University Students In Bc: How Many Are There?

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public institution in the Canadian province of British Columbia. It has two main campuses: the Vancouver campus and the Okanagan campus in Kelowna. The Vancouver campus is the larger of the two, with over 60,000 students, while the Okanagan campus has around 12,000. In total, UBC has over 70,000 students, including around 2,400 Indigenous students and 6,000 international students. The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), by contrast, has a total student population of around 3,700, with around 450 self-declared Indigenous students and 640 international students.

University of British Columbia (UBC) has 71,201 students across two campuses

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public institution located in the Canadian province of British Columbia. It has two main campuses: the Vancouver campus and the Okanagan campus in Kelowna. The Vancouver campus is the larger of the two, accommodating more than 85% of UBC's students. In a recent year, 27.9% of students at the Vancouver campus and around 21.6% at the Okanagan campus were international.

The University, established in 1908 and opened in 1915, is a global centre of teaching, learning and research excellence. UBC transforms personal initiative into innovation and new ideas into impact. It has an annual consolidated budget of approximately $3.8 billion and provides research funding for 9,675 projects. UBC has 20,828 faculty and staff, and 1,151 research projects with industry partners. The University has also spun off 247 companies from UBC research and has alumni in 160 countries.

UBC's two main campuses are situated within the ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people, and in the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation and their peoples. The Vancouver campus offers more than two dozen academic divisions, while the Okanagan campus has eight. The primary language of instruction at UBC is English. The University guarantees housing for first-year UBC undergraduates, and housing priority is given to newly admitted international students who are second-year undergraduates.

UBC provides a diverse range of academic programs and is ranked highly among global universities. It is ranked #39 in Best Global Universities and #2 in Best Global Universities in Canada. The University is also ranked highly in specific subjects, such as Agricultural Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, Arts and Humanities, and Biology and Biochemistry.

2,385 Indigenous students enrolled at UBC

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people in Vancouver and the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation in Kelowna. UBC's two campuses in British Columbia (BC) enrolled 2,385 Indigenous students in 2023.

UBC's Vancouver campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, unceded land of the Musqueam people, and its Okanagan campus is located on the territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation. For generations, these lands have been a place of teaching and learning for Indigenous peoples – a tradition that continues to this day. UBC prioritises the academic and personal success of Indigenous students through Indigenous-focused programs and services. The university offers priority placement in student housing, dedicated financial awards, and culturally relevant programs and services for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students.

The First Nations Longhouse on the Vancouver campus is the hub for Indigenous students to access programs and services, socialise, study, and host events. The Longhouse is also home to the Indigenous Teacher Education Program (NITEP), the First Nations House of Learning (FNHL), a computer lab, and the Xwi7xwa Library, which specialises in Indigenous scholarship. The X̱wi7x̱wa Library holds books, videos, newspapers, and journals focusing on Indigenous peoples in BC and Canada. The Indigenous Student Collegium, located within the First Nations Longhouse, is a dedicated space for Indigenous students to build community and foster connections.

UBC's Okanagan campus features the Indigenous Centre, where Indigenous students can connect with their peers and access Indigenous Programs and Services for academic and personal support. The campus also offers the xʷc̓ic̓əsəm: Indigenous Health Research and Education Garden, which supports land-based teaching, research, and community engagement on food security and traditional plant knowledge.

UBC's commitment to Indigenous students is evident through its implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, making it the first university in North America to do so. This commitment is further demonstrated by the Aboriginal Admission Policy, which considers academic history, work experience, educational goals, and other achievements for admission if students do not meet the competitive average for their chosen degree. Additionally, the Aboriginal Access Studies Program is a full-time entrance program that prepares Indigenous learners for degrees on the Okanagan campus.

UBC's vibrant Indigenous community is supported by various programs, services, and initiatives that foster academic and personal success, cultural engagement, and community-building.

UBC's Vancouver campus has 60,863 students

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public institution located in the Canadian province of British Columbia. It was established in 1908 and opened in 1915. UBC has two main campuses: the Vancouver campus and the Okanagan campus in Kelowna. The Vancouver campus is the larger of the two, with 60,863 students, accommodating more than 85% of UBC's total 71,201 students. The Vancouver campus offers over two dozen academic divisions, while the Okanagan campus has eight. UBC's two regional bases in Hong Kong and India foster local connections and elevate research, learning, and capacity development partnerships.

The Vancouver campus is situated within the ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. The campus offers a wide range of academic programs and is known for its excellence in teaching, learning, and research. With an extensive student population, it provides a vibrant and diverse learning environment. The campus also guarantees housing for first-year undergraduates and gives priority to newly admitted international students who are second-year undergraduates.

UBC Vancouver's academic calendar includes two-term winter and summer sessions, with the summer session being optional. The primary language of instruction is English, and the university offers the Vantage One program at UBC Vantage College to help first-year international students improve their English. This program extends the first year of study from eight to 11 months. After completion, students transition into the second year of their UBC degree program.

UBC Vancouver is also home to several research facilities, including Canada's national TRIUMF subatomic physics laboratory, the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm, and the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention. The university's research endeavours have led to the establishment of 247 spin-off companies, reflecting its commitment to translating knowledge into practical applications.

11,913 students at UBC's Okanagan campus

The University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus, also known as UBC Okanagan or UBCO, is home to 11,913 undergraduate and graduate students. The campus is located in Kelowna, British Columbia, and was founded in 2005 in partnership with the Syilx Okanagan Nation. Since then, UBC Okanagan has grown by more than 300%, with over 12,000 students pursuing their academic interests and exploring new ways of thinking.

UBC Okanagan offers a wide range of academic programs to its diverse student body. There are 62 undergraduate programs and 19 graduate programs across various disciplines, including Arts, Education, Engineering, Fine Arts, Human Kinetics, Management, Media, Medicine, Nursing, and Sciences. The campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, and it recognises the importance of enhancing education while supporting and promoting Indigenous culture, history, language, philosophy, and knowledge.

The Okanagan campus serves as a research and innovation hub, with 1,087 active research projects and collaborations with industry partners. It fosters a collaborative environment between students and faculty, encouraging innovation and the transformation of ideas into impactful initiatives. The campus is committed to providing a well-rounded educational experience, offering opportunities for experiential learning, global health programs, and student engagement through various clubs and organisations.

UBC Okanagan's vibrant and diverse student population, including both domestic and international students, has contributed to the growth and dynamism of Kelowna. The university's presence and the appeal of the region have led to 50% of graduates choosing to remain in the Okanagan Valley, joining thriving industries and contributing to the local community. The campus is easily accessible, with direct interchange to Highway 97 and proximity to Kelowna International Airport, making it convenient for students travelling to and from the university.

27.9% of Vancouver campus students are international

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public institution located in the Canadian province of British Columbia. It has two main campuses: the Vancouver campus and the Okanagan campus in Kelowna. The Vancouver campus is the larger of the two, with over 60,000 students, compared to just under 12,000 in Okanagan.

The Vancouver campus has a significant population of international students, with 27.9% of its students coming from outside Canada. This is a slightly higher proportion than the Okanagan campus, which has 21.6% international students. In total, UBC has over 15,000 international students across its two campuses, making up around 22% of its total student population of over 70,000.

UBC is a popular destination for international students due to its reputation as a world-leading centre of teaching, learning, and research excellence. The university offers a wide range of academic programs and is known for its innovative and impact-oriented approach to education. Additionally, UBC provides various support services for international students, including guaranteed housing for first-year undergraduates and priority housing for second-year international students. The university also offers the Vantage One program at UBC Vantage College, which helps international students improve their English language skills and transition to their chosen degree program.

The large international student population at UBC contributes to a diverse and culturally rich campus environment. With students from over 160 countries, UBC offers a global perspective and fosters a community that values and celebrates different cultures and backgrounds. This diversity enhances the educational experience for all students and prepares them for success in an increasingly globalized world.

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