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.

Any student who is unfamiliar with the academic culture of North American universities will benefit from the training and preparation available in IUSPP. This includes the development of original and critical thinking skills. Students will also benefit from a better understanding of sensitive issues related to academic integrity (citation, plagiarism, cheating, etc.) from a North American point of view.

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 for undergraduate study. You must prepare an IUSPP application (to tell us about your general background) and send us your transcripts (to review your academic performance). You must also have strong English language skills and, if available, provide any relevant test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL). View the IUSPP academic requirements for more details.

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 the individual institution’s policies and admission standards. As part of the program, we will assist you with your university applications and guide you on when, where and how to apply.

All of the graduates from our first program have been offered admission to UBC undergraduate programs.

Every international student planning on undergraduate study requires advanced English language skills. IUSPP students must show proof of these skills (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) before they can be admitted to the credit term of the program. For students with IELTS 5.0-6.5, there are options available to upgrade their English skills at an extra cost.

Current tuition and fees start at $8,500 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 IUSPP dates and fees for details.

Yes. You should budget approximately $300 CAD for textbooks and supplies in addition to the program tuition fee. However this amount varies according to the credit courses you select and the cost of the textbooks assigned by the professors.

We recommend living with a local family as part of a homestay situation, which offers you companionship with a local family and opportunities to practice 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 per month 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 $60 per month) is not included in your program fees. UBC Continuing Studies will arrange these details with you before you start the IUSPP.

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.

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

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. Summers are warm without getting too hot or humid (around 23 - 30 °C). Fall is generally wet, but mild.

IUSPP students who are Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents pay lower tuition for the credit term. All IUSPP students pay the same tuition and fees for the non-credit term.