CANADA Education Report

Consistently ranked as one of Canada’s top two universities and in the top forty research universities worldwide, the University of British Columbia (UBC) is a comprehensive undergraduate, graduate, and professional institution offering hundreds of academic programs across 17 faculties in Vancouver and Kelowna.

 

UBC is a recognized leader in research, diversity, and innovative programming, and it comes as no surprise that it has attracted over 10,000 international students from 151 countries – about 17% of the student body. The school also has the largest pool of dedicated financial aid funds for international undergraduates in Canada.

 

By offering supportive programs such as an intensive English Language Institute (ELI UBC) on campus and with degree programs that emphasize applied learning, UBC prepares international students for successful futures. Opportunities for a rich student experience include internships, international exchange study, and co-op programs for work in the chosen field of study. Building practical skills provides a strong foundation for graduating students who are eligible to work for up to three years in Canada.

 

“Students find they can apply what they have learned at the University of British Columbia and take it into the work place,” said Executive Director of UBC’s International Student Initiative, Karen McKellin. “They gain work experience here before returning home to Brazil or any other part of the world where they are able to deploy those skills, qualifications, and experiences.”

 

Over 200 undergraduate and 50 graduate Brazilian students are enrolled at UBC, and the university maintains a dedicated representative in São Paulo to communicate with prospective applicants and to liaise with alumni.

 

“The representative is there to host regular events and to visit schools and universities. We also have a website and a blog in Portuguese, speaking to our dedication of representation to the Brazilian market,” explained UBC Regional Recruitment Director, Aaron Andersen.

 

Brazilian students are invited to apply for undergraduate programs at UBC offered in virtually every academic discipline, and which include a new Bachelor of International Economics program, launched in conjunction with the Sauder School of Business, and a Bachelor of Media Studies in the Faculty of Arts. At the graduate level, the university is excited to announce a new nine-month Master of Management program. Science without Borders students wishing to participate in short-term research are welcomed through the Visiting International Research Students (VIRS) program.

 

UBC’s new Vantage College provides a unique, supportive academic and residential environment for incoming four-year international students who meet UBC’s demanding academic criteria but who need additional support in strengthening English language skills. The school also runs an international-only scholarship fund in order to support international students from all economic backgrounds.