VSP Applications are now open! We are very excited to have you visit and experience life here at UBC! Browse our courses available for 2024 here, and visit the step-by-step guide to applying here.
We’ve compiled and prepared for you students’ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in this month’s blog! We want to make sure you feel prepared and extra ready to apply to the program. We hope you’re gearing up for a great summer here with us in Vancouver!
Q: How much does it cost to join VSP?
A: The total cost for joining the Vancouver Summer Program in 2024 is $5,825 CAD and it’s comprised of a $125 CAD application fee and a $5,700 CAD program fee.
Q: When and how can I pay the application fee?
A: You should pay your $125 CAD application fee through the link in the confirmation email you receive after submitting your application. Click here for details and instructions for making a payment.
Q: When and how can I pay the program fee?
A: You will receive an email confirmation once your application is approved. Follow the link in the email to pay the $5,700 program fee. Click here for details and instructions for making a payment.
Q: What is included in the program fee?
A: The $5,700 program fee includes your course package tuition and materials, on-campus housing during the program, medical insurance, transportation to and from Vancouver Airport (during scheduled dates and hours only), Vancouver city exploration activities, a Welcome Event and a farewell lunch. Depending on your course package, other activities might be included or subsidized, or come at an additional cost.
Unless noted otherwise, the program fee does not cover airfare, meals, personal trips and personal expenses.
Q: Is there an English Language level requirement to participate in VSP?
A: VSP has no official language requirement. However, it is expected that students come with a good command of English, comfortable to participate in social and classroom settings held in English.
Our course packages are mostly designed for undergraduate students at their second or third year. Students should be comfortable speaking, reading, listening, and writing at this level to be successful in the program.
Q: Can I join the program if I am turning 18 soon?
A: As long as you are at least 18 years old on the first day of the program, and you are attending a post-secondary institution outside Canada, you are eligible to join VSP. Some course packages have a 19+ requirement, so please review the course package details carefully.
Q: Are graduate (Masters/PhD) students permitted to join the program?
A: It is possible for graduate students to apply to the program but not all packages accept graduate students. Please check the course packages page and see whether or not the course package you are interested in admits graduate students.
Please also note that the packages are offered at a second to third year undergraduate level so it may not be challenging enough for you.
Q: Do I need to apply for a visa to join VSP?
A: Besides your passport, you may also need to apply for a Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on your citizenship, to enter Canada. Find out which document is required for you at the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Click here for more details about the travel document requirements.
The processing time for a Canadian visitor visa application may take longer than you expect. If you need a visitor visa, be sure to apply to VSP as soon as possible.
Q: Is there only one application deadline for both sessions?
A: No. The June session deadline is March 1, 2024, and the deadline for the July session is April 5, 2024.
Q: Can I apply for any scholarships for the program?
A: Please check with your home university about any funding opportunities. UBC does not offer scholarships or bursaries for VSP.
Q: Can I apply if I am from an institution within Canada?
A: Regrettably, domestic students are not admissible to the program. The VSP was designed for cohorts of undergraduate students at a post-secondary institution outside of Canada. Students do not go through UBC Admissions.
If you have any questions that have not been answered on this blog, feel free to reach out to us via email to vsp.ubc@ubc.ca! Our team members are always excited to hear from students and provide assistance wherever, whenever you need it. Click here to register for our upcoming information sessions on December 4th and December 14th where you could hear more about the program and get answers to any of your questions live! Information about our program is also regularly posted on our Instagram, be sure to give it a follow!