The University of British Columbia crest

The University of British Columbia

Vancouver, Canada Founded 1908 World Rank #64

Overview

Acronyms: UBC
Founded: 1908
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #64
Rank in Canada: #2
Motto: Tuum Est
Colours: Gold and blue
Mascot: Thunderbird
The University of British Columbia campus and surroundings
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Established in 1908, The University of British Columbia is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Vancouver (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), British Columbia.

This institution also has a branch campus in Kelowna. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills of British Columbia, The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a very large-sized coeducational Canadian higher education institution.

The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 115-year-old Canadian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.

The acceptance rate range is 40-49% making this Canadian higher education organization an averagely selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. UBC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Below are the location pin, postal details, and primary contact methods for The University of British Columbia. International applicants should account for postal mail processing time when sending physical documents.

Address: 2329 West Mall
Postal Code: V6T 1Z4
Phone: +1 (604) 822 8999
Fax: +1 (604) 822 9888
Social Media:

Academic Details

The numbers behind The University of British Columbia: student body, academic staff, and the recognising bodies validating its work. A baseline read for assessing institutional capacity and rigour.

Student Enrollment: 0
Academic Staff Range: 3,500-3,999
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Universities Canada (UC) Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities (U15) Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) Universitas 21 (U21)

Academic Structures

Below is how The University of British Columbia is organised academically — the schools, faculties, and units that house its programmes. Larger institutions often run multi-faculty divisions to coordinate cross-disciplinary work.

Unit 19 items
  • College for Interdisciplinary Studies
  • College of Graduate Studies
  • College of Health Disciplines
  • Faculty of Applied Science
  • Faculty of Arts
  • Faculty of Arts and Sciences
  • Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies
  • Faculty of Dentistry
  • Faculty of Education
  • Faculty of Forestry
  • Faculty of Graduate Studies
  • Faculty of Health and Social Development
  • Faculty of Land and Food Systems
  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Management
  • Faculty of Medicine
  • Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Faculty of Science
  • Sauder School of Business

How to apply to The University of British Columbia

What applying to The University of British Columbia typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at The University of British Columbia

    Start by browsing The University of British Columbia's available programmes. Match your prior qualifications to a suitable degree level (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Before applying to The University of British Columbia, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Canada.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with The University of British Columbia's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.ubc.ca). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (604) 822 8999. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about The University of British Columbia

Common questions students ask about The University of British Columbia — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.

When did The University of British Columbia open?

The University of British Columbia traces its founding to 1908 (approximately 118 years ago).

Where is The University of British Columbia located?

The University of British Columbia is located in Vancouver, Canada.

Is The University of British Columbia a public or private institution?

The University of British Columbia operates as a public institution.

What is the student enrolment at The University of British Columbia?

Student enrolment at The University of British Columbia is around over-50,000.

How is The University of British Columbia ranked?

The University of British Columbia is ranked #64 globally and #2 in Canada.

How is The University of British Columbia organised academically?

The institution comprises 19 academic units.

Is The University of British Columbia officially recognised?

The University of British Columbia is accredited by Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills of British Columbia.

What is The University of British Columbia's official website?

The University of British Columbia's official website is www.ubc.ca.

Members of Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)

Joint conference hosting among Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) members brings academic communities together. Students at The University of British Columbia and the institutions below often share access to these network-level events.

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Healthcare and student insurance rules often apply at the regional level around The University of British Columbia. Nearby universities typically follow the same health-coverage requirements for enrolled students.

Universities Often Compared with The University of British Columbia

Looking at The University of British Columbia through a comparison lens? These universities share similar academic positioning and are commonly considered against The University of British Columbia during the application process. Cross-comparison helps clarify the institutional fit beyond ranking signals.

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