University of British Columbia for Kenyan Students
Entry Requirements by Level
Academic Requirements
Direct entry available. UBC uses a comprehensive review — grades alone don't guarantee admission. Personal profile/essays matter significantly.
English Language
IELTS: 6.5+ overall, 6+ per component. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: CA$42,000–CA$55,000. Application deadline: January 15.
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: —/5.0. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required. Research-based Masters at UBC are notably affordable (CAD $5,500–$9,000/yr) and often include a stipend. Coursework Masters are more expensive.
English Language
IELTS: 6.5+ overall, 6+ per component. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: CA$5,500–CA$25,000. Application deadline: Varies — typically October–March per department. Decision time: 8–16 weeks.
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: —/5.0 (First Class). Master's degree required (or Bachelor's with First Class Honours for some programmes). Fully funded positions available. Most PhD students receive full funding. Vanier Scholarship available.
Specific Requirements
Research proposal required. Identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying. References from two academic supervisors.
Deadline
October–December for September entry
Documents Required
Available Scholarships
International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
by University of British Columbia · Undergraduate
Learn more →Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
by Government of Canada · Phd
Learn more →Frequently Asked Questions
Does UBC accept Kenyan KCSE?
Yes — Kenyan KCSE is directly accepted. You need a mean grade of C+ or above including English and Maths. For competitive programmes like Engineering or Commerce, aim for B+ or higher in relevant subjects. No Foundation Year required.
Is UBC or University of Toronto better for Kenyan students?
Both are excellent. UBC is slightly lower-ranked (#38 vs #25) but located in Vancouver — consistently rated one of the world's most liveable cities. UBC's tuition is slightly lower. U of T has the Pearson Scholarship; UBC has the IMES. Your programme choice matters more than the ranking gap.
Is research Masters at UBC affordable?
Yes — research-based Masters at UBC cost only CAD $5,500–$9,000 per year (vs. $42,000+ for undergraduate). Many research students also receive a supervisor stipend of CAD $15,000–20,000/year.
Tips for Applying to UBC
UBC is Canada's second-highest-ranked university and Kenyan KCSE is directly accepted — no Foundation Year needed. Vancouver is an extraordinary place to study and live. The International Major Entrance Scholarship (up to CAD $40,000 total) is automatically considered for strong applicants. Research Masters programmes are particularly affordable and often funded. The 3-year post-study work permit opens strong pathways to Canadian PR.
Official source: University of British Columbia ↗Plan Your Canada Student Visa
Check visa requirements, documents and costs for Kenyan passport holders applying to Canada.
Cost of Living in Vancouver
Vancouver is expensive. On-campus or shared housing in Point Grey area.
U-Pass included in student fees — unlimited transit access.