Study engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC)

Explore engineering courses, co-ops, scholarships and campus life at UBC’s School of Engineering

The University of British Columbia (UBC), popularly known as a global centre for teaching, learning and world-leading research, is ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. Recognised recently as North America’s most international university*, it has two main campuses – in Vancouver and Kelowna (Okanagan Valley). 

If you have been considering to enrol in an engineering program at the University of British Columbia, here’s all you need to know:

Popular engineering programs

The UBC’s Faculty of Engineering equips students with remarkable learning opportunities by imparting a comprehensive understanding of engineering principles during the first year before they select one of the specialised programs below:

• Undergraduate programs: Their undergraduate portfolio comprises of Engineering Physics, Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Materials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Integrated Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering and Chemical and Biological Engineering

• Masters programs: Their most popular engineering courses at masters level include Master of manufacturing Engineering, Master of Electrical Engineering, Master of Biomedical Engineering, Master of Civil Engineering, Master of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Master of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Master of Mechanical Engineering, Master of Computer Science, Master’s in data science, Master of Applied Science in Engineering Physics and Master of Engineering in Geological Engineering 

Source: https://www.ubc.ca/about/facts.html 

Eligibility criteria  

Since entry requirements vary by course, we recommend that you check details pertaining to your desired engineering course at the university. You can always reach out to your IDP counsellor who can help you understand the criteria in detail. However, here are some of the common eligibility requirements: 

1. For an undergraduate program

• Math, Chemistry, and Physics are compulsory subjects at Class XII 

• Language Arts, Mathematics and computation and sciences are mandatory courses in junior and senior year

• Grade requirement differ by degree and vary from year to year; however, a minimum of 85% overall is a common requirement

• A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 band overall with no band less than 6 

• If you are an international baccalaureate student, then you’ll need to provide with an IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses. Also, you should qualify minimum requirements in IB Mathematics (excluding IB Math Studies), IB Chemistry and IB Physics 

Note: Academically strong candidates missing either IB Chemistry or IB Physics may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis

2. For masters program

• A bachelor’s degree with a specialisation in major engineering, or in the sub-disciplines with a minimum average of First Class/Division 1 i.e., 65% or Very Good i.e., 8 on a 10-point scale

• A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no band less than 6 

• Statement of purpose

• Resume

• Two letters of recommendation 

• GRE scores (optional)

Tuition Fee 

The minimum annual tuition fees you’ll have to pay to pursue an undergraduate engineering course is approx. $53,445 and masters course is approx. $14,037. However, do check with the university about the exact fee for your chose program.

Scholarships available for international students

To pursue your desired engineering course at the University of British Columbia, here are some scholarship programs to consider: 

• International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) : This scholarship is awarded to exceptionally talented international students planning to pursue undergraduate programs at UBC. The scholarship amount is received during the first year of the study program and is renewable for up to three years of the program. However, the number and level of this scholarship vary each year based on funding available 
   
• Outstanding International Student Awards : This is a one-time entrance scholarship offered to meritorious students at the time of their admission in UBC. Selected students demonstrate their academic strengths and engagement with their surroundings beyond the classroom. 

Co-op education at the University of British Columbia

UBC has the largest co-op program in Western Canada, which is one of the most successful programs in the country. The university is famous for being potential employers’ first choice while recruiting engineering students. Co-op students from the university who have relevant, paid, and technical work experience are highly preferred by employers across the world. 

Co-operative education, or co-op education, is a program designed to equip a student with relevant work experience. It aims to deliver real-world, program-related work experience while pursuing education. In addition, it can help you decide what kind of job you might want and pay for your education and increases the chances of acquiring a good job (with a higher salary) as a graduate.

Read more about Co-op education in Canada

UBC’s Engineering co-op programs were launched in 1980 800+ students join engineering co-op each year 75% of British Columbia new engineers graduate from UBC each year 25 countries where UBC students have worked as part of co-op work term since 1990 55,000+ work term opportunities for UBC co-op students Source: https://coop.engineering.ubc.ca/

The course content of engineering courses at UBC is amplified via interactive lectures, leading-edge laboratories, team-based projects, early design experience and provision of a co-op option. If you are still confused and need a deep understanding of the subject, feel free to reach our international education experts. We’ll be more than happy to guide you to make the right decision. 

*Source: https://www.ubc.ca/about/

Updated on November 24, 2020

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