for International Students!
