Canada flag

Vancouver, Canada

University of British Columbia

#34 QS World RankingPublicNorth America

QS World Ranking

#34

Acceptance Rate

52%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$38,000

On-Campus Housing

Available

QS Best Student City

#24

Vancouver

Application Deadline

January 15

via Direct

Student Body

Total Enrollment

58,000

students

International Students

30%

US Students

4%

of total enrollment

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

One of North America's top public universities set on a stunning campus between mountains and the Pacific.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#2Forestry#12Environmental Sciences#14Agriculture & Forestry#17Education & Training#18Psychology

Notes for US Students

Direct application. Beautiful campus near mountains and ocean. Strong sciences and engineering.

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to University of British Columbia

Acceptance Rate

52%

Moderately selective

Application System

Direct

Deadline

January 15

Instruction Language

English

School Type

Public

Annual Tuition

$38,000

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply directly via UBC's online application
  • SAT 1350+ or ACT 30+ recommended
  • Strong GPA: 3.5+ (3.8+ for Engineering and Sciences)
  • Personal profile / essays required (minimum 3 activities)
  • High school transcripts
  • IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90+ (English speakers typically exempt)

Class Size

Avg. Lecture200 students
Avg. Seminar25 students
Student : Faculty15:1

Academic Calendar

SystemSemester (2/yr)
Fall TermEarly SeptemberEarly December
Spring TermEarly JanuaryLate April
BreaksDec–Jan, May–Aug

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
English
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$38,000 / year
Application Deadline
January 15
Application System
Direct
School Type
Public
Acceptance Rate
52%
QS Best Student City (Vancouver)
#24 globally

Programs Offered

SciencesEngineeringForestryBusinessArts & HumanitiesMedicine

Scholarships to Explore

  • International Leader of Tomorrow
  • Trek Excellence

Cost of Living — Vancouver, Canada

High Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$1,400/mo
Groceries & dining$380/mo
Transportation$100/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$240/mo

Estimated monthly total

$2,120

vs. avg US college student

12% more expensive

US avg ~$1,900/mo

Vancouver is Canada's most expensive city. On-campus housing at UBC is a smart option to reduce costs.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at University of British Columbia as a US Student

University of British Columbia is located in Vancouver, Canada and is ranked #34in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Sciences, Engineering, Forestry, Business, Arts & Humanities, and more. Instruction is offered in English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$38,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 52%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of January 15. Scholarships available include the International Leader of Tomorrow.