CA · Bachelor's
The University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literatures
The University of British Columbia
Course Overview
The University of British Columbia is ranked among the top 40 universities in the world (QS) and is one of Canada's three most prestigious institutions. Its BA in English Language and Literatures, taught in the Faculty of Arts on the Vancouver campus, is a four-year honours-capable degree covering literary history, critical theory, language and rhetoric, and the literatures of the English-speaking world — with electives ranging from medieval texts to contemporary and postcolonial writing.
UBC's Faculty of Arts gives students a flexible major-and-minor structure, small upper-year seminars, co-op work placements, and strong writing and research training. An English degree from UBC builds exactly the analytical, writing, and communication skills that employers and graduate schools value, and it pairs well with minors in media, philosophy, history, or political science.
For Sri Lankan students, Canada offers one of the clearest study-to-stay pathways in the world: graduates of an eligible four-year degree qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to three years, and Canadian work experience feeds directly into Express Entry permanent-residence pathways. Vancouver's diverse, English-speaking environment and UBC's global brand make this a strong humanities route with real long-term options.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan A/Ls: three passes in academic subjects, generally B grades or above; humanities or arts streams are well suited.
- check_circle Cambridge International / Edexcel A-Levels: three A2 subjects at competitive grades (typically B or higher).
- check_circle IB Diploma: around 30+ points.
- check_circle O/L English and O/L Mathematics passes are expected.
- check_circle Strong English-language coursework and writing samples support an arts application.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall with no band below 6.0.
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 90 Overall with at least 22 in reading and listening, 21 in writing and speaking.
- check_circle Pearson PTE Academic: 65 Overall.
- check_circle Duolingo English Test is accepted within UBC's published range.
- check_circle Waiver path: UBC waives the English test where you have completed several years of full-time study in English (for example, English-medium A-Levels) at an eligible institution — Sri Lankan English-medium applicants should ask us to confirm eligibility with school documentation.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (CAD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, 2026 international Arts rate) | CAD 44,000 | Rs. 10,340,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Vancouver) | CAD 20,000 | Rs. 4,700,000 |
| Study Permit + Medical & Insurance (per year) | CAD 2,200 | Rs. 517,000 |
| Books & Incidentals (per year) | CAD 1,500 | Rs. 352,500 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | CAD 67,700 | Rs. 15,909,500 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
UBC English graduates move into publishing, communications, journalism, content and editorial work, education, law (via further study), public service, and the wider creative and knowledge economy. Co-op placements build Canadian work experience during the degree, and the Post-Graduation Work Permit (up to three years) plus Express Entry pathways make UBC one of the strongest study-to-permanent-residence routes for Sri Lankan students.
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