The University of British Columbia (UBC) is set to increase student spaces for technology-related programs by 778 over the next six years, thanks to a $23 million investment from the provincial government. This funding will support the addition of new seats in existing programs within the faculties of applied science, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, and science at both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.
Two new programs will also be launched: a bachelor’s degree in data science at the Vancouver campus and a master of science in biotechnology at UBC Okanagan. These programs are designed to meet the growing demand for individuals with technological skills as workplaces evolve.
A portion of the funding, $5.4 million, will be used to equip and renovate labs and classrooms while $17.7 million will support operating funds for the first three years of the planned expansion. UBC president Benoit-Antoine Bacon emphasized how this investment not only provides students with new career opportunities but also addresses the demand for talent in B.C.’s rapidly growing technology and life sciences industry.
Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Lisa Beare echoed this sentiment by highlighting how this funding is a strategic response to the changing demands of the workforce and will contribute to developing skills needed to drive innovation and growth in British Columbia’s tech and life sciences sectors. The collaboration between UBC and the provincial government underscores their commitment to supporting students’ future successes while contributing to economic growth in BC.
Overall, this investment is expected to have significant benefits on both students’ careers prospects as well as BC’s economy by providing more opportunities for education and training in technology-related fields.
The government funding of $23 million has been described as an important boost for UBC’s efforts to expand technology-related programs. This investment represents a strategic response to changing demands in BC’s rapidly growing tech industry.
With this expansion plan set to begin, students can look forward
