University of Northern British Columbia

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is more than a university; it is a tight knit community. As one of Canada's best primarily undergraduate universities (Maclean's, 2024) and top research-intensive universities (Research Infosource Canada's 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 Huná, interpreted as ‘respecting all forms of life,' reflects the university's spirit of academic freedom, respect for others, and a willingness to recognize different perspectives. UNBC is known as Canada's Green University, which aligns with its new vision of "Leading a Sustainable Future" 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's 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 mountains and an abundance of outdoor activities to choose from. As the region's largest city, there's something for everyone, and the sun shines for 300 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.

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's co-op program, which offers students the opportunity to gain unique, practical work experience.

Through the university's Academic Success Centre, 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.

Career services

At the Student Career Centre, 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.

One in four students receives a financial award from UNBC each year, with nearly CAD 4,000,000 in awards provided annually. Students wishing to be considered can apply to the awards competitions once they are admitted to UNBC.

This financial support helps students with educational costs so that they can progress towards meaningful careers. Many awards are available that international students can apply to.

Early Entrance Awards

Early Entrance Awards are for new undergraduates entering directly from high school. No application required. Apply for early admission by January 15th to be considered.

Entrance and General Awards

Awards in these categories 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.

There are even awards specific to international students, and awards specific to programs. Students can review them in the scholarship, bursary and award guide .

In-course undergraduate awards

Students often benefit from awards after starting their studies, which they can apply for every year. There are also awards specific to programs that can be viewed in the Scholarship, bursary and award guide.

More information can be found about applying for awards competitions on the awards and financial aid webpage.

New engineering programs

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.

New PhD programs

UNBC's PhD in Engineering and PHD in Biochemistry are in the process of being introduced.

Student Outcome Survey Results 2023

As per the information collected from the BC Student Outcomes Survey 2023, 88 percent of students say the knowledge and skills gained are useful in performing their job with 89 percent working full-time. 86 percent of graduates stated that they were satisfied with their experience at UNBC.