University of Northern British Columbia

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is an educational provider based in the heart of Northern British Columbia, Canada. It is the second-best primarily undergraduate university in the country (Maclean's, 2024), ranking among the top 300 young universities globally (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, 2024).

At UNBC, students receive world-class education. Its faculty to student ratio of 1: allows for a personalized learning experience where students can closely connect with their professors and classmates. An expansive selection of study programs covers subjects including culture, economics, the environment, health, and the sciences.

UNBC is one of British Columbia's top research-intensive universities, meaning students benefit from being at the forefront of exciting developments in their field. Faculty are some of the top scholars in their fields, and students benefit from the ability to collaborate on research with faculty from as early as their first year, an unparalleled opportunity for both undergraduate and graduate students.

From early entrance scholarships to awards for leadership, UNBC provides nearly CAD 4 million in financial awards every year. Its international office provides assistance to overseas students across all areas of their move to Canada, offering helpful advice and guidance, and continuing to offer a full scope of support services as required throughout their study experience.

Ninety-three per cent of graduates stated that they were satisfied with their experience at UNBC. Within six months of graduation, 84 per cent of UNBC graduates gain employment and nearly 70 percent are in management.

UNBC's main campus is located in the vibrant city of Prince George, the largest city in northern British Columbia. Here, students can enjoy a vibrant arts and culture scene, a great selection of places to eat and drink, a range of sports teams, and plenty of outdoor activities in the spectacular Rocky Mountains.

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.

At UNBC, study options include undergraduate, graduate, PhD, diploma, certificate, and international exchange programs. Undergraduate academic programs take place within five faculties, each with their own unique assets and opportunities.

Faculty of Business and Economics

• School of Business
• School of Economics

Faculty of Science and Engineering

• Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Computer Science
• School of Engineering
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Physics

Faculty of Human and Health Sciences

• School of Education
• School of Health Sciences
• School of Nursing
• Northern Medical Program (UNBC/UBC Affiliation Agreement)
• Department of Psychology
• School of Social Work

Faculty of Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities

• Anthropology
• Department of English
• Department of First Nations Studies
• Department of History
• Department of Global and International Studies
• Northern Studies Program
• Department of Political Science
• Women and Gender Studies
• Interdisciplinary Studies Program

Faculty of Environment

• Biology
• Ecosystem Science and Management (ESM)
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Planning
• First Nations Planning
• Forest Ecology and Management Geography
• Landscape Conservation and Management
• Natural Resources Planning
• Nature-based Tourism Management
• Northern and Rural Community Planning
• Public Administration and Community Development
• Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Environmental and Sustainability Studies
• Wildland Conservation and Recreation
• School of Planning and Sustainability
• Forestry
• Wildlife and Fisheries

Division of Medical Sciences Programs

UBC programs delivered in partnership with UNBC through the Division of Medical Sciences:

• UBC Northern Medical Program (NMP)
• UBC Master of Physical Therapy – North
• UBC Master of Occupational Therapy – North

Students are encouraged to browse the extensive range of study programs currently available at UNBC.

Innovative learners from all over the world are welcome to apply to UNBC. Undergraduate students have three start date options:

• Fall term, September
• Winter term, January
• Spring term, May

Graduate students usually begin in the fall term, though it is often possible to start at different points of the year.

Academic criteria

Each program has its own specific admissions requirements, which can be found on the UNBC website.

As a general guide, undergraduate international students need an accepted secondary or post-secondary education equivalent to high school in British Columbia, or a General Certificate of Education, equivalent to:

• Two A-Levels, minimum grade C
• Three GCSEs, minimum grade C / grade 4

International postgraduate students must hold the equivalent of an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, in a related subject.

English language criteria

International students also must satisfy the English language criteria, as this is UNBC's primary language of communication. Proficiency can be proved through one of the following language test scores, or equivalent:

• TOEFL: overall score of 90, with at least 20 in each band
• IELTS: overall score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each band
• Duolingo English Test score of 105 or higher
• A final grade of 75 percent (B) or higher in a university-transferable English course

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.

Entrance and general awards

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).

In-course undergraduate awards

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 financial aid office.

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.

NBNP (Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program)

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.

New PhD programs

UNBC's PhD in Engineering and PHD in Biochemistry are in the process of being introduced, expected to be in place for the September 2025 intake.

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.

UNBC hosts career fairs that allow students to connect with hiring employers. These events help students to:

• Explore work opportunities
• Understand the hiring processes
• Network with potential employers
• Strategize with a career plan

Co-operative program

UNBC's 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.

"The co-op program was there every step of the way to answer any concerns or doubts I had. The feeling of ‘wow, okay, I'm not just a student, and I actually have valuable knowledge and experience' is probably the thing I am most thankful for from participating in the program."

– Cameron Spooner, ENSc.