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Frequently Asked Questions - International
Where is UNBC?
- UNBC is located in Prince George. Prince George is a modern city of 80,000 people in British Columbia, Canada. Prince George is less than an
hour's flight away from Vancouver, Edmonton, or Calgary, offering
convenient international access to
the United States, the Pacific Rim, and beyond.
Life in Prince George & Northern BC
What is UNBC's reputation?
- Despite
being one of
Canada’s youngest universities, UNBC
has quickly gained a national and international reputation for excellence. Don’t
take our word for it. Maclean’s magazine has ranked UNBC fourth in
Canada – and best in western
Canada – among 22 small universities for the second year in a row.
In 2005 and 2006, the only universities that ranked higher than UNBC were all more than
150 years old. Among the attributes that receive accolades are the professors,
class sizes, and the high quality of the students attending the University.
There are also provincial and national surveys of university students and
graduates. Again, UNBC consistently ranks at or near the top of the list for
student/alumni satisfaction. Finally, national surveys of research activity have
shown that UNBC is even more research-intensive than some universities that have
medical schools, contributing to UNBC’s reputation across Canada and
around the world. Typically, UNBC ranks either first or second in Canada
for its ability to publish research findings. Students are often directly
involved with research, helping to contribute to new discoveries.
Is it very cold in Prince George?
- Prince George is a great place to enjoy all four seasons - winter, spring, summer, and fall - with plenty of nice warm weather. A common misconception about Canada is that it is year-round cold and snow. Actually, winter is only about four months long. Prince George is one of the sunniest cities in Canada, with hot summer days up to +30°C!
- When winter does come, it is cold out and there is snow, but life goes on as usual. Buildings have central heating and the city keeps the roads plowed and sidewalks clear. Plus, there are lots of fun things to do that you can’t do any other time of year, like go skating, skiing, and tobogganing!
Life in Prince George & Northern BC - Play
How is the public transportation in Prince George?
- Prince George has a modern and efficient public transportation system. There is a major transit station on campus, giving you easy access to the rest of the city.
Prince George Transit
Is it safe to go out at night?
- Prince George is a safe city. Like any city, you need to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense, but in general you will find that people are friendly and the streets are safe. If you do feel unsure about heading out on your own at night, call campus Security for safewalk assistance. A Security Guard will meet you and accompany you to your destination on campus and in surrounding areas.
UNBC Campus Security
How much is the fee for international students?
- You can expect to pay approximately C$14,000 for one year of full-time study. Any student that does not hold Permanent Residency status in Canada or Canadian citizenship must pay international tuition fees.
How much can I expect to pay for living expenses?
- Canada offers a very low cost of living – especially compared to the United States or the United Kingdom. A good resource for your various options is the Life in Prince George & Northern BC website, which discusses the cost of living.
Life in Prince George & Northern BC - Live
How do I apply for a Canadian study permit?
- Students can begin the permit application with a conditional letter of acceptance from any Canadian school. Simply take your letter to the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy in your area.
Citizenship & Immigration Canada
What average GPA do I need in order to be accepted?
- The required average for acceptance will vary depending on your desired program. You can enter some programs directly from high school, but other programs require a one or more years of pre-professional study at a university level.
Do I have to take the SAT in order to apply to the University?
- Although some colleges and universities require SAT scores (for some of their programs), most do not. Most schools will, however, accept an SAT score in place of certain admission course requirements.
I’ve spoken English all my life. Do I still need to take an English Proficiency test in order to apply?
- Yes, students usually have to submit proof of English Language Proficiency (ELP) as part of their application to a Canadian college or university. Some Canadian schools will have agreements with specific schools that waive the ELP. Many Canadians will accept a TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB, CAEL exam score if written within two years of the application, and many will also accept a high enough score in some high courses such as IB English, AP English, O-level or A-Level GCE or IGCSE English, for example.
How do I apply?
- You can apply either online or through the mail. Our 8 Steps to Becoming a UNBC Student provides more information on the process.
What is necessary for my application to be complete?
To complete your application you will need:
- A valid e-mail address
- $75 application fee
- High school grades and transcripts
- Any certificates and/or diplomas
- Transcripts from any post-secondary institutions you have attended
- Detailed course descriptions for each post-secondary course completed outside of Canada
- Any English Language test scores, eg. TOEFL, IELTS
Is it possible for international students to work?
- Yes! Work opportunities are available on campus, off campus, and through various academic programs. With the newly implemented Off Campus Work Permit Program, international students in good academic standing who have studied full-time at UNBC for six months are eligible to apply to work off campus for up to 20 hours a week during school and 40 hours during holidays.
Applying for a Student Work Permit
Can I go on an exchange to a partner university?
- Yes, you can. Each year, UNBC students leave to study abroad, taking advantage of more than 100 formal learning opportunities with partner universities around the world.
UNBC Exchange Opportunities
Can international students participate in sports on campus?
- Yes! There are many opportunities to take part in sports and recreation on campus. If you wish to compete in varsity sports, then you are welcome to try out for one of the Timberwolves teams. There are also intramural sports, clubs, non-credit courses, and more offered by UNBC Athletics.
UNBC Athletics & Fitness Centre
Can I stay in Canada after I graduate? Are there good opportunities for me in Prince George?
- Most provinces now allow graduates of a Canadian university to obtain a work permit for two years after graduation. The previous limit was one year.
- There are great opportunities in Northern BC after graduation. Many UNBC students continue to live and work in Prince George or other northern communities after graduation.
Whom can I contact with questions?
If you are a potential undergraduate student, please contact:
International Exchange & Student Programs
University of Northern British Columbia
3333 University Way
Prince George, BC.
V2N 4Z9 Canada
If you are a potential graduate student, please contact:
Graduate Programs
University of Northern British Columbia
3333 University Way
Prince George, BC
V2N 4Z9 Canada
Phone: +1-250-960-5244
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University of Northern British Columbia
3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, Canada, V2N 4Z9 | |
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