UBC Commences Vantage College Program

This year, UBCs Vantage College took in their pioneer batch of students, consisting of 84 Arts students and 104 Science students. Vantage College is a college for international students who do not meet UBCs English requirements. Upon completion of the 11-month long program, students can then pursue a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science at UBC, and enter the university with a second-year standing.

While current classes are currently being held in existing buildings on campus, the Vantage College building is currently being constructed. This 3-building project will be called the Orchard Commons, and will have 1048 student beds, along with a dining hall, office spaces, and a large event space.

image via planning.ubc

Tuition fees for Vantage College are not cheap, either. The approximate cost of this program is $51,700, and this is inclusive of tuition, housing, and personal expenses. The college website also states that you “may apply to Vantage College if you are an international student (not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident)”, making it clear that this program is solely for international students.

Some UBC students believe that Vantage College will benefit UBC in the future, while others have expressed concerns about it. Students have voiced out their opinions about segregation within the schools community in time to come– some believe that Vantage College students will continue to be friends with each other, instead of fully integrating into the community. Others have expressed concerns about how this program will affect the value of a UBC degree.

However, others are positive that this program will in turn help raise revenue for UBC, which will help ease some financial pressure that the university is facing. Some also see this as a good way to help these students transition smoothly into their second year, as this program will help them understand their course material better.

Written by: Sarah C
Featured image via planning.ubc