The University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan is situated in Kelowna, British Columbia, a city of 222,000 people and Canada’s fastest growing metropolitan area. The campus is one hour from two world-class ski resorts and four and a half hours from Vancouver by vehicle. UBC consistently ranks as one of the world’s top research universities. UBC Okanagan combines the resources and reputation of one of the world’s top universities with a young and dynamic campus.
Why study at UBC Okanagan?
Lower tuition costs compared to many US institutions
Favourable USD – CAD exchange rate
High quality of life with access to Canada’s healthcare system
Post-graduation work permit opportunities
Stunning campus situated in nature
Kelowna is a four-season playground
How to Apply
US applicants who are ready to apply can do so now.
Please note: before beginning your application, you will need to create a Campus Wide Login (CWL) if you don’t already have one.
Undergraduate Programs
Until June 1, UBC Okanagan’s Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is accepting undergraduate applications from US citizens to be considered for September 2025 or January 2026 entry.
For full details on all programs, see the Academic Calendar.
Anthropology (major, minor)
Bachelor of Nsyilxcn Language Fluency (major)
Bachelor of NłeɁkepmx Language Fluency (major)
Bachelor of St’át’imc Language Fluency Degree (major)
Computer Science (major, minor)
Economics (major, minor)
Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies (major, minor)
Geography (major, minor)
History (major, minor)
Indigenous Studies (major, minor)
International Relations (major only)
Mathematics (major, minor)
Political Science (major, minor)
Philosophy (major, minor)
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (major only)
Psychology (major, minor)
Sociology (major, minor)
OUR FACULTY
Welcome to the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences where we bring together a diverse and unique community of research and learning that integrates the humanities and social sciences. Come learn with us!
OUR International Students
In the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, students are provided with a transformative experience and have the opportunity to work with dynamic faculty members to help drive economic, social and cultural change.
Meet Marina Selber Cekannauskas
For Marina Selber Cekannauskas, the idea of studying abroad was always an intriguing one, and her journey from Brazil to Canada is a testament to her drive to explore new horizons and pursue a path less traveled. Born in Campinas, Brazil, Marina attended Etapa, a high school renowned for its educational rigor, and as such Marina’s early academic experiences were shaped by a system focused on preparing students for standardized exams. Despite this structured environment, Marina developed a keen interest in languages, particularly English, which she saw as a gateway to broader opportunities beyond Brazil’s borders.
Meet James Magok Achuli
“I’m one of those people who looks for opportunities in the darkest moments,” says undergraduate student James Magok Achuli, a refugee and former child soldier from South Sudan. “I think in the middle of adversity you have to surround yourself with positivity. It could be surrounding yourself with the right people, and if you’re like me—someone who went through the horrors of war—then you have to be hopeful. But also like me, you have to endlessly fight for your goals, because it’s really important.”
Discover the Okanagan
A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards, orchards and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan is an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.
UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people— the fourth fastest-growing population in Canada.
Tuition and Study Permits
Tuition
Tuition can vary based on the program and degree option selected, but is often considerably lower than comparable programs in the US. UBC purposefully invests into research by keeping tuition rates low to attract the best students to its campuses. View the 2025/26 Academic Calendar for more information on undergraduate and graduate tuition fees.
Obtaining a Study Permit
US citizens can obtain a Canadian study permit by following the steps below. Applications are typically processed within 5-7 weeks.
- Accept your admission offer from a designated institution, such as UBC
- Apply online* with required documents (passport, PAL, proof of funds)
- Pay the application fee
- Present the approval letter at the border/airport to receive your study permit
*Note: most US citizens can also apply in person for a study permit at major border crossings/airports.
Learn more about how to obtain a study permit from the International Student Advising Office.
Explore UBC Okanagan’s campus
Enjoy the sun in the courtyard, grab a bite at one of the cafes or break a sweat at the gym. UBCO has everything you need to amplify and encourage your studies.
We respectfully acknowledge the Syilx Okanagan Nation and their peoples, in whose traditional, ancestral, unceded territory UBC Okanagan is situated.
Questions? We’re here to help!
Undergraduate student Inquiries
Donna Senese
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Students
donna.senese@ubc.ca