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    UBC Mini School in Climate Science and Climate Change
    In-person Program

    UBC Mini School in Climate Science and Climate Change

    by UBC Future Global Leaders

    UBC’s climate science course connects extreme weather, water, ecosystems and society through case studies, basic data analysis and scientific discussion.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    UBC Mini School at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    High school students

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 15-18

    Location / Region

    UBC Vancouver campus, Vancouver, Canada

    Cost

    $2,110; $2,855

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Environmental ScienceGeographyScience
    Class size: Small classes
    Accommodation: Optional private campus residence room
    Meals: Weekday lunch; residence full board
    Certificate / Outcome: Letter of Completion
    Campus experience: UBC Recreation Card; social activities
    Tutors / faculty: Suman Bhattacharyya, UBC Geography PhD candidate
    Sessions / cadence: Monday-Friday, 4.5 hours/day; 22.5 hours/week

    UBC Mini School summary

    This UBC mini school introduces the science behind climate change and its connections to water, ecosystems and society. It combines physical science with questions about environmental policy and human impacts.

    Students work through case studies, basic data analysis, scientific discussion and problem-solving activities. It suits learners who want to test their interest in climate-related university subjects.

    What is UBC Mini School in Climate Science and Climate Change?

    The UBC Mini School in Climate Science and Climate Change is a university-level introduction offered through UBC Extended Learning’s Future Global Leaders program. It explores how human activities reshape climate, water availability, ecosystems and food production.

    Students attend campus classes and investigate climate-related problems through case studies, basic data analysis and discussion of current scientific findings. The subject spans physics, hydrology, ecology, geography and the social sciences, helping students connect environmental processes with their consequences for communities.

    Why Succeed highlights UBC Mini School

    • The curriculum connects climate science with water, food systems and society, making its real-world relevance clear.

    • Basic data analysis and problem-solving offer active ways to engage with scientific findings.

    • The listed instructor brings hydrological research experience and a focus on climate extremes.

    • Commuter and residence options let families choose different levels of campus immersion.

    Who is UBC Mini School for?

    Best for

    Students curious about environmental science, geography, water resources or climate policy who enjoy connecting scientific ideas with practical problems.

    Not ideal if

    You want a direct university admission pathway or prefer a program centered on university preparation lectures rather than afternoon subject classes.

    Is UBC Mini School worth it?

    This mini school can be worthwhile if you want to explore climate science before choosing a university subject. Its combination of scientific concepts, data analysis and societal questions gives you several ways to discover what interests you.

    Its strongest value is subject exploration and firsthand university experience. UBC states that Future Global Leaders is not a direct admission pathway, so families should weigh the academic and campus experience against the financial commitment rather than expect an admissions advantage.

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    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $2,110; $2,855; includes 45 hours of mini school classes, Weekday lunch in the residence dining hall, UBC Recreation Card, Afternoon campus activities, Residence add-on: private room and daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, Residence add-on: airport transfers within designated service times, Residence add-on: evening and weekend activities, Residence add-on: local medical insurance for international students.

    Accommodation

    Optional private campus residence room

    Meals

    Weekday lunch; residence full board

    Provider details

    Review the UBC Future Global Leaders provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; UBC Vancouver campus, Vancouver, Canada.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does UBC Mini School need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high classroom commitment.

    Best started

    Begin residence and travel planning at least two months before your intended session.

    Main challenge

    Connecting physical climate processes with ecological and social consequences.

    Typical preparation

    • Review the differences between climate, weather and extreme events.

    • Practice reading simple graphs about temperature, rainfall or water availability.

    • Prepare your Family Account and registration information with a parent or guardian.

    • If you need academic accommodations, begin the accessibility process promptly after registration.

    Useful if

    You want to test your interest in climate-related university study.

    What do students do on UBC Mini School?

    You explore how climate change affects natural systems and communities through classroom study and practical scientific activities. Case studies, basic data analysis and discussion help you connect individual extreme events with wider climate processes.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Study connections between climate, water, ecosystems and society.

    2. 2

      Examine case studies involving floods, droughts, heatwaves and changing precipitation.

    3. 3

      Use basic data analysis and current scientific findings to investigate climate-related questions.

    4. 4

      Discuss possible responses through problem-solving and scientific communication.

    5. 5

      Explore related learning pathways and career opportunities.

    UBC Mini School dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Programme dates

    20-31 July 2026

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • High school students ages 15-18.

    • Canadian, permanent resident and international students.

    How much does UBC Mini School cost?

    Mini school fee

    $2,110; $2,855 CAD — 2026 Canadian/permanent resident and international fees, respectively.

    Funding or discounts

    • Optional residence: $2,650 CAD — Private room, full board, transfers and residence activities.
    • Registration deposit: $500 CAD — Part-payment under the 2026 payment policy.
    • UBC President Bursary: Full tuition and weekday lunch — Needs-based support for qualifying BC students in or entering Grade 11.
    • Residence bursary: Tuition, meals and accommodation — Priority is given to qualifying BC students outside Greater Vancouver.

    What's included

    45 hours of mini school classes, Weekday lunch in the residence dining hall, UBC Recreation Card, Afternoon campus activities, Residence add-on: private room and daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, Residence add-on: airport transfers within designated service times, Residence add-on: evening and weekend activities, Residence add-on: local medical insurance for international students

    How to apply to UBC Mini School

    1. 1

      Review the mini school requirements and the commuter or residence refund policy.

    2. 2

      Have a parent or guardian create or access the official Family Account.

    3. 3

      Add the student using a primary email address different from the parent or guardian’s.

    4. 4

      Add the mini school session and chosen accommodation option to the cart, assign the student and complete checkout.

    5. 5

      Select New Application in the Family Account and submit the FGL information package within 48 hours of registration.

    6. 6

      Set up the student account and Campus-wide Login using the emailed instructions.

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    What does UBC Mini School cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Climate and extreme events

    Explore how climate change influences floods, droughts, heatwaves and precipitation.

    Water and ecosystems

    Connect hydrology and ecology with water availability and environmental change.

    Climate and society

    Consider how environmental changes affect communities, food production and policy.

    Scientific analysis and communication

    Practice basic data analysis, problem-solving and discussion of current scientific findings.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on UBC Mini School?

    A typical day during the program.

    Morning classes

    Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon: three hours of mini school classes.

    Afternoon classes

    Monday-Friday, 1:30-3 p.m.: 1.5 hours of subject classes instead of university preparation lectures.

    Campus activities

    The sample schedule lists 3:30-5 p.m. for campus activities, study time and free time.

    Residence activities

    The sample schedule lists 7:30-9 p.m. for residence social activities, study time and free time.

    Who teaches on UBC Mini School?

    The listed instructor, Suman Bhattacharyya, is a PhD candidate in UBC’s Department of Geography and a recipient of its Sandy Lapsky Award. His background in hydrological sciences informs research on climate extremes and the communities affected by them.

    Where do students stay on UBC Mini School?

    Residential plan

    • Private campus room: Stay in a furnished single room on a mixed-gender floor with participants and student life assistants.
    • Full board: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily, with vegan, vegetarian and Kosher options.
    • Residence support: Student life assistants provide 24/7 support with a 10-to-1 residence student-to-staff ratio.
    • Transfers and activities: The package includes airport transfers within designated hours and evening and weekend activities.

    Non-residential plan

    • Weekday lunch: Commuter students receive lunch in the residence dining hall Monday-Friday.
    • Campus recreation: A UBC Recreation Card and afternoon campus activities are included; commuters depart by 5 p.m.
    • Commuter supervision: Families arrange transportation, and UBC’s commuter monitoring is limited to daily in-class attendance checks.

    Residence rooms have shared floor bathrooms and no air conditioning; students bring their own towel.

    What happens after UBC Mini School?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Explore pathways in climate and atmospheric science.

    Consider environmental science, hydrology and water resources engineering.

    Connect interests in agriculture, food sciences and environmental policy.

    Build analytical thinking and scientific communication skills.

    Receive a Letter of Completion when attendance and conduct requirements are met.

    Future Global Leaders is not a direct pathway to admission at UBC or another university.

    Where does UBC Mini School take place?

    Classes take place on the UBC Vancouver campus, which is served by public transit through the central UBC Bus Loop. Vancouver International Airport is about a 30-minute drive away, with residence airport transfers operating within designated arrival and departure windows.

    UBC Mini School FAQs

    It connects climate, water, ecosystems and society using concepts from physics, hydrology, ecology, geography and the social sciences. Students investigate extreme weather and changing precipitation through case studies, basic data analysis and discussion.

    The mini school includes 45 class hours. Classes run Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon and 1:30-3 p.m., totaling 4.5 classroom hours each weekday.

    The listed instructor is Suman Bhattacharyya, a PhD candidate in UBC’s Department of Geography. His hydrological sciences background supports research into climate extremes and their effects on communities.

    Yes. Commuter students attend campus classes, receive weekday lunch and a UBC Recreation Card, and can join afternoon activities. Families arrange transportation, and commuters depart by 5 p.m.

    Residence includes a private room, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, airport transfers within designated service times, and evening and weekend activities. International residence students also receive local medical insurance.

    Student life assistants live in residence and provide support 24/7, with a 10-to-1 residence student-to-staff ratio. Staff have first aid, CPR-C and AED certification and enhanced criminal record checks.

    Students can receive a Letter of Completion if they remain in good standing and do not miss more than one class without approval. Future Global Leaders is not a direct pathway to university admission.

    The UBC President Bursary supports qualifying British Columbia students in or entering Grade 11. It covers full tuition and weekday lunch for commuters; a limited number of residence bursaries also cover meals and accommodation.

    Alternatives to UBC Mini School

    Compare the closest environmental science option with broader science and biology programs to see which academic focus suits you.

    Alternatives to UBC Mini School

    Biology Research Institute

    A biology research program in Winston-Salem

    Biology
    Deadline: Not announced
    From $3500
    14-18
    Winston-Salem
    In-person

    Best for

    Students leaning toward biological science

    View details

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • The UBC President Bursary program | Extended Learning
    • Student life | Extended Learning
    • Information for parents and students | Extended Learning
    • UBC Future Global Leaders | Extended Learning
    • Future Global Leaders on-campus | Extended Learning
    • Refunds, cancellations and transfers | Extended Learning
    • StrongerBC future skills grant | Extended Learning
    • Financial assistance | Extended Learning
    • Registration technical support | Extended Learning
    • Eligibility, admissions and accommodations | Extended Learning
    • How to pay | Extended Learning
    • How to log in or create a Lifelong Learning Student Account | Extended Learning
    • How to register or apply | Extended Learning
    • How online courses work | Extended Learning
    • Registration info | Extended Learning
    • Summer Program Code of Conduct and Rules
    • UBC Mini School in Climate Science and Climate Change | Extended Learning

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Official course page reviewed

    • Course-specific session checked

    • Eligibility and fees reviewed

    • Daily class schedule checked

    • Residence and meals reviewed

    • Bursary criteria reviewed

    • Refund policies reviewed

    • Conduct and support reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.