Transferring to UBC Sauder

Transferring into UBC Sauder is a path many students consider. I may be wrong, but from what I’ve seen, Sauder seems to have one of the larger transfer intakes among top Canadian business schools.

That said, the process — and the experience — can be quite different from what’s typically expected. Here’s what stood out to me going through it.

1. Grades Matter (but not how you think)

UBC places more emphasis on core transfer courses than overall GPA. In practice, these courses tend to carry the most weight in the evaluation process.

For Sauder, this typically includes ECON 101, ECON 102, and MATH 100—at least this was the case when I transferred in 2025. Requirements can change, so it’s worth double-checking for your intake year.

One thing I did find helpful: compared to other business schools, Sauder’s transfer requirements are relatively clear and easy to find, which makes planning a lot more manageable.

2. There’s a sizable transfer cohort

Transfer students aren’t a small minority here. During orientation, they’re grouped together, which gives you an opportunity to meet others in similar situations. It makes the initial transition a bit more accessible compared to entering independently into a large student body when you're not a first-year student.

3. Be strategic about your courses

If transferring is a possibility, planning ahead is important. Not all courses will transfer, and losing credits is not exactly fun.

In my case, I got credits for 6 out of the 9 first-year courses I took. In hindsight, I do wish I had done more Math courses instead of some of the more university-specific commerce courses, which are harder to get transfer credits for. Situations like this can be easily avoided by looking at transfer equivalencies early.

While Sauder is still relatively flexible with transfer credits, if you're sure early on that you want to transfer, do check each course individually to avoid lost credits.

4. Residence (don’t underestimate this)

I, as a commuter, am now radically against living off campus at least in your first year.

Even if you transfer in with second or third-year standing, UBC still treats you as a first-year student in terms of experience, which matters for housing. Apply for residence before May 1st.

Vancouver housing is, bluntly, rough. Transit is solid, but living on campus makes a huge difference socially and academically.

5. Cost and Environment

Vancouver is pretty, but it also has a relatively high cost of living. This can affect housing, daily expenses, and overall planning during the academic year.

The scale of the university also influences the academic experience. For example, building connections with instructors and staff — something I valued a lot at my previous university — may require more initiative. Navigating systems, opportunities, and networks will of course depend on how proactive you are. It’s easy to get lost in the system if you’re not (trust me).

Good luck with the transfer process! It can feel a bit confusing at times, but it works out.
Happy to help if you have other questions, just reach out.