British Columbia international tuition 2026-27: UBC, SFU, UVic and the MSP health fee

How much is international tuition in British Columbia?

Statistics Canada (StatCan) released preliminary 2026/2027 averages on September 16, 2026. British Columbia is the second most expensive province for international undergraduates, after Ontario.

BC’s international undergraduate average rose about 3.9% from 2025/2026. International students pay about 5.7 times the Canadian rate. These averages are tuition only. Compare all provinces in tuition fees in Canada.

What does UBC charge international students in 2026/27?

UBC Vancouver lists these international fees for a full course load in 2026/27, with domestic fees for comparison:

UBC says that for international undergraduates who start in 2026/27, tuition will rise by no more than 3% a year for the next 4 years or until graduation, whichever comes first. Student fees, such as the transit pass and student society fees, are extra. This page does not cover UBC Okanagan; check UBC’s fee page for that campus.

How do SFU and UVic compare?

Simon Fraser University (SFU) charges per unit. For students who entered in 2024/2025 or later, the Fall 2026 rate for normal courses is $1,262.88 per unit. SFU’s typical-cost table uses 15 units a term:

• Tuition: $18,944 per term, or $37,888 for two terms
• Supplementary fees (transit pass, student services, recreation): $528 per term
• Student society health and dental plan: $365, normally paid once a year
• Courses at the 200 level and above in Business, Computing Science and Engineering Science cost more per unit

SFU says tuition for current students is reviewed each year and may rise by up to 6% a year.

University of Victoria (UVic) publishes a tuition estimator. For rates effective May 1, 2026, its first-year international tuition for two terms is:

UVic’s estimator shows higher amounts in later years, and ancillary fees are extra.

How does health coverage work for students in BC?

International students in BC with a valid study permit of 6 months or longer must enrol in the Medical Services Plan (MSP). The Government of BC charges a health fee of $75 a month for each student, or $900 a year.

• Wait period: MSP coverage starts after the rest of the month you arrive plus two months. You need private insurance until then. SFU, for example, requires short-term insurance through its own plan.
• Family members: only family members with their own study permit of 6 months or longer pay the fee.
• Emergencies: BC says emergency care will not be denied, whatever your enrolment or payment status.

Compare health rules across provinces in health insurance for international students.

Worked example: 4 years of UBC Arts

Priya starts a UBC Arts degree in September 2026 at $51,530.40 a year. UBC’s cap means her tuition can rise by at most 3% a year.

Add the MSP fee ($900 a year after the wait), student fees and rent. Vancouver rents are among the highest in Canada. Build a full budget with the cost of studying calculator.

Which BC school fits which situation?

• You want the lowest first-year tuition at a research university: SFU and UVic both start under $43,000 for most programs.
• You want to know your maximum cost: UBC’s 3% cap gives a clear upper limit for 4 years.
• You plan to study computing or business: SFU and UVic charge more for these programs, and UBC Commerce is its most expensive faculty. See computer science and business tuition compared.
• You want to compare rent too: housing costs differ a lot between Vancouver, Burnaby and Victoria. See the Vancouver city guide.

What mistakes do students make when comparing BC fees?

• Comparing per-term and per-year figures. SFU lists costs per term. UBC lists a full year. Double SFU’s term figure before you compare.
• Forgetting upper-year rates. SFU charges premium rates for some upper-level courses, and UVic’s estimator rises in later years.
• Leaving out the health fee. The $75 monthly MSP fee is paid to the province, not the school, so it may not appear on your school bill.
• Not budgeting for the wait period. You need private insurance until MSP starts.

How many study permits can BC support in 2026?

For 2026, IRCC gave British Columbia 32,596 application spaces for students who need a provincial attestation letter (PAL), with about 24,786 permits expected to be approved. BC shares these among its schools. Master’s and PhD students at public schools do not need a PAL in 2026. See study permit cap and PAL.

Tuition in other provinces: Ontario, Alberta, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

Common questions

Sources

• Statistics Canada: Table 37-10-0045-01, Canadian and international tuition fees by level of study (2026/2027 preliminary)
• UBC: Undergraduate tuition fees 2026/27
• SFU: Typical costs 2026/27
• SFU Calendar Fall 2026: Undergraduate tuition fees
• SFU: Fees and scholarships (undergraduate admission)
• University of Victoria: Undergraduate tuition and costs (estimator)
• Government of BC: Health fee for international students
• IRCC: 2026 provincial and territorial allocations under the international student cap

Checked against these sources on October 10, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.