University of Northern British Columbia

Our Commitment to Diversity and Employment Equity
The University of Northern British Columbia is fully committed to creating and maintaining an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment that is accessible to all. We are devoted to ensuring a welcoming, safe, and inclusive campus free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. This commitment is woven into our motto and mission. In the Dakelh language, UNBC’s motto ‘En Cha Huná translates to “he/she/they also live” and means respect for all living things. Through the respect for all living things, we are able to grow and learn better together, each bringing our own unique individual differences and contributions to inspire leaders for tomorrow by influencing the world today. 

Employment equity requires that we remove barriers and overcome both direct and indirect discrimination. In this way, the pool of excellent candidates increases substantially. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, place of origin, age, physical disability, mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and any other prohibited grounds of discrimination as outlined in the BC Human Rights Code.

The University of Northern British Columbia is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from the four designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities) as well as the LGBTQ2+ communities and individuals with intersectional identities. 

Eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
Graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
Desire to stay in Canada temporarily for work.

Important Note:
Graduating from a DLI doesn't automatically qualify you for a PGWP.

Validity of PGWP:
Depends on the length of the study program or the expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first.

Duration of PGWP Based on Study Program Length:
Less than 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials): Not eligible for PGWP.
At least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials), but less than 2 years: PGWP may be granted for the same length as the study program (e.g., a 9-month program results in a 9-month PGWP).
2 years or more: PGWP may be valid for 3 years.

Completion of Multiple Programs:
PGWP may combine the lengths of each program if:
Each program is PGWP eligible.
Each program is at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials) in length.

Important Restriction:
You cannot obtain a PGWP if you already had one after completing an earlier program of study.

Admission to Master's Degrees

In general, an acceptable academic standing will be a four-year (120 credit hours) Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution.

Grade point average of at least 3.00 (B) in the work of the last 60 credit hours (approximately the last two years). A Baccalaureate degree is required for entry. The minimum GPA of 3.00 (B) is
based on the UNBC 4.33 scale. The GPA from sending institutions will be assessed and converted to the UNBC scale when being considered for admission. If the applicant has a Master’s or PhD, the GPA is assessed on the complete degree. Note: Higher entrance standards than those outlined in this section may be set by individual programs. Courses used in the calculation of the admission grade point average cannot be used as credit toward a graduate degree program.

A faculty member who wishes to supervise an applicant who has a four-year (120 credit hours) Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) that does not meet the GPA requirements stated above and who obtains the recommendation of the appropriate program must have approval from the Dean who admits the applicant. The applicant must have significant formal training and relevant professional experience to offset such GPA deficiencies.

Evidence is required, in the form of three letters of reference that are submitted directly to the Office of the Registrar from qualified referees, of the student's ability to undertake advanced work in the area of interest.

Acceptable evidence of English language proficiency may be any one of the following:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 90 or higher in the internet-based test, with not less than 20 in any of the Reading, Listening, Writing, or Speaking components; or equivalent other TOEFL score. 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.
• CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment) or the CAEL CE: overall 70, with no subtest below 60.
• CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) - CELPIT-A (Academic Reading and Writing): 4H - CELL (Listening): 4H - CELTOP (Speaking): 4H
• MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery): 85 final scores, with 3 in the speaking test.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English - Academic): 65 overall scores, with a score of not less than 60 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• A final grade of 3.00 (B) or better in both the UNBC English Language Studies 50 and English Language Studies 170, obtained concurrently and prior to application for graduate admission.
• A final grade of 3.00 (B) or better in an articulated BCCAT EAP 4 program, prior to application for Graduate Admissions.
• 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.

GRE Requirement? for Graduate Programs

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is prepared and scored by the GRE Board and Educational Testing Service. UNBC's institution code is 0320. The GRE is used widely by universities to supplement undergraduate records and other qualifications for admission to graduate study.

GRE requirements are prescribed by individual programs. For some programs, completion of the examination may be mandatory. Applicants are advised to check program listings for detailed information. However, the University of Northern British Columbia reserves the right to require a GRE score (on Subject and General Tests) for any applicant. Voluntary submission of a GRE score may facilitate the admission process.

For More Information Please Contact to Our Counselor.