Get started from here
Money management is important to every student, and you can contact Student Financial Assistance & Awards for help. We provide workshops on financial literacy, confidential advising appointments, emergency assistance, help with financial planning, and information on awards and student loans.
These five steps to financial health will set you on the right path – so you can focus on enjoying your UBC experience:
-
Understanding your costs
The first step is to understand how much a school year will cost you and what the related expenses are. Knowing your costs will provide the foundation to build your financial plan.
You can start by finding out the costs for tuition, student fees, and books for:
- undergraduate students
- graduate studentsNext, consider how much it will cost to live in Vancouver. If you are staying on campus, you’ll need to cover residence fees and a meal plan. If you’re off-campus, you’ll also want to think about rent, groceries, and utilities. Make sure that you also allow for personal expenses such as cell phone bill and entertainment. If it will be in your budget, you won’t be caught off-guard.
Not sure how to estimate your costs for your first year in university? Try the Cost Calculator.
-
Knowing your resources
Once you know what your educational costs are, you will need to find resources to cover those costs. Most students will have some savings or help from their families, but there are also a range of financial assistance programs in place at UBC.
Check out our “Types of Financial Support” section that includes information on scholarships, awards, and bursaries. Graduate Students should consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies for information on scholarships.
UBC also administers government Student Loans, designed to supplement your resources.
Some students may want to work part-time to finance their education. UBC has on-campus work programs for both domestic and international students. Find out more on Work Study and Work Learn programs administered by Career Services.
Making sure you have the resources to cover your costs is just as important to UBC as it is to you. UBC’s Policy on Financial Support ensures that all qualified domestic student will not be prevented from starting or continuing their studies for financial reasons alone.
-
Mapping your timeline
Student Financial Assistance & Awards is committed to helping you, but it is your responsibility to meet important deadlines. Refer to the Important dates section for more information.
Also check out these websites for information on deadlines for:
- Graduate Studies
- Residence & Housing -
Building a financial plan
Every student needs a financial plan, and once you’ve gathered the information above, you’ll be in a position to make one. We have resources to help you work out a plan that makes sense to you. Check out our Financial Toolkit for information on budgeting and credit management, as well as helpful tips and resources.
Need help? Schedule a financial planning appointment with one of our advisors to help you make a personalized plan and stay on track.
-
Maintaining your financial health
Once you have a plan, it's important to use it. We know sometimes this is easier said than done. If it's not working, it's okay to make adjustments as needed. Keep on track with our Financial Toolkit. Stay on top of your obligations with your previous loans, and be prepared for your loan repayment.
