English language requirement
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are nine different ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
Degree-specific requirements
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Deadlines for distributed learning courses
Distributed learning courses are online or distance learning courses offered by a distributed learning provider.
Coursework that was delivered remotely for COVID-19 safety reasons by your high school is not considered distributed learning or distance learning.
If you are currently attending a Canadian high school and you are taking distributed learning courses to meet your application degree requirements, please arrange for interim (50% complete) grades to be submitted to UBC by March 15. These courses must be complete by June 30.
For details on how to submit grades for all of your coursework, including distributed learning courses, visit our submit your documents page.
If you have already graduated from a Canadian high school before applying to UBC, you’ll find your deadlines for grade submission on our submit your documents page.
FAQs
UBC considers your grades in all Grade 11 (junior level) and Grade 12 (senior level) classes, paying special attention to courses that relate to the degree you're applying to. Specifically: We look at your grades in all academic courses.
What is the hardest program to get into at UBC? ›
Engineering Physics is one of the most competitive and academically challenging undergraduate programs at UBC.
What is the acceptance rate for programs at UBC? ›
For the 2023–2024 academic year, UBC received 52,275 undergraduate applications, and accepted 25,760 students into their first choice programs. That's a 49 percent acceptance rate into first-choice programs across both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, from both domestic and international pools.
Is it hard to get into UBC Canada? ›
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.
What GPA is needed for UBC? ›
Show good academic standing
The minimum academic standing to qualify for admission to UBC is an admission average of C (60%, where 50% is a passing grade), or a 2.0 on a 4.0 point scale, typically on the most recent 30 credits attempted.
Can you get into UBC with an 80 average? ›
Most UBC programs require you to have completed a few specific high school courses. They also require you to achieve a minimum grade point average (GPA). This minimum GPA is typically around 80%.
Is a 3.7 GPA good enough for UBC? ›
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a highly competitive school, and the average GPA for applicants is about 3.7.
Is UBC better than UCLA? ›
It's difficult to say which university is "better" as both the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) are highly regarded institutions with their own unique strengths and areas of excellence.
Is UBC really worth it? ›
"UBC is one of Canada's leading research-intensive universities, known for its high academic standards and reputation for producing top-notch research. UBC not only houses well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and research centers, but also...
What programs is UBC known for? ›
The University of British Columbia runs a number of interesting and highly specialized bachelor's degrees, such as:
- International economics.
- Food market analysis.
- Journalism.
- Media studies.
- First nations and indigenous studies.
- Religion, literature and the arts.
General admission requirements
- Graduation from high school.
- Minimum of 70% in Grade 11 or Grade 12 English (or their equivalents)
- At least six academic/non-academic Grade 12 courses (recommended, but not required)
World university rankings recognize the University of British Columbia for its excellence in teaching and research as well as its global impact: a place where people shape a better world.
Does UBC care about extracurriculars? ›
Your personal profile helps us to assess whether you're prepared for university studies. It also helps us determine if you're deserving of an entrance scholarship or award by telling us what you've learned about your experiences, your academic and extracurricular achievements, and your leadership qualities.
Can I get into UBC with a 93 average? ›
There should be no issue with a 93% average BUT they have to be in the courses UBC considers “examinables”. Check with your high school counselor or talk to a counselor at UBC to make sure you have the courses that UBC accepts for admission.
What does UBC look for in applicants? ›
When we evaluate your application, two trained UBC readers will look for four qualities in your personal profile: engagement and accomplishment, leadership, substance, and voice. This is a chance for us to find out more about you and your experiences beyond academics.
How many Grade 12 courses does UBC look at? ›
Although there is not a strict minimum number of courses required, UBC does recommend that students graduating with a Canadian secondary school credential present at least six academic and non-academic Grade 12-level courses (including Grade 12-level courses taken in the Grade 11 year).
What Grade 11 and 12 courses do you need to graduate from high school in BC? ›
Credits must be earned in the following subject areas or courses:
- A Language Arts 10 (4 credits)
- A Language Arts 11 (4 credits)
- A Language Arts 12 (4 credits)
- A Social Studies 10 (4 credits)
- A Social Studies 11 or 12 (4 credits)
- A Mathematics 10 (4 credits)
- A Mathematics 11 or 12 (4 credits)
- A Science 10 (4 credits)
Students who did not enter the BC/YT school system until Grade 10 or later may be eligible for an exemption from this requirement. For BC/YT students: Applicants will be required to provide a completed Grade 12 Literacy Assessment when it is required for graduation before UBC can make an offer of admission.
