Located in the spectacular landscape of northern British Columbia, UNBC is one of Canada’s best small universities. We have a passion for teaching, discovery, people, the environment, and the North.
UNBC provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate learning opportunities that explore cultures, health, economies, sciences, and the environment. As one of BC’s research-intensive universities, we bring the excitement of new knowledge to our students, and the outcomes of our teaching and research to the world. In addition to fostering and celebrating academic excellence, UNBC is a welcoming place, with a learning environment that is friendly, inclusive, and supportive.
UNBC is a university both in and for the North. This mission has instilled a strong sense of ownership, purpose, and adventure among our students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the communities we serve. We are also Canada’s Green University™ , leading the way to a more sustainable future for all.
UNBC’s motto, from the Dakelh (Carrier) Elders, is used to remind us that all people have a voice and a viewpoint. Directly translated as "that person also lives," and interpreted as "respecting all forms of life," ‘En Cha Hunà encapsulates the spirit of academic freedom, respect for others, and willingness to recognize different perspectives.
Vision
To be Canada’s leading destination University, personal in character, that transforms lives and communities in the North and around the world.
Our founders established a University “in the North - for the North.” They envisioned and built an institution where all are welcomed, learn, live, work closely with our faculty and staff, and transform the quality of life in Northern British Columbia, the province, and beyond.
Mission
To inspire leaders for tomorrow by influencing the world today.
UNBC strives to provide a safe and challenging learning environment where students gain leadership skills and stretch their boundaries, not only through academic discussion and debate but also through opportunities to work closely with faculty and staff on research projects and a wide range of initiatives that improve student life or contribute to a need in the community, the region or far beyond.
The university has been ranked between 801 and 1000 for three years in a row, 2019 to 2021 by THE (Times Higher Education) - University Ranking. Times Higher Education (THE) devotes equal importance to Teaching, Research, and Citations at 30% each as part of its ranking methodology.
For the third time in seven years, UNBC is the top university of its size in Canada according to rankings published in Maclean’s Magazine. UNBC placed first in the rankings in 2016 and 2017 and consistently scores well in categories relating to student awards, student-to-faculty ratio, quality of faculty, and a number of students who have won national funding. UNBC was second in the rankings between 2017 and 2019.
Top 50 Canadian Research University
UNBC is one of four British Columbia universities included in the Top 50 Research Universities rankings produced annually by Research Infosource.
