University of British Columbia
Canada's global university - world-class in every field, on one of the most beautiful campuses on earth.
The University of British Columbia is Canada's second-ranked university and one of the top 40 in the world. Its main campus in Vancouver is consistently rated among the world's most beautiful, perched on a peninsula overlooking the Pacific. UBC is a true comprehensive research university - exceptional in sciences, engineering, business (Sauder), law, medicine, and arts.
What average do you need to get into UBC?
There is no single UBC acceptance rate - admission is program-by-program. Top competitive programs like Computer Science require high 80s-low 90s (BC) / low-mid 90s (OOP), while programs at the more accessible end admit students with averages around high 80s (BC) / low 90s (OOP). A competitive overall average for most UBC programs is roughly the mid-80s and up. Check the per-program admission averages below to find your target.
Key Facts
- Location: Vancouver, BC
- Founded: 1908
- Students: 70,900
- Maclean's ranking: #3
- QS World ranking: #40
- Approximate domestic tuition: $13000/year
- Co-op available: Yes
Top Strengths
- Sciences
- Engineering
- Business (Sauder)
- Medicine
- Law
- Computer Science
- Education
- Forestry
Admission Averages by Program
Real admission average ranges for UBC programs, from most accessible to most competitive:
- Computer Science — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (BC) / low-mid 90s (OOP) (Top Canadian CS program. Strong Silicon Valley and Vancouver tech recruiting.)
- Software Engineering — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (BC) / low-mid 90s (OOP) (Combined with CS faculty, excellent research and co-op.)
- Electrical Engineering — admission average: high 80s (BC) / low 90s (OOP) (Strong research, good industry connections in BC tech.)
- Mechanical Engineering — admission average: high 80s (BC) / low 90s (OOP) (Excellent research and co-op placement in aerospace and energy.)
- Chemical & Biological Eng. — admission average: high 80s (BC) / low 90s (OOP) (Strong biotech and pharma connections in Vancouver.)
- Sauder Business (BCom) — admission average: high 80s (BC) / low 90s (OOP) (Canada's top business school on the West Coast. Finance and tech focus.)
- Science (BSc - general) — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (BC) / high 80s (OOP) (Excellent research facilities, strong pre-med pipeline.)
- Biology — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (BC) / high 80s (OOP) (Strong ecology and marine biology streams, world-class research.)
- Chemistry — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (BC) / high 80s (OOP) (Strong research, good pre-med and grad school pathway.)
- Mathematics — admission average: high 80s (BC) / low 90s (OOP) (Strong program for data science and actuarial paths.)
- Statistics — admission average: high 80s (BC) / low 90s (OOP) (Excellent data science pipeline.)
- Psychology — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (BC) / high 80s (OOP) (Large program with strong clinical and research tracks.)
- Political Science — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (BC) / high 80s (OOP) (Strong for law and public policy careers.)
- English — admission average: mid 80s (BC) / high 80s (OOP) (Strong humanities faculty.)
- Arts (BA - general) — admission average: mid 80s (BC) / high 80s (OOP) (One of Canada's strongest arts faculties.)
- Nursing (BScN) — admission average: high 80s (BC) / low-mid 90s (OOP) (Competitive, strong hospital network across Vancouver.)
- Education (BEd) — admission average: mid 80s (BC) / high 80s (OOP) (Strong teacher certification, deep BC school system ties.)
- Forestry — admission average: mid 80s (BC) / high 80s (OOP) (World-class program, unique to UBC in Canada.)
- Environmental Science — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (BC) / high 80s (OOP) (Strong sustainability and climate research focus.)
Things to Know
- Out-of-province (OOP) applicants typically need 3-5% higher averages than BC students for the same program.
- UBC considers the full Grade 11 and 12 profile - not just top 6 Grade 12 courses.
- Vancouver's cost of living is among the highest in Canada - budget carefully.
- UBC's co-op program is excellent but competitive to get into.
- The campus itself (Point Grey) is extraordinary - worth visiting before applying.
Notable Alumni
- Kim Campbell
- Joni Mitchell (attended)
- Robert Mundell