UBC Program Admissions - Requirements & Tips for High Schoolers
- World Vision Academy
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 10
Are you a high school student dreaming of a future in health, medicine, or biomedical research? The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a wide range of Life Science and Health-related programs designed to set you on a path toward careers in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, research, and beyond.
In this post, we'll break down the most popular Life & Health Science specializations at UBC, go over admissions requirements, and give you some expert tips on what you should be doing in high school to set yourself up for success.
Life Science & Medicine Specializations at UBC
UBC offers a variety of undergraduate programs for students passionate about biology, human health, and medical science. While many students enter UBC through a general science stream, they can later apply to a more specific specialization based on their interests.
Here are some of the most sought-after options:
Pharmacology - Study how drugs affect the human body and contribute to developing new treatments.
Microbiology & Immunology - Explore how microbes interact with human health and disease.
Biochemistry - Understand the chemical processes that drive life at the molecular level.
Cellular, Anatomical, and Physiological Sciences (CAPS) - A great foundation for students interested in human biology and medicine.
Biotechnology - Learn about the applications of biology and technology in health, agriculture, and industry.
These programs are excellent starting points for students aiming to pursue medical school, graduate studies, or healthcare-related careers.
When Do You Choose a Specialization?
At UBC, students don't apply directly into most Life Science specializations from high school. Instead, they typically:
Enter UBC Science or UBC Faculty of Land & Food Systems in Year 1
Complete specific first-year science courses
Apply for specialization at the end of first year
Note: These specializations are competitive, with most programs requiring at at least 80% average in your first-year university courses. That's why setting yourself up for success in high school is so important.
Required High School Courses
To be eligible for admission to UBC Science (or related faculties), you'll need to a strong foundation in core science and math subjects. These courses are not only admission requirements, but they also prepare you for the demanding coursework in your first year.
Here's what you should aim to complete in high school:
Biology 11 and/or Biology 12
Chemistry 12
Physics 12
Pre-Calculus 12
English 12
These are considered UBC's standard entrance requirements for science-based programs.
Pro Tip: Recommended Courses for a Stronger Application
If you really want to stand out and make your transition to university smoother, we highly recommend going beyond the minimum.
Secret Tip for High Schoolers: Take these if available at your school!
Anatomy & Physiology 12 - Offers a great preview of human biology and will give you a head start in CAPS or health-focused programs.
Calculus 12 or AP Calculus - Not only will this help with UBC admissions, but it's also great preparation for your first-year math courses.
Final Thoughts: Start Planning Early
Getting into UBC's Life Science and Health programs is competitive, but absolutely achievable with the right preparation. The key is to:
Take the right high school courses
Keep your grades high, especially in science and math
Explore your interests through extracurriculars, volunteering, or summer programs in health and science
Whether you're aiming for a future in medicine, research, or biotech, UBC offers top-tier programs to help you get there. Start planning today and your future self will thank you!
If you need any help with university applications or high school course planning, contact us and get more student-focused guidance.
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