University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of North America's premier universities with a global reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Recognized journals such as The Economist, The Time Higher Education Supplement and Newsweek consistently rank UBC among the top 40 universities worldwide. In 2010-11, 8,054 research projects attracted CAD$550 million in funding, and UBC is a Canadian leader in new patents issued. Located on two campuses -Vancouver on Canada's spectacular Pacific coast and Okanagan in the scenic interior of British Columbia - UBC has a total enrollment of over 50,000 students, with 25,000 full-time undergraduates and 15,000 postgraduates. International students make up 16% of the student body. Students from over 140 countries choose UBC for its wide selection of programs of study, expert faculty, world class facilities for learning, international perspective, and vibrant student life. Of UBC's 3,000 full-time faculty, 99% have PhDs, the highest rate of any Canadian university. Programs at undergraduate, professional, and postgraduate levels are available through 18 Faculties and 14 schools, leading to globally-recognized degrees and diplomas. Bachelor degree students have hundreds of options for their major, minor, or specialized degree. Vancouver, the University's principal campus, is 1,000 acres in size, and an award-winning model for environmental sustainability. Set on Canada's spectacular Pacific coast, Vancouver has been voted one of the world's most beautiful and liveable cities. First-year students benefit from interdisciplinary teaching programs pioneered at UBC such as the Science One program which blends the core sciences in an integrated format, or the Arts One program that examines themes from literature, philosophy, and history, within small learning communities. UBC students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including one of the largest research libraries in Canada. There are 13 affiliated research units, 3 teaching hospitals, the Museum of Anthropology (Canada's largest teaching museum), a superb concert hall, contemporary art gallery, one of the world's largest sub-atomic particle accelerators, botanical gardens, 3 research forests, and a model farm. The new Okanagan campus is located in the friendly lakeside city of Kelowna BC. UBC Okanagan offers unique community-oriented cross-disciplinary learning, including region-centered research, and international study opportunities. Students are encouraged to traverse traditional boundaries between arts, sciences, fine arts, languages and social sciences. Hundred of UBC graduates (including several Rhodes Scholars) are accepted every year into leading professional schools and graduate programs in North America and around the world. There are over 250,000 alumni in Canada, the USA and 118 other countries. UBC alumni include Canadian Prime Ministers, Nobel laureates, and leaders in many fields. Co-op programs allow students to combine their academics with paid work terms, and are available in selected programs in major faculties. Undergraduate students may also study abroad at one of UBC's 150 partner institutions in 38 different countries (including the USA). About 25% of students live in high-quality campus housing, and first-year international students have guaranteed priority. Residence life programs prepare students for academic and social success. For extracurricular interests, UBC has hundreds of student clubs and societies, and students can participate in athletics from varsity-level competition to spirited intermural events and solo pursuits. Among superb athletic facilities is UBC's new Winter Sports Centre, a venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics. From both UBC campuses there is ready access to numerous outdoor activities year-round, including beaches, forest parks and world-class skiing. UBC students enjoy a superb education in unparalleled natural surroundings.