🇨🇦 University of British Columbia — Tuition, Scholarships & Visa Pathway for International Students
QS 2027 #45 · CAD $48,780–67,237 a year · Vancouver
Quick Facts
| Location | Vancouver, British Columbia (Okanagan campus also available), Canada |
|---|---|
| Global Ranking | #45 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 (published June 2026). |
| International Students | Students from 140+ countries; one of North America's most international universities. UBC's Forestry program is ranked #1 in the world — a genuine, checkable subject-level distinction independent of the overall institutional rank. |
| English Requirement | 6.5+ overall, varies by program |
Tuition for International Students (2026-27)
CAD $48,780–67,237 per year (2026/27 first-year international tuition, UBC Vancouver (Music to Medical Laboratory Science)). Source: UBC: Undergraduate tuition fees 2026/27, checked 30 October 2026. Add at least CAD $23,448 a year for living costs (study visa minimum; source below).
What Actually Distinguishes UBC
Beyond the overall ranking, which has softened gradually since 2024, UBC's subject-level strengths tell a more complete story. Its Sauder School of Business is ranked in the global top 100, particularly strong in finance, real estate, and sustainable business. UBC's Computer Science programme carries real strength in AI and machine learning specifically, while Earth Sciences and life sciences round out its research reputation. For applicants weighing UBC against a higher-overall-ranked school, these subject-specific positions often matter more than the institutional headline number.
Real Scholarships — Not Just a List of Names
International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
Automatic consideration for all international entrants, valued at CAD $10,000–25,000/year, renewable.
Outstanding International Student Award
One-time merit-based entrance scholarship for academically strong applicants, CAD $10,000–25,000.
International Scholars Program
Need-and-merit-based award covering tuition, fees, and living costs minus family contribution — the most generous UBC award, renewable up to 4 years.
UBC Okanagan Global Elevation & Welcome Awards
CAD $5,000–8,000 automatic tuition credits specifically for new international students choosing the Okanagan campus.
Visa & Post-Study Work Pathway
UBC graduates are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit and commonly pursue BC PNP or Express Entry Canadian Experience Class pathways after gaining Canadian work experience.
⚠️ Fraud Awareness
UBC scholarships are assigned automatically via Workday for eligible students — you never need to pay a third party to be considered for IMES or OIS awards.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is UBC good for international students?
University of British Columbia is ranked #45 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, 3rd of the 20 universities in Canada covered on VisaCalc. International tuition runs CAD $48,780–67,237 a year depending on the program. After graduating: post-Graduation Work Permit: up to 3 years after a 2+ year program (field-of-study rules apply to most college grads). Whether it is a good fit depends on your program, budget and career plans; use the cost calculator and comparison charts on this page.
What tuition does UBC charge international students?
CAD $48,780–67,237 per year (2026/27 first-year international tuition, UBC Vancouver (Music to Medical Laboratory Science)), checked 30 October 2026.
What IELTS score do I need for UBC?
6.5+ overall, varies by program
Can I work in Canada after graduating from UBC?
UBC graduates are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit and commonly pursue BC PNP or Express Entry Canadian Experience Class pathways after gaining Canadian work experience.
See the full Canada university landscape and visa pathway.
🇨🇦 Canada University Tiers Guide 🔗 Official UBC Website
Worked example: a full degree at University of British Columbia
An international student starting a 4-year bachelor's at the lowest fee shown, budgeting the official visa living-cost figure. Rates are converted at the 29 Oct 2026 reference rates; use the calculator above to change any assumption.
| Tuition | C$48,780 a year (lowest rate in the published range: 2026/27 first-year international tuition, UBC Vancouver (Music to Medical Laboratory Science)) |
| Living costs | C$23,448 a year (IRCC study permit minimum for one person outside Quebec, from 1 Sept 2026 (Quebec: $24,617)) |
| Years | 4 (typical bachelor's length) |
| Total, fees flat | C$288,912 ≈ ₹1.96 crore ≈ $206,101 |
| Total if costs rise 4% a year | C$306,714 ≈ ₹2.09 crore |
| Most expensive programme, same assumptions | C$362,740 ≈ ₹2.47 crore |
The visa living-cost figure is a legal minimum, not a comfortable budget. Scholarships are not deducted.
Sources
- UBC: Undergraduate tuition fees 2026/27
- XuanXiao: QS World University Rankings 2027 (top 50)
- CIC News: study permit funds rise to $23,448
- Exchange rates: open.er-api.com reference rates, 29 Oct 2026
How we checked this page
Fees for University of British Columbia come from the UBC: Undergraduate tuition fees 2026/27; the QS 2027 position from XuanXiao: QS World University Rankings 2027 (top 50); living costs from CIC News: study permit funds rise to $23,448. Checked on 30 October 2026. Course-level fees vary, so confirm your exact program on the official University of British Columbia website before paying anything. VisaCalc is independent of University of British Columbia. Not admissions or immigration advice.