Honorary Degrees

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 about the UBC Honorary Degree protocol.

Nomination Process

Learn more about the nomination process and criteria from the UBC Senate. Review eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and the Senate’s evaluation process.