Does University of Northern BC have an acceptance rate?

UNBC does not publish an overall acceptance rate - admission is decided per program, each with its own admission average. Overall averages around the mid-80s are competitive for most programs, with top programs requiring higher.

University of Northern BC

Q: What average do you need to get into UNBC?

Admission is program-by-program. Competitive programs like Environmental Science require mid-to-high 80s, while more accessible programs admit around mid 80s. A mid-80s overall average is competitive for most UNBC programs.

Northern BC's university - small, tight-knit, and exceptional for environmental and northern studies.

The University of Northern BC was founded in 1994 to serve northern and rural British Columbia and is consistently ranked among Canada's top small universities by Maclean's. UNBC is particularly strong in environmental science, forestry, Indigenous studies, and northern health. The campus is surrounded by wilderness, providing unique field research opportunities unavailable anywhere else in Canada.

What average do you need to get into UNBC?

There is no single UNBC acceptance rate - admission is program-by-program. Top competitive programs like Environmental Science require mid-to-high 80s, while programs at the more accessible end admit students with averages around mid 80s. A competitive overall average for most UNBC programs is roughly the mid-80s and up. Check the per-program admission averages below to find your target.

Key Facts

Location: Prince George, BC
Founded: 1994
Students: 4,000
Maclean's ranking: #2
QS World ranking: #1001
Approximate domestic tuition: $7000/year
Co-op available: Yes

Top Strengths

Environmental Science
Forestry
Indigenous Studies
Nursing
Business
Northern Health

Admission Averages by Program

Real admission average ranges for UNBC programs, from most accessible to most competitive:

Environmental Science — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Field research in BC's wilderness is a unique and genuine advantage.)
Forestry — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Direct industry connections to BC's forest sector.)
Biology — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Strong northern ecology and conservation focus.)
Nursing (BScN) — admission average: high 80s (Strong northern health focus - addresses genuine healthcare access needs.)
Computer Science — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Small but growing program with good co-op options.)
Business Administration — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Good program with northern business community connections.)
Indigenous Studies — admission average: mid 80s (Deep community connections with First Nations across northern BC.)
Psychology — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Small program with strong mentorship.)
Political Science — admission average: mid 80s (Good for public service and northern policy careers.)
Education (BEd) — admission average: mid 70s (Focused on rural and northern BC school system needs.)

Things to Know

UNBC consistently ranks as Canada's best small university - the small size means exceptional faculty access.
Prince George winters are genuinely cold, but the surrounding wilderness is extraordinary for outdoor and field research.
Indigenous programs are deeply connected to northern First Nations communities - meaningful and respected.
If you want nature, small campus community, and genuine mentorship, UNBC is underrated nationally.

Notable Alumni

First graduating class 1998 - alumni network growing nationally

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