The University of British Columbia (UBC) has always attracted international students in large numbers, partly because of its global reputation and partly because Vancouver is an undeniably appealing place to study. Yet the question many future students wrestle with isn’t just whether UBC is a “good” university—it is. The real question is which programs are worth the investment, which ones feel aligned with global opportunities, and which degrees may actually give graduates a leg up in an increasingly unpredictable job market.
If you’re looking at UBC in 2025, there are certain programs that stand out more than others, either because of their reputation, their research output, or simply the way they prepare graduates to work internationally. Still, no list is perfect. One student’s dream program might be another student’s nightmare of endless labs or readings. But let’s try to map out ten areas of study that consistently appear to attract international students and seem especially relevant right now.
1. Computer Science
It’s hard to ignore how dominant computer science has become worldwide, and UBC’s program has been steadily gaining recognition for both its teaching and research. What stands out isn’t only the technical side—you’ll obviously cover algorithms, machine learning, and systems design—but also the opportunities for interdisciplinary work. For example, students might take on projects with the School of Population and Public Health, where coding skills are applied to real-world health data.
That said, computer science at UBC is competitive to get into, and the workload can be overwhelming. Students sometimes describe feeling like they’re “drowning in code” during their second year. Still, the payoff may justify the stress. Graduates often leave with co-op placements at companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and smaller Vancouver-based startups, which may not sound glamorous but can be more hands-on and rewarding.
2. Engineering (with Civil and Mechanical Standing Out)
UBC Engineering is massive, and picking one discipline is almost a challenge. Yet for international students in 2025, civil and mechanical engineering appear to carry particular weight. With Vancouver’s constant infrastructure expansion and Canada’s focus on sustainable urban planning, civil engineering students often find research projects that tie directly to what the city itself is experimenting with—green building codes, earthquake-resistant designs, and transportation solutions.
Mechanical engineering, meanwhile, keeps attracting students interested in everything from robotics to clean energy systems. It’s not just about designing machines anymore; it’s about imagining machines that consume less energy or run on renewable sources. Some may find the program a bit too theory-heavy in the early years, but by the time labs and projects kick in, there’s usually enough hands-on work to balance it out.
3. Commerce (Sauder School of Business)
If you mention UBC to someone in Asia or Europe, there’s a good chance the Sauder School of Business is what they recognize. It has become something of a brand in itself. Students are drawn by the global case competitions, the exchange programs, and the business incubator projects. The commerce program seems designed to make students “job-ready,” though the job market is changing so quickly that this can feel like chasing a moving target.
Critics sometimes suggest Sauder focuses too much on producing consultants and finance professionals, leaving less room for those who want to explore alternative business paths like cooperatives or social enterprises. Still, it’s hard to deny that Sauder’s reputation helps when applying for jobs in Canada or abroad.
4. Political Science
Political science may sound like an unusual pick in a list dominated by “practical” degrees, but UBC’s program is genuinely respected. For one, it is closely tied to Vancouver’s international identity and Canada’s position as a middle power. Students regularly analyze not just global institutions but also local issues, such as Indigenous governance in British Columbia.
For international students, the department’s focus on comparative politics and international relations can be particularly valuable. Imagine studying Canada’s immigration policy while simultaneously comparing it to European or Asian systems. Of course, political science doesn’t guarantee a clear career path, but it can open doors to international organizations, NGOs, or graduate school.
5. Forestry
Forestry at UBC is often underestimated until students realize it’s one of the top-ranked programs in the world. Given the global urgency around climate change, forestry has become less about “managing trees” and more about figuring out how ecosystems can survive in the face of industrial development and warming climates.
For students from countries facing rapid deforestation or urban expansion, this program can feel particularly relevant. On the flip side, some students may find it too Canada-centric—British Columbia’s forests are obviously the focus. Yet, the research and management practices developed here have a way of being exported internationally.
6. Medicine
UBC’s Faculty of Medicine is one of the largest in Canada, and it carries a reputation for training doctors who go on to practice not just in British Columbia but around the world. That said, international students face significant barriers in medical education in Canada. Admission is extraordinarily competitive, and returning home with a Canadian medical degree doesn’t always guarantee easy licensing.
Yet the draw remains strong. UBC’s distributed medical program, with training sites not just in Vancouver but across the province, offers exposure to a diverse range of healthcare settings—from urban hospitals to rural clinics. That mix can be rare in other countries.
7. Psychology
Psychology at UBC has a surprisingly broad reach. On one end, you have the classic undergraduate interest in developmental or clinical psychology. On the other, you have cutting-edge cognitive science labs exploring how humans interact with AI systems. For international students, this program can feel especially attractive because mental health is a growing field in so many parts of the world, though not always equally recognized.
It should be noted, though, that psychology at the undergraduate level doesn’t automatically lead to becoming a practicing psychologist. Many students underestimate how much additional training and graduate study are required. Still, as a foundation, UBC’s program is both rigorous and flexible.
8. Environmental Sciences
It’s difficult to imagine a more relevant field in 2025 than environmental sciences. UBC students often find themselves literally working in the forests, rivers, and coastlines that surround Vancouver. Unlike programs in cities more removed from nature, here the environment isn’t just a topic—it’s right outside the classroom window.
That immediacy, however, can sometimes make the program feel too Pacific Northwest–centric. Students from Africa, South America, or South Asia may find fewer examples tied directly to their home regions. Yet many professors are working on global issues such as ocean acidification and international climate agreements, which balances out the local emphasis.
9. Film Production and Creative Writing
UBC’s School of Creative Writing and Department of Theatre and Film are both well regarded, but it’s the film production track that often gets international attention. Vancouver is sometimes called “Hollywood North,” with film crews scattered across the city on any given day. That proximity to a booming industry means students can literally walk out of class and onto a professional set as interns.
The program is not without its challenges. Equipment and project costs can be high, and the competition for limited spots is intense. But for students who see themselves writing or producing films in an international market, the combination of UBC’s program and Vancouver’s film scene can be unmatched.
10. International Economics
Finally, a relatively newer program at UBC, international economics, has been catching interest. The curriculum blends economics, political science, and data analysis, which makes it attractive for students who want something practical but not narrowly focused. Graduates may move into finance, government work, or research roles.
Some critics argue that the program can feel like “economics lite,” not as mathematically rigorous as a traditional economics degree. But others point out that the global focus and the integration of policy questions make it more applicable to real-world jobs. For international students eyeing careers in global institutions or development agencies, this program may strike the right balance.
Why These Programs Stand Out
There’s always a danger in making a list like this. A student who wants to study fine arts, nursing, or linguistics might look at it and feel invisible, even though UBC has strong programs in all of those areas. But the reason these ten appear to stand out for international students in 2025 is that they connect with broader trends—climate change, technology, global mobility, and health. They also tend to have reputations beyond Canada’s borders, which matters when you’re planning to work in another country after graduation.
Another factor is employability. It may feel cynical to boil down a degree to its “return on investment,” but many international students are under pressure—sometimes from family, sometimes from visa restrictions—to choose a field with a clear career path. That pressure inevitably shapes which programs feel most attractive.
A Word of Caution
Even though these ten programs may be UBC’s strongest draws, they’re not automatically the right fit for everyone. A degree in computer science won’t make sense if you dread sitting in front of a computer for ten hours a day. Similarly, forestry might sound noble, but it involves long hours of fieldwork in sometimes uncomfortable conditions.
The most important factor, and perhaps the hardest to articulate, is whether a program feels like it matches your curiosity and resilience. UBC can be a remarkable place to study, but it can also be overwhelming. Vancouver is expensive. The competition is real. And sometimes, despite the glossy brochures and rankings, students discover they’d rather be somewhere else entirely.
That hesitation shouldn’t discourage you from applying. It should just remind you that the “top program” is never the same for everyone. For one student, it might be economics; for another, film production. The trick is to figure out which program feels like it aligns with your goals—not just in 2025 but five or ten years down the line.