Understanding the BMEG Program Fee
When students in SBME’s undergraduate program enter their second, third and fourth years, a program fee is added to the cost of tuition. This page details why this fee exists, and how the funds are used to support the continual operation, improvement, and evolution of the BMEG program.
Why a BMEG program fee?
The BMEG program fee supports the continual operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Biomedical Engineering curriculum as a whole. Our undergraduate program consists of a breadth of experiential courses, cross-disciplinary teaching and learning, which is specific to this engineering discipline. In addition to supporting continual operation and maintenance of student learning within the program, the program fee enables continual improvement and evolution of courses to reflect advancements in the field, and in response to industry demands.
The program fee does not cover the costs of operation, maintenance, and improvement of the undergraduate program entirely, only partially. Funds are allocated towards different areas of program priorities that vary from year to year, that ultimately benefit the BMEG student body as a whole. Funds from the program fee partially support:
- Materials and equipment for experiential learning
- Curriculum evolution in response to emerging technologies and industry needs
- Co-curricular opportunities
- Sustaining program quality across all student years and specializations
The program fee only partially covers the cost of these activities. The remainder is subsidized by other sources of funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t use certain equipment or take specialized courses?
The fee covers both core and technical elective courses, plus co-curricular activities. Even if you don’t personally use every resource, your education benefits from investments in a broader infrastructure. Because of this holistic approach to the allocation of the program fee, current students are benefiting from investments in program priorities from years prior. In the same way, investments into program priorities now will benefit students in the future.
Do other departments charge similar fees?
Yes. Program fees vary across UBC and the Faculty of Applied Science. Different programs have different structures, cohort sizes, curriculum requirements, and financial needs. The SBME program fee supports the breadth and depth of our unique undergraduate experience. You can find a list of programs that implement a program fee here.
Transparency and Student Engagement
The BMEG Program Fee is integral to the continual operation and improvement of our undergraduate program, and we want to ensure that information about its existence, purpose, and stewardship are made transparent to all students.
Importantly, in collaboration with the Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Student Association (BMEUSA), we incorporate student feedback and input in the allocation of a portion of the funds towards continual program improvement. Examples of fruits of this collaboration include the re-designof existing courses and addition of new hands-on focused technical electives. Additionally, we continue to work closely with UBC Enrolment Services, Faculty of Applied Science and Faculty of Medicine recruiting units to make sure this fee and all that it supports is described to prospective students early and clearly, including within the PBME Supplemental Form and 2nd Year Placement forms. Information includes the following:
- The fee was approved by UBC’s Board of Governors in 2017 after student consultation.
- Annual increases of 2% are standard, but SBME has paused further increases temporarily.
- Students pay this fee three times in total throughout their program, regardless of the length of their education.
We are actively exploring strategies to support students such as awards and scholarships, to address equity concerns and ensure access for all students.
Historical Allocation Summary
Please see below for a record of program fee allocations by fiscal year:
FY2024 (April 2023 – March 2024)
FY2025 (April 2024 – March 2025)
At the start of September, SBME Student Services will identify students who fall in the following categories and send the list of names to Enrolment Services so that the SBME Program Fee can be removed from student accounts:
- BMEG Students registered in Co-op Winter Session Term
- BMEG Students repeating the same year level
Students who have already paid the BMEG Program Fee will have the amount credited back to their account and used towards their next payments. If a student would like a refund, they can contact their Enrolment Services Advisor.