UBC strives to create a diverse learning environment that reflects the world beyond the campus.
Diversity of nationality, ethnic identity, sexuality, gender, abilities, socioeconomic status, religion and intellectual approaches stimulates broad thinking, tolerance and open-mindedness. These values are reflected in the UBC Annual Report on Enrolment. Explore the innovative recruitment and student support initiatives we have launched to attract the brightest minds from historically under-represented groups.
Enhancing educational opportunities for Indigenous students
UBC’s Indigenous Strategic Plan outlines how UBC is strengthening programs that support the entry, academic success, social support and well-being of Indigenous students.
Investing in diversity
The UBC Excellence Fund is helping UBC increase enrolment and enrich the experience of outstanding students from diverse backgrounds.
Creating new opportunities for Canadian students
Centennial Scholars Entrance Awards assist Canadian students who are academically qualified and seek to contribute to the UBC community, but would not be able to attend without significant financial assistance.
The Youth in Care Tuition Waiver covers the cost of tuition for eligible students' undergraduate studies. The purpose of this waiver is to reduce the financial cost of post-secondary education for youth who have been in government care and who might not otherwise be able to attend university.
Connecting UBC to the world
As Canada’s most internationally engaged university, UBC prepares our graduates for success in today’s global society. UBC is home to 17,000+ international undergraduate and graduate students who contribute to a global learning environment.
Initiatives include:
ISI manages UBC’s international student recruitment activities, ensuring that we attract students from countries around the world and helping to achieve our international strategy and enrolment goals.
The Vancouver Summer Program is a four-week academic program offered at UBC for international students studying at partner universities. Groups of students take academic courses in various UBC faculties, while learning about Canadian practices and culture.
The 11-month Vantage One programs combine first year coursework with additional academic mentorship and English language resources. These programs support international students in their successful progression into the second year of their chosen UBC degree. A strong financial aid program, with more than 40 awards yearly, helps the college attract students from diverse economic backgrounds. Recruiting priorities are focused on engaging with school systems and countries from which UBC has few students. With more than 25 nationalities represented, Vantage College is making an important contribution to UBC’s diverse campus community.
St. John’s College is a graduate residential college that creates a unique community dedicated to intercultural understanding and engagement. Two-thirds of its students are from outside Canada.
Green College is a unique graduate residential college. It is home to 100 graduate students, postdoctoral scholars and visiting artists and academics invested in interdisciplinary learning. The College strives to achieve diversity in academic discipline, gender, and international representation.