University of British Columbia (Department of Computer Science)

UBC’s Department of Computer Science is a long-standing leader in Canadian computing education, recognized for its strong research culture and global impact. With a community supported by 66 faculty members and extensive research infrastructure, the department drives innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, human‑computer interaction, and data‑centric computing. Its mission integrates academic excellence with societal relevance, encouraging research that addresses real-world needs.

The department maintains a forward‑looking vision, fostering collaboration across disciplines including medicine, business, and environmental sciences. Through continuous growth, strategic partnerships, and groundbreaking scholarship, UBC Computer Science positions itself at the forefront of technological advancement.

UBC CS graduates thrive in competitive global markets, supported by a strong network of employers, mentors, and alumni. The department’s emphasis on practical learning helps students secure roles at companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and IBM. Industry connections also create pathways into specialized domains including robotics, cybersecurity, and machine learning.

Co‑op placements, collaborative research, and professional networking events strengthen technical and communication skills. With high placement rates and access to Vancouver’s expanding tech ecosystem, students gain valuable experience that directly translates into long‑term career growth across diverse technological fields.

UBC Computer Science attracts students seeking academic excellence, impactful research, and meaningful industry engagement. The department’s top-tier national ranking reflects its ability to nurture talent through supportive faculty mentorship and exposure to advanced computing challenges. Students gain direct access to leaders in AI, HCI, and distributed systems.

Opportunities extend beyond classrooms, with interdisciplinary collaborations, co‑op placements, and real‑world problem solving. Vancouver’s dynamic tech landscape amplifies these advantages, offering proximity to global companies and startups. For students aiming to become adaptable, forward‑thinking computing professionals, UBC CS offers an exceptional foundation.

UBC CS drives innovative research that shapes the future of computing, contributing breakthroughs in machine learning, human‑AI interaction, and computational health. Research groups pioneer new models, interface technologies, and algorithms influencing both industry practices and academic discourse. Strong cross‑disciplinary partnerships create avenues for impactful applications in genomics, accessibility, and environmental science.

Entrepreneurial initiatives support the development of spinoffs and open‑source contributions, translating research into tools used worldwide. Combined with work in security, visual computing, and optimization, the department maintains a reputation for producing transformative technologies that address emerging societal challenges.

What research opportunities are offered to undergraduates? Students can join faculty‑supervised projects, reading groups, and directed studies, gaining early exposure to advanced topics such as AI, visualization, and robotics.

How does the department support interdisciplinary interests? Flexible combined majors and cross‑faculty collaborations allow students to merge computing with science, health, or business fields, enriching both practical and academic development.

What makes UBC CS facilities distinctive? The department provides access to specialized labs, modern computing environments, and collaborative study areas that support both experimental research and high‑level computational work.

Admission to UBC CS is competitive and requires strong academic preparation in mathematics and sciences. Undergraduate applicants apply through the university’s central portal and may need to submit supplemental profiles depending on their program. International students must provide language‑proficiency documentation and verified transcripts.

Graduate applicants submit statements of interest, references, and academic records for MSc consideration. Tuition varies by residency, with scholarships and co‑op earnings helping offset costs. Students can access on‑campus housing, health services, and visa support, ensuring smooth integration into academic and campus life.