University of Northern British Columbia
Where else but at the University of Northern British Columbia can you study in a teaching and learning centre with a 360-degree panoramic view that stretches all the way to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains? Wood-and-glass hilltop buildings nestle among the trees on the school’s Prince George campus. Sustainability defines UNBC, and the university responds to the region it serves. The school’s heating system, which uses biomass from sawmills, has earned environmental accolades from afar, and the Wood Innovation Research Laboratory is recognized as a passive house, meaning it uses significantly less energy than a standard building. “We’re committed to student success. We keep them top of mind in every decision we make while ensuring an outstanding experience rooted in teaching and research excellence that serves communities across northern B.C. and beyond,” says president Geoff Payne. To further serve the north, UNBC expanded with campuses in Terrace, Quesnel and Fort St. John, and also offers courses through an agreement with the Wilp Wilo’oskwhl Nisa’a Institute in Gitwinksihlkw. Students at all campuses benefit from a high degree of access to their professors. In 2021, UNBC launched the northern baccalaureate nursing program at its Fort St. John campus, while education programs were expanded with a revamp in Terrace and a newly established program in Quesnel. Meanwhile, a master of applied science in engineering was launched two years ago and the family nurse practitioner program recently doubled its capacity from 20 to 40 students.
Campus buzz: Students can enjoy the revitalized Wabooz garden and the first phase of the new David Douglas Botanical Garden Society garden, Canada’s northernmost botanical garden.
Quick facts
Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)
$7,032
Minimum Entering Grades
Arts: 65.2% | Science: 68% | Commerce: 58% | Engineering: 78.6%
Student Body
Undergraduates: Full-time: 1,618 | Part-time: 1,050
Graduates: Full-time: 601 | Part-time: 9
International Students: First-year: 17.4% | Graduate: 40.6%
Housing Facts
Residence Spaces: 540 (190 reserved for first-year students)
Cost of apartment-style: $11,854 to $12,200
Standout programs
Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program: After completing two years of an undergrad, students can enter this two-year degree that focuses on delivering health care in small urban and rural communities.
Engineering: Available in civil or environmental streams, both programs focus on northern climates and sustainability, offer co-op opportunities and prepare students for in-demand jobs.
Nature-based Tourism Management: Students in this program, which emphasizes entrepreneurial perspectives and sustainability, participate in experiential learning and field schools.
