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How to Get into the University of British Columbia (UBC)

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Yocket Editorial Team
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The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a renowned public research institution with campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna, Canada. Regarded as one of the top 20 public universities globally, the University of British Columbia’s main campus sprawls over 400 acres in Vancouver. Welcoming a diverse student body of over 68,000 individuals from Canada and more than 140 countries, UBC offers a vast array of bachelor's and master's degree programs, totaling over 350 courses for students to pursue. 

In 2023 alone, Yocket has helped over 4500 students secure admits and USD 9.3 million in scholarships at top universities worldwide. With Yocket's proven track record of guiding students to secure admissions to top universities, our personalized counseling and comprehensive support will empower you to succeed. Unlock your potential with Yocket Premium Services, your trusted partner in the journey to higher education abroad.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the intricacies of gaining acceptance into UBC, providing valuable insights, tips, and resources to help aspiring students fulfill their academic aspirations.

Table of Contents

Why study at the University of British Columbia?

The University of British Columbia (UBC) stands out for several reasons. UBC is renowned worldwide as a hub for exceptional teaching and groundbreaking research.

UBC is celebrated for its forward-thinking approach, consistently ranking among the most innovative institutions. As an international master’s student, here are a few reasons why you should consider attending the University of British Columbia:

  • As an Indian student, you'll engage in groundbreaking projects and connect with top talents in technology, science, and engineering at UBC.
  • With access to cutting-edge facilities and resources, you'll develop the skills to make meaningful contributions to society. If you want to make it to UBC, schedule a free profile consultation call with a Yocket expert right away.

Suggested: University of British Columbia, Vancouver: Complete Overview

How to Get into the University of British Columbia?

The University of British Columbia offers 85 course-based master’s programs, providing students with access to 330 graduate specializations. International applicants are required to submit their degrees and documents in PDF format as part of the admissions process.

To gain admission to UBC as an international student, here are a few things you should be mindful of: 

  • Applicants at UBC should typically exhibit exceptional performance in their previous bachelor's degree-level studies, often achieving at least 65% in academics.
  • The minimum TOEFL score to gain admission to UBC is 90, while for IELTS it is 6.5, and for PTE it is 65.
  • The GMAT exam is used as an alternative to the GRE for the graduate programs of the University of British Columbia, where the accepted score for the GMAT is 650+, and for the GRE it is 320+.
  • Create persuasive essays, including a well-written personal statement and statement of purpose.
  • UBC recommends submitting 2 letters of recommendation as part of your application. The most effective endorsements typically come from professors and tenured faculty members who are familiar with your academic achievements.

Tips to get into the University of British Columbia

Getting into UBC is a dream for many international students, and it's certainly no small feat. However, with careful planning, hard work, and guidance, you can increase your chances of joining the ranks of UBC's accomplished student body. 

This is the perfect opportunity for you to grab admissions at a university in Canada. Praveen K, a Premium student received an admit to the University of British Columbia, with a scholarship of CAD 5,000. You can get there too! Connect with us to learn how we can help you.

Tip 1: Achievements beyond academics

The personal profile holds significance within UBC's online application process, mandated for many applicants. It offers insight into your character, challenges overcome, and accomplishments attained.

Tip 2: Take your time while filling out and reviewing your application

Rushing through the application can lead to oversights or errors that could negatively impact your chances of admission. Take the time to carefully review each section of the application, ensuring that you provide accurate and detailed information.

Tip 3: Apply to multiple programs

It's beneficial to apply to multiple programs to increase your chances of acceptance. By diversifying your options, you not only enhance your likelihood of admission but also ensure that you have alternatives in case your top choice doesn't work out.   

Tip 4: Intellectual Curiosity and Passion

UBC values students who exhibit genuine enthusiasm for learning and a profound curiosity in their chosen field. Displaying a fervent dedication to academic achievements, involvement in extracurricular activities, and conveying your passion through personal statements can significantly bolster your application.

Tip 5: Strong Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills

UBC places considerable emphasis on fostering analytical and critical thinking prowess. They seek individuals capable of approaching intricate problems with ingenuity and logical reasoning. Your application should demonstrate your ability to dissect information, think critically, and propose innovative solutions.

Yocket has helped hundreds of students gain admission to the University of British Columbia, in courses such as Computer Science and Engineering, MSBA, MS in Economics, MS in Data Science and others. And the good news is that Yocket can help you too! 

Suggested: Top Colleges in British Columbia for International Students

Challenges of getting into the University of British Columbia

As an Indian student, you may face some challenges while applying to UBC. Read below to learn more about the challenges:

  • The cost of tuition fees and cost of living could pose a considerable concern for Indian students, given that pursuing a graduate program at UBC may entail high expenses.
  • UBC upholds a highly rigorous admissions procedure, with an acceptance rate of 54%, heightening the competition and rendering admission particularly challenging for aspiring Indian candidates.
  • Adjusting to a different cultural environment can be overwhelming, impacting one's ability to communicate and integrate into the UBC community. Successfully bridging cultural gaps necessitates active involvement and engagement in cultural exchange initiatives.
  • Given the competitiveness of these programs, gaining admission to UBC Master's courses is difficult. Successful applicants typically demonstrate outstanding performance in previous bachelor’s degree-level studies.

Costs of Studying at the University of British Columbia

The costs you can expect as an international student at UBC can be divided into two categories - tuition fees and living costs. Both of these expenses will vary depending on the program you select and your lifestyle.

Tuition Fees

Average tuition fees vary between CAD 61,743.57 (INR 37,84,110) for the 12-month full-time program or CAD 20,581.19 (INR 12,61,370) per installment for international students.

Payment of tuition fees occurs in three installments during the first week of January, May, and September. Upon receiving an offer of admission, a non-refundable deposit of CAD 5,000 (INR 3,06,440) is due within one month from the offer date to confirm your enrollment in the program. This deposit will be credited toward your initial tuition installment in January.

Additional fees

In addition to tuition fees, student fees encompass the following:

  • UBC graduate student fees amount to CAD 565.58 (INR 34,660) annually for full-time students, payable in three installments alongside tuition in January, May, and September.
  • Extended Health and Dental Plan coverage costs approximately CAD 560 (INR 34,320) spanning from January 2024 to August 2025. Opt-out options are available for students with comparable extended insurance.
  • The U-Pass (universal transit pass) requires a payment of CAD 541.20 (INR 33,170) annually or CAD 180.40 (INR 11,060) per term, granting unlimited access to buses, Skytrain, and Seabus.
  • New international students are subject to a one-time CAD 225 (INR 13,790) i-Med fee for basic health insurance during the three-month waiting period until eligibility for BC MSP, payable in full in January.

Living Costs

The cost of living varies significantly based on each student's circumstances. Nevertheless, these broad recommendations offer an idea of what to anticipate and prepare for financially.

Costs

Per Year

Room & Board

USD 12,000 (INR 9,94,430)

Books & Supplies

USD 800 (INR 66,300)

BC Health Plan

USD 864 (INR 71,600)

Personal & Household Expenses

USD 2100 (INR 1,74,030)

Entertainment

USD 600 (INR 49,720)

Scholarships to study at the University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia offers a generous financial aid program to admitted graduate students, meeting the full demonstrated financial needs of all admitted students. Below are some of the scholarships offered at UBC.

Scholarship

Benefits

Eligibility Criteria

UBC Okanagan International Welcome Award

One-time award of CAD 5,000 (INR 3,06,440)


50% of the award will be applied to Term 1 tuition


50% of the award will be applied to Term 2 tuition

N/A

The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

N/A

Superior academic achievement and exemplary leadership skills

The Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

N/A

Academic excellence

International Impact Award

N/A

Students who have demonstrated leadership as well as the commitment to and solutions for sustainability and climate change, natural resource conservation and management, social justice, equity, and inclusion, or societal health and wellness

The Vantage One Excellence Award

N/A

Academically outstanding international students

International Major Entrance Scholarship

CAD 5,000 (INR 3,06,440) to CAD 10,000 (INR 6,12,880) for the first year only

Outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements

Suggested: MSc in Computer Science at UBC : Admissions

Application Deadlines the University of British Columbia

By the deadlines listed below, the application and all necessary supporting documents must be uploaded. Applications submitted earlier are welcomed, while those submitted later are not considered. The deadlines for graduate school programs vary widely. Check the table below to familiarize yourself with the deadlines relevant to your program of study.

Graduate Programs

Application Deadline

MBA

12 Mar 2024

Master of Engineering in Chemical and Biological Engineering (MEng)

1 Apr 2024

Master of Science in Pharmacology (MSc)

29 Feb 2024

Master of Applied Science in Mining Engineering (MASc)

1 July 2024

Master of Science in Chemistry (MSc)

1 July 2024

Master of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences (MSc)

15 Jun 2024

Graduate admission deadlines at UBC differ depending on the program. Nonetheless, for the University of British Columbia MBA program, the deadline for round 3 falls on March 12, 2024.

The deadline to upload supporting documents for the UBC MBA program is 26 March 2024 and for official documents is 30 March 2024.

From the Desk of Yocket

Gaining admission to the University of British Columbia presents challenges, yet the rewards are substantial. With diligent preparation and dedication, aspiring students can navigate the competitive application process and secure their place at this esteemed institution. Remember, perseverance and a strong academic record are key to achieving success at UBC and beyond.

Gain personalized counseling and expert guidance to secure admission to the University of British Columbia (UBC) and other top universities worldwide. With our track record of success, let us help you achieve your academic aspirations abroad. Connect with Yocket today and embark on your journey to higher education with confidence.

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Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get into University of British Columbia (UBC)

Is it hard to get into UBC?

Are there scholarships available for international students at the University of British Columbia?

How many programs does The University of British Columbia offer?

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