University of Northern British Columbia

New engineering programs

UNBC is offering two exciting new undergraduate programs in civil engineering and environmental engineering. Both programs equip students with the expert knowledge and skills needed for a career centred around responsible development and infrastructure.

The School of Engineering has modern facilities, including the Wood Innovation Design Centre and Wood Innovation Research Laboratory. Both of these learning spaces are known worldwide for their innovative use of renewable resources in the construction process and reducing carbon emissions.

International-focused Global Lounge

The new Global Lounge is an on-campus space designed with international learners in mind. The comfortable and modern environment is open 24/7. It's an ideal place to meet classmates, relax and enjoy big-screen entertainment.

UNBC's COVID-19 response

The university quickly adapted to the challenges brought by the coronavirus pandemic. New students can feel reassured that there are strict health and safety procedures in place. UNBC is working on a plan to have in-person classes in September 2021.

UNBC is a relatively small university that offers unique learning opportunities through its research and experiential learning initiatives. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, students enjoy small classes and work closely with academic staff.

As a research-intensive university, many of our faculty are global leaders in their work. Our faculty bring their research to the classroom while focusing on the cultural, social, environmental and economic issues of the north, resulting in world-leading research in areas such as natural resources and community sustainability, of which our students are involved.

Some students are able to collaborate with faculty on research projects, even in the first year of study. Other learning opportunities include UNBC's Co-op program, which offers students the opportunity to gain unique, practical work experience.

Academic Success Centre

Support services are available throughout the educational journey. Students can utilize academic support through tutoring and online help or peer-led learning programs. All tutors and peer mentors take part in ongoing certified training.

Times Higher Education World University Rankings

UNBC was the only small Canadian university in the 2017 rankings, where it placed in the top five percent of post-secondary institutions worldwide. It also ranks within the 2018 Young University Rankings and is one of only four universities in British Columbia to make Research Infosource Ltd.'s Top 50 Research Universities ranking.

Study options include undergraduate, graduate, diploma, certificate and international exchange programs. Undergraduate academic programs take place within five faculties, all of which have a different approach to creativity, collaboration and flexibility. Each has unique assets and opportunities, where all students can find the perfect program to match their goals.

Faculty of Business and Economics

• School of Business
• Department of Economics

Faculty of Science and Engineering

• Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Computer Science
• Engineering (civil, environmental, integrated)
• Maths
• Physics

Faculty of Human and Health Sciences

• School of Education
• School of Health Sciences
• School of Nursing
• Northern Medical Program (UNBC/UBC Affiliation Agreement)
• Department of Psychology
• School of Social Work

Faculty of Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities

• Anthropology
• Department of English
• Department of First Nations Studies
• History
• Department of Global and International Studies
• Northern Studies
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• Women and Gender Studies

Faculty of Environment

• Biology
• Ecosystem Science and Management (ESM)
• Environmental Science
• School of Environmental Planning
• Environmental and Sustainability Studies
• Forestry
• Geography
• Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management

Students can browse the program landing pages to see the exciting opportunities available.

Innovative learners from all over the world are welcome to apply to the University of Northern British Columbia. Undergraduate students have three start date options:

• Fall term, September
• Winter term, January
• Spring term, May

Graduate students usually begin in the fall term. It is often possible to start at different points of the year.

Academic criteria

Each program has its own specific admissions requirements, which can be found on the UNBC website. International students need an accepted secondary or post-secondary education equivalent to high school in British Columbia, or a General Certificate of Education. A-level and O-levels must have an overall grade of at least C.

English language criteria

International students also have to satisfy the English language criteria, as this is UNBC's primary language of communication. Proficiency can be proved through one of the following language test scores, or equivalent:

• TOEFL – overall score of 90, with at least 20 in each band
• IELTS – overall score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each band

Alternatively, students can demonstrate sufficient previous study in English, or show that their home country is exempt from the language requirements.

Student Career Center

Many resources and services are available to support learners in their transition to professional work after university. This includes employment preparation workshops, alumni opportunities, annual career fairs and job listings.

Students can receive help with all aspects of job searching, such as writing cover letters, developing resumes and interview preparation. Career advisors are friendly and approachable, with expert knowledge to help graduates stand out from the crowd.

This year, UNBC is hosting a virtual career fair that will allow students to connect with hiring employers. The event will help students to:

• Explore work opportunities
• Understand the hiring processes
• Network with potential employers
• Strategize with a career plan.

Co-operative program

UNBC's co-op program gives students the chance to gain the desirable qualities that employers look for through work placements and other employability experiences.

''The co-op program was there every step of the way to answer any concerns or doubts I had. The feeling of ‘wow, okay, I'm not just a student, and I actually have valuable knowledge and experience' is probably the thing I am most thankful for from participating in the program.'' Cameron Spooner, ENSc.

One in four students receives a financial award from UNBC each year, with up to CAD 3,500,000 in awards provided annually. This financial support helps students with educational costs so that they can head towards meaningful careers. Many awards are available for international students.

Entrance and general awards

These range in value from CAD 750 to CAD 6,000. The UNBC Merit Award, for example, awards eligible students who demonstrate academic excellence with a scholarship of CAD 2,500.

No application is required for awards such as the International Student Scholarship, which gives CAD 1,000 to eligible international students to reward academic excellence. There are also course-specific scholarships, such as the Computer Science Entrance Award (CAD 1,000).

In-course undergraduate awards

Students often benefit from awards after starting their studies, which they can apply for every year. Course-specific scholarships include the Chemistry Award of Excellence (CAD 1,250). The International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship awards eligible international students with CAD 1,000 in tuition credit.

More information can be found from the awards and financial aid office.