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 other institutions in Canada and around the world and Global Elevation Award funding available*
Kelowna’s lower median rent makes it 18% more affordable than Victoria and Toronto and 30% more affordable than Vancouver
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
*UBC Okanagan Global Elevation Award of $8,000 per year available to undergraduate students only.
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.
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)
Mathematical Sciences (major only)
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. UBC tuition rates are low relative to many peer institutions in the US, helping us to attract the best students from around the world.
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. Wayne Broughton Associate Dean, Students wayne.broughton@ubc.ca | 250.807.9531 |
graduate student Inquiries Dr. Andrew Jirasek Associate Dean, Graduate and Postdoctoral Training andrew.jirasek@ubc.ca | 250.807.8812 |