Finances

Below will give you an idea of the fees associated with an exchange to UBC. U-Pass and medical fees are mandatory. Housing fees will differ depending on where you live. Also think about what activities you might do here as this is a very active community with lots of opportunity to participate in indoor and outdoor activities.

U-Pass

Cost: $63 (per term)

All exchange students receive the U-Pass, a universal transportation pass that gives unlimited access to the Kelowna Regional Transit System buses during the Winter Session (September to April). Once you get your student ID card, you can register your U-Pass with the Student Union of UBC Okanagan (located at UNC 133).

The U-Pass is mandatory for all students attending UBC and it’s such a fantastic deal that you will be glad to have it!

iMED

Cost: 

  • $338 for one-term students. Your iMED will cover you for your entire term at UBC Okanagan.
  • $237 for full-year students. This will cover you for your first three months, followed by $75.00/month payable to the province of British Columbia for provincial coverage.

*Winter Term 1: August 26, 2024 – January 2, 2025
*Winter Term 2: December 25, 2024 – May 2, 2025

iMED is the basic health insurance required for all new international exchange students. Enrolment is automatic upon registration for your courses. Visit the website for further information (including coverage dates).

We recognize that many students come to UBC with health coverage from their home countries. However, because of the differing procedures in billing and reimbursement worldwide, we have found that exchange students do not always get the medical care they need in a timely fashion. Therefore, only students who already have MSP or another Canadian provincial health plan may opt out of iMED.

Medical Service Plan (MSP)

Cost: $75/month for full-year students only

Students on exchange for five months or longer are required to apply for the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP). There is a three-month waiting period for MSP, during which time students are covered by iMED. Afterwards, these students will pay MSP premiums of approximately $75 per month.

Students are not eligible for MSP if they study at UBC for only one term. In this case, iMED will cover you for the duration of your stay (approximately four months and one week).

Housing application fee

Cost: $50

This fee is only required if you apply to UBC Housing and Hospitality Services (SHHS) and is non-refundable. Housing costs depend highly on what building you reside in as some require meal plans and others do not.