UBC Science admission requirements: Grade 12 courses, the personal profile and choosing a major after first year

UBC asks every applicant to graduate from high school with at least 70% in Grade 11 or Grade 12 English. For the BSc, Ontario students also need ENG4U, Advanced Functions (MHF4U) and one Grade 12 science from Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Calculus and Vectors isn't on UBC's list.

You also need Grade 11 Chemistry (SCH3U) and Physics (SPH3U). UBC may waive Grade 11 Physics if you score 86% or more in senior math and chemistry. UBC recommends six Grade 12 courses but doesn't require them.

IB students need Math Analysis and Approaches (SL or HL) or Applications and Interpretations HL, plus one of IB Biology, Chemistry or Physics. SL Math Applications and Interpretations doesn't meet the math requirement. Plan your courses with our course planner.

UBC's requirements tool doesn't give a grade range for the BSc. UBC says it considers your grades in all academic Grade 11 and Grade 12 courses and pays special attention to courses related to the degree.

Because there's no published number, be careful with averages quoted elsewhere. For what UBC does publish about selectivity, see our UBC acceptance rate page. You can still work out a Top 6 for Ontario schools with our Top 6 average calculator.

High school students applying to almost any UBC degree, including Science, complete a personal profile. Each answer runs 500 to 2,100 characters, about 50 to 500 words. UBC calls the profile a crucial part of the application and uses it to decide fit and entrance scholarships.

The questions ask who you are, what's important to you, up to five activities and more about one or two of them. You list two referees. If you're in high school, one must be a school official, such as a counsellor, teacher or IB coordinator, and neither can be a friend, family member or paid agent. UBC contacts referees after offers go out.

Read our UBC personal profile guide for the prompts and how to plan your answers.

You're admitted to the BSc, not to a major. In the spring after you reach second-year standing, you apply through UBC Science's BSc Specialization Application, which opens in late May. You rank three specializations, and you might be accepted into any of them.

Each specialization has its own first-year course requirements, and you must finish them by the end of your first Winter Session. UBC Science advises applying only to specializations you're eligible for, putting the one you want most first, and not listing three Honours options, since they have the smallest enrolment.

Options include majors in Biology and in Microbiology and Immunology, combined majors such as Computer Science and Biology, and the Combined Major in Science for breadth. For the competitive Computer Science major, read our UBC Computer Science guide.

Every UBC applicant must meet the English Language Admission Standard. Four or more consecutive years of full-time study in English in Canada, right before you start at UBC, meets it. UBC lists nine ways in total, including a 5 or better in IB English A or a 4 or better in AP English.

If you need a test, UBC lists IELTS Academic 6.5 with no part below 6.0, or TOEFL iBT with an overall score of 90. Send your documents by February 15, 2027.

Biology at UBC Vancouver is run by the departments of Botany and Zoology. It's offered as a major or honours, with combined options alongside Computer Science, Chemistry and Oceanography. Honours specializations include Animal, Cell and Development, Conservation, Ecology and Environmental, Evolutionary, Marine and Plant Biology.

UBC says Biology students can add co-op, summer research and internships, with a strong focus on lab and field work. Students also get free entry to the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, which holds more than two million specimens.

Science One is an optional 28-credit first-year program that teaches biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics together. The class is limited to 75 students, and you must be admitted to UBC Science at Vancouver to join.

It includes classes on science literacy and computer programming, mentored research projects and guest speakers. Science One has its own application, so check its site after you apply to UBC.

Co-op is optional. UBC Science Co-op alternates study with paid, supervised work terms in fall, winter and summer, and you apply through the co-op program of your major. Programs include Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Computer Science.

If you don't know your major yet, Science Co-op says to apply under your likely area so a coordinator can advise you. Newly admitted co-op students pay a $288.25 administration and workshop fee.

UBC's approved 2026-27 tuition for Science is $6,200.70 for domestic students, at $206.69 a credit for 30 credits, and $53,082.00 for international students. UBC says recent increases have been 2% a year for continuing domestic students and 3% for continuing international students.

To be considered for UBC's Presidential Scholars Awards, apply by December 1, 2026 and say yes in the awards section. The awards include a one-time award of about $5,000 and renewable awards worth up to $80,000 over four years at Vancouver. UBC evaluates only your first-choice degree.

UBC Science is a two-step path. Your child gets into the BSc first, then competes for a major using first-year UBC marks. Ask which second and third choices they'd be happy with.

Decisions come on a rolling basis from November to June. If an Ontario university needs an answer first, compare both offers before you commit.