The Budget Office is part of the Finance Department at UNBC. Staff members are responsible for budget administration, which involves forecasting, developing and managing the University’s operating budget. The Office also provides information and advice to Deans, Directors and departments regarding their funds to facilitate informed decision making. Decision-making support and information to senior management and the Board of Governors are also key services of this area.
If you need assistance with budget-related matters please contact budgets@unbc.ca.
University Budget Overview - 2024/25
The University of Northern British Columbia’s Board of Governors has approved a consolidated budget of $156.1 million with a $500,000 surplus for the fiscal year 2024-25. This budget, in line with UNBC's strategic plan Ready, prioritizes fiscal prudence and responsible investment to foster excellence across education, research, operations, and community engagement.
The combined general operating and ancillary services budgets total $132.4 million, marking a six per cent increase over the previous year. This rise is attributed to increased employee costs and a contingency provision aimed at safeguarding against potential declines in student enrolment. Notably, employee costs constitute 78 per cent of general operating expenses. The University anticipates 62 per cent of its General Operating revenue from the Government of B.C., with approximately 22 per cent from tuition and student fees.
In the pursuit of financial sustainability, the 2024-25 budget incorporates a two per cent tuition fee increase for domestic and international students who commenced studies before September 1, 2021, and an eight per cent increase for international undergraduate students starting after August 2021. This adjustment translates to an average monthly increase of $15 for domestic undergraduate students with a full-time course load of 30 credits per year. The budget also includes deferral from the 2024 provincial operating grant to partially cover additional costs related to Enhancing Student Experience, Empowering Innovative Ideas, Digital Transformation, Enhancing Privacy, Governance, Cyber Security, and fostering Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization.
UNBC's impact extends far beyond its campuses, playing a pivotal role in driving socio-economic change locally and globally. Renowned for its dedication to experiential learning, research innovation, and community engagement, UNBC is a premier research-intensive institution in Canada, generating an annual impact of $487.9 million in added income and supporting 5,752 jobs across British Columbia.
UNBC is committed to excellence, community, and sustainability, guided by equity, diversity, and inclusion. Through four key strategic plan themes—Cultivate Curiosity, Act on Truth and Reconciliation, Empower Northern Communities, and Foster Local Solutions for Global Impact—UNBC is poised to lead a sustainable future, bolstered by strategic priorities focused on academic growth, research productivity, organizational efficiency, and community partnerships.
These priorities are integral to UNBC's fiscal prudence and responsible investment, positioning the institution for its upcoming milestones—the 40th and 50th anniversaries in 2030 and 2040, respectively. To address challenges such as declining domestic undergraduate enrolment, UNBC emphasizes strategic enrolment management strategies aimed at enhancing student success through retention and recruitment efforts.
Moreover, UNBC has outlined strategic priorities to elevate its profile and drive transformative outcomes across the university community. These priorities include the following:
- Raising UNBC’s Profile
- Strategy for Northern Communities
- Academic Renewal and Research Intensity
- Digital Transformation and Administrative Excellence
- People and Culture
- Diversifying Revenue
Expected outcomes include enhanced alignment with overarching goals, strengthened leadership capacity, improved organizational effectiveness, enriched academic programs, increased research impact, stronger relationships with Indigenous communities, diversified revenue streams, and enhanced administrative efficiency for the benefit of the university community.
University Budget Documentation
Integrated University Plan
Budget 2024/25 and Projection 2025-28
Budget 2023/24 and Plan 2024-28
Budget 2022/23 and Plan 2023-27
Budget 2021/22 and Plan 2022-26
2018-2019 Integrated University Plan
Financial Planning Overview
Financial Planning Overview 2017/18
Financial Planning Overview 2016/17
Financial Planning Overview 2015/16
General Operating Budget Summary
General Operating Budget Summary 2014/15
General Operating Budget Summary 2013/14
General Operating Budget Summary 2012/13
General Operating Budget Summary 2011/12
General Operating Budget Summary 2010/11
General Operating Budget Summary 2009/10
Budget Planning Framework
Budget Planning Framework 2014/15
Budget Planning Framework 2013/14
Budget Planning Framework 2012/13
Budget Planning Framework 2011/12
Budget Planning Framework 2010/11
Budget Planning Framework 2009/10
Other Budget Related Documents
2014 Report of the Senate Committee on the University Budget
2013 Report of the Senate Committee on the University Budget
2014/15 Ancillary Budget Information
2013/14 Ancillary Budget Information
2014/15 NMP Budget Information
2013/14 NMP Budget Information
2012 Report of the Senate Committee on the University Budget
2011 Report of the Senate Committee on the University Budget
FAST Resources
How do I check my Carry Forward fund balance
How do I check my fund balance
How do I know what my budget is
How do I see how much I have left in my Annual Operating Budget