The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a very good university with an academic reputation of excellence. UBC is consistently ranked among the top 40 universities globally.

There are two types of students who will benefit most from IGSPP:

• Students who are thinking about going to graduate school at a North American university but who are not very confident about how or where to apply, and want to develop skills that will be helpful when researching and applying to UBC or other North American graduate schools.
• Students who are generally well-qualified candidates for graduate school and have applied on their own and had their applications rejected.

In some ways, IGSPP students are like academic athletes, they understand the value of training now in order to achieve a future goal.

In short, we are looking for good students from good schools with strong English language fluency. We only consider applicants with a strong potential to be admitted to graduate school. You must prepare an IGSPP application (to tell us about your general background) and send us your university transcripts (to review your academic preparation). You must also have strong English language skills and, if available, provide any relevant test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL or TOEIC). View the IGSPP English language requirements for details.

On average, 73% of students who have completed IGSPP reach the next step in their academic plans. Approximately 40% move on to graduate studies. Others are completing qualifying studies (undergraduate, technical, professional, etc.) in order to satisfy admission requirements for the graduate program they plan to pursue later.

IGSPP students spend approximately 24 hours each week in structured activities in the classroom and the community. The remaining time is spent in directed independent study to complete assignments, readings and research, as well as self-directed community exploration to pursue individual interests while practising communication skills. View IGSPP curriculum for details.

IGSPP instructors are professionals with intercultural training, graduate degrees and extensive experience in adult education for international students. They generally have experience living, studying and working outside of their home culture and understand the challenges international students face. They have also experienced learning a second or third language, and have gained insight into what is required to succeed in graduate school while pursuing their own advanced degrees.

For direct admission, students need advanced English language fluency: IELTS 6.5 (no sub-component below 6.0) or equivalent. For those who do not yet meet this requirement, options are available for English language training (minimum of IELTS 5.0 required).

Current tuition and fees start at $10,500 CAD for Canadian students and $12,500 CAD for international students. Tuition and fees may rise depending on options selected and citizenship (prices are subject to change). Air travel, accommodation, medical insurance, food and personal expenses are not included. View IGSPP dates and fees for details.

Every IGSPP student should budget $300 CAD for textbooks and supplies in addition to the program tuition fee.

Completion of IGSPP does not guarantee admission to graduate programs at the University of British Columbia (UBC) or any other post-secondary institution. Admission to these programs is controlled by the individual institution’s policies and admission standards.

IGSPP is designed to develop the following skills that will be helpful when researching and applying to UBC or other North American graduate schools:

• Understanding the range of programs available.
• Matching skills, interests and academic background to appropriate programs.
• Handling the complex process of applying.

For example, during your time at UBC, IGSPP students have had opportunities to meet with professors, program staff and graduate students from UBC and other institutions. In the past this has included Simon Fraser University, Memorial University and the University of Queensland. Students have used these opportunities to learn more about programs of interest as well as programs they may not have considered previously.

IGSPP also develops critical thinking skills so students can better demonstrate their abilities and passion for their chosen disciplines during interviews and in written correspondence. IGSPP students learn how the typical requirements of admission (applications, transcripts, references, language and other admission test scores, etc.) vary from university to university, and gain a deeper understanding of the role culture plays in effectively communicating application information, such as personal statements of interest in an academic program.

We recommend living with a local family as part of a homestay situation, which offers you companionship with a local family and opportunities to practise your language skills and develop your understanding of Canadian culture.

Homestay can also be the most economical option. The typical cost ranges from $800 to $1,100 CAD per month (including three meals per day). Homestay is usually arranged by homestay agents, who charge an additional "settlement fee" of approximately $200 to $350 CAD per client. Homestay arranged by UBC is available upon request.

Another option is to rent a room or apartment. Rental fees in Vancouver usually range from $1,000 to $1,500 CAD for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the location and facilities provided. Sharing an apartment will typically cost less.

Yes, medical insurance from an approved insurance provider – IMED or the provincial government’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) – is required during your time in Canada. The cost for insurance (approximately $200 for four months) is not included in your program fees. UBC Continuing Studies will arrange these details with you before you start the IGSPP.

Personal expenses such as clothing, household goods, personal toiletries and supplies, recreation and entertainment, etc. can be estimated at approximately $600 per month. If you do not live in a homestay situation, food costs are approximately $300 per month. These are only estimates and your personal experience may vary. You may also find our IGSPP Pre-Departure Handbook (see Handbooks section) helpful with expense information.

This may be possible but it depends on several factors (citizenship, length of program, degree or non-degree study). We will be pleased to discuss this with you if contact us.

Yes, we can arrange to meet you at the airport if you provide us with your flight number and arrival time. This service costs $150. Alternatively, you may hire a taxi, take a bus, or ask if your agent can arrange pickup for you. The distance between the airport and the central business district of Vancouver is about 20 km and a taxi ride will be approximately $32 with a tip for service.

The four seasons are generally much milder in Vancouver than other North American cities. We experience some snow in winter, but usually very little. Rain and cold temperatures (around -5 to 10 °C) are typical from December to March. In April it begins to be warmer and drier, and some flowers even start blooming in February. Summers are warm without getting too hot or humid (around 23 - 30 °C). Fall is generally wet, but mild.

IGSPP-Regular Stream is UBC certificate program and all participants who successfully complete the program will receive a graduation certificate. Transcripts and letters of reference from UBC Continuing Studies are also provided for all IGSPP graduates applying to graduate study programs.

For admission to graduate study at the top universities (like UBC) you will need to have very strong undergraduate grades from a respected university. If your undergraduate grades are less strong and your home university is not one of the top in your country, graduate study is still possible, but probably not at UBC or another top university. However, don't be discouraged, as the quality of education at all universities in Canada is good and you can pursue admission to graduate programs at many other universities in Canada and elsewhere in North America.

Qualifying study is sometimes required after IGSPP when you need to show your chosen university that you can perform well academically at a North America university. This is especially common when the focus of your studies in graduate school is different from your undergraduate major. For some students this might mean taking one or two courses, and for other students this might mean completing a second undergraduate degree over two years. For many students it is just one more step in reaching their academic goals.

As admission to graduate programs is controlled by individual institution’s policies and admission standards, it is the decision of each institution whether your work in IGSPP will compensate for average undergraduate results.

Academic eligibility often takes into account a number of factors. Although undergraduate grades are often the most important consideration, there are other elements that may influence successful admission. Typically, graduate institutions look at ALL post-secondary performance and evaluate applications based on a range of factors, including experience, publications, extra-curricular activities, awards, etc. The transcripts and reference letters you gain on completion of the IGSPP provide a recent example of how you can perform in a Canadian academic institution.

You may also want to consider some of the many other programs offered by UBC Continuing Studies. For example, you could do a business and work internship through the Global Academics Internship Program (GAIP). A program mentor will be pleased to guide you.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) are not required for admission to IGSPP.

However, the GRE is often required for admission to many graduate study programs in North America, the GMAT is often required for business-related graduate study programs, and the LSAT is required for legal studies. The need for these tests varies by graduate program and university.

You can prepare for any of these three tests through UBC Continuing Studies Test Preparation Programs. As an IGSPP student, you are eligible for a 10% discount on these programs.

IGSPP-Credit Stream students who are Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents pay lower tuition. All IGSPP-Regular Stream students pay the same tuition and fees.