Bachelor Programme
Urban Studies
Urban Studies at UBC Vancouver is a four-year Bachelor of Arts major offered jointly by the Department of Geography and the School of Community and Regional Planning, preparing students for urban-oriented careers in planning, policy, development and community work. Students take core methods courses and a two-part community-engaged capstone, plus 30 credits across five focus areas (Indigenous urban life, the nature of cities, globalizing cities, technology and cities, and cities and communities), with optional co-op. This is not a direct-entry program: admission is limited to current UBC Bachelor of Arts students, who normally apply at the end of first year to start the major in second year.
University
University of British Columbia
Country
Canada
Level
Bachelor
Field
Urban Studies
Duration
4 years
Language
English
Campus
Vancouver
Degree
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Major in Urban Studies
Intake
September
Application Deadline
January 15, 2027 (international scholars: November 15, 2026)
Tuition Information
2026/27 first-year tuition: CAD 51,530.40 per year for international students (Arts rate, CAD 1,717.68 per credit x 30 credits) and CAD 6,200.70 for Canadian students (CAD 206.69 per credit x 30 credits). Fees for students starting in 2027/28 have not yet been published. Tuition only; student fees, health insurance and housing are extra.
Admission Requirements
- Apply to the major as a UBC BA student, normally at the end of Year 1; applicants are ranked on overall GPA, grades in GEOG 250 (URST 200) and PLAN 211, and a short written statement (max. 500 words)
- The application portal reopens in January 2027, with admission notices sent in May and June
- BC high school: English Studies 12 (or English First Peoples 12)
- IB: no specific courses beyond UBC's general admission requirements (Faculty of Arts)
- English language proof, if required, is due February 15, 2027 (see English Language Requirements below)
English Language Requirements
International applicants must satisfy UBC's English Language Admission Standard.
IELTS Academic
6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
90 overall
PTE Academic
65 overall
Duolingo English Test
125 overall
CAEL
70 overall
Cambridge English
180