University of British Columbia (UBC): Complete Profile — Fees, Deadlines & Scholarships for International Students

The University of British Columbia, with campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna (Okanagan), is one of Canada's top research universities and one of the most popular destinations for international students worldwide. Its per-credit tuition model and a guaranteed cap on annual increases make its costs unusually predictable. This profile covers the 2026-27 international fees, the September 2027 deadlines, English requirements and the scholarship routes worth the extra paperwork.

Fee Structure — 2026-27 (International Undergraduates)

Tuition is charged per credit, so a lighter or heavier course load scales the bill proportionally; ancillary fees (student society, U-Pass transit, athletics) and health insurance (iMED, about CAD 237 for the first three months before BC MSP coverage at about CAD 79 per month) are additional. The 3% annual cap applies for four years or until graduation for students starting in 2026-27 — a real budgeting advantage versus universities with uncapped increases. For the study permit, pair first-year tuition with the living-costs test (CAD 23,448 for a single applicant from September 1, 2026) — see our Canada study permit guide.

Application Deadlines — September 2027 Entry

Decisions are released on a rolling basis from November, so a complete early application is read while more places remain. Apply well before January 15 — a complete application is not the same as a submitted one, and document deadlines are separate.

English Requirements and Programmes

UBC's English Language Admission Standard is met by IELTS 6.5 overall (no part below 6.0) for most programmes, TOEFL iBT 90+, or accepted alternatives including Duolingo; some programmes set higher thresholds, so check your programme page. Vancouver offers the full range — Arts, Science, Engineering, Commerce, Forestry, Nursing, Media Studies, Data Science and more — while Okanagan offers a smaller, close-knit set with the same degree standards. Co-op programmes in Science, Engineering and Commerce let students earn CAD 18,000–22,000 per four-month work term, offsetting later-year costs.

Scholarships

The International Scholars Program (including the International Major Entrance Scholarship and Outstanding International Student Award) recognises outstanding academics, leadership and community service; it requires school nomination and a separate application by November 15, 2026, with award announcements in April 2027. International students may also receive the International Tuition Award (up to CAD 3,200 per year for eligible graduate students) and faculty entrance awards. None of these should be budgeted as guaranteed — treat them as upside on top of a fully funded plan.

FAQs

What is UBC's international tuition? 2026-27: Arts CAD 51,530.40; Science/CS CAD 53,082; Engineering CAD 66,199.66; Commerce CAD 66,678.30 per 30-credit year.

When is the UBC application deadline? January 15, 2027 for September 2027 entry; November 15, 2026 for International Scholars.

Does UBC tuition rise every year? At most 3% per year for students starting in 2026-27, capped for four years.

What IELTS score does UBC require? 6.5 overall for most programmes; check your programme's page for higher thresholds.

Tuition figures are UBC's Board of Governors-approved 2026-27 international rates (Arts CAD 51,530.40; Science/CS CAD 53,082; Engineering CAD 66,199.66; Commerce CAD 66,678.30), re-checked October 2026. Deadlines (general January 15, 2027; Scholars November 15, 2026; English standard February 15, 2027) follow UBC's published dates for September 2027 entry. Confirm your programme's rate on UBC's tuition schedule before budgeting.

Related: Canada Study Permit Guide 2027 · University of Toronto Profile · IELTS Academic Guide