University of British Columbia vs Simon Fraser University

University of British Columbia vs Simon Fraser University

Subject Strength

UBC and SFU are both strong in business, computer science, and psychology. UBC invariably beats SFU in international league tables (QS: #40 vs #308; THE: ~#41 vs 301–350). UBC stands out in fields such as Engineering (#31), Medicine (#38), and Data Science (#23). SFU, while not ranked internationally as high, excels nationally, leading Canadian comprehensive rankings and specializing in areas such as Archaeology (#3 in Canada), Computing, Psychology, and Anthropology. UBC is best for research-dedicated fields and international prestige, but SFU excels at flexible, interdisciplinary studies such as its co-op education.

General Information

UBC, established in 1908, is a public R1 institution with 67,130 students, including 21,930 graduate students, at its Vancouver (400 acres) and Okanagan campuses. SFU, established in 1965, is a public R1 institution with 30,000 students, including 4,280 graduate students, on three campuses: Burnaby (420 acres), Vancouver, and Surrey. UBC has 28% international students, and SFU has 22%, with both having diverse communities. UBC's larger alumni base (370,000) is compared to SFU's smaller community-oriented network. UBC is a bigger, more internationally known university, with sprawling faculties and research complexes, whereas SFU is a mid-sized, community-driven university with high innovation rates and a teaching, applied research reputation.

Acceptance Rate

UBC's acceptance rate is 52.4%, which is just slightly more selective than SFU's 60%. Admissions are more challenging overall at UBC, with high GPAs required (usually greater than 89% for admission). SFU is more accepting overall but has competitive entry for professional programs such as Beedie Business or Computer Science. Application fees are CAD 149 for UBC and CAD 125 for SFU. International students might prefer SFU's slightly greater acceptance rate and lower entry points.

Location Facts

UBC's Vancouver campus is situated on scenic Point Grey peninsula, with coastal vistas and proximity to beaches and mountains, perfect for outdoor lovers. SFU's Burnaby campus is situated on Burnaby Mountain, with dramatic views and accessibility to urban Vancouver through its downtown campus. Both enjoy Vancouver's cosmopolitan, multicultural culture, but UBC's campus is more contained while SFU's Burnaby campus is more suburban in nature but still close to the city.

Cost & Financial Aid

UBC: Int'l undergrad tuition is on average CAD 46,000/year, with ~CAD 29,000 living expenses. SFU: Int'l tuition is CAD 32,000–45,000/year, with generally lower living expenses in Burnaby/Surrey.
They both provide scholarships and bursaries to domestic and international students, but UBC has wider funding available for research-based programs.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UBC alumni are Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Nobel winners, and international business leaders, with extensive international networks. SFU graduates are top-notch in business, public policy, and technology, particularly in the Vancouver area. Although UBC takes international recognition, SFU provides high employability in Canada and is renowned for its graduates prepared for professional careers, outstanding in co-op placements with companies such as Telus. UBC's international reputation translates to higher pay, whereas SFU's co-op (largest in Canada) provides extensive work experience. UBC is not only a better ranking university, but also sees better placements. Though the tuition may seem a little higher than SFU, UBC is still more prestigious, older and renowned institution within Canada and across the world. 

Infrastructure

UBC has world-class research facilities (TRIUMF, big teaching hospitals, first-rate libraries). SFU has moderately sized but well-funded research activity and placed #15 in the world for innovation. UBC's facilities are larger and more research-oriented, while SFU's are more about accessibility and interdisciplinary collaboration.