International Undergraduate Study Preparation Program
Build a Strong Foundation for Academic SuccessMany undergraduate students from around the world aspire to study in North American universities. However, even some top students struggle to perform well in a new academic setting that is far away from family and friends, and where their studies are in English. Without the proper academic and cultural skills, how do they choose appropriate courses, learn the dangers of plagiarism and the rules of citation, understand how majors are selected and changed, manage their time to include volunteer, athletic and club activities, and know when, where and how to apply for admission?
The International Undergraduate Study Preparation Program (IUSPP) helps students prepare their university applications and gives them individual guidance on how to succeed in their undergraduate work. The program’s combination of academic and skills-based training is ideal for students who would like to ready themselves for the academic and cultural demands of studying in an international setting.
Open sections below to view program information or contact program staff at +1.604.827.5414 or email.
IUSPP offers students the opportunity to:
- learn from University of British Columbia (UBC) instructors
- participate in real undergraduate courses alongside Canadian and other international students at UBC
- benefit from individual mentorship that supports academic, cultural and personal development
- receive guidance on time management and course loads for peak performance
- develop critical thinking, teamwork and networking skills
- build effective communication skills
- gather reference letters in support of undergraduate admission
- access advanced academic English language training (if needed)
- gain access to UBC facilities, including libraries, athletics and recreation facilities, as well as a public transportation pass for the duration of the credit term of studies.
Please note that completion of IUSPP does not guarantee admission to undergraduate programs at UBC or any other post-secondary institution. Admission to these programs is controlled by individual institutions' policies and admission standards.
IUSPP is a busy, full-time program of both credit and non-credit study that offers:
- six credits of UBC undergraduate courses through UBC Access Studies (selected from over 70 course choices) in the Faculties of Arts (including the School of Music), Science (Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences only), Forestry, and Land and Food Systems
- up to 30 hours of individual mentorship per term, including assistance with undergraduate applications to UBC or other universities
- English language course options if needed (for which successful completion fulfills UBC's English language requirement)
- a comprehensive university writing course, or options for pre-calculus or differential calculus
- academic and intercultural communication skills development.
Successful completion of the English language training course option fulfills UBC's English language admission requirement, but does not guarantee admission to undergraduate programs at UBC or any other post-secondary institution. Admission to these programs is controlled by individual institutions’ admission standards and policies. In some cases, UBC credit courses completed as part of IUSPP may be eligible for recognition toward a degree program at UBC or other North American universities.
Program Start Dates
IUSPP requires four months of full-time study each term. Students admissible directly to the credit term typically complete IUSPP in a single term. Students with lower English language fluency are required to complete one or more terms of non-credit training before they advance to the credit term. Therefore, the total duration of the program is different for each student depending on their starting level of English and individual progress.
Students are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for the Canadian embassy or consulate to process their Study Permit (Visa). Students who are delayed in applying or receiving their Study Permit (Visa) may defer to the next available program in the schedule.
UBC Continuing Studies reserves the right to make changes to the schedule, program and program policies without notice, and to re-schedule and change parts of the program due to insufficient registration or other reasons.
| IUSPP Program Start Dates | Credit Term Students | Non-Credit Term Students |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2012 | April 30, 2012 | May 4, 2012 |
| Fall 2012 | August 27, 2012 | August 31, 2012 |
| Winter 2013 | January 2, 2013 | January 4, 2013 |
| Summer 2013 | May 1, 2013 | May 3, 2013 |
| Fall 2013 | August 26, 2013 | August 30, 2013 |
Expected Completion Timeline
The following table is a general guideline and individual student performance will vary. The actual length of non-credit terms, which include language and academic skills training, depend on a student’s initial placement test at the UBC Continuing Studies English Language Institute upon arrival and progress in each term.
| Current English Language Fluency | Approximate Number of Terms of Non-Credit Study | Number of Terms of Credit Study | Expected Timeline for Completion |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS 6.5 with no sub-component less than 6.0 or TOEFL 90 (Reading: 22, Listening: 22, Writing: 21, Speaking: 21) |
None | 1 term (4 months) |
1 term (4 months) |
| IELTS 6.5 but some sub-component requirements below 6.0 or TOEFL 90 but some sub-component requirements not met |
1 term (4 months) |
1 term (4 months) |
2 terms (8 months) |
| IELTS 5.5 or 6.0 or TOEFL 70-89 or GaoKao English 120/150 |
2 terms (8 months) |
1 term (4 months) |
3 terms (12 months) |
| IELTS 5.0* (no sub-component below 4.5) or TOEFL 65-69 or CPT 70** |
3 terms (12 months) |
1 term (4 months) |
4 terms (16 months) |
*IUSPP advises student with lower English fluency (approximately IELTS 5.0) to upgrade before applying to the program. In addition, IUSPP will only consider such students if their academic scores (GPAs) are stronger than our minimum requirements.
**CPT scores are acceptable for IUSPP admission but not for degree program study. Therefore, students should be aware that they will eventually need to obtain IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent exam scores to proceed with their academic plans.
Program Fees
Fees are listed in Canadian dollars (CAD) and include all elements of the IUSPP curriculum (as described under the Curriculum heading above), as well as:
- program orientation
- access to UBC facilities, including libraries, sports and recreation facilities, etc.
- transit pass (U-pass) for the duration of credit studies
- reference letters in support of undergraduate admission when requested.
Fees do not include accommodation, airfare, local transportation, medical insurance, optional socio-cultural activities, textbooks, and other personal expenses.
| Due Date | One Credit Term Only | One Credit Term & One Non-Credit Term | One Credit Term & Two Non-Credit Terms | One Credit Term & Three Non-Credit Terms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | Due with application | $200 CAD | $200 CAD | $200 CAD | $200 CAD |
| Program Deposit | Due upon acceptance into the program | $7,000 CAD | $7,600 CAD* | $7,600 CAD* | $7,600 CAD* |
| Balance of Tuition | Due 30 days before the program start date | $5,500 CAD | $14,900 CAD | $24,900 CAD | $34,900 CAD |
| Total Tuition | $12,500 CAD | $22,500 CAD | $32,500 CAD | $42,500 CAD |
Fees subject to change.
*Includes $600 deposit for English lanugage training (where applicable).
| Due Date | One Credit Term Only | One Credit Term & One Non-Credit Term | One Credit Term & Two Non-Credit Terms | One Credit Term & Three Non-Credit Terms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | Due with application | $200 CAD | $200 CAD | $200 CAD | $200 CAD |
| Program Deposit | Due upon acceptance into the program | $7,000 CAD | $7,600 CAD* | $7,600 CAD* | $7,600 CAD* |
| Balance of Tuition | Due 30 days before the program start date | $1,500 CAD | $10,900 CAD | $20,900 CAD | $30,900 CAD |
| Total Tuition | $8,500 CAD | $18,500 CAD | $28,500 CAD | $38,500 CAD |
Fees subject to change.
*Includes $600 deposit for English lanugage training (where applicable).
Our instructors are professionals with extensive experience in adult education for international students.
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Pre-Departure Handbook
We have created a pre-departure handbook to provide you with important information and advice on how you can prepare for IUSPP, and about living and studying in Canada. We strongly recommend that you read it carefully before leaving your home country. Download the IUSPP Pre-Departure Handbook.
Program Handbook
We strongly recommend that you download and review the program details and expectations outlined in the IUSPP Program Handbook.
Applicants should download and read the program handbook (see Handbooks section) before applying.
For information on the application process and policies, view details on Program Application.
