Discover your potential as a research student at UBC Okanagan.

Why UBC Okanagan? Why Now?

Join a close-knit community of innovative researchers within a vibrant graduate population. UBC Okanagan offers a growing selection of research programs across many disciplines that foster collaboration and creativity in an intimate campus setting.

Now is an ideal time to pursue your research at UBC Okanagan. Competitive funding opportunities, personalized mentorship, and a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment are just a few reasons to attend UBC Okanagan. For international doctoral students, a streamlined study permit process with fast approval times makes starting your journey even easier.

International Student Support

At UBC Okanagan, our Global Engagement Office is here to support you with international student advising, intercultural programming, and your transition to Canada.

The Government of Canada is strongly committed to innovation, research excellence, and attracting top global talent. Learn More

Research Excellence

Local and Global Impact

At UBC Okanagan, research spans disciplines and impacts communities locally and globally. Our scholars in the humanities and social sciences explore the complexities of culture, history, and human experience, while our scientists and engineers develop innovative technologies and materials that shape the future. Many projects are rooted in the unique opportunities and challenges of the Okanagan region, while others contribute to global solutions. From using AI to study wildfires to mapping cycle paths for city planning, our graduate student research transforms our local and global communities.

Collaboration and Interdisciplinarity

Collaboration is at the heart of UBCO research. Scholars work across disciplines and partner with communities, industry, and institutions to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, health equity, social justice, and disaster resilience. At UBC Okanagan, complex challenges inspire innovative thinking and transformative partnerships that make a difference in the world.

Research Stories

$ 46.6 M

Research Funding

$ 15.9 M

Tri-Agency Funding

1,028

Research Projects

PhD Funding

Receive a Funding Package

At UBC Okanagan, PhD funding is designed to ensure students can focus on their research without financial pressure. We have a minimum funding policy for PhD students, which means that all PhD students are guaranteed to receive at least $40,000/year for the first 4 years of their PhD studies. While all PhD students receive at least $40,000/year, 50% of PhD students receive more than $42,000/year. This support typically comes from a mix of graduate research assistantships, teaching assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships.

$ 42,294

Median funding amount per year for PhD students (years 1-4)

1,200

New awards available nationally from the CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC funding agencies

$ 4,200

International Doctoral Tuition Award received by most international PhD students at UBC

People and Place

Our Campus

Aerial view of UBC Okanagan

1268 graduate students

41% international graduate student population

99 countries represented

18:1 student to faculty ratio

30 international clubs

138 clubs and course unions

640+ public events*

*Includes public lectures, performances and recurring community gatherings in 2025.

The Okanagan Valley

30+ beaches

30+ regional parks

100s of trails

200+ freshwater lakes

3 ski resorts within a 90 minute drive

300+ restaurants & cafés

12 art galleries and museums

Explore more facts and figures about our campus and the Okanagan Valley.

Programs

Find Your Program

We have 61 programs and 9 faculties and schools at UBC Okanagan.

View Programs Explore Faculties and Schools

apply

  1. Read the application requirements for your program of interest.
  2. Identify and connect with a potential supervisor whose research aligns with your interests.
  3. Submit your application through the Graduate Studies Online Application portal.
  4. Submit the required application components. Application components vary by program but normally include:

Deadlines vary by program, so check program-specific requirements and timelines.