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 ranked third in Canada by both Maclean's and QS, and sits among the top 50 universities 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: #45
- Approximate domestic tuition: $6300/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. Not direct-entry from high school - applicants need prior university coursework first.)
- Education (BEd) — admission average: mid 80s (BC) / high 80s (OOP) (Strong teacher certification, deep BC school system ties. Post-degree program - you complete a bachelor's degree first.)
- 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