International Admissions

International Applicants

UNBC welcomes applications for admission from qualified students from other countries. International secondary and post-secondary credentials are considered. International students must meet the equivalent of the criteria outlined for high school admission and university transfer in British Columbia. Admission is based on the comparison of standards for credentials and grading in the country of origin. Applicants whose first language is not English must be able to demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency in English. Refer to the English Language Requirements below.

International High School Admission Requirements by Country

English Language Requirements

English is the primary language of instruction and communication at UNBC. Consequently, it is expected that an applicant be able to demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency in the use of English in order to receive and participate in classroom instruction and discussion as well as to complete written assignments. Applicants whose first language is not English, regardless of citizenship or country of origin, must submit evidence of English language proficiency prior to admission. French-speaking Canadians and Canadian First Nations language speakers are exempted from this requirement. Students who have completed five consecutive years of instruction and examination entirely in the English language immediately before admission (i.e., within two years of application) are exempted from this requirement. Students who have completed secondary education taught entirely in the English language at a recognized institution may be exempted from this requirement. An up-to-date list of countries where students are exempt from the English Language Requirements can be found on the Admission pages of the UNBC website.

Acceptable evidence of English language proficiency may be any one of the following tests (or its online equivalence, as determined by the Office of the Registrar):

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 90 or higher in the internet-based test, with not less than 20 in each of the Reading, Listening, Writing or Speaking components; score of at least 230 in the computer-based test or at least 570 in the paper-based test. UNBC’s institutional TOEFL code is 0320;
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic score of at least 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in any of the four modules;
  • Duolingo English Test score of 105 or higher;
  • A final grade of 2.00 (C) or better in the UNBC English Language Studies 50 and English Language Studies 170;
  • A final grade of 2.00 (C) or better in an articulated BCCAT EAP (BC Council on Admissions and Transfer English for Academic Purposes) 4 program;
  • A final grade of 50% or better in English Studies 12 from the British Columbia high school system;
  • A final grade of 75% (B) or better in a University-transferable English course;
  • A final grade of 75% or better in CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) / CISCE (Council for The Indian School Certificate Examinations) Class XII English Core;
  • Completion of two full years of full time degree level studies or equivalent at a recognized institution where English is the language of instruction;
  • A final grade of 2 or better in AP (Advanced Placement) English Literature and Composition or AP Literature and Composition;
  • A final grade of 3 or better in IB (International Baccalaureate) English A1 or A2 (higher or subsidiary level);
  • MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) score of at least 80, with a minimum of 3 on the Speaking Rating Scale;
  • CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language) or the CAEL CE (Computer Edition) Assessment score of at least 70, with no subtest below 60;
  • A grade of B or better on Cambridge English Qualification C1 Advanced;
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English - Academic): overall score of 65, with not less than 60 in each of reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

For the Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing Program (NCBNP), the following are required for admission:

  • fulfillment of the BC high school English Studies 12 requirement (70%); and
  • either an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic, or a CELBAN (Canadian English Language Assessment for Nurses) with current, valid results and scores as set by BCCNM for the year of admission.

In order to be considered valid, results must be sent directly from the testing agency/institution to the Office of the Registrar. Scores are valid for a period of two years.

If, when applicants arrive, it is determined that they do not have the necessary language skills to succeed in the program, they will be required to take the necessary English language courses to upgrade their skills or will be required to withdraw.

Admission with a General Certificate of Education (GCE) or Equivalent

For admission from a GCE system (or equivalent) a minimum of two Advanced (A) level subjects and three Ordinary (O) level subjects must be completed with an overall GPA of C or higher in order to be considered for admission. All A level subjects presented for admission must have a grade of at least C. Students may substitute two Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level subjects for one A level.

Updated: July 2, 2024