The University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan is situated in Kelowna, British Columbia, a city of 155,000 people and Canada’s fastest growing metropolitan area. The campus is one hour from two world-class ski resorts and four and a half hours from Vancouver by vehicle. UBC consistently ranks as one of the world’s top research universities. UBC Okanagan combines the resources and reputation of one of the world’s top universities with a young and dynamic campus.
Why study at UBC Okanagan?
Lower tuition costs compared to many US institutions
Favourable USD – CAD exchange rate
High quality of life with access to Canada’s healthcare system
Post-graduation work permit opportunities
Stunning campus situated in nature
Kelowna is a four-season playground
How to Apply
Undergraduate studies
To apply to undergraduate studies at UBC, you’ll use the EducationPlannerBC website.
After you apply to UBC, you are able to check your application status within a few days in our UBC Applicant Service Centre or visit our Undergraduate Programs and Admissions website for more information on your next steps.
graduate studies
Applications for graduate studies are processed through the UBC Okanagan College of Graduate Studies, where you can find additional resources and learn more about the application process.
Please note: before beginning your application, you will need to create a Campus Wide Login (CWL) if you don’t already have one.
Please note that at this time September 2025 applications are only open to American applicants and other international applicants from countries with eight-week or less study permit processing times. Please check with the IRCC to find out the current processing times for your country before submitting your application.
Virtual Information Sessions
Join us for a virtual information session designed specifically for US applicants to our undergraduate and graduate programs. This is a great opportunity to connect with faculty, learn more about our academic offerings and the application process, and have your questions answered.
US Undergraduate Applicant Information Session
April 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM (PST)
US Graduate Applicant Information Session
April 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM (PST)
Programs
For full details on all programs, see the Academic Calendar.
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Science
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biology and Chemistry departments (major only)
Biology (major, minor)
Chemistry (major, minor)
Computer Science (major, minor)
Data Science (major, minor)
Earth and Environmental Sciences (major, minor)
Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (major)
Economics (major, minor)
Environmental Chemistry (major only)
Freshwater Science (major only)
Geospatial Information Science (minor)
Mathematics (major, minor)
Microbiology (major only)
Physics (major, minor)
Psychology (major, minor)
Statistics (major, minor)
Zoology (major only)
BACHELOR OF SUSTAINABILITY
Students take a set of core integrative courses specific to sustainability along with a set of advanced courses in one of the concentrations:
Graduate Programs
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MSc, PhD), through the Department of Biology
Biology (MSc, PhD)
Biotechnology (MBtec)
Chemistry (MSc, PhD)
Computer Science (MSc, PhD)
Data Science (MDS)
Earth and Environmental Sciences (MSc, PhD)
Mathematics (MSc, PhD)
Medical Physics (MSc, PhD)
Sustainability (MA, MSc, PhD) – Interdisciplinary
Featured Degrees
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at UBCO
Find out more about our work to build a community of equity and inclusion on the UBCO campus.
Discover the Okanagan
A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards, orchards and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan is an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.
UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a growing hub of economic and technology development.
Tuition and Study Permits
Tuition
Tuition can vary based on the program and degree option selected, but is often considerably lower than comparable programs in the US. UBC keeps tuition rates low to attract the best students.
View the 2025/26 Academic Calendar for more information on undergraduate and graduate tuition fees.
Obtaining a Study Permit
US citizens can obtain a Canadian study permit by following the steps below. Applications are typically processed within 5-7 weeks.
- Accept your admission offer from a designated institution, such as UBC
- Apply online* with required documents (passport, PAL, proof of funds)
- Pay the application fee
- Present the approval letter at the border/airport to receive your study permit
*Note: most US citizens can also apply in person for a study permit at major border crossings/airports.
Learn more about how to obtain a study permit from the Global Engagement Office. Connect with an International Student Advisor at ubco.global@ubc.ca.
Explore UBC Okanagan’s campus
Enjoy the sun in the courtyard, grab a bite at one of the cafes, or break a sweat at the gym. UBCO has everything you need to amplify and encourage your studies.
We respectfully acknowledge the Syilx Okanagan Nation and their peoples, in whose traditional, ancestral, unceded territory UBC Okanagan is situated.
Questions? We’re here to help!
| undergraduate student Inquiries Dr. Scott Reid Associate Dean, Students scott.reid@ubc.ca | 250.807.761 |
graduate student Inquiries Dr. Andrew Jirasek Associate Dean, Graduate and Postdoctoral Training andrew.jirasek@ubc.ca | 250.807.8812 |