
University of British Columbia
Canada"Tuum Est: It's Yours"
About
The University of British Columbia, commonly known as UBC, is a public research university in Canada, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. It operates two main campuses: the flagship Vancouver campus on the Point Grey peninsula and a second campus in Kelowna, the hub of the Okanagan Valley. The Vancouver campus sits on unceded Musqueam territory, a fact the university acknowledges in its official land acknowledgments. With a student body exceeding 60,000, UBC attracts learners from across Canada and more than 140 countries.
UBC's research enterprise is substantial. The university's annual research budget reaches $893 million, funding nearly 10,000 projects each year across industrial, governmental, and non-governmental sectors. This scale places it among the top research institutions in North America. The Vancouver campus is known for its ocean and mountain views and iconic architecture, including the Museum of Anthropology and the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. The Okanagan campus, established in 2005, has grown rapidly and offers a more intimate setting focused on innovation and interdisciplinary study.
UBC's alumni include three Canadian prime ministers, numerous Rhodes Scholars, and leaders in business, science, and the arts. The university's commitment to sustainability and community engagement is woven into its academic programs and campus operations. Its reputation for academic excellence is matched by its role as a cultural landmark in the Pacific Northwest.
Mission
History
UBC was founded in 1908 as the McGill University College of British Columbia, an affiliate of McGill University, before becoming an independent university. The Vancouver campus opened in 1915 with 379 students. The university's formal founding date is recorded as 1908.
Over the decades, UBC expanded its programs and infrastructure. The Okanagan campus was established in 2005, merging with Okanagan University College. Today, UBC is recognized globally for its research and teaching, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and community engagement.
Subdivisions
UBC Okanagan
The Kelowna campus, established in 2005, offering a more intimate setting with a focus on innovation.
UBC Robson Square
A downtown Vancouver campus offering continuing education and public programs.
Notable People
Dr. Jim Christenson
Professor, Faculty of Medicine
Appointed to the 2026 Order of British Columbia, the province's highest honour.
University of British Columbia Faculty of Arts
Walter C. Koerner Library
University of British Columbia Faculty of Applied Science
Milestones
1908
Founded as McGill University College of British Columbia
1915
Vancouver campus opens with 379 students
2005
UBC Okanagan campus established in Kelowna
2026
UBC researchers develop seaweed coating to keep strawberries fresh longer
Departments
Sources
Organization Info
- Founded
- 1908
- Headquarters
- Vancouver
- Country
- Canada
- President and Vice-Chancellor
- Benoit-Antoine Bacon
- Type
- University
- President
- Benoit-Antoine Bacon
- Employees
- 6539
- Students
- 60,000+
Financials
- Revenue
- $2.0 billion
- Employees
- 6539
Official Website
www.ubc.ca/
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