University of British Columbia
Rankings, international tuition, HSC entry rules, scholarships and Vancouver living costs, checked against UBC’s own pages.
Check my chances at UBCLast updated 4 October 2026Figures checked against official sources, listed at the end
UBC: highlights
The University of British Columbia is one of Canada’s top three universities, ranked 45th in the world by QS and 44th by Times Higher Education for 2027. It is one of the few universities on this site that accepts the Bangladeshi HSC for direct entry to a bachelor’s degree.
- After HSC: UBC accepts the Higher Secondary Certificate as its general admission requirement for Bangladesh. Each degree adds subject requirements.
- For a master’s: a 4-year bachelor’s or a master’s, with all degrees awarded in the First Class or First Division.
- For a PhD: UBC asks Bangladeshi applicants for a bachelor’s, a master’s and an MPhil.
- Tuition: CAD 51,530 to 66,678 for the first year of a bachelor’s in 2026/27.
- Scholarships: CAD 10,000 to 25,000 a year through the International Major Entrance Scholarship, with no separate application.
- Visa: Canada is currently the hardest of the major destinations for Bangladeshi applicants, so plan the study permit as carefully as the application.
Key facts
UBC has two campuses in British Columbia: Vancouver, on the Pacific coast, and Okanagan, in Kelowna. Fees on this page are for Vancouver. The graduate school waives its application fee for applicants who are citizens of Bangladesh and live there.
UBC rankings
| Ranking | World | In Canada |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | 45 | 3rd |
| Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027 | 44 | 3rd |
Popular degrees and international tuition
UBC charges by credit, so it publishes the tuition for a standard first-year course load. These are the 2026/27 international figures for the Vancouver campus.
| Degree | Length | First-year tuition, 2026/27 |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | 4 years | CAD 51,530 (30 credits) |
| Bachelor of Science | 4 years | CAD 53,082 (30 credits) |
| Bachelor of Applied Science (Engineering) | 4 years | CAD 66,200 (37 credits) |
| Bachelor of Commerce | 4 years | CAD 66,678 (30 credits) |
For international students starting in 2026/27, UBC says tuition will rise by no more than 3% a year for the next 4 years or until you graduate. Graduate tuition varies by programme, and research master’s and PhD students often receive funding.
Admission requirements for Bangladeshi students
| Level | What UBC asks for |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | Graduation from a university-preparatory programme: the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or Intermediate Certificate, plus the subject requirements of your chosen degree |
| Documents | Official certificates. Photocopies must be certified by your school principal, head or counsellor. Notarised copies are not accepted |
| Master’s | A 4-year bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree, with all degrees awarded in the First Class or First Division |
| PhD | A bachelor’s, a master’s and an MPhil, all in the First Class or First Division |
English language scores
| Test | Bachelor’s minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall, with no part below 6.0 |
| PTE Academic | 65 overall |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with reading 115, listening 115, writing 120 and speaking 120 |
IELTS General, IELTS Indicator and IELTS One Skill Retake are not accepted. For graduate study, applicants from Bangladeshi universities that do not teach mainly in English must send a test score. Those from English-medium universities may not need one, but a programme can still ask.
UBC: yearly intakes
UBC’s main intake is the Winter Session, which starts in September. New bachelor’s students almost always start then.
| Intake | Classes start | Apply by | Open for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Session 2027 | September 2027 to April 2028 | Opens early October 2026, closes 15 January 2027 | All bachelor’s degrees |
| Summer Session 2027 | May to August 2027 | 15 January 2027 | Limited options for new degree students |
Graduate programmes set their own start dates and deadlines, usually for September, with some January and May starts.
How to apply and key dates
- Apply online from early October 2026
The application for the session starting September 2027 opens in early October 2026.
- 15 November 2026: International Scholars deadline
Apply and submit the award application by this date if you want to be considered for the need-and-merit International Scholars Program.
- 15 January 2027: application deadline
Applying by this date also puts you in line for the entrance scholarships automatically.
- Meet the English standard
International Scholars applicants must meet it by 31 January 2027.
- Get your offer and attestation letter
Undergraduate study permit applications need a provincial attestation letter, which UBC arranges after you accept.
- Apply for the study permit
Show first-year tuition plus CAD 23,448 for living costs, with 4 to 6 months of bank records.
Scholarships for Bangladeshi students
International Major Entrance Scholarship
UBC
- Value
- CAD 10,000 to 25,000 a year
- Renewable
- Up to 3 more years
- Application
- Automatic
- Deadline
- 15 January 2027
For students entering directly from secondary school. You are considered when you apply for admission by the deadline.
View on official site ↗Outstanding International Student Award
UBC
- Value
- CAD 10,000 to 25,000
- Renewable
- No, one time
- Application
- Automatic
- Deadline
- 15 January 2027
For new students entering from secondary school or another university.
View on official site ↗International Scholars Program
UBC
- Based on
- Financial need and merit
- Covers
- The bachelor’s degree
- Application
- Separate
- Deadline
- 15 November 2026
For top students with significant financial need, strong activities outside class and a commitment to their community.
View on official site ↗For graduate students, UBC lists the International Tuition Award, PhD minimum funding and Killam Doctoral Scholarships among the awards open to Bangladeshi applicants.
Living costs in Vancouver
Vancouver is Canada’s most expensive rental market. These are UBC’s own estimates.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Room and meal plan, first-year student | CAD 14,000 to 18,100 for the September to April session |
| On-campus housing only | CAD 3,600 to 6,300 a term |
| Off-campus shared housing | From CAD 1,100 a month |
| Off-campus private housing | From CAD 2,200 a month |
| All living expenses | CAD 6,900 to 11,000 a term |
For the study permit, IRCC asks for CAD 23,448 in living funds for one person, on top of first-year tuition.
What one year costs in total
A Bachelor of Science year comes to roughly CAD 67,000 to 75,000: CAD 53,082 in tuition plus CAD 13,800 to 22,000 in living costs over two terms.
Work and careers after UBC
Reputation
- Top three in Canada in both the QS 2027 and THE 2027 rankings.
- Co-op programmes in many degrees add paid work terms to your studies.
Work while you study
- Up to 24 hours a week off campus during term.
- Full time during scheduled breaks.
Stay after graduating
- The Post-Graduation Work Permit matches your programme length, up to 3 years.
- Apply within 180 days of finishing.
UBC: FAQs
Can I get into UBC with HSC?
Yes. UBC lists the Higher Secondary Certificate as its general admission requirement for students from Bangladesh. You must also meet the subject requirements of your degree and the English standard, and admission is competitive, so strong marks matter.
How much is UBC tuition for international students?
For 2026/27, first-year international tuition at the Vancouver campus is CAD 51,530 for the Bachelor of Arts, CAD 53,082 for the Bachelor of Science, CAD 66,200 for Engineering and CAD 66,678 for Commerce.
Do I need to apply separately for UBC scholarships?
Not for the two main merit awards. The International Major Entrance Scholarship and the Outstanding International Student Award are considered automatically if you apply by 15 January 2027. The International Scholars Program needs its own application by 15 November 2026.
What does UBC ask for a master’s from Bangladesh?
A 4-year bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree, with every degree awarded in the First Class or First Division. The graduate application fee is waived for Bangladeshi citizens applying from Bangladesh.
What IELTS score does UBC need?
IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no part below 6.0 for bachelor’s degrees. UBC does not accept IELTS General, IELTS Indicator or One Skill Retake.
How hard is the Canadian study permit right now?
Hard. Canada refused about 64% of study permit applications overall in 2025, and Bangladesh was among the countries most affected. Since the Student Direct Stream closed, expect to show 4 to 6 months of clean bank records.
Plan the rest
Official sources
- UBC: international high school requirements ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- UBC: English language competency ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- UBC: dates and deadlines ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- UBC: undergraduate tuition fees ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- UBC: awards for international students ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- UBC Graduate School: Bangladesh ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- UBC Student Housing: fees ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- UBC: about and rankings ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
These are dated editorial checks, not a live data feed. Recheck the original page before applying or paying.
About this guide. Researched by the Student Visa From Bangladesh editorial team from the official sources listed above and last checked on 4 October 2026. We are not a university or a government agency, and admission and visa outcomes are never guaranteed. Read our editorial policy.