If you want to know how to get into UBC, start with strong Grade 11 and 12 marks, add a thoughtful Personal Profile, and apply through EducationPlannerBC by 15 January 2027. This guide is for families in Canada, the US, India, the UK, IB schools and elsewhere aiming for September 2027 (Winter Session 2027). Every date, fee and rule comes from official UBC or Government of Canada pages.
Key takeaways
- Apply on EducationPlannerBC by 15 January 2027, 11:59 p.m. Pacific. You pick two degree choices.
- UBC counts all academic Grade 11 and 12 courses. It drops your lowest mark only if that course is not required or related.
- The Personal Profile is scored on engagement and accomplishment, leadership, substance and voice.
- Scholarship dates come first: 15 November 2026 (International Scholars) and 1 December 2026 (Canadian awards).
- SAT and ACT are optional. Most international students must prove English by 15 February 2027.
How do you get into UBC for September 2027?
Quick answer: Take the required Grade 12 courses for your degree and push your academic Grade 11 and 12 marks as high as you can. Write an honest Personal Profile with two referees. Apply on EducationPlannerBC by 15 January 2027 with two degree choices. Then send English proof by 15 February and documents by the dates UBC gives you.
What is UBC, and which degrees can you start in?
UBC, the University of British Columbia, has two campuses: Vancouver, the large city campus, and Okanagan, in Kelowna. It offers 43 undergraduate degrees across both.
You apply to a degree, such as Arts, Science or Applied Science, not a single program. Most students choose a specialization in second or third year.
| Campus | Main first-year degrees |
|---|---|
| Vancouver | Science, Applied Science (Engineering), Arts, Commerce (UBC Sauder), Kinesiology, International Economics, Fine Arts, Media Studies, Music, Pharmaceutical Sciences and more |
| Okanagan | Science, Applied Science (Engineering), Arts, Commerce, Fine Arts, Health and Exercise Sciences, Media Studies, Nursing, Sustainability |
Want Computer Science at Vancouver? First-year students usually apply to the Bachelor of Science. See UBC's degrees and programs page. Your two choices can even be on different campuses.
How does UBC admission work?
UBC reads two things: your grades and your Personal Profile. This is based on UBC's What we look for page.
Which grades does UBC count?
- All academic Grade 11 and 12 courses, with extra weight on courses related to your degree.
- PE, career education, faith-based, skills-based and applied design or technology courses do not count.
- UBC drops your lowest grade, unless that course is required or relevant to your degree.
- If you took a subject in both Grade 11 and 12, UBC focuses on Grade 12.
- Course rigour matters too: AP, IB, advanced or university-level courses.
So a Science applicant cannot hide a weak Pre-Calculus 12 mark. It is required, so it always counts.
What is the UBC Personal Profile?
The Personal Profile is a set of short answers inside your application. Nearly every high-school applicant writes one.
- Each answer is 500 to 2,100 characters (about 50 to 500 words). Extra text is cut off.
- You write about who you are, what matters to you, and up to five activities or accomplishments.
- You name two referees. One must be a school official. Friends, family and paid agents are not allowed.
- Trained readers score it on engagement and accomplishment, leadership, substance and voice. It is also used for entrance scholarships.
There is no separate deadline. It is due with the application on 15 January 2027.
Which degrees have extra steps?
- Commerce (UBC Sauder): a video interview inside the Personal Profile, plus two extra questions.
- Computer Science (BCS), Music, Nursing, Media Studies and some others: a supplemental application.
- Pharmaceutical Sciences: an extra fee and a pre-recorded interview.
- Okanagan Fine Arts and Media Studies: a portfolio.
How do UBC decisions come out?
UBC uses rolling admissions. Your file is reviewed once it is complete. Decisions appear in the Applicant Service Centre from November 2026 to June 2027. UBC says it is not first come, first served: a February offer and an April offer meet the same criteria.
What are UBC's requirements by curriculum?
UBC lists rules on its Canadian and international high-school pages. Below is the Vancouver summary. Check your exact country and degree in UBC's tool.
BC and other Canadian high schools
- Graduation and at least 70% in Grade 11 or 12 English, with everything done by 30 June 2027.
- Science: English 12, Pre-Calculus 12, and one of Anatomy and Physiology 12, Chemistry 12 or Physics 12. Plus Chemistry 11 and Physics 11.
- Engineering: English 12, Pre-Calculus 12, Chemistry 12, Physics 12, plus Chemistry 11 and Physics 11.
- Commerce: English 12 and Pre-Calculus 12. Arts: English 12.
Comparing Ontario too? Read how to get into the University of Toronto and how to get into the University of Waterloo.
US high schools and AP
- Graduation from an accredited US school and at least B- in English to junior level.
- SAT and ACT are optional. UBC says students who do not submit "will not be disadvantaged". Unsure which test fits? See SAT vs ACT.
- UBC says "in past years, a B average" was required. It varies by degree and year.
- Science: Pre-Calculus (Calculus recommended), Chemistry and Physics. Engineering: Pre-Calculus, AP Chemistry and AP Physics 2 or C.
UBC's AP page says it usually uses your school percentage. If AP exam scores are available, it converts them: 5 = 96%, 4 = 86%, 3 = 80%, 2 = 70%. A 4 or higher can earn first-year credit. Our AP Precalculus exam guide helps if you are building towards Calculus.
IB Diploma
- The full IB Diploma with at least three HL courses.
- Math AI SL does not meet the maths requirement for Science, Engineering or Commerce. You need Math AA SL or HL, or Math AI HL.
- Engineering needs IB Chemistry and IB Physics.
- First decisions use predicted or school grades. Final results confirm the offer.
Choosing subjects? Our IB Diploma Programme guide explains AA vs AI.
UK and A-Levels
- Six academic subjects across GCSE, AS and A Level, with at least three A Levels and at least a C in English.
- UBC says "a B average" was required in past years. It varies.
- Science: Maths at A or AS Level. Engineering: A-Level Maths plus Chemistry or Physics (both preferred).
- Final A-Level results are due 20 August 2027.
India: CBSE, ISC and state boards
- The Standard XII certificate. Notarized copies are not accepted.
- UBC says "an 85% average on India's grading scale" was required in past years. It varies.
- Science and Engineering: Maths, Chemistry and Physics at Std XII. Commerce: Maths or Applied Maths.
In Class 11 now? See our CBSE board exams 2027 guide.
China and other countries
- China: school records and Gaokao results through CSSD, at least at provincial Tier 1. Students without the Gaokao need three or more AP exam results.
- Other countries: UBC's tool covers about 120 countries, plus basic rules for the rest.
What is UBC's English requirement (ELAS)?
UBC calls it the English Language Admission Standard (ELAS). There are nine ways to meet it, and the deadline is 15 February 2027. Waiver requests are due the same day. See UBC's English language page.
Routes without a test include four years of English-medium study right before UBC, AP English 4+, IB English A 5+, and A-Level English. CBSE or CISCE students can use 75%+ in senior English. Indian state-board students need another option, such as a test.
UBC Vancouver English test minimums for 2027/28 entry.
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0.
TOEFL iBT: 90 overall, with Reading 22, Listening 22, Writing 21 and Speaking 21.
Duolingo: 125 overall. PTE Academic: 65 overall.
Scores must be dated 1 January 2025 or later, from one sitting. IELTS General Training is not accepted. If you fall short, UBC suggests Vantage One at UBC Vantage College.
What are the UBC key dates for 2027 entry?
These come from UBC's Dates and deadlines page. Times are 11:59 p.m. Pacific.
The six dates that matter most for September 2027 entry.
15 Nov 2026: International Scholars awards. 1 Dec 2026: Presidential and Centennial awards.
15 Jan 2027: application deadline, 11:59 p.m. PT. 15 Feb 2027: English proof.
15 Mar 2027: documents from outside Canada. 1 May or 1 Jun 2027: accept your offer and pay the deposit.
Other dates to note:
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 31 Jan 2027 | ISP applicants: ELAS and documents due |
| 1 to 15 Mar 2027 | Canadian students outside BC and Ontario upload Spring transcript |
| 1 May 2027 | First-year housing guarantee deadline |
| 30 Jun 2027 | Canadian students finish courses; US final transcripts due |
| 20 Aug 2027 | A-Level final results due |
How much is the UBC application fee?
The fee is non-refundable and paid by credit card (UBC application page):
- $78.50 CAD for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
- $173.25 CAD for international students who need a study permit.
You cannot edit your application after you submit it.
What is a step-by-step plan to get into UBC?
- Grade 9 and 10: get strong in algebra, functions and basic science.
- Grade 10: choose courses your target degree needs, such as Chemistry 11 and Physics 11, or IB Math AA.
- Grade 11: protect every academic mark. Only one low, unrelated mark can drop.
- Grade 11: go deep in a few activities. Research for high school students gives you something real to write about.
- Summer before Grade 12: draft your Personal Profile and ask two referees.
- Fall of Grade 12: book English tests if needed.
- By 15 Nov or 1 Dec 2026: apply early if you want scholarships.
- By 15 Jan 2027: submit on EducationPlannerBC with two degree choices.
- Jan to Mar 2027: send English proof and documents.
- Spring 2027: accept your offer by the date in your letter.
The UBC application path in four steps.
Step 1: apply on EducationPlannerBC by 15 January.
Step 2: complete your Personal Profile and pick two degree choices.
Step 3: send English proof and documents.
Step 4: get your offer and accept by 1 May or 1 June.
Want help with the maths and science marks in this plan? Book a free demo class with an Asymptode mentor.
How much does UBC cost? Tuition for 2026/27
UBC charges tuition per credit. These are 2026/27 rates from the UBC Vancouver Calendar. 2027/28 rates are not yet announced. Amounts are in CAD.
| Vancouver degree | Domestic per credit | International per credit |
|---|---|---|
| Arts | $206.69 | $1,717.68 |
| Science | $206.69 | $1,769.40 |
| Applied Science (Engineering) | $206.69 (Year 1) | $1,789.18 |
| Commerce | $206.69 (Year 1) | $2,222.61 |
How a per-credit rate becomes a first-year total (2026/27).
Science, international: $1,769.40 x 30 credits = $53,082.
Engineering, international: $1,789.18 x 37 credits = $66,199.66, about $66,200.
Domestic: $206.69 x 30 credits = $6,200.70.
Fees, housing and food are extra; see UBC's cost estimator. International students starting in 2026/27 have increases capped at 3% a year for four years.
Which UBC scholarships can you apply for?
International students
- International Scholars Program (ISP): for students with significant financial need and "all As or equivalent". The deadline is 15 November 2026, so start now if you plan to apply. You must apply to UBC and send the award application by then, and your school must nominate you. See the ISP page.
- ISP applicants are not considered for merit awards.
- International Major Entrance Scholarship and Outstanding International Student Award: considered automatically if you apply by 15 January. Check values on UBC's international scholarships page.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents
- Presidential Scholars Awards: a one-time award of about $5,000, or renewable awards up to $80,000 (Vancouver) or $40,000 (Okanagan) over four years. Apply by 1 December 2026 with every section done. See the Presidential Scholars page.
- Centennial Scholars Entrance Awards: need-based, with a separate award application by 1 December 2026.
Do international students need a study permit and PAL?
Yes, if you are not a Canadian citizen or PR and your program is longer than six months. IRCC issues study permits.
- You usually also need a BC Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). UBC emails it about three business days after you accept.
- Processing "can take several months", so apply early. Some applicants are exempt from the PAL; check IRCC Guide 5269 and UBC's study permit page.
What are the most common UBC application mistakes?
- Taking IB Math AI SL for Science, Engineering or Commerce.
- Thinking your lowest mark always drops. Required courses always count.
- Missing the 15 November and 1 December scholarship dates.
- Writing past the character limit, or using a relative as a referee.
- Assuming Indian state boards skip English tests.
How 1-on-1 tutoring helps with getting into UBC
At UBC, your Grade 11 and 12 maths and science marks are often the ones that cannot be dropped. Asymptode helps students raise exactly those marks.
- One dedicated mentor, live online 1-on-1, for Pre-Calculus 12, Calculus, Physics and Chemistry, or AP, IB and A-Level maths and sciences, following your own syllabus and exam dates.
- Method first. Your mentor watches each step of your working, so slips in algebra, units or set-up get fixed at the root. Thinking about Engineering? Read how to become an engineer.
- Personalised homework with feedback, plus short parent updates before the January deadline.
- Every class is recorded. For the Personal Profile, the mentor helps with planning and method, while the words stay yours. You can start with a free demo class.
Facts checked against official sources on 1 November 2026.
FAQ
When is the UBC application deadline for 2027?
It is 15 January 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time, for both Vancouver and Okanagan. Scholarship deadlines come earlier, on 15 November and 1 December 2026.
Does UBC require the SAT or ACT?
No. The SAT and ACT are optional for US-curriculum applicants. UBC says students who do not submit scores will not be disadvantaged.
Does applying early help me get into UBC?
Not for admission. UBC says decisions are not first come, first served. Applying early only matters for scholarships with earlier deadlines.
How long is the UBC Personal Profile?
Each answer is 500 to 2,100 characters, about 50 to 500 words. The limit is in characters, not words. Text over the limit is cut off.
Can I apply to both UBC campuses?
Yes. You get a first and second degree choice, and they can be on different campuses. For Presidential Scholars, only your first choice is reviewed.
What is UBC tuition for September 2027?
The 2027/28 rates are not yet announced. In 2026/27, international Science is $1,769.40 per credit, about $53,082 for 30 credits. Domestic Year 1 is $206.69 per credit.
Ready to start? Book a free demo class and advisor call, or see our plans and fees.