The University of British Columbia embraces innovation and transforms ideas into action. Since 1915, UBC has been opening doors of opportunity for people with curiosity, drive and vision to shape a better world.
The Office of Global Engagement leads UBC’s global services, programs, events, and partnerships worldwide through Go Global, Global Partnerships, and regional offices in New Delhi and Hong Kong, while also supporting innovative international initiatives developed by UBC’s academic units.
UBC Global facts + stats
26%
Student population is international
410,000+
UBC alumni living in 145 countries
300+
Global partners in over 50 countries
70,000+
Students across UBC's 2 campuses
UBC campuses
UBC provides clinical education to Faculty of Medicine students at 80+ training sites across British Columbia.
UBC Robson Square, the UBC Learning Exchange, and UBC’s Centre for Digital Media are located in downtown Vancouver.
UBC’s two main campuses are situated in Vancouver and in Kelowna, in the Okanagan Valley.
Programs for Students
Term-based exchange
Studying abroad expands worldviews and fosters cultural understanding. UBC’s Go Global admits 1,000+ incoming exchange students for academic studies each year. Students can attend courses for one or two terms at participating faculties, on either the Vancouver or Okanagan campus.
UBC Vancouver
Website: Coming to UBC on exchange
Contact: go.global@ubc.ca
UBC Okanagan
Website: Study abroad at UBC Okanagan
Contact: goglobal.okanagan@ubc.ca
Visiting International Research Students
The VIRS program is for international students conducting full-time research at UBC under the supervision of one of our UBC faculty members. UBC has welcomed more than 2,500 VIRS students from 650 universities and 85 different countries since 2014.
UBC Vancouver
Website: VIRS program
Contact: go.global@ubc.ca
UBC Okanagan
Website: VIRS program
Contact: virs.okanagan@ubc.ca
Transnational Education Programs
UBC collaborates with international partners to create transnational education programs (TNEs) that offer students opportunities to immerse themselves in diverse academic and cultural settings, develop as global citizens, and gain a competitive edge in their future careers. Current TNE programs are offered in dual degree or transfer program format, covering business, forestry, law, and social sciences.
Contact: global.partnerships@ubc.ca
Vancouver Summer Program
A four-week academic program for international undergraduate students on UBC’s Vancouver campus. It is as much about academics as it is about Canadian social and cultural experiences. Students develop educational pursuits, build friendships, and broaden their perspectives while experiencing one of the world’s top international universities.
Website: Vancouver Summer Program
Contact: vsp.ubc@ubc.ca
Non-Degree Studies for Visiting Students
Non-Degree Studies allows students enrolled in a bachelor degree program at another institution to be admitted to UBC for one academic session. Visiting students can take courses in the faculties of Arts, Science, Forestry, Land & Food Systems, Applied Science and Education.
UBC Vancouver
Website: Non-degree Studies
Contact: non.degree@ubc.ca
UBC Okanagan
Website: Non-degree Studies
Contact: nondegree.ok@ubc.ca
Additional Programs
UBC English Language Institute (ELI)
ELI has over 50 years’ experience offering programs to people who want to study English as a second language, whether for academic, business, or communication purposes. Programs are delivered either online or on campus, and range from 3-8 weeks. ELI also offers customized programs.
Website: eli.ubc.ca
Programs for Professional Development
Capacity building is an integral component of UBC’s academic mission. Drawing on our strengths in research and teaching, we design and deliver tailored initiatives that empower individuals, organizations, and countries to address diverse development needs.
UBC offers professional master’s programs in business, data science, engineering, and public policy, as well as micro-credential programs in areas such as blockchain, digital transformation, food safety, natural resource management, and risk management. In addition, we provide award-winning, customizable executive education programs and professional development programs for teachers at all levels.
Contact: global.partnerships@ubc.ca
Contact Us
UBC Office of Global Engagement (Vancouver)
Website: global.ubc.ca
Contact: global.partnerships@ubc.ca; go.global@ubc.ca
UBC Okanagan Global Engagement Office
Website: global.ok.ubc.ca
Contact: international.ok@ubc.ca