Academic values

The University of British Columbia 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.

One of Canada's top universities

Our vision is to prepare students to become exceptional global citizens, promote the values of a civil and sustainable society, and conduct outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world.

Our entrepreneurial perspective encourages students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning.

We offer our more than 71,000 undergraduate and graduate students an unrivalled choice of degree programs at our two campuses and affiliated teaching hospitals. We provide a wide range of choices for learners at all stages of their careers, and our commitment to student engagement and success has made us a leader in applying learning research to improve teaching practice.

Global reach and impact

We attract more than $747-million in research funding each year, and are recognized as North America’s most international university.

Our researchers are constantly advancing new knowledge — leading to countless new products, treatments and services. Our faculty are internationally recognized; UBC students can learn from Nobel Laureates, Canada Excellence Research Chairs and 3M National Teaching Fellows.

With over 20,000 employees and a budget in excess of $3.8 billion, UBC is one of the largest employers in B.C., and is a complex, dynamic and constantly evolving institution.

The values that guide us

Academic freedom

The freedom to research, teach and study without constraint is the backbone of any university. We protect and promote an open environment in which to explore, question, discover and share knowledge.

Scholarly excellence

We foster excellence by recruiting and retaining the highest calibre of students and faculty, supporting innovative research, and creating a world-class student experience.
 

Equity + inclusion

By building community in diversity, we engage a full range perspectives. We recruit and support outstanding students and faculty from around the world, and advance educational opportunities with and for Indigenous people.
 

Resource responsibility

We see our entire campus as a living laboratory in which to learn about the environmental, economic and societal aspects of sustainability. We align our budget with our academic strategy to deliver top-tier education and world-changing research well into the future.

Transparency + accountability

UBC is a publicly supported university with responsibilities to many stakeholders. Open decision-making processes ensure we are accountable to all who have an investment here.

Leadership + development

Our community of scholars and students makes UBC an inspirational place of learning and discovery. We work closely with the deans to foster and reward excellence across our faculties.

Excellence by the numbers

International Player
 

North America's most international university, 2022 Times Higher Education international rankings


$747.3 million a year in research funding


#41 in the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings


#2 University in Canada, 2024 Times Higher Education University Rankings


1st Canadian university to achieve Kyoto protocols

Outstanding Faculty & Students
 

200 Canada Research Chairs


1 of 6 Killam research institutes


8 Nobel laureates


23 3M National Teaching fellows


323 Royal Society of Canada fellows


75 Rhodes scholars

Innovative Teaching
 

91% student satisfaction with education, 2021 Baccalaureate Graduates Survey


150 courses transformed through flexible learning


17 MOOCs offered at UBC


7,705 co-op work terms placed in the 2022/23 academic year


19,601 international students from 160+ countries


829 sustainability related courses

* as of September 2024 unless otherwise noted


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