We invite you to apply to UBC to be part of an incredible community of problem-solvers and innovators. Even as undergraduates, our students are making a difference in the world – through their involvement in student engineering design teams, contributions as co-op students and innovative capstone projects.
We'd love for you to join us. Here are the steps involved in applying to UBC to study engineering as an undergraduate student.
Step 1: Find out if you meet our admission requirements
If you want to study engineering at UBC, you will be applying to the Bachelor of Applied Science (Engineering) degree. The admission criteria vary and depend on factors that include:
- If you attended high school in Canada or internationally.
- Whether you want to study at UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan.
- If you self-identify as an Aboriginal person.
- If you are transferring from one of our Engineering Transfer Programs.
- If you are transferring from another UBC Faculty or post-secondary institution.
Check if you meet our admission requirements:
- Read What courses do you need to get into engineering? to learn about some of the high school credits we’re looking for.
- Head to UBC Admissions for details on courses you need to have completed, general grade point averages, English language requirements and more.
What to do if you don’t meet our admissions requirements
If you don’t meet our admission requirements and you would still like to study engineering at UBC, you can pursue a few options. Depending on your circumstances, these could include:
- Applying to our Engineering Transfer Program and completing first year at one of nine partner universities and colleges.
- Upgrading your high school courses to get the credits you need in Physics, Chemistry, Math or English.
- Applying to Vantage One Bachelor of Applied Science if you don’t meet the English language competency requirement.
Next steps if you meet our admission requirements
If you think you meet our admission requirements, great! Check out the steps below to learn what’s involved in applying to UBC.
Step 2: Familiarize yourself with the application process
UBC has a centralized application process. That means that no matter what Faculty you are applying to, you will submit your application to UBC Admissions.
You can find all the information you need to know about applying to UBC on the UBC Undergraduate Programs and Admissions application instructions page.
Here are a few things to keep in mind about the application process:
- Applications will open in October of the fall before you wish to begin at UBC.
- You can start the application before the deadline. Simply save your application while it is in process and return to it later.
- You will be asked to submit transcripts and other documents after you submit your application, so you do not need to have final grades for your current courses.
As part of your application, you will be asked to:
- Answer a series of questions about yourself and list your top two choices for what degree you want to study and where you want to study (UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan). If you definitely want to pursue engineering, you should indicate Bachelor of Applied Science (Engineering) for both options and then either UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan as your first choice (with the other campus being your second choice).
- Submit a personal profile, which requires short essay responses.
- Share the names of two references.
- Pay a non-refundable application fee
- After you have submitted your application, UBC will email you to let you know how and when to submit your documents. Be sure to do this before your specific deadlines . These required documents vary depending on where you are applying from and other factors. The required documents could include:
- High school transcripts
- International Baccalaureate results
- Advanced Placement exam results
- Proof of English language competency
- Post-secondary transcripts
These details are explained step by step on the UBC Undergraduate Programs and Admissions application instructions.
Learn more about UBC Engineering
You likely have some questions about UBC Engineering. A great way to learn more is to sign up for our annual open houses or one of our many events. These events cover a wide range of topics, from learning more about what engineering is all about to insider admissions tips!
Step 3: Keep track of deadlines and submit your application
The online application portal for UBC for the Winter Session (September to April) opens in early October. Remember that you can start your application and save it while it is still in process. Just make sure you submit before the deadline!
Application Deadlines
The deadline to apply for September entry is January 15. However, you need to apply earlier if you want to be considered for scholarships and awards or for first-round offers of admission.
Early October: Online application open
November 15: Award application deadline for international applicants who want to be considered for the UBC International Scholars Program awards.
December 1 application deadline for:
- International applicants up for a UBC International Scholars Program award
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents to be considered for the Presidential Scholars Awards and UBC Centennial Scholars Entrance Awards.
- High school students studying a Canadian curriculum who want to be considered for a first-round offer of admission.
- Canadian post-secondary applicants who want to be considered on the basis of interim transcripts.
January 15: Application deadline.
You can find all the important dates on admissions deadlines at Dates and deadlines.
Document deadlines
After you’ve submitted your application, UBC Admissions will email you to let you know which documents you are required to submit and when. The documents required will vary depending on your level of studies, location and program.
- Review the Dates and deadlines page for the important dates to keep in mind.
- Select the category that best describes your education background to learn how to submit your documents.
Step 4: Learn about tuition and scholarships
Your tuition fees will depend on whether you are a Canadian student or international applicant, as well as how many courses you are taking:
- Find out more about tuition fees
- Estimate your total fees with the cost calculator
Want to learn about scholarship and funding opportunities? Learn more about:
Remember that you will need to submit your application ahead of the December 1, deadline for admission to the upcoming school year if you want to be considered for certain scholarships.
As a student, you can also earn while you learn by:
- Participating in Applied Science Co-op, where you will benefit from paid, relevant work experiences with leading employers.
- Pursuing other work experience opportunities, including Work Learn and undergraduate research.
Apply Now
A UBC Engineering degree is an investment in your future. Unlike other professional degrees, you can start working in your field immediately after you finish your undergraduate education without having to complete additional post-secondary studies. Find out why engineering might be the most versatile undergraduate degree and how UBC Engineering sets you up for success.
