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Honorary Degrees

About

Honorary degrees are conferred on deserving individuals who have made substantial contributions to society, such as:

  • Leading academics in all disciplines and creative minds in arts and performance;
  • Public intellectuals and opinion makers;
  • Visionary leaders and exemplary public figures;
  • Community builders and philanthropists.

Honorary degrees are conferred honoris causa, “for the sake of honour,” and are awarded as one of three types: Doctor of Laws, honoris causa; Doctor of Letters, honoris causa; and Doctor of Science, honoris causa.

Learn more about the nomination process and criteria from the UBC Senate.

Learn about UBC honorary degree protocol.