We’re thrilled to welcome international students to join us for the UBC Forestry Summer Institute in 2026! The following new courses offer an exciting opportunity to experience UBC’s vibrant teaching culture, explore cutting-edge topics in Forestry and Environmental Stewardship, and discover the cultural richness of Vancouver and Canada. The courses are primarily designed for undergraduate students, but graduate students are also welcome to participate.

Please click on the courses below, read the course details and select one course that interests you the most and start your application. Join us for an unforgettable summer of learning, connection, and discovery!

Courses

Important Dates (in Vancouver Pacific Time)

General Requirements

To apply for the UBC Forestry Summer Institute, applicants must meet both of the requirements below:

• A student currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution outside of Canada.
• At least 18 years of age on the first day of the program.

English Language Requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate a high level of English proficiency and be ready to take part in a university-level academic environment. Language proficiency is self-assessed, and you do not need to submit standardized test scores, such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Program Cost (Listed in $CAD)

• No fees are due unless you are offered and choose to confirm participation in the program.
• Participants pay all of the following fees:
  • Tuition: $2,000 (includes course materials)
  • Housing deposit: $200 (the deposit is non-refundable if a participant withdraws from the program; otherwise, participants will receive a refund within 3 months after the program end date.)
  • Program Costs: $3000 , includes
    • On-campus accommodation from July 25th to August 15th (students cannot move in before July 25th and must move out on August 15th)
    • Airport pick-up on July 25th and drop-off on August 15th
    • Transportation for program activities
    • Academic field trips (2) and activity fees
    • Weekend field trips (2)
    • International student medical insurance
    • Program support

• Optional
  • $350 Meals in the first week (July 25th-31st, buffet style breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

To help students transition smoothly into the program, meals will be provided during the first week (July 25–31). Participation in this meal plan is optional. Students who wish to join must select and pay for this option at the time of paying for Program Costs; once paid, the fee is non-refundable. Students who do not select this option during payment cannot sign up or pay for meals later, and no make-up meals will be provided.

• Visa Application

Students are responsible for applying for and obtaining their own visas at their own cost. Whether a visa is required depends on the student’s citizenship and country of residence. UBC does not and cannot provide advice on visa applications. If needed, the program may recommend a visa application agency to assist with the process; however, this agency is independent from UBC, and the university does not assume any responsibility for the cost, services, advice, or outcomes provided by the agency.

• Other Estimated Personal Expenses (participants may have additional or varying needs)

Your airfare, meals, personal trips and personal expenses are not covered in the Program Costs unless noted otherwise.

• Food: $650-$1000, ~$50 per day
• Local Transportation: $100-$300
  • Using transit, taxis, and ride share apps (Uber, Lyft, Kabu and others).
• Personal care and household expenses: $100-$200
• Phone and data: $40-$100
• Entertainment: $100-$500
  • Have fun! Set aside some money for activities beyond the program, such as shopping, concerts, and local attractions. Admissions for UBC museums and art galleries are around $70 in total.

Course Package Cancellations

In some instances, course packages are canceled due to insufficient enrolment, or other reasons. If this happens, students will be offered a choice to apply for another course package or to request a refund.

Withdrawals

If you, for any reason, can no longer participate in our program and choose to withdraw after you have confirmed your acceptance, please email info.afrc@ubc.ca with an official withdrawal request along with a brief explanation for the withdrawal.

If you have already paid your fees, you may be eligible for a refund.

General Refund Policies

Refunds may incur additional charges and exchange rate differences.

All refunds will be processed after the end of the program.

Withdrawal request made	Refund amount	Corresponding withdrawal deadlines
60 days before program start date	100% of program fee	May 20, 2025
30 days before program start date	50% of program fee	June 20, 2025
1 day before program start date	25% of program fee	July 19,2025
On or after program start date	No refund

*withdrawal and refund requests must reach the contact email on or before 11:59 PM Vancouver time on the dates specified.

Refunds for Visa/eTA/Study Permit Refusal

If you are withdrawing from our program because Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has denied your application for a Visitor Visa, Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or Study Permit, we will refund 100% of the program fee.

You must email info.afrc@ubc.ca within 15 days from the date shown on the letter from IRCC, before your program start date. Your email must include:

1. An official withdrawal request stating that IRCC has denied your application for a Visitor Visa, eTA or Study Permit, and
2. The official letter of Visitor Visa, eTA or Study Permit denial issued by IRCC.

Refunds for Visa/eTA/Study Permit Delay

If you are unable to attend our program because you are unable to obtain a Visa/eTA/Study Permit before the program start date, we will refund your program fee based on the following terms:

If you have submitted your Visa/eTA/Study Permit application before April 20, we will refund 100% of the program fee no later than 1 day before the program start date. You must provide copies of official documents (e.g. confirmation from IRCC) showing the date which you have applied for a Visa/eTA/Study Permit in order to qualify for a refund under this situation.

If you have submitted your Visa/eTA/Study Permit application after the deadlines mentioned above, refunds will follow the general refund terms listed in the table above, under “General Refund Policies”.

Refunds for Course Cancellations

If your enrolled course package has been canceled and you are unable to join any alternative course packages on offer, we will refund 100% of the program fees paid.

How to Apply

Note: Make sure to read all the information before you start the application process.

Enjoy UBC Forestry Summer Institute!

Arrive in Vancouver and settle down in your residence. Attend the in-person faculty orientation on the first Monday. Engage in the courses and other curricular activities offered during the program. Make new friends from around the world. Explore Vancouver and Canada during its best season… and have an unforgettable summer!