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.