Your Ultimate Admissions Guide to UBC: Ace Your Application with Confidence

This guide is for you if you’re thinking about applying to the University of British Columbia (UBC) or simply want to learn more about what it takes to become a UBC Thunderbird. We’ll break down everything you need to know about applying to UBC, from the Personal Profile to the activity summary, references, scholarships, and more—all in one place.

And what do we know about UBC?

Since 2017, our team at AdmissionPrep has worked tirelessly to create the best guidance for students to get into top schools. We've helped over 1,000 students apply to UBC and learned what works and what doesn't.

We know the stress of being a hardworking student trying to apply to a school and hearing 7 different things to do from 7 different people.

And that’s before the 15,100,000 search results you get when you type in “how to get into ubc” into Google.

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(Ya, we checked.)

That’s why we created this guide. So you have everything you need to know when applying to UBC in one spot.

After hours of research and team meetings, (and MANY debates about what should & shouldn’t be in this guide) - here’s what you need to know when applying to UBC to maximize your chances of becoming a Thunderbird.

Don’t Lose Before You Start - Avoid This Mistake

Applying to UBC isn’t just about getting good grades.

Did you get that? Applying to UBC isn’t just about getting good grades.

Step 1: Know Your Target

Every great journey starts wth understanding the destination. Check the requirements for your program. What grades do you need? What courses are must-haves in Grade 12? Knowing this now avoids unpleasant surprises later.

Most programs will require an English grade of 70% and higher. Some will require Math & basic Sciences Learn more about courses here.

We’ve covered the pre-requisites for some of the top programs at UBC for students studying in BC & Ontario.

See them below.

BC Students Applying to:

Ontario Students Applying to:

BC Students

Commerce (UBC Sauder School of Business)

Grade 12 requirements

English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
Pre-Calculus 12

Grade 11 requirements

For students starting September 2025:

Any English Language Arts 11 or any English First Peoples 11
A language 11 or waiver (includes all second language courses, including all Indigenous languages of Canada, but excludes introductory Grade 11 language courses)
Pre-Calculus 11 or Foundations of Mathematics 12
A Science 11 (Physics 11, Life Sciences 11, Biology 11, Chemistry 11, Earth Sciences 11, or Environmental Sciences 11), or any Science 12 course.

Science

Grade 12 requirements

English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
Pre-Calculus 12
Anatomy and Physiology 12, or Chemistry 12, or Physics 12

Grade 11 requirements

For students starting September 2025:

Any English Language Arts 11 or any English First Peoples 11
A language 11 or waiver (includes all second language courses, including all Indigenous languages of Canada, but excludes introductory Grade 11 language courses)
Chemistry 11
Physics 11
Pre-Calculus 11 or Foundations of Mathematics 12

Applied Science (Engineering)

Grade 12 requirements

English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
Pre-Calculus 12
Chemistry 12 (outstanding candidates missing Chemistry 12 or equivalent are encouraged to apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis)
Physics 12 (outstanding candidates missing Physics 12 or equivalent are encouraged to apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis)

Grade 11 requirements

For students starting September 2025:

Any English Language Arts 11 or any English First Peoples 11
A language 11 or waiver(includes all second language courses, including all Indigenous languages of Canada, but excludes introductory Grade 11 language courses)
Pre-Calculus 11 or Foundations of Mathematics 12
Chemistry 11
Physics 11

Arts

Grade 12 requirements

English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
If you intend to major in Economics, you must complete Pre-Calculus 12

Grade 11 requirements

For students starting September 2025:

Any English Language Arts 11 or any English First Peoples 11
A language 11 or waiver (includes all second language courses, including all Indigenous languages of Canada, but excludes introductory Grade 11 language courses)
Pre-Calculus 11 or Foundations of Mathematics 12
A Science 11 (Physics 11, Life Sciences 11 (Biology 11), Chemistry 11, Earth Sciences 11, or Environmental Sciences 11), or any Science 12 course.

Ontario Students:

Commerce (UBC Sauder School of Business)

Grade 12 requirements

ENG4U (English)
MHF4U (Advanced Functions)

Related courses

The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in Grade 11 and Grade 12.

Language Arts
Mathematics and Computation (will consider Chemistry and Physics in this category)
Social Studies (only Economics, Ethics, First Nations or Contemporary Indigenous Studies, Geography, Law, Psychology, and Social Studies)

Science

Grade 12 requirements

ENG4U (English)
MHF4U (Advanced Functions)
SBI4U (Biology), SCH4U (Chemistry), or SPH4U (Physics)

Grade 11 requirements

SCH3U (Chemistry)
SPH3U (Physics) (may be waived with scores of 86% or higher in senior-level Math and Chemistry)

Applied Science (Engineering)

Grade 12 requirements

ENG4U (English)
MHF4U (Advanced Functions)
SCH4U (Chemistry) (outstanding candidates missing SCH4U or equivalent are encouraged to apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis)
SPH4U (Physics) (outstanding candidates missing SPH4U or equivalent are encouraged to apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis)

Grade 11 requirements

SCH3U (Chemistry)
SPH3U (Physics)

Arts

Grade 12 requirements

ENG4U (English)

Related courses

The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in Grade 11 and Grade 12.

Language Arts
Mathematics and Computation
Second Languages
Social Studies
Visual and Performing Arts

If you’re applying from another province or to another program you can use UBC’s Degree Requirement Tool to find your requirements.

Step 2: Set Up Your UBC Application Home Base

Your journey starts on EducationPlannerBC. Think of it as your control center for applying to UBC and other BC institutions. Create your account, and you’re ready to start piecing together your future.

First, fill out your profile with your personal details, contact information, academic background, and other required information.

Then look up UBC and select it. Go to the “Program Selection” section to choose the campus, study term, and program you’re applying for.

💡Be sure to pick a second program as a backup option in case your first choice isn’t accepted.

And finally, click “Additional Information” for to see the questions and activities that you’ll need to fill out.

Step 3: Build Your Application, Brick by Brick

Here’s what you need to complete:

Personal Information: Who you are and where you’re coming from.
Education History: Your academic background.
Select UBC: Mark it as your dream destination.
Program Choices: Pick your first-choice program, and have a strong second choice as a backup.
Pay Your Fee: Pay the application fee.
Save Everything: Seriously, double-check and save before you leave the page.

Pro Tip: The system isn’t perfect—technical hiccups happen. Save often so you don’t lose your hard work.

Need a guide through the nitty-gritty of the application? Talk to AdmissionPrep today.

Step 4: Shine in Your Personal Profile

The personal profile is the heart of your application. It’s your chance to show UBC who you are beyond grades and transcripts.

In 2023/24, over 82,000 personal profile reviews were scored by UBC. Personal profiles are read and scored by trained readers, consisting of over 400 UBC staff members, faculty members, and alumni.

Each profile is read and assessed independently by two readers. If the assessors don’t agree then it’s sent to a third reader to determine if a student should be accepted.

It’s estimated that about 12% of admitted applicants would not have been admitted with a grades-only admission model. This is what makes the UBC community so unique because they’re looking for the best people who match their values.

The personal profile is the heart of your application. It’s your chance to show UBC who you are beyond grades and transcripts. Here’s what you need to know about a personal profile.

The Questions

UBC wants to know:

Who are you? Show them what makes you, you. What’s your story? (250 words)
What matters to you? Share your passions and values. (250 words)
What’s your impact? Detail up to five activities where you made a difference. (50 words each)
Your highlights: Dive deeper into one or two activities that mean the most to you. (350 words)
The extras: Share any academic or life challenges that shaped your path. (100 words)

Pro Tip: Be real. Be honest. Be specific. Use vivid details to bring your experiences to life.

Short Essays

Your Personal Profile may require two to four short essay responses, depending on your program. Once you start your application, you’ll know exactly how many. Here are the prompts:

Respond to a problem: Explain how you handled a challenge or unfamiliar situation. What did you do, and what did you learn? (200 words max)
Describe your school culture: How has it shaped you, and what would you change or enhance about it? (200 words max)
Who are you? How would your family, friends, or community describe you? Include something you’re proud of. (250 words max)
What matters to you? Share what’s important to you and why. (250 words max)

Writing Tips for Question #3:

Hook: Start with a powerful opening—a story or statement that grabs attention.
Example: Use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe a meaningful experience that highlights your qualities.
Conclusion: Reflect on the experience and connect it back to the qualities that define you.

Need help crafting your essays? AdmissionPrep has your back.

Activity Summary

This section is where you showcase your extracurriculars, work experience, and achievements. Here’s the prompt:

"Describe up to five activities that you have pursued or accomplishments achieved in one or more of the following areas. Please outline the nature of your responsibilities within these activities." (50 words each)

5 activities are “optional” but don’t let that fool you. They want to see you list 5.

Categories include:

Club
Family/community responsibilities
Creative or performing arts
Work/employment
Athletics
Volunteer
Service to others
Other(s)

Pro Tip: Include a mix of initiator, leader, and member roles. Use STAR to briefly highlight your impact within the word limit.

Appearance of the Activity Tracker:

Here’s the activity tracker you will be using when applying to UBC.

As you can see UBC cares about details and the timeline of your involvement. You’ll be asked to share the date you started your initiatives, when you finished them down to the day and the frequency of your involvement.

UBC cares more about depth, which is measured in your impact and the length of involvement. It’s important that you know when you got involved and ideally the length of your involvement is at least 12-24 months long.

Here’s the key: instead of spreading yourself thin across numerous activities, add depth to a few areas that map to the program you want to pursue.

Are you passionate about business? Get involved in a business project. Go deeper. Take on a leadership role. Start a project. Make a real impact.

Don’t be a jack of all trades—be a master of one. And make it match your preferred program.

Quality, length and commitment matter more A LOT more than having a list of activities that you were involved in for a couple days.

Elaborate on Key Activities

Choose one or two activities to expand on. These should be your most impactful roles—ideally as an initiator or leader. Use STAR to structure your 350-word response.

Unsure which activities to highlight? We’ll help you decide.

References

Choose two referees who know you well and can vouch for your character and achievements. One must be a school official. The other can be a coach, employer, or community leader.

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Tips for Strong References:

Select individuals who can speak to the activities in your long-answer responses.
Ensure your referees are reliable and understand your goals.

Need advice on selecting referees? Talk to AdmissionPrep.

Step 7: How To Write A Personal Profile & Examples

Your personal profile is your spotlight. Here’s how to make it shine:

Write a raw first draft. Let your ideas flow.
Have a strong hook
Revise with UBC’s values in mind: Excellence, integrity, respect, academic freedom, and accountability
Edit until it’s tight, clear, and compelling.
Follow the STAR Method to describe your activities.

STAR Method Mastery

The STAR method is a structured approach to creating compelling essays that tell your story.

It uses four elements:

Situation: Describe the context of your experience. What was the setting? What challenges or opportunities were present?
Task: Explain the specific task or goal you took on. What were you responsible for achieving?
Action: Describe the specific steps you took to address the situation or complete the task. Focus on your individual contributions and the actions you personally took.
Result: Highlight the positive outcomes of your actions. What did you achieve? How did your actions impact others or the situation? Quantify your results whenever possible (e.g., "raised $5,000," "increased participation by 20%," "mentored 15 students").

Use the STAR method in your supplemental essays to tie together all the other parts of the formula and demonstrate that you have the ideal profile the university is looking for.

If you’re not sure how to incorporate STAR into your writing, that’s alright.

We’ve added some UBC Personal Profile Examples Below that cover each question you’ll need to answer and a guide on how to write about each section. We’ll cover how STAR fits into each section at the end too.

You’re about to go pro at writing applications!

UBC Personal Profile Examples:

Here is each question the personal profile will ask you and examples you can work off of.

1. Explain how you responded to a problem and/or an unfamiliar situation. What did you do, what was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?

For an unfamiliar situation that you encountered, ask yourself: What skills did I use? How did I delegate tasks? How did I communicate to work through the situation? How will I use what I learned from this experience in my future – especially at UBC?
- You’ll want to start with a Hook (1-2 sentences) that grabs the reader's attention & introduces an unfamiliar situation.
- Then, talk about your experience that describes the situation using STAR to demonstrate how you overcame it. (3-5 sentences)
- Last, add your reflection (1-2 sentences)- reflect on the experience and what you learned from it and how you will use that lesson in the future.

Example:

I was terrified at the news of immigrating to Canada from India when I was 15 years old. With English as my second language, I struggled to acclimate to my new environment, and felt very alone within my new school. Typically a shy person, I knew I had to step outside of my comfort zone to meet new people, so I joined the Multicultural Club. Throughout my time with the Multicultural Club, I organized many events including the Potluck Lunch and Book Drive, but I am most proud of initiating the Welcome Wagon, a club that helps new students feel welcome and accepted on their first day. As the spearhead, I recruited members from the Multicultural Club and created and placed posters on the school walls for any students who wanted to participate. I collaborated with the administration who let me know when new students would be starting their first day throughout the school year, and planned a bottle drive to raise funds for new student gift bags. So far we have welcomed eight new students who immediately felt safe and accepted, who have all planned to continue the Welcome Wagon once I have graduated. Through this experience, I have learned that taking small steps can lead to impactful moments and have strengthened my communication and organizational skills. I plan to use these newfound skills to initiate an inclusive club within UBC.

2. Tell us about who you are. How would your family, friends, and/or members of your community describe you? If possible, please include something about yourself that you are most proud of and why.

This is a great opportunity to boast about yourself! Choose one or two qualities that your friends and family would describe you as, and use that as a launching pad to talk about what you’re most proud of! This should be an impressive role in your community that emulates the quality that you are discussing.

Example:

Compassionate, driven and goofy are the adjectives my family and friends would use when describing my character. Throughout my life, I have been praised for the attentive and dedicated passion that I give to everything I do, including my corny knock-knock jokes. My unrelenting hard work has led me to academic excellence - maintaining a two year average of 93%, excelling in challenging courses like Biology and Calculus. As an ambitious leader, I welcome challenges, which is exemplified in my contributions as President of the Student Council during the Covid-19 pandemic. I led a team through virtual events including the senior graduation ceremony, and became a support system for students during remote learning. Our online events continue to provide educational resources for students, mental health support, and promote antiracism within my school. Through creating multiple spreadsheets and organizing weekly online planning sessions, tasks were easily delegated to make each event safe and successful. I made sure to start each meeting with a fun ice-breaker to keep the meetings interesting and most often ended with a “hilarious” joke. As an empathetic leader, I continue to address issues in my school’s community, and create an inclusive environment focused on student well-being and success. My ability to understand the unique needs of each individual, empathize with their challenges, and support them intently makes me the leader that I am proud to be.

3. What is important to you? And why?

This question is short and simple. And that is exactly how you should answer it! If animals are important to you, discuss how you volunteered at a vet clinic. If anti-racism is important to you, discuss your advocacy work! Connect your interests to the work you’ve done. You can also connect these qualities to any awards you may have won in or outside of school. This is a great place to use STAR! If you’re struggling to connect your volunteer experiences to an important value, check out the UN Sustainable Goals chart. If you can relate your volunteer work to tackling one of these causes, then you are on the right track!

Example:

For as long as I can remember, animals have been my passion. By choice, I became a vegan when I was nine because I could not fathom the idea of eating something I cherished so much. From a young age, I knew I was meant to work with animals, and growing up, I started learning more about the importance of animal welfare. Learning that thousands of animals around the world suffer from being used for entertainment, food, medicine, fashion, scientific advancement, or as exotic pets, I decided to start an annual fundraiser to support the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada (AWFC). Collaborating with a local gas station, I organized the Animal Welfare Bottle Drive-Car Wash where drivers could donate bottles and cans in exchange to have their car cleaned. I recruited volunteers through social media posts and advertised the event through the local radio station and newspaper. We also made large posters to hang up on the day of the event for easy visibility and directions. I reached out to the local hardware store for donations of sponges and safe soap for automobiles, and the local coffee shop donated 50 donuts and bottled water for the customer snack table. And just in case patrons wanted to donate cash, we placed a donation can right next to the donuts, along with informational flyers to help educate about animal welfare. The volunteers and I decided to rotate through the tasks throughout the six hour day, including collecting and sorting bottles, spraying down and sponge washing the vehicles, along with towel drying them. Overall, we collected $430 worth of bottles and cans, along with $250 in cash donations to contribute to the AWFC, which will help improve the lives of over 50 animals throughout Canada. As all of the flyers were distributed, multiple people are now more educated about the importance of this cause, and my team has developed a strong sense of community through this event. My communication and organizational skills will benefit the UBC Pre-Veterinary and Animal Welfare Club, as I plan to initiate more fundraisers within the group, along with returning to Nanaimo each summer for the annual AWFC Bottle Drive-Car Wash. I believe animals should be respected as citizens of this earth, and as a future vet, I plan to work towards educating others and being a changemaker in every patient I treat.

4. Describe up to five activities that you have pursued or accomplishments achieved in one or more of the following areas. Please outline the nature of your responsibilities within these activities: (Club, Family/community responsibilities, creative or performing arts, work/employment, Athletics, Volunteer, Service to others, Other(s)

Be diverse in your activities and throughout your application. Try to aim for experiences in multiple areas (academic achievement + community service + athletics). If applicable, you can include creative or employment initiatives.
The prompt asks for “up to” 5 activities, but don’t let that fool you! They want five!
Describing your experiences in 50 words may seem tough, so follow this guideline for the most effective way to write your accomplishments:
- 1 sentence - Describe the achievement and your main goal why you wanted to accomplish this.
- 1 sentence - Describe the steps/strategies/set of plans you took to meet your goal.
- 1 sentence - Describe the result or the positive impact of your efforts.

Example:

Last year, I joined the X program to invent a tool that delivers safe drinking water in the province of Y. Through my efforts of using Z technology, our team was able to provide potable water to 300 families in Y.

5. Tell us more about one or two activities listed above that are most important to you. Please explain the role you played and what you learned in the process. You will be asked for a reference who can speak to your response.

For this essay, you get to choose whether you want to write about one or two activities! It's easier to fully develop an experience and incorporate self-reflection if you only mention one; however, two activities can be effective if there is linear development (i.e. if one led to the other).
- Aim to start with a 1-2 sentence Hook to catch the reader's attention.
- Afterwards, describe the experience(s) using STAR structure! For this example, we’ll break down the STAR structure for you!

Example:

(Hook) Extinction is a natural phenomenon, claiming about five species per year. But some experts suggest we’re in the midst of the sixth mass extinction — one that is caused mostly by human activity. (S) As a dedicated environmental advocate, I decided to join The Eco-Warrior Club, a student club that promotes sustainability and environmental preservation, in 2023. (T) As this year's club president, I aim to extend the influence of our club to the community to develop more environmental leaders in our community. (A) With this, I led the planning and organization of activities such as the No Plastic Week Challenge, Zero Waste Online Campaign, and Sustainability Workshop Series. I created project timelines to ensure preparations were completed on time and delegated assignments to my team members to ensure tasks were distributed evenly. (R) As a result, we inspired the youth in our community to participate in sustainability practices through fun and engaging activities. I am delighted whenever I hear our youth participants engage in stimulating conversations on sustainability and environmentalism. The heightened interest in these topics has also motivated me to start the Eco-Warrior Youth Organization to widen our reach and develop more youth leaders to fight against the climate crisis.

6. Briefly describe the culture of your school community and your involvement within it. What impact has the school culture had on you? How would you enhance or change it?

This question is a great way to connect any school mantras, mottos, or slogans to your volunteer work in school. For example, if your school is dedicated to excellence, you can discuss how you strived for excellence when you were President of Student Council, or as a volunteer or member of a club. Talk about how your excellence manifested into results, and include a self reflection on how you felt connected to the school culture.
- Again, you’ll want to start with a hook to catch the reader’s attention, and this would be a great place to share your school’s culture!
- Then, talk about your experience that describes the situation using STAR to demonstrate how you overcame it. (3-5 sentences)
- Last, add your reflection (1-2 sentences)- reflect on the experience and what you learned from it.

Through the culture of student leadership, opportunity and inclusivity, St. Williams High’s Code of Conduct states that “All students have the right to learn in a safe environment without discrimination of any kind”. I often witnessed certain social groups within my school not following these values through racial comments and lack of inclusivity within their events. As a member of the Social Justice Club, I decided to organize a campaign to spread awareness about the effects of bullying and racism. We tied white ribbons on the classroom door handles which symbolize International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) around the world. I brainstormed with my team to come up with quick inspiring announcements that we can make on the PA each morning for a week. We created posters and banners to hand throughout the school, and I manned an information booth at lunch for the week, creating a safe space for students to come talk. The campaign was also publicized in a local newspaper, spreading awareness beyond our area to the entire Nanaimo community. Due to our campaign, multiple local businesses hung white ribbons, and students of Williams High became more aware of how their actions can affect others. As the IDERD campaign was a success, my principle has made it an annual event, and has placed a support (suggestion) box near the office for students experiencing social challenges. Through this experience, I have learned that taking action through leadership can impact more people than who you planned to target. I gained valuable leadership and organization skills and plan to continue utilizing these to abolish discrimination and foster inclusivity.

7. Additional Information: You may wish to use the space below to provide UBC with more information on your academic history to date and/or your future academic plans. For example: How did you choose your courses in secondary school? Are there life circumstances that have affected your academic decisions to date? What have you done to prepare yourself specifically for your intended area of study at UBC? (maximum 100 words)

If you have any extenuating circumstances, adversity, or financial challenges, then focus on them! This section also can be used to emphasize your potential for growth (academic or personal). Although it is optional, please answer this section, as simply filling it out demonstrates a genuine interest in the school.
When describing your financial need, think of your financial situation over the last four years. How does your family make their income? What does it go towards? Describe any challenges or adversity you and/or your family have faced. Consider what financial adversity may have prevented you from doing. What has it held you back from?*

Consider also describing some of the below points if they apply to your situation:

If you are living in a rental home
If you have limited financial support from parents
If your degree is longer than a Bachelor's degree
If you are subsidizing your education costs through employment
If your family considers themself "low income"
If you have more than one sibling that needs their education paid for
If you are only supported by one family income
If there are any medical expenses or family member’s medical expenses.

Example:

When my parents first immigrated to Canada in 2007, their Foreign Educational Credentials were not valid according to Canadian standards. For years, I watched my parents work extra jobs and take online classes in order to earn extra income for our family and retain their financial degrees. After over ten years of hard work, the sum of our family’s income finally surpasses the basic needs of my family including rent, groceries and bills. Unfortunately, they were not able to save any funds for my two siblings’ and my post-secondary education. Fostering their commitment and hard work, I have worked part-time for a popular food chain in order to support myself and my family, and have saved over $2500.00. Achieving this has come with many handy budgeting and saving techniques and ultimately missing out on multiple social functions due to the costs. Witnessing my parents’ selflessness has ingrained in me the need to help others, so I have volunteered with the local food bank, spent two summers as a camp counselor, and supported multiple students as a tutor. I have gained beneficial skills and values through these experiences, including compassion, integrity, organization and critical thinking, which I hope to use throughout my studies and extracurricular activities at UBC. As my four-year degree will cost approximately $ 32,000, I have been applying for scholarships and saving 75% of my paycheck. My parents have been my inspiration and, although they could not give us all the material things my peers had, they gave me core values and work ethic, which will benefit me more in the long run.

Need expert feedback on your essay? Book a consultation with AdmissionPrep.

Step 8: Beat the Deadline

You’ve got your Personal Profile (and it looks great because you followed this guide to a tee), now it’s time to apply.

Submit your application early—don’t wait until the last second. Early admission ends December 2nd, and regular admission closes January 15th.

Why Early Admission Matters:

Submitting your personal profile by December 1st makes you eligible for the prestigious Presidential Scholars Awards. That’s not just an accolade—it’s financial support and recognition for your hard work.

Not every student should apply to early admissions. Only certain students who meet certain criteria such as grades and profile should apply. If you need help identifying if you should apply to early admissions, speak with our team.

Whether you submit to early admissions or not - submitting early avoids tech issues and gives you peace of mind. Our advisors work with students to apply at least one to weeks in advance to avoid server crashes and unnecessary stress.

(And yes, there are often tech issues).

Pro Tip: Aim to submit at least 5-7 days before the deadline. That way, you’re ready for the unexpected.

Step 9: Stay in the Loop

Once your application is in, monitor its progress through the Applicant Service Centre. Keep an eye out for updates, document requests, and upcoming deadlines.

UBC typically releases admission decisions by May at the latest, so waiting can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. You’ve done the work and laid down each part of the track on your way up.

And you just have to wait. (It’s painful, we know.)

The good news? The slow climb for the first drop of the roller coaster is almost always worth it.

Stay patient, stay proactive, apply to safety schools and remember: every update brings you closer to the moment you’ve been working toward.

Step 10: Get Extra Credit - Go for Scholarships

Your hard work pays off here—literally. Think of scholarships as a way to get rewarded for every extra hour, every club meeting, every volunteer shift. Don’t let all that effort go to waste. Make every moment count. This is not the time to slack off; it’s time to double down and make your application shine.

Here are the key deadlines.

The Presidential Scholars Award

Apply by December 1st.
Complete all sections of your application, including your personal profile.

The Centennial Scholars Entrance Award

For students with financial need.
Requires a separate application with detailed personal and financial information.

UBC entrance awards are competitive and if your grades aren’t on par - it may not make sense to apply to entrance scholarships at UBC. Occasionally students over-index on the scholarship applications and end up with a sub-par personal profile.

If you want to learn if you should invest the time to apply to entrance awards, chat with our team. Let’s strategize together.

Let’s Put the U in UBC

When you apply to UBC you’re not just applying to a school; you’re stepping into a new chapter of your life.

The moment you start applying you start your journey to become an adult. Where every decision counts. What to put on your application is one of those big decisions.

Another one of those important decisions you’ll need to make in this journey is if you want to apply alone or with expert help.

If you want some help with the application process to increase your chances of success, chat with our team. AdmissionPrep offers talented students who want to get into top universities and have an impact on the world 1-1 support and expert guidance to maximize their chances of success. See if we can support you.

Okay, You Know How to Apply. Now What?

You’ve taken the first big step by applying to the University of British Columbia. But what comes next?

Hint: a lot.

Applying is the first step, navigating UBC and knowing how to maximize your experience at UBC is a whole other step.

From acceptance rates and tuition costs to life on campus and beyond, we’ve got you covered.

Acceptance Rates by Campuses

Understanding your chances of admission is key to setting realistic expectations and planning your next steps. Admissions at UBC are competitive, reflecting the university’s reputation for excellence.

It’s like preparing for a marathon—you’ll need both strategy and endurance to succeed.

Here’s the breakdown of acceptance rates to give you a clearer picture of where you stand:

Vancouver Campus: Program choice 1 domestic admit rate: 50%; International admit rate: 56%.*
Okanagan Campus: Program choice 1 domestic admit rate: 77%; International admit rate: 73%.*

Acceptance rates for Program choice 2 applicants may vary, so don’t lose hope if your application is ranked second-choice. The strength of your grades and Personal Profile can significantly influence the outcome.

Want to increase your admission odds? Take our AdmissionPrep Program Assessment and see if we can support you.

*These statistics are drawn from UBC’s 2023-24 Enrolment Report.

Average GPA Needed to Get Into UBC

While your personal profile will do a lot of heavy lifting you do need to have good grades to compete for a spot at UBC.

Think of your application like building a puzzle: your grades are the corner pieces, the foundation that gives your application structure. Without them, getting into UBC is nearly impossible.

Here’s the average GPA range you’ll need to get into UBC:

Vancouver Campus: 89-91%*
Okanagan Campus: 84-86%*

While these numbers set the bar, a standout Personal Profile can tip the scales in your favour. Balance academic excellence with compelling extracurricular achievements to maximize your chances.

*These statistics are drawn from UBC’s 2023-24 Enrolment Report.

Tuition by Campuses

Here’s what you can expect to invest in your education—and why it’s worth every penny.

Think of your tuition as an investment, not just in your degree, but in the world-class resources, faculty, and opportunities that UBC offers.

It’s the foundation of a future full of possibilities, giving you access to cutting-edge research, a diverse and vibrant campus, and connections that can propel you into a successful career.

Keep in mind for both tuition and living your costs will vary based on courseload and other variables.

Here are some benchmarks for you to use to build a budget.

Vancouver Campus: Tuition ranges from $5,506 (domestic) to $44,091 (international) per year, depending on your program.
Okanagan Campus: Tuition is similar, ranging from $5,506 (domestic) to $42,000 (international).

Additional costs include student fees, health insurance, textbooks, and supplies, which can add up to $2,000-$3,000 annually.

Living Costs by Campuses

If you’ll be moving out you’ll want to budget. Here’s a breakdown of living costs for UBC:

On-Campus Housing: $10,000-$13,000/year (including meal plans).
Off-Campus Housing: Rent averages $800-$1,500/month, depending on location and roommates.
Miscellaneous Costs: Transportation, groceries, and entertainment may add $3,000-$5,000/year.

Applying for on-campus housing early increases your chances of securing a spot. Consider your budget carefully when choosing between on-campus and off-campus options.

If you’ve never made a budget or need some help, use AdmissionPrep’s budget calculator to determine your costs.

Student Housing: How to Apply

UBC’s on-campus housing options include traditional dormitories, suite-style residences, and family housing.

Here’s how to apply:

Create a UBC Housing Account: Set up your profile on the UBC Housing portal.
Rank Your Preferences: Choose from various residence types and meal plans.
Submit Your Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable fee to finalize your application.

When to Apply to Student Housing:

Deadlines vary, so apply as soon as possible to secure your spot! We recommend applying right when you submit your UBC application in December or January!

Club & Campus Opportunities

Yes, you go to UBC to get a degree but that’s not all. Part of being a UBC student is being part of a vibrant UBC community and you don’t want to just be “a part of it” you want to contribute.

When you look back at your UBC experience you’ll remember the hard work and the study sessions.

Sure, that’s important.

But you’ll cherish the memories with friends, meeting new people and putting yourself in new situations so much more. So get involved!

UBC offers an extraordinary range of extracurricular activities designed to make your university life as enriching. Here’s what being a Thunderbird gets you:

Over 350 student clubs: Whether you’re into robotics, environmental activism, cultural celebrations, or performing arts, there’s a club for every interest. Joining one can be your gateway to building new skills, creating lifelong friendships, and expanding your horizons.
Intramural sports and varsity athletics: From casual soccer games to representing UBC at the highest levels, athletics at UBC cater to all levels of experience and passion.
Iconic campus events: Embrace unique traditions like Day of the Longboat, a thrilling race through the waters off Jericho Beach; Storm the Wall, a physical and mental endurance challenge; and UBC Pride, celebrating inclusivity and diversity.

These activities are more than just fun—they’re a chance to grow, challenge yourself, and become part of a community. Studies show that students who engage in extracurriculars are more likely to thrive academically and socially, so don’t miss out on these opportunities to elevate your UBC experience.

(And hey, if you didn’t Storm The Wall did you really go to UBC?)

Tips for Transitioning to UBC

Starting university is a life-changing experience, like stepping into an entirely new world where every choice can shape your future.

It’s exciting, yes, but also daunting—like learning to navigate a vast city without a map. (And at 11.7 million sq ft, UBC is bigger than New York’s Central Park! It’s basically a small city.)

Here’s how to make the transition smoother and start this journey with confidence:

Go to Office Hours: Professors are there to help, so take advantage of their expertise. They can clarify concepts, offer advice on assignments, and even guide you toward research opportunities. Building these relationships early can lead to mentorship and strong reference letters down the road.
Email Professors: Introduce yourself and ask questions early on. A thoughtful email can open doors to academic support and even future projects like internships or co-op positions.
Find Your Study Spots: Explore libraries and quiet corners to discover where you focus best. We recommend the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre for its inspiring atmosphere! Plus, check out the Harry Potter room.
Join Clubs: Meet like-minded people and find your community on campus. With over 350 clubs on campus, whether it’s an academic club, cultural group, or recreational activity, there’s something for you.
Stay Organized: Use a calendar or planners to manage assignments, exams, and extracurriculars. UBC’s Student Service Centre (SSC) will let you integrate your class schedule to your calendar via Google Calendar, Apple Calendar or Outlook Calendar. We recommend doing this & setting reminders an hour before your classes so you don’t miss them! (But if you’re fast asleep the reminders won’t do much…)

These habits will set you up for success, both academically and socially, while helping you fully embrace the opportunities that UBC offers.

Pro Tip: Get a HOPR account so you can bike across campus with UBC’s bike share. Exercise on a beautiful campus? What more do you need?

UBC Contact Information

Need assistance or have questions? Here’s how to reach UBC:

Canadian students studying in Canada (Canadian citizens and permanent residents)

Okanagan campus

Tel: 250.807.8521

Toll-free: 1.877.807.8521

Vancouver campus

Tel: 604.822.9836

Toll-free: 1.877.272.1422 (Canada and U.S.)

International students, and Canadian students studying outside Canada

Okanagan campus

Tel: 250.807.9447

Vancouver campus

Tel: 604.822.8999

Reach out for support—UBC’s team is there to guide you.

If you’re looking for personalized advice, or have questions about applying to UBC AdmissionPrep can help ensure you make the most of your UBC journey. Fill out an AdmissionPrep program assessment today.

Find Your Edge- Take A Step To Being a Thunderbird Today

UBC received over 82,000 undergraduate applications in 2023.

Eighty-two-THOUSAND.

Applying to UBC is like competing at the highest level in any sport—every edge matters. You’ve read this far because you want to find your edge - just like your competition. (All 82,000 of them.)

AdmissionPrep works with talented students who want to get into top universities and have an impact on the world. If you’ve read this far, that’s probably you. See if we can support you and complete our Program Assessment.

UBC's motto, Tuum Est (It is Yours), has been a declaration of our commitment to attracting and supporting those who have the drive to shape a better world.

If you’ve got that drive, and you followed the steps in this guide - maybe we’ll see you on campus soon.

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