University Of British Columbia: Student Population Insights

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public research university with campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. With over 65,000 students, it is one of the world's top universities and has a diverse student population, with alumni in more than 140 countries worldwide. The Vancouver campus is the larger of the two, accommodating more than 85% of UBC students, while the Okanagan campus in Kelowna is younger and more dynamic, attracting students from across the globe to one of Canada's fastest-growing regions.

Undergraduate and graduate student numbers

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public research university with campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. It is a sizable institution, with more than 59,000 students overall, including 48,149 undergraduate students and 11,139 graduate students. The Vancouver campus is the larger of the two, accommodating more than 85% of UBC students. The Okanagan campus, located in Kelowna, is situated within the ancestral and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation and their peoples.

UBC's undergraduate population is diverse, with a significant proportion of international students. In a recent year, 23% of students at the Vancouver campus and around 13% at the Okanagan campus were international. The university prioritises housing for first-year undergraduates, and new international students who are second-year undergraduates also receive housing priority. The Vancouver campus offers more than two dozen academic divisions, while the Okanagan campus has eight.

The University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus had a 2019 enrollment of 10,708 undergraduate and graduate students. The campus offers 62 undergraduate and 19 graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, science, fine arts, engineering, nursing, human kinetics, education, management, social work, and interdisciplinary graduate studies.

International student numbers

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public research university with two major campuses: Vancouver and Okanagan in Kelowna. The Vancouver campus is the larger of the two, accommodating more than 85% of UBC's students. The university has a diverse student population, with alumni in over 140 countries worldwide.

UBC has a total of 72,585 students across both campuses, with 20,237 international students making up 28% of the student population. The Vancouver campus has over 44,000 undergraduate students and nearly 10,000 graduate students, while the Okanagan campus has an enrollment of 10,708 undergraduate and graduate students.

The percentage of international students at the Vancouver campus is 27.9%, while at the Okanagan campus, it is slightly lower at 21.6%. Overall, the university has a diverse student body, with 2,385 Indigenous students and 19,601 international students.

UBC offers various programs to international students, such as the Vantage One program at UBC's Vantage College, which helps students improve their English skills by extending their first year of study. The university also has a high retention rate for international students, with 91% staying at UBC from their first to their second year of studies.

Student demographics

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a diverse and inclusive space, with a student population of over 59,000, including 48,149 undergraduate students and 11,139 graduate students. The university has two campuses, one in Vancouver and the other in Kelowna, in the Okanagan Valley. The Vancouver campus is the larger of the two, accommodating more than 85% of UBC students.

In the 2020-21 academic year, females made up 57% of UBC Vancouver's student body and 53% of UBC Okanagan's student body. The Vancouver campus is also home to 2,385 Indigenous students and 19,601 international students, while the Okanagan campus has a 21.6% international student population. Overall, the UBC student population is made up of students from Canada and over 140 countries worldwide.

The university's Greek system is the largest and most active in Canada, with 19 Greek organisations recognised by the Alma Mater Society. UBC's student population is also politically active, with the university's marching band being the only university-level marching band in Western Canada.

Acceptance rates

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a prestigious institution and one of Canada's top universities, attracting students from across the globe. With a beautiful campus and an excellent reputation for research and academic programs, it is a popular choice for many prospective students. So, how easy is it to gain admission, and what are the acceptance rates for UBC?

For the 2022 academic year, UBC received over 46,000 applications for first-year entry, and the acceptance rate for domestic students was approximately 50%. This rate varies across programs, with some being more competitive than others. For example, the acceptance rate for the Faculty of Science was around 40%, while the Faculty of Arts had a higher acceptance rate of 60-70%. The competitive averages for admission also differ by program, with the Faculty of Science requiring a higher average (typically in the high 80s to low 90s) than the Faculty of Arts (which may accept students with averages in the 70s).

International students form a significant part of UBC's community, and the acceptance rates for this cohort are slightly different. For the same 2022 intake, UBC received over 11,000 applications from international students, and the acceptance rate was approximately 40%. Again, this varies by program, with some faculties being more selective. Competitive programs such as Engineering and Computer Science have lower acceptance rates, typically in the 30-35% range, while other programs may have slightly higher rates.

UBC also offers a wide range of graduate programs with varying acceptance rates. For Master's and PhD programs, the acceptance rates are generally lower, typically in the range of 20-35%, and these rates can vary significantly depending on the specific program and faculty. Graduate admissions are often based on a more holistic review process that considers not just academic grades but also letters of reference, research experience, and fit with the program and supervisor.

Student accommodation

The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers both on-campus and off-campus housing options, giving students the flexibility to choose the type of accommodation that best suits their needs and preferences. UBC guarantees housing for first-year undergraduates and gives housing priority to newly admitted international students who are in their second year. Housing is also available for returning undergraduate and graduate students.

On-Campus Housing

UBC's Vancouver campus residences are located at the western tip of the Point Grey peninsula, with Pacific Spirit Park right next door and the Pacific Ocean, gardens, and rainforest trails all within walking distance. UBC's on-campus housing is the largest in Canada, accommodating over 13,000 students in 15 residences, with 100 acres of space to study and play. The university offers a First Year Guarantee for students to live in Winter Session Residence (September-April). Most students are assigned to live in Orchard Commons, Place Vanier, or Totem Park, which have furnished shared and single rooms, vibrant common areas, dining halls, and quiet study spaces. Other residences include Ritsumeikan-UBC House and Walter Gage, which feature in-suite shared kitchens. The cost of a room and meal plan for a first-year undergraduate student is approximately $12,000 to $14,500 for the eight-month school year, with fees ranging from $10,300 to over $15,000 depending on room type.

Off-Campus Housing

For those seeking off-campus housing, it is recommended to start the search 4-6 months before the intended move-in date. There are several housing websites that cater specifically to student accommodations, such as Amber, Student.com, and University Living. Additionally, local rental listings and UBC student housing groups on social media platforms can provide the latest offers. The closest off-campus accommodations include properties in University Village and Wesbrook Village, as well as neighbourhoods like Kitsilano and Point Grey, which are within walking or cycling distance from the campus.

Student Life

UBC's student residences offer a strong support system with Residence Advisors and Front Desk staff to assist students. The university also provides various amenities, including dining options with seasonally sourced and internationally inspired cuisine, and access to the U-Pass BC program for unlimited bus, SeaBus, Skytrain, and Canada Line transit services within Metro Vancouver.

Costs

The average monthly living expense in student housing near UBC is $2654-$3000 per month. This includes mobile phone bills ($50-$75), food ($200-$400), transportation ($50-$100), utilities ($75-$150), clothing ($30-$100), and leisure activities ($50-$150).

Frequently asked questions