About the university
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is a small public research university founded in 1990, with its main campus in Prince George, the largest city in northern BC.
UNBC is known for environmental and natural resource sciences, engineering (civil and environmental), computer science and health. It has finished in Maclean's top five for its category for 23 straight years and placed second among small universities in the rankings published in October 2026.
Indian students look at UNBC for small classes, three intakes a year in programmes such as computer science, and one flat international undergraduate rate (about CAD 31,200 a year) that is the same for business, science and engineering. CBSE and CISCE students with 75% in Class 12 English Core can use that result as proof of English.
Prince George is a mid-sized northern city with lower rents than Vancouver and long, very cold winters.
- Founded
- 1990
- Type
- Public research university in northern British Columbia
- Campus
- Main campus in Prince George, with regional campuses across northern BC
- Intakes
- September, January and May for many undergraduate programmes
- Tuition
- One international undergraduate rate for all programmes: CAD 1,040.15 per credit hour (2026-27)
- Deposit
- CAD 9,000 for undergraduates, CAD 1,500 for graduate students (non-refundable except in cases such as visa refusal)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2027
1201–1400 in the world
Maclean's University Rankings (small universities) 2027
2nd in Canada
Popular courses with Indian students
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Computer Science
- Fee / year
- C$31,205
- Duration
- 4 years (120 credits); co-op option
- Intakes
- September; January; May
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (no module below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90 (20 in each); PTE 65 (60 in each); Duolingo 125; CBSE/CISCE Class 12 English Core 75%+ accepted
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) – Civil Engineering
- Fee / year
- C$31,205
- Duration
- 4 years
- Intakes
- September (check the programme page for January or May starts)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (no module below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90 (20 in each); PTE 65 (60 in each); Duolingo 125; CBSE/CISCE Class 12 English Core 75%+ accepted
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) – Environmental Engineering
- Fee / year
- C$31,205
- Duration
- 4 years
- Intakes
- September (check the programme page for January or May starts)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (no module below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90 (20 in each); PTE 65 (60 in each); Duolingo 125; CBSE/CISCE Class 12 English Core 75%+ accepted
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting
- Fee / year
- C$31,205
- Duration
- 4 years
- Intakes
- September (check the programme page for January or May starts)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (no module below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90 (20 in each); PTE 65 (60 in each); Duolingo 125; CBSE/CISCE Class 12 English Core 75%+ accepted
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Commerce – General Business
- Fee / year
- C$31,205
- Duration
- 4 years
- Intakes
- September (check the programme page for January or May starts)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (no module below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90 (20 in each); PTE 65 (60 in each); Duolingo 125; CBSE/CISCE Class 12 English Core 75%+ accepted
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Mathematics and Statistics
- Fee / year
- C$31,205
- Duration
- 4 years
- Intakes
- September (check the programme page for January or May starts)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (no module below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90 (20 in each); PTE 65 (60 in each); Duolingo 125; CBSE/CISCE Class 12 English Core 75%+ accepted
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (CAD) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Computer Science | 4 years (120 credits); co-op option | C$31,205 | ≈ ₹20.9 lakh |
| Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) – Civil Engineering | 4 years | C$31,205 | ≈ ₹20.9 lakh |
| Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) – Environmental Engineering | 4 years | C$31,205 | ≈ ₹20.9 lakh |
| Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting | 4 years | C$31,205 | ≈ ₹20.9 lakh |
| Bachelor of Commerce – General Business | 4 years | C$31,205 | ≈ ₹20.9 lakh |
| Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Mathematics and Statistics | 4 years | C$31,205 | ≈ ₹20.9 lakh |
Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at University of Northern British Columbia with similar universities in Canada.
Scholarships
- Undergraduate (open to international students)
Early Entrance Awards
Value: Varies; UNBC does not publish a fixed value on its international awards page
Eligibility: Incoming undergraduates who apply early; see UNBC's undergraduate awards overview for current criteria.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- Class 12 from a recognised board; UNBC publishes India-specific requirements in a PDF on its international admission requirements page.
- Computer Science needs the equivalent of Grade 12 English and Pre-Calculus (BC students need 65% overall and 67% in Pre-Calculus 12).
- International applicants must meet UNBC's English requirement; CBSE/CISCE Class 12 English Core at 75% or more is accepted.
- A CAD 9,000 deposit is due after you accept your offer.
Postgraduate
- Graduate programmes are listed in UNBC's graduate calendar; check each programme for degree, grade and English requirements.
- International graduate students pay a CAD 1,500 deposit (MBA students pay an extra CAD 2,000).
Documents
- Valid passport
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets
- English test score, or Class 12 English Core of 75%+
- Degree transcripts (graduate)
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for the study permit, issued after you accept your offer
Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.
English language requirements
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall, no module below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 90, at least 20 in each section |
| PTE Academic | 65, at least 60 in each skill |
| Duolingo English Test | 125, at least 115 in each section |
| Class 12 English | CBSE or CISCE Class XII English Core with 75% or higher |
Accommodation and living costs
UNBC's Prince George residences are four-bedroom suites with private bedrooms. Undergraduates with fewer than 60 UNBC credits must buy a five- or seven-day meal plan in the September and January semesters. Housing applications cost CAD 30 plus a CAD 275 refundable deposit.
| Item | In CAD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| 4-bedroom suite, private bedroom2026/27; plus residence life and infrastructure fees of CAD 92 per semester | C$3,569per semester | ≈ ₹2.4 lakh |
| Meal plan (5-day or 7-day)2026/27; required for most first-year students | C$3,438–3,543per semester | ≈ ₹2.3 lakh – ₹2.4 lakh |
| International medical insurance2026-27 | C$190per semester | ≈ ₹12,730 |
| BC Medical Services Plan (after 3 months)Paid directly to the Province of BC | C$75per month | ≈ ₹5,025 |
Campus and location
UNBC's main campus sits on a hill above Prince George, surrounded by forest. It is compact, with residences, classrooms and the library close together.
- Small class sizes are a key feature of UNBC.
- Computer Science runs three intakes a year: January, May and September.
- The environmental engineering degree is also offered jointly with the University of British Columbia.
- Prince George winters are long and cold, so budget for winter clothing.
Careers and graduate outcomes
UNBC offers co-op, research and study-abroad options in programmes such as computer science. Placements are not guaranteed. For work rights during and after study, see our Canada country guide.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|
Studying in Canada
Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in Canada. Our country guide covers them in detail:
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FAQs
How much is UNBC tuition for Indian students?
For 2026-27, international undergraduate tuition is CAD 1,040.15 per credit hour, about CAD 31,200 for a 30-credit year, for every programme. UNBC says it can rise by up to 8% a year.
Can I use my Class 12 English marks instead of IELTS?
Yes. UNBC accepts CBSE or CISCE Class XII English Core with 75% or higher as proof of English. Otherwise you need IELTS 6.5 (no module below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 90, PTE 65 or Duolingo 125.
When can I start at UNBC?
Computer Science starts in September, January or May. Check your programme page for others.
How much is the UNBC deposit?
International undergraduates pay CAD 9,000 and graduate students CAD 1,500. It is non-refundable except in cases such as a study permit refusal.
Can I work while studying at UNBC?
Co-op is available in some programmes. For general work rules on a study permit, see our Canada country guide.
Sources
- UNBC Finance: tuition and fees 2026-27 (opens in a new tab)
- UNBC International: tuition and fees (opens in a new tab)
- UNBC International: undergraduate cost estimator (opens in a new tab)
- UNBC International: awards and scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- UNBC Calendar: international admissions and English requirements (opens in a new tab)
- UNBC: Computer Science (BSc) (opens in a new tab)
- UNBC: undergraduate programmes (opens in a new tab)
- UNBC Housing: semester fees (opens in a new tab)
- UNBC: Maclean's rankings story (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.unbc.ca (opens in a new tab)
Check the latest details