Prince George, British Columbia (BC), Canada
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is more than a university; it is a tight knit community. As one of Canada鈥檚 best primarily undergraduate universities (惭补肠濒别补苍鈥檚, 2024) and top research-intensive universities (Research Infosource Canada鈥檚 Top 50 Research Universities, 2022), faculty and staff strive for academic excellence while providing a personal learning experience.
UNBC is a popular destination for international students. Its motto, 'En Cha Hun谩, interpreted as 鈥榬especting all forms of life,鈥� reflects the university鈥檚 spirit of academic freedom, respect for others, and a willingness to recognize different perspectives. UNBC is known as Canada鈥檚 Green University, which aligns with its new vision of 鈥淟eading a Sustainable Future鈥� in education, research, and community and global impact.
Located in the spectacular landscape of northern British Columbia, UNBC offers a career-focused education that is inclusive, personal, hands-on, and dedicated to building tomorrow鈥檚 leaders. Teaching goes beyond the classroom, and the large variety of programs available are taught by award-winning academic staff.
UNBC is a welcoming place, with a learning environment that is friendly, inclusive, and supportive. Students take part in many enriching experiences, working closely with peers and professors to participate in research projects, receive extensive support, and boost their employability through work-placement opportunities.
All UNBC students have countless opportunities to enjoy what Canada has to offer. Those at the main campus in Prince George have a view of the stunning Rocky Mountains and an abundance of outdoor activities to choose from. As the region鈥檚 largest city, there鈥檚 something for everyone, and the sun shines for 299 days per year. It is home to a lively restaurant scene, many parks, two junior hockey teams, a thriving culture and arts scene, with lakes everywhere and downhill skiing nearby.
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At the , 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.
UNBC hosts career fairs that allow students to connect with hiring employers. These events help students to:
UNBC鈥檚 co-op program gives students the chance to gain the desirable qualities that employers look for through work placements and other employability experiences.
This program offers undergraduate students the tools and support necessary to be successful in gaining relevant, paid work experience before graduating, and provides employers with the opportunity to connect with and hire UNBC co-op students to help move their organization forward.
鈥淭he co-op program was there every step of the way to answer any concerns or doubts I had. The feeling of 鈥榳ow, okay, I鈥檓 not just a student, and I actually have valuable knowledge and experience鈥� is probably the thing I am most thankful for from participating in the program.鈥�
鈥� Cameron Spooner, ENSc.
UNBC offers 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 in engineering, with a focus on responsible development and infrastructure.
The School of Engineering has modern facilities, including the Wood Innovation Design Centre and Wood Innovation Research Laboratory. Both learning spaces are known worldwide for their innovative use of renewable resources in the construction process and reducing carbon emissions. Its main campus is also home to a modern-equipped materials lab and hydrology lab.
A new two-year nursing degree program at UNBC provides more healthcare education opportunities to learners who possess the required credits to fast-track their career by entering a nursing degree in their third year.
UNBC鈥檚 PhD in Engineering and PHD in Biochemistry are in the process of being introduced, expected to be in place for the September 2025 intake.
CAD$26,812 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, for details
CAD$8,456 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, for details
CAD$11,194 Living costs
CAD$5,846 To live on campus
One in four students receives a financial award from UNBC each year, with nearly CAD 4,000,000 in awards provided annually. This financial support helps students with educational costs so that they can progress towards meaningful careers. Many awards are available for international students.
These range in value, up to CAD 10,000 per academic year. Entrance awards are available to students commencing an undergraduate course of study at UNBC for the first time, or to new transfer students with less than 18 transfer credit hours.
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).
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 .
Innovative learners from all over the world are welcome to apply to UNBC. Undergraduate students have three start date options:
Graduate students usually begin in the fall term, though it is often possible to start at different points of the year.
Each program has its own specific admissions requirements, which can be found on the UNBC website.
As a general guide, need an accepted secondary or post-secondary education equivalent to high school in British Columbia, or a General Certificate of Education, equivalent to:
must hold the equivalent of an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, in a related subject.
International students also must satisfy the English language criteria, as this is UNBC鈥檚 primary language of communication. Proficiency can be proved through one of the following language test scores, or equivalent:
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 11:1, students enjoy small classes and work closely with academic staff.
As a research-intensive university, many faculty are global leaders in their field who bring their research to the classroom while focusing on the cultural, social, environmental, and economic issues of the local area, resulting in world-leading research in areas such as natural resources and community sustainability.
Students can collaborate with faculty on research projects, even in the first year of study. Other learning opportunities include UNBC鈥檚 co-op program, which offers students the opportunity to gain unique, practical work experience.
Through the university鈥檚 , students can access support throughout their educational journey. Students can utilize academic support through tutoring and online help or peer-led learning programs. To ensure quality service in all learning environments, all tutors and peer mentors take part in ongoing certified training.
At UNBC, study options include undergraduate, graduate, PhD, diploma, certificate, and international exchange programs. Undergraduate academic programs take place within , each with their own unique assets and opportunities.
UBC programs delivered in partnership with UNBC through the Division of Medical Sciences:
Students are encouraged to browse the extensive range of currently available at UNBC.
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