University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global centre for teaching, learning and research, consistently ranked among the top public universities in the world.

UBC embraces innovation and transforms ideas into action. Since 1915, UBC has been opening doors of opportunity for people with the curiosity, drive and vision to shape a better world. UBC transforms personal initiative into innovation, and new ideas into impact.

UBC’s two main campuses are situated in Vancouver and in Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley.

UBC has two campuses: Vancouver and Okanagan. You will need to indicate your preference on SWAY’s application form.  


Available exchanges

UBC hosts the University-wide and Subject-specific Business, Fine Art and Law exchanges.

Restricted subject areas

Please review UBC’s academic restrictions for Vancouver and Okanagan campuses using the links below.

Some courses have limited enrolment. Take special care when looking at the following subject areas:  Business, Engineering, English and Computer Science, Kinesiology, Public Policy and Global Affairs, Social Work. These subjects are all extremely limited. 

UBC has been identified by the School of Economics as a possible institution to consider. 

Your responsibilities

  • The information provided here serves as a guide.
  • It is your responsibility to research whether the partner provides appropriate courses for your degree programme.
  • Even if there are no restrictions on your degree subject, this does not mean that there are appropriate courses for you.

You can consult the most up-to-date course UBC course catalogue at the link below.


Guaranteed accommodation?

No

University accommodation

  • Vancouver Campus: A limited number of spots are reserved for exchange students. Due to very high demand, on-campus housing is not guaranteed, and only about 50-60% of exchange students will be placed in on-campus housing. More information about housing at UBC Vancouver can be found at the link below.
  • Okanagan Campus: While housing is not guaranteed, the Housing office in the Okanagan prioritizes exchange applicants who apply by the deadline. 
  • There is a $50 non-refundable application fee.

Private accommodation  

Please refer to the following links to find out more about living off-campus in Vancouver and Kelowna 


How much it will cost to go on exchange to UBC?  

  

  

Health insurance  

  • Students staying less than 6 months (one term only): Single-term students are automatically covered under iMED (mandatory health insurance plan) for the duration of their exchange at UBC. The cost of iMED for one term students is $338 CAD + a one-time $10.54 CAD direct billing fee.  
  • Students staying for more than 6 months (full year or split-year students): Full year students are automatically covered by iMED ($237) for the first three months before they can be enrolled in BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) ($75/month). MSP is the basic medical insurance provided and required by BC government. iMED ensures students have adequate medical coverage from the time they leave home (up to ten days prior to arrival if within the coverage dates) and while they are waiting to be enrolled in BC MSP. Full year and split-year students must apply for MSP as soon as they arrive in BC, Canada. More information: iMED and BC MSP.  

  

  


 

 

 

 


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