Program decision · University of British Columbia
Compare the pathway, not only the name
- 1ExploreDegrees, campuses, faculties
- 2QualifyEntry and progression rules
- 3CompareCurriculum, delivery, experience
- 4ShortlistFit, flexibility, alternatives
University of British Columbia Programs & Pathways
Vancouver, British Columbia
Program strengths and how to compare pathways. This focused guide keeps the detailed tables, official sources, and practical next steps in one manageable reading path.
Reviewed August 13, 2026 · Information checked against official university sources · How we review guides
Programs and Pathways
Choose the degree route before the specialization
UBC's application asks for a first and second degree choice, and those choices may span Vancouver and Okanagan. Many specializations are selected after first year, so “I want Computer Science” or “I want Civil Engineering” is not always the same as the high-school application choice.
| Degree or program route | What a high-school applicant needs to know |
|---|---|
| Arts | Apply to the BA degree at Vancouver or Okanagan. Arts has no extra degree-specific high-school course beyond UBC's general requirements, but UBC still evaluates relevant Grade 11 and 12 academics and the personal profile. |
| Science | Apply to the BSc degree, then compete for a specialization such as Computer Science after university study. Use UBC's live Ontario checker for the required senior mathematics and science pattern. |
| Applied Science (Engineering) | Apply to Applied Science rather than directly to a Vancouver engineering discipline. Confirm the Ontario senior English, mathematics, chemistry, and physics equivalents in UBC's live requirement tool. |
| Commerce (UBC Sauder) | Apply directly to the BCom. Senior mathematics is part of the degree-specific pattern, and Vancouver Commerce adds a video interview within the personal profile. |
| Computer Science | Most first-year applicants enter Arts or Science and later apply for a Computer Science specialization. The Bachelor of Computer Science is a separate second-degree route with its own supplemental application. |
| Nursing | UBC Okanagan Nursing accepts high-school applicants and requires the personal profile. UBC Vancouver Nursing is an advanced-entry route requiring prior transferable university credits and additional materials. |
| Design, Music, and Fine Arts | These routes may replace or supplement the general personal profile with a portfolio, audition, or program-specific materials. Follow the requirement attached to the exact campus and degree choice. |
Current structure
Two degree choices per application
The application takes a first-choice and second-choice degree that can span the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses; requirements and supplements attach to the exact campus and degree.
UBC Undergraduate Admissions: Complete the UBC application: fees and degree choices · Verified August 13, 2026
Official Sources and Next Steps
Stellar keeps this guide structured for comparison, but official university pages remain the source of truth for program requirements, tuition, residence, scholarships, deadlines, and policy changes.
Prepared by Stellar Advisers Editorial Team · Reviewed August 13, 2026 · Editorial, corrections, and source methodology