university of british columbia phd admission requirements

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Admission Requirements

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Applications for the PhD program open on November 15th, 2023 . The deadline for receipt of applications is January 7th, 2024 . The deadline for receipt of references is January 14th, 2024 . The Admissions Committee will not consider your application unless all documents have been received by the deadline. There is only one admission cycle per year, and all new students begin the program in September.

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SPPH is committed to addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action, including work that supports the implementation of the UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan and the UBC Faculty of Medicine Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action . SPPH values equity, diversity, and inclusion .

We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous persons.

The PhD program recognizes that SPPH and UBC are situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam). In partial recognition of the past, present, and future benefits that all members of the SPPH community receive from the use of this land, the PhD Program will pay the application fee for any Indigenous applicant. Applicants must contact the program in advance to receive a coupon code. The PhD program also reserves departmental funding to support indigenous student(s) in their first four years of PhD study.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to contact the program before submitting an application for more information about supports for Indigenous students and applicants at UBC, such as the SAGE Program .

We accept applicants from many diverse backgrounds and countries, and we do not have a limit to out-of-province or international students. We rank all completed applications and applicants are offered admission based on merit. If you will complete your master’s degree before the entry date in September, we encourage you to apply.

Applicants must meet both the minimum academic requirements and relevant experience requirements set out by the PhD Program and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Meeting the minimum criteria does not ensure acceptance into the program – most successful applicants present academic credentials and test scores that are above the minimum.

Supervisor support is required for all PhD applications. We are not able to review applications without supervisor support. The best way to connect with a potential supervisor is to investigate Faculty profiles (including research interests and recent publications) and then contact the faculty member you are interested in working with to inquire whether they are willing to serve as your supervisor. Use the G+PS Supervisor Tool to assist you in your investigation. The PhD Supervisor Support form should be submitted directly to the PhD Program by the potential supervisor.

Contact us with questions about the admission requirements or admissions process: [email protected] . You should also review the information on how to apply.

Minimum Academic Requirements

Relevant Work Experience

Master's degrees from Canada or USA

Degree and gpa:.

• A degree academically equivalent to a UBC master’s degree.
• A GPA of B+ or higher, calculated from all coursework taken for the master’s degree.
• Find more information about academically equivalent degrees and GPAs here .

Quantitative Skills:

• A short Quantitative Statement (150 words or less) is required for all applicants. Quantitative Statements should describe past quantitative experience, including, but not limited to: coursework in math, statistics, or research methods; experience with statistical software; and/or research experiences. Further information and example Quantitative Statements can be found here .

English Language Proficiency:

• Applicants do not need to submit an English Language test.

International Master's degrees

• Applicants with international credentials must have academic backgrounds that meet the minimum requirements outlined by Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for the country of origin of the credential(s) .
• A GPA of B+ or higher, calculated from all coursework taken as part of the degree.
• Please note that we do not accept transcript evaluations from WES or similar agencies.
• An English Language test is required for all applicants with an undergraduate degree from a university where English is not the primary language of instruction. Please note that it is not sufficient for the program or department to use English as the language of instruction. The institution as a whole must use English as the language of instruction.
• The test must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.
• TOEFL minimum – 100 or higher (internet-based exam)
• IELTS minimum –  7.0 or higher and component scores of 6.5 or higher (IELTS Academic Test, IELTS general is not accepted).
• Find more information on acceptable tests here .

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A detailed and up-to-date CV that highlights your academic, research, and professional experience. Please include (if relevant): academic history, publications, conference presentations, awards, fellowships, teaching experience, workshops, volunteer work, or employment. We recommend sharing your CV with your potential supervisor.

Find more resources to assist in preparing your CV from UBC Student Services or G+PS .

Letter of intent (LOI)

A letter of intent that describes your career objectives, your research interests, and how the PhD program will meet your career goals. The LOI should be about 700 words.

Additional instructions and suggestions can be found in our LOI Guide . You can find even more tips on writing your LOI from G+PS .

Three letters of reference

Three reference letters are required for each application. We prefer that two of these references be from former professors, but we will accept professional references if you do not have academic references. Please ask your references highlight your academic skills, research skills, and your ability to excel in an academic environment. This might include:

• Potential to succeed as a doctoral student
• Academic ability and initiative
• Critical thinking and complex problem solving skills
• Ability to interpret and communicate data clearly and effectively
• Demonstrated compassion, professionalism, and integrity

Please ask your referees to provide information on the context in which they’ve known you (e.g., work environment, your role and responsibilities, or the educational/course setting).

For additional information, including information for people writing reference letters, see our Reference Guide.

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In This Section

Application procedure, supporting documentation, funding opportunities.

• Application Deadlines
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Applications

Apply via UBC Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Online Application Form

Applications to the Chemistry Department are made through the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Online Application Form .

On the online application form, prospective students may list any potential faculty member they may be interested in working with. Listing faculty names is only intended for identifying fields of research of interest and can potentially facilitate connections with the faculty member once a prospective student has received their letter of admission.

Effective October 1, 2022, international applicants will be charged an application fee of $60 CDN; for domestic applicants, the fee is paid for by the department.

The Department welcomes applications from students with undergraduate or Master's degrees with high standing. In most cases, students enter graduate study with chemistry degrees but applicants with other backgrounds, such as physics, biology, or mathematics, are also given consideration. Please review the Minimum Academic Requirements: CANADIAN or U.S. Credentials or Minimum Academic Requirements: INTERNATIONAL Credentials . Applications which do not meet these minimum requirements will not be accepted.

For direct entry to the PhD program:

UBC Chemistry strongly encourages all international applicants to apply for direct entry into our PhD program , as the number of admissions offered to international MSc applicants is very limited.

Applicants who meet the academic requirements (see below) and demonstrate advanced research ability, may apply for direct admission to the PhD program. Students entering directly from a bachelor's degree must, within the first 24 months of study, complete 12 credits with a first class average, of which at least 9 credits must be at the 500 level or above and at least 9 credits must be of first class standing, to maintain registration as a doctoral student.

For direct entry to the PhD program, an overall average of B+ (from all courses taken in their Bachelor’s degree) is required for all applicants.

For entry to the PhD program by students with an MSc:

For applicants who hold a credential/degree from a Canadian or USA post-secondary institution, a B+ average in senior undergraduate level courses is required, along with a successfully defended Master thesis.

For applicants who hold an international credential/degree, an overall average of B+ (from all courses taken in their Bachelor’s degree) is required, along with a successfully defended Master thesis.

For entry to the MSc program:

For applicants who hold a credential/degree from a Canadian or USA post-secondary institution, a B+ average in senior undergraduate level courses is required.

For applicants who hold an international credential/degree, an overall average of B+ (from all courses taken in their Bachelor’s degree) is required.

Please allow at least 45 to 60 minutes to complete the online application. Be prepared to provide information and answer questions about personal and contact details, academic history, test scores, funding information, experience and interests and reference contact information and answer questions related to your specific program of study. You will be able to save your application and continue it at a later date. For security reasons, you'll be automatically logged out of the application if you do not save your page data within 60 minutes.

You will be required to scan and upload documents such as transcripts ( including your ranking within your own department ), degree certificates, award and/or scholarship documentation, related test scores (if required), statement of intent, Curriculum Vitae, etc.

If you are unable to upload supporting documentation, paper documents may be sent directly to the Chemistry Department.

For Applicants from a university outside Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom:

English Language Proficiency : Applicants from a university outside Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.  The minimum overall TOEFL score for graduate admission to the Department of Chemistry is 92 on the internet-based test with minimum component scores of 23, 22, 23 and 22 for reading, writing, listening and speaking, respectively. For IELTS, a minimum overall band score of 6.5 is required with a minimum score of 6.0 in each component of the academic IELTS test. Self-reported test scores on applications are considered unofficial. Applicants must also contact the testing agency (TOEFL or IELTS) and request the official test scores be sent to UBC electronically as part of their application.

Note: English language proficiency scores are not required if the language of instruction in your country is English at the post-secondary level. Please include an institutional document indicating as such with your application.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General and Subject (Chemistry or another applicable subject) test scores are not mandatory. While it is advantageous to submit GRE test scores, it is not a requirement.

Letters of Reference

Three references are required for an application to Chemistry. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

There are three possible formats for references:

1) Electronic references.  In the online application system, applicants are asked to provide an email address for each referee. (Please note, that we are unable to accept e-mails from Hotmail, Yahoo, GMail, MSN or other free e-mail accounts for referees.)  A unique link will be emailed to each referee, allowing them to log in to a secure site and submit an online reference or upload a reference document as an attachment.

2) Paper letters of reference.  Your referee may wish to send a paper letter. Paper letters of reference should be on referee's official letterhead and must be mailed directly to Chemistry in a sealed and endorsed envelope.

3) Paper reference forms. UBC provides a general reference form . Your referee may fill out this form and mail it directly to Chemistry in a sealed and endorsed envelope.

Please visit:  https://www.grad.ubc.ca/scholarships-awards-funding/award-opportunities

All PhD applicants (Domestic or International), will be considered for the  University Four Year Fellowship (4YF)

For NSERC awards and deadlines, please visit: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/PG-CS/index_eng.asp

Funding for graduate stipends otherwise comes from individual professors and their grants. Available positions in research groups are therefore dependent on available grants held by each professor at the time of recruitment.

Application Deadlines- NEW

For September applications, the online session will open on October 1. 

For all applicants, applications must be submitted by February 15 and all supporting documentation* received by March 15. International students are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow sufficient time for the study permit application process.  

*Includes receipt of official English language test results sent directly from the testing center (if applicable)

Note:  To be eligible for our top scholarships, domestic and international applications must be submitted by January 5th.  Top applicants based in Canada or the U.S. may also be eligible for an in-person visit of our department if they submit their application by January 5th.

Admission Offers

Admission offers: After receiving an admission offer, prospective students are encouraged to directly contact faculty members in order to discuss research possibilities and the availability of positions for new graduate students within their groups. Students who have been accepted are strongly encouraged to pre-arrange a position with a faculty member whose group they wish to join, or may submit a list of preferred choices upon their arrival on campus.

Conditional admission offers: The Department also issues conditional offers to students who meet the entry requirements but need to secure funding for their position. These students are encouraged to attend our annual GatherTown event for an info session and opportunities to meet with faculty who have available funds. The details of this info session will be communicated in the offer letter.

For further questions regarding graduate admissions, please contact  [email protected]

Graduate Admissions Department of Chemistry 2036 Main Mall University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z1

Frequently Asked Questions

Please visit the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Frequently Asked Questions for further information.

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Applicants for both the master’s and PhD programs are required to meet admission and application requirements for both the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at UBC and the School of Information.

Application procedures

Each of our programs has specific requirements and deadlines, but the application procedure is the same.

Note: The UBC School of Information is in the process of implementing a recently-redesigned curriculum for the MLIS. As part of this update, the UBC iSchool will be transitioning to a single intake admission model and phasing out the January intake. From January 2024 onwards, we will only be accepting applications for the September intake , with the annual deadline on January 15. Please apply by January 15, 2024, if you are interested in pursuing master degrees at the iSchool in September 2024.

Transcripts

We will require official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended, whether or not you completed the program or degree.

If you participated in a university exchange program, you must provide an official transcript from the exchange institution, even if the exchange study is confirmed on the transcript of your home institution.

Letters of reference

Submit three confidential letters of reference. Preferably from instructors who have taught you at university or employers. All references must be submitted in English or must be accompanied by a word-for-word translation.

PhD applicants are encouraged to seek letters of reference from persons in academic communities who can assess the applicant’s research ability or potential. The references must contain original signatures and must be received in a sealed and endorsed envelope, or submitted electronically through the E-Ref system, initiated by the applicant in the online application system. Emailed references are not accepted. Applicants whose graduate work was completed three or more years ago may substitute a professional reference for one of the academic references.

Curriculum Vitae

Upload an up-to-date CV or résumé.

English language proficiency

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language. Accepted tests (taken in the past 24 months) include the TOEFL examination and IELTS.

TOEFL  - Test of English as a Foreign Language (UBC’s institution code for the Test of English as a Foreign Language is 0965)

• Internet-based Test - minimum score of 100
• Paper-based Test - minimum score of 600

IELTS  - International English Language Testing System

• Must be the academic test
• Minimum score of 7.5 with no band less than 7.0

Canadian Permanent Residents

If you are a Permanent Resident of Canada, upload a scan or photocopy of your PR card with your application.

Program-specific admission requirements

Do you identify yourself as an Aboriginal person, that is, First Nations, Métis or Inuit? The School of Information is able to cover the application fee for applicants who self-identify as Indigenous on their applications (that is, First Nations, Métis or Inuit).

Please email the program to request a unique coupon code that must be entered in advance of submitting the application in eVision. Eligible applicants who have paid the fee will not be issued a refund. Applicants who apply to multiple programs may receive a coupon from one program but not another.

MAS, MLIS, dual MAS/LIS

For admission to the program, a candidate must:

• Possess a four-year bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from a recognized university in any academic discipline. We welcome degrees with areas of concentration in the sciences, humanities, social sciences and interdisciplinary studies, as well as dual degrees, double majors, and major/minors. Applicants holding undergraduate degrees in the master's degree subject areas (library science, archival science) are examined on a case-by-case basis. The admissions committee reviews degree transcripts closely for evidence of coursework showing significant theoretical and academic content.
• Have achieved a minimum overall average in the B+ grade range (76% at UBC) in third- and fourth-year level courses of a bachelor’s degree. This is the minimum admission standard; exceeding this requirement will increase the likelihood of being recommended for admission. For students with a degree from a university outside of North America, academic coursework from all years of study is used to calculate academic performance. International students should check admission requirements for their country via the UBC Graduate Studies website.
• Show promise of superior professional performance as attested by letters of reference and the School of Information application questionnaire.

Personal statement

Include a personal statement within the constraints of 700-1000 words. Please address the following:

• Your primary reasons for entering the chosen information field (archival, library, or both).
• What you perceive to be the current/future challenges and opportunities in such field.
• Your career goals and how the program at UBC iSchool will help you to achieve them.

Statement of experiences

Please discuss how your prior experiences (paid or volunteer work, academic history, interests and hobbies, etc.) have prepared you to undertake rigorous graduate studies at UBC iSchool.

This statement should be within the range of 250-500 words.

Designing for People

Students interested in the Designing for People (DFP) specialization should apply to the DFP program separately after they receive acceptance at the iSchool. For specific admissions requirements or a timeline of how/when to apply, visit the DFP website.

Blockchain@UBC

Students interested in the Blockchain@UBC specialization should apply to the Blockchain@UBC program separately after they receive acceptance at the iSchool. For specific admissions requirements or a timeline of how/when to apply, visit the Blockchain@UBC website.

• An undergraduate student considering working in the field of children’s literature should consult the iSchool about useful preparatory classes. An interview may be arranged at any time.
• A broad cultural background is expected of MA candidates. The prospective student should select courses to give some acquaintance with the humanities and social sciences during undergraduate studies. Particular attention should be paid in undergraduate or graduate studies to courses in children’s literature, English, writing for children, child psychology, and the history of childhood.

Additional supporting documents

In addition to the online application form, candidates must submit:

• Copies of two essays as examples of your written academic work in English. If you are intending to complete a creative writing thesis as part of your program, one of your samples should be a creative writing piece you have written in the past;
• A personal statement (one to three pages) outlining your goals and expectations for the program;
• This last statement will help the selection committee with respect to understanding which of the four departments working in the Master of Arts in Children’s Literature program is likely to have a faculty member to supervise your thesis.
• The thesis statement should be well-researched and cited.

The student must meet the overall admission standards established by the UBC Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Applicants must possess a graduate degree in library, archival or information studies. Consideration will be given to applicants with a master’s degree or equivalent in another discipline relevant to their field of research. First-class standing is strongly preferred. Applicants with a graduate program standing below B+ (upper second class) will not be considered for admission.

In addition, the Doctoral Studies Admissions Committee will consider the following in making its decisions:

• The applicant’s suitability for advanced graduate work, as evidenced by the application and supporting documentation.
• A match between faculty expertise and the applicant’s research interests.
• The availability of a research supervisor among the UBC iSchool faculty.

Identify a potential supervisor

Applicants must identify a potential research supervisor as part of their application and are encouraged to research faculty members to identify shared interests and the possibility of supervision. Please see the PhD program page for more details.

All PhD applications must include:

• A statement of research (maximum 500 words) and a personal statement (maximum 500 words).
• Three confidential reference reports,

Applications that do not include a research and personal statement, or the required letters of reference, will be considered incomplete and will not be adjudicated by the Doctoral Studies Committee.

Research statement (500 words)

The statement should describe the applicant’s research interest and articulate how the iSchool/prospective faculty supervisor is perceived to support this research. It may include a bibliography in addition to the 500-word research statement. Some guiding questions in developing the statement:

• What issue will the research address?
• Why is this issue important?
• What is already known about the issue?
• How is the approach innovative? How will it advance knowledge in the field?

Personal statement (500 words)

The personal statement should outline the applicant’s research experience, reasons for choosing UBC, and career objectives. It should describe how the applicant is qualified to carry out the research and what academic knowledge and experience he or she brings to the research proposal.

The Doctoral Studies Admissions Committee reserves the right to request an interview, in person, by telephone, by video conference, or to request additional references.

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Take the next step in advancing your economics career by applying to our Master of Arts (MA) or our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programs at the Vancouver School of Economics.

Application Deadline

Entrance requirements.

Undergraduate degrees and grading systems differ widely across countries. Because of this, UBC's Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the Vancouver School of Economics recommend that you meet the minimum entrance requirements. However, satisfying basic entrance requirements does not guarantee admission. We award admission only to the most qualified applicants.

To be a successful applicant to the MA program, you should have a strong undergraduate academic record, especially in economic theory, statistics, and econometrics, with at least one year of calculus. We strongly advise having an additional study of calculus and linear algebra.

Specific course requirements:

• Two-semester course in intermediate microeconomics (equivalent to ECON 301 and 303 at UBC): knowledge of consumer theory, producer theory, general equilibrium and welfare theorems, perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly, externalities, public goods, risk and uncertainty, game theory, adverse selection, moral hazard, auctions.
• A one-semester course in intermediate macroeconomics (equivalent to ECON 302 at UBC): knowledge of income and employment theory, economic growth, monetary economics, the open economy, business cycle theory, intertemporal choice theory, choice under uncertainty.
• Two-semester course in statistics and econometrics (equivalent to ECON 325 and 326 at UBC): knowledge of descriptive statistics, probability, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, simple and multiple regression, time series analysis, and simultaneous equation estimation.
• Two-semester course in calculus (equivalent to MATH 104 and 105 at UBC): knowledge of derivatives and rates of change, partial derivatives, exponential and trigonometric functions, Newton's method, Taylor series, graphing, anti-derivatives, the definite integral, techniques of integration, maxima and minima with constraints, discrete and continuous random variables.

If you are not familiar with the material in the first twelve chapters of Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics , by Alpha C. Chiang and Kevin Wainwright, you may have some difficulty with the first few weeks of the program. It has been our experience that students find an undergraduate-level course in linear algebra extremely useful, particularly in the econometrics course. While linear algebra is not a stated prerequisite, we suggest that you either take such a course or, at least, obtain an introductory textbook and work through it.

We do accept students without economics degrees. These students usually have a background in mathematics, physics, engineering or other STEM fields. For such applicants, we like to see some training or experience in math, including linear algebra, and statistics and/or econometrics.

PhD program

We expect applicants to hold a master's degree in economics. However, if you hold an outstanding record in your undergraduate honours program in economics, we may admit you directly. In which case, you should have demonstrated success in intermediate and upper-level undergraduate courses in economic theory, mathematics, statistics and econometrics.

We expect all applicants to have a demonstrated ability to undertake advanced studies and independent research.

Application Procedures

You must obtain an official paper transcript from every post-secondary institution you have attended, regardless of whether you obtained a degree or not (including Canadian DEC programmes). Each transcript should then be scanned as an individual .pdf file and then uploaded to the application system as indicated.

A certified English translation must accompany transcripts issued in languages other than English.

Original, official transcripts and degree certificates will be required once applicants are offered admission. More details will be in the official UBC letter of admission.

Letters of reference

You are required to submit three confidential academic letters of reference. Letters should be from referees who can provide a report on your academic abilities and qualifications.

Your referees will be automatically contacted via the online application system only when you have submitted your online application. Referees will have the option of submitting their letters online or by mail. Letters sent by email or fax are not acceptable .

English language proficiency requirements

If you are applying from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language, you must provide English language proficiency examination results as part of your application.

You do not require an English language proficiency examination if you graduated from a university from one of the following countries: Canada, United States, Great Britain, The Republic of Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, British West Indies, Singapore.

You must have taken the test within the last two years, and an official test score report ordered from the testing agency is required. Photocopies of test scores are not acceptable.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is optional for the current 2023 admissions cycle. Applicants that choose to include a GRE score as part of their application must have written the GRE in the last five years. Score reports that are more than five years old are not accepted. Please request for the submission of your test scores to be sent to UBC. The UBC institution code is  0965 . In order to avoid any issues with receiving your GRE results, we request applicants to please not include a department code along with the aforementioned institution code.

Note that we do not accept the GMAT as a substitute for GRE scores.

Statement of intent

You must submit a statement of intent with your application. The statement should be no longer than two pages, and you must format it according to the following parameters:

• US letter size layout
• One-inch margins
• Single spaced
• 12-point Times New Roman or similar professional font

Application form and fee

You are required to pay a non-refundable application fee. The online application requires a credit card payment via VISA or Mastercard, or Interac/debit from individuals with banking accounts at Scotiabank, Royal Bank, or TD Canada Trust.

The application fee is waived only for applicants who are citizens and currently residing in one of the world's 50 least developed countries, as declared by the United Nations. A list of these countries is available on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website . Waivers are made in no other circumstances.

To check your application status and provide new information or updated documentation, please log in to My Applications. In My Applications, you can also find information about your references and your reference requests' status.

Deposit to accept admission

To accept your offer of admission, a $1000 deposit is required. Acceptance deposits must be paid when applicants accept the offer of admission, and are credited towards the first tuition installment. These non-refundable deposits assure that only applicants who intend to enter the program accept offers of admission, and reduces the time for those remaining on the wait list.

Frequently Asked Questions

The MA program receives approximately 600 applications in a typical year. Each year, about 50 applicants enter the program.

The PhD program receives approximately 400 applications in a typical year. Each year, about 15 applicants enter the program.

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Programs & Applying

The College of Graduate Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements for all applicants. Minimum admission requirements vary for students coming from a Canadian or American institution and those coming from international institutions.

Each graduate program may have additional requirements. It is recommended that all potential applicants refer to specific Graduate Degree Programs for detailed information regarding the program and specific admission requirements.

Master’s Applicants

Applicants to a master’s degree program must hold the academic equivalent of a four-year bachelor’s degree from UBC with:

• a minimum overall average in the B+ grade range (76-79% at UBC) in third-year level and above courses; or
• academic standing with at least 12 credits of third- or fourth-year courses in the A grade range (80% or higher at UBC) in the field of study; or
• applicants who have a four-year bachelor’s degree, or its academic equivalent, which does not meet the requirements stated above, but who have had significant formal training and relevant professional experience to offset such deficiencies, may be granted admission on the recommendation of the graduate program and approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
• These are the minimum requirements for admission to the College of Graduate Studies. Individual graduate programs may have additional admission requirements. Consult the graduate program listings in the Academic Calendar to confirm the admission requirements for specific degree programs.

Doctoral Applicants

Applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) must have completed one of the following requirements:

• a master’s degree (or equivalent) from an approved institution, with clear evidence of research ability or potential and a minimum overall average in the B+ grade range (76-79% at UBC) in all graduate courses;
• a bachelor’s degree, with one year of study in a master’s program with 12 credits of first-class average, of which, normally, 9 credits must be at the 500 level or above and at least 9 credits must be of first-class standing, and clear evidence of research ability or potential. Transfer directly into a doctoral program is normally accomplished after the first year of study and will not be permitted after the completion of the second year in a master’s program; or
• in exceptional cases, applicants who hold an honours bachelor’s degree with an overall average in the A grade range and who demonstrate advanced research ability may be granted direct admission to a doctoral degree program on recommendation of the admitting graduate program and approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

To maintain registration as a doctoral student, students entering directly from a bachelor’s degree must, during the first year of study, complete 12 credits with a first-class average, of which at least 9 credits must be at the 500 level or above and at least 9 credits must be of first-class standing.

Other Resources

Other sites with helpful application information:

• UBC Okanagan Calendar
• Policies Governing Admissions

Master’s applicants

• The College of Graduate Studies welcomes and encourages applications from international students who hold a credential deemed academically equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree from UBC and who demonstrate superior academic standing.
• Specific minimum admission requirements for graduates from different countries are listed in the International Student Evaluation Manual.
• Students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents must apply for a study permit (student visa) to enter Canada. Applications can be made through any Canadian Consulate or High Commission.
• Applicants from a university at which English is not the primary language of instruction must meet English Language Proficiency Requirements prior to being extended an offer of admission.
• A formal application for admission (and the required fee) must be submitted for an official evaluation of academic credentials. The required overall grade is normally calculated from courses taken in the last two years of full-time study.
• The College of Graduate Studies welcomes and encourages applications from international students who hold a credential deemed academically equivalent to an approved Canadian two-year master’s degree and who demonstrate superior academic standing. Specific minimum admission requirements for graduates from different countries are listed in the International Student Evaluation Manual .
• A formal application for admission (and the required fee) must be submitted for an official evaluation of academic credentials. The required overall grade is normally calculated using all courses taken in the master’s program.
• These are the minimum requirements for admission to the College of Graduate Studies. Individual graduate programs may have additional admission requirements. Consult the graduate program listings in this Calendar to confirm the admission requirements for specific degree programs.

Graduate Program Requirements

Please refer to specific Graduate Degree Programs for detailed information regarding the program to which you intend to apply, and specific admission requirements.

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology  (MSc, PhD)
• Biology  (MSc, PhD)
• Chemistry  (MSc, PhD)
• Computer Science (MSc, PhD)
• Data Science (MDS)
• Earth and Environmental Sciences  (MSc, PhD)
• Education (MEd, MA, EdD)
• Engineering  (MEng, MASc, PhD)
• English  (MA)
• Fine Arts  (MFA)
• Health & Exercise Sciences & Kinesiology (MSc, PhD)
• Interdisciplinary Studies  (MA, MSc, PhD)
• Mathematics  (MSc, PhD)
• Medical Physics  (MSc, PhD)
• Nursing (MSN, PhD)
• Psychology  (MA, PhD)
• Social Work  (MSW: Advanced One-Year, Foundational Two-Year)

The Master of Management program is not administered by the College of Graduate Studies, and must be applied to directly through the program website .

When you are ready to apply, or need to check the status of your application, access our online application system.

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Apply to our Master of Arts (MA) or our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programs in Political Science at UBC Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada.

Application Deadline

• For PhD admissions, the application and document deadline is January 19, 2024
• For MA admissions, the application and document deadline is January 19, 2024

Application Procedure

• Apply online directly through UBC Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Graduate School; please submit your application ahead of time. Your referees will receive notification to complete their references for you only after you complete and submit your online application.
• Submit required documents by the application deadline.

You may, if you wish, contact one or more faculty members in the Department to explore their interest in working with you before or after submitting your application. However, this is optional and you are not required to secure a potential supervisor prior to application. Supervisor selection occurs later in the program as students get to know department faculty and their thesis topic takes shape.

Required Documents

The following documents must be received by the application deadline:

Please consult UBC’s Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies’ guidelines on submitting Canadian and International transcripts, prior to uploading digital copies.

Official (paper) copies will only be required once conditional admission is offered.

Minimum grade requirements: As a general rule, successful applicants will have minimum first class standing (80% or higher at UBC or equivalent) in each of the last two years of undergraduate study, in accordance with the criteria for graduate funding in the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. No student with an overall average of less than 75% or its equivalent in his/her final two years should consider graduate studies in this Department. Students from American colleges and universities which use letter grades should have at least a B+ average.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three Letters of Reference must be submitted.

English proficiency exam scores

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

TOEFL or IELTS

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) : We require a Test of Written English (TWE) score of 5, and minimum TOEFL score of 580 (paper exam), 237 (computer-based) or 92 (internet exam, including at least 22 on Reading, 25 on writing, 22 on Listening, and 23 on Speaking).

International English Language Testing Service (IELTS): A minimum overall band score of 6.5 is required with a minimum score of 6.0 in each component of the academic (NOT general) IELTS test.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

General Test Exam (GRE) scores are considered in the application process for both MAs and PhDs. GRE scores help the committee to evaluate your application.

• MA applicants are advised but not required to submit GRE scores.
• PhD applicants with prior degrees from Canadian universities are advised but not required to submit GRE scores.
• PhD applicants with prior degrees from non-Canadian universities are required to submit GRE scores.

We strongly recommend that applicants prepare for and take the GRE the summer before applying to the program.

Statement of Interest

A Statement of Intent (about 500 words) that includes information on:

• Your personal and academic background that led you to your graduate degree plans
• Your likely major field
• The kinds of research problems that most interest you
• Why the UBC Department of Political Science is well-suited to your interests

While we would like some information about your background as it relates to your academic plans, you should focus most of your statement on your academic and research interests.

Writing Sample (PhD program only)

A sample of your written work for application to the PhD program. The writing sample should be a piece of research in political science or a related field. The writing sample should be sole-authored by you and not coauthored. For applicants in the fields of comparative politics, international relations, U.S. politics, and Canadian politics, the most informative writing samples will include some element of original empirical analysis, such as your own analysis of a set of quantitative data or your own analysis of qualitative evidence (e.g., via process tracing, a case study, or interpretive analysis).

A writing sample is not required for applications to the MA program.

For any inquiries regarding document receipt or document requirements, please email [email protected] .

For any inquiries on the Graduate Program Admissions, not mentioned on UBC’s Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies’ site, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator at [email protected] .

PhD in Educational Studies

• EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy
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• MEd : (ALE) Adult Learning and Education
• MEd : (ALGC) Adult Learning and Global Change
• MEd : (CULE) Curriculum and Leadership
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Graduate admission

• Requirements

The PhD in Educational Studies is a research-oriented doctoral program for students interested in any of the study areas offered in the department.

Students are required to take three doctoral seminars. All other courses in a student’s program are determined in consultation with faculty. Students in the PhD program typically devote two years to coursework, and two to four years to developing and carrying out a research project designed to make an original contribution to knowledge in the study area.

The university allows doctoral students up to six years to complete program requirements. There is no set number of credits required for PhD programs at UBC.

For further facts and figures about the PhD in Educational Studies, please click here .

Admissions Requirements for Graduate Study

All graduate program applicants in the Department of Educational Studies (EDST) must meet the minimum entry requirements established by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, which oversees graduate work at UBC. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements will be considered for admission only in exceptional circumstances.

Admission to the PhD program is highly competitive, based on the pool of applicants considered by the Admissions Committee, and subject to university and departmental requirements and departmental capacities for supervision.

More Info: http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/graduate-degree-programs/phd-educational-studies

Please note: Applicants with full-funding from scholarships, fellowships, or alike, are still required to complete the PhD application process in the Department of Educational Studies (EDST).  In addition, all applicants will undergo adjudication by the PhD committee to determine admission. To be clear, applicants who bring full-funding with them are not automatically admitted .

General Eligibility

To be eligible for admission to a PhD program at UBC, applicants must hold a master's degree (or equivalent) from an approved institution with clear evidence of research ability or potential; or a bachelor’s degree with one year of study in a master's program with 12 credits of first class average, of which 9 credits must be at the 500-level or above and at least 9 credits must be of first class standing and clear evidence of research ability or potential. (For more detailed admissions requirements, please see the links below).

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies - Minimum Academic Requirements: Canadian or U.S. Credentials http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-admission/minimum-academic-requirements-canadian-or-us-credentials

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies - Minimum Academic Requirements: International Credentials http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-admission/minimum-academic-requirements-international-credentials

English Requirements

English Proficiency Test Score: Applicants whose degrees are from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. Acceptable English language proficiency tests for applicants to graduate studies are:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 600 (paper version), 250 (computer version), 92 with a minimum of 22 in each component (iTB) is required for admission to all programs in Educational Studies. Visit TOEFL’s website
• IELTS (International English Language Testing Service): Minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no other component score less than 6.0.
• MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery): Minimum overall score of 81.

The applicants must have an official report of their score on one of these tests sent directly from the testing service to the Graduate Program Assistant, Department of Educational Studies at the address below by the application deadline. Score reports more than two years old will not be accepted.

More Information: http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-admission/english-proficiency-requirements

Most importantly with regard to a PhD application, please note that among other applicable requirements requested by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and by other UBC competent jurisdictions, as part of such an application you must submit:

• A Statement of Intent (800-1200 words) which clearly shows that your research topic/interest fits within the department in terms of prospective supervisors and areas of interest. Such a statement should also articulate the general research directions you would like to pursue during your program, if admitted. This statement should be 800-1200 words.
• A sample of your writing and engagement with research  (maximum 5,000 words without references). The intent is to demonstrate your ability to communicate your ideas and your interests in a clear way. Writing samples typically take the form of an excerpt from a chapter from a masters thesis, a published article, or a substantial scholarly paper
• Entries on your transcript showing evidence of having taken courses on research methods (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, ethnographic or philosophical) and research more generally at the Masters level.

Also, while this is not a requirement, it is very important for you to contact at least one faculty member who could be a potential supervisor of your work (has expertise and interest in the area and/or topic you want to focus on) and inquire whether they would be willing to supervise your work ( see list of faculty and areas of expertise at: https://edst.educ.ubc.ca/faculty-staff/faculty ). Even if they do not commit to supervising your work, you could list such a faculty member (one or even two is acceptable) as a potential supervisor when you apply (which would provide further proof of your suitability for the PhD and familiarity with the programmes and areas of expertise of faculty).

In May 2017 the UBC-V Senate approved the establishment of a university-wide minimum funding level for all PhD students. Specifically, all full-time students who begin a UBC-Vancouver PhD program in September 2018 or later will be provided with a minimum funding package equal to $18,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships.

For more information, see:

https://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/minimum-funding-policy-phd-students

Doctoral students are also expected to apply for and obtain  funding. Our faculty are very supportive in this regard, and are able to help their supervised students build their applications, as well as supporting them by writing letters of appraisal.

If you do not live in Vancouver at present, you may want to consider the cost of living in Vancouver, and obtain further information from the website of the Faculty of Graduate Studies ( http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students ).

Program Requirements

Program Worksheets are available here: https://edst.educ.ubc.ca/resources/policies/

Doctoral Seminar and Colloquium

There are three required courses in the PhD program.

The first doctoral seminar (EDST 601A) is designed to help beginning students become familiar with the department, policies and procedures related to doctoral studies, and for an examination of critical theoretical traditions and conceptual problems in the social sciences as applied to education.

The second doctoral seminar (EDST 601B) exposes students to positivist, interpretive, historical, and philosophical methods, and a deep understanding of current methodological issues and debates.

The third doctoral seminar (EDST 602) explores what it means to engage in a doctoral experience with particular focus on scholarly writing, preparing for comprehensive exams, and thesis proposals.

Coursework in Specialization

Students in the PhD program are expected to take courses in their specialization so that they are familiar with current theory and research. Courses are selected in consultation with an adviser or program advisory committee.

Courses in the student’s specialization should be completed in the first year of the program.

Other Coursework

PhD students typically take additional courses to give them the breadth and depth of understanding of contemporary educational theories. Doctoral study is oriented toward the thesis research, but relevant coursework beyond the student’s specialization is recommended.

Research Methods

PhD students are expected to be familiar with the various methods used in contemporary educational research and to master the particular methods relative to their research. Developing proficiency in research methods normally requires enrolling in available courses and reading widely in the research methods literature. Before research proposals are approved, students are expected to demonstrate that they have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully carry out their research plan.

Comprehensive Examination

All students in the PhD program are required to successfully complete a comprehensive examination after their coursework and before they present their research proposal. The examination is prepared by the student’s program adviser or research supervisory committee. Details about the mechanics of the examination and the options in format of the examination can be obtained from advisers or the department’s Graduate Program Assistant.

The PhD thesis is an original piece of research in the student’s area of specialization. Students develop research proposals which must be approved by a research supervisory committee of a supervisor and at least two other committee members. Research supervisory committees provide direction to the student, read and critique drafts of the thesis, and participate in the final oral examination.

PhD Residency

There is no residency requirement per se, but PhD students are expected to make steady progress through their coursework, comprehensive exams and thesis research. Current policies require PhD students to achieve candidacy by the end of their third year of study. Achieving candidacy involves completing all coursework, passing the comprehensive exam and having an approved research proposal.

Apply Online: http://www.grad.ubc.ca/apply/online/

Admission to the PhD program is on a competitive basis, within the broader context of the pool of applicants considered by the Committee, subject to university and departmental requirements and to departmental capacities for supervision.

Applications should be submitted online at  www.grad.ubc.ca/apply/online . All of the following components of an application must be received by the department’s Graduate Program Assistant before the file can be reviewed by the appropriate admissions committee. Without complete documentation, the application review process cannot begin.

a. Online UBC application form . When you submit an online application at  www.grad.ubc.ca/apply/online , the completed form is automatically forwarded to the Department's Graduate Program Assistant. A non-refundable processing fee payable is to UBC: see the cover of the official UBC application form for the exact amount.

b. Upload digital copies (.pdfs) of official transcripts.  See Digital Copies of Official Transcripts tab for details

c. Three references –  The purpose of the references is to provide a comprehensive portrayal of your relevant background and capacity to complete the PhD. Letters of reference should speak to your ability to pursue research and produce scholarly writing at the doctoral level. Suitable referees include professors, supervisors, principals, or other persons to whom you are, or have been, accountable academically in employment or as a volunteer. Academic references are preferred. If the original letter is in another language, the letter must be accompanied by a certified English translation. There are three possible formats for references:

• Electronic references : In the online application system, applicants are asked to provide an email address for each referee. Once the online application has been submitted, a unique link will be emailed to each referee, allowing her or him to log in to a secure site and submit an online reference or upload a reference document as an attachment.
• Letters of reference (hard copy or email attachment) : Your referee may wish to send a paper letter. Paper letters of reference should be on referee’s official letterhead and must be mailed directly by the referee to the Graduate Program Assistant (see address below) in a sealed and endorsed envelope, or as a .pdf email attachment.
• Reference forms (hard copy or email attachment) : UBC provides a  general reference form . Your referee may fill out this form and mail it directly to the relevant program in a sealed and endorsed envelope, or send it as a .pdf email attachment.
• All references must be sent by referees directly. Reference letters or forms submitted by the applicant will not be accepted .
• The application system and department are unable to accept referee emails from Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail, MSN or other free email accounts.
• By “sealed, endorsed envelope” we mean that the envelope needs to be sealed and that the signature of the referee be placed over the seal (i.e., partially on the flap and partially on the rest of the envelope).

Note: It is advisable to contact referees and inform them of the Admissions deadline early in your process.

d. Statement of intent.  You need to describe your specific interests in pursuing a PhD and precisely why you are applying to the Department of Educational Studies and to the program or concentration you have selected (800-1200 words). This statement should highlight the following:

• Your engagement with graduate research , which clearly shows that your research topic/interest fits within the department in terms of prospective supervisors and areas of interest.
• The general research directions you would like to pursue during your program, if admitted.
• Name(s) of faculty member(s) with whom you have been in contact and/or who you identify as being suitable as research supervisor

e. Writing Sample (maximum 5,000 words without references)

• The intent is to demonstrate your engagement with research and your ability to communicate your ideas and your interests in a clear way. Writing samples typically take the form of an excerpt from a chapter from a masters thesis, a published article, or a substantial scholarly paper.

f. Curriculum Vitae / Resume

Please provide a CV as evidence of your potential to succeed in EDST at the graduate level.

After submitting your application, it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all supporting materials are submitted by the application deadline. The Admissions Committee will only review completed applications. You can check the status of your application and supporting materials through the online application system .

Applicants from outside Canada should be aware of additional requirements that may apply. Please read the following to determine which of these requirements may apply to you.

International Credentials Equivalency

Please see the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website: http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-admission/minimum-academic-requirements-international-credentials

International Transcripts and Translation Requirements

See International Transcripts and Translation Requirements tab for details

Entering Canada

To enter Canada, a “Student Authorization” (Student Visa) is required. Apply as soon as possible to the nearest Canadian Consular or Immigration Office since it may take 8–10 weeks for processing. For applicants applying from the People’s Republic of China it may take 3–6 months. Applying for a Student Authorization requires a UBC letter of admission/acceptance; a valid passport; and evidence of adequate funds for tuition, maintenance of the student and, if married, the student’s spouse and children, plus travel funds to and from Canada. Please consult the Immigration Canada website:  http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp .

If the application for a visa is approved, the UBC letter of admission/acceptance will be returned to the student and must be retained for presentation to the Immigration Officer at the Canadian point of entry.

Canadian Transcripts

UBC has changed its application document requirements.

If you are applying to begin study in 2016 or beyond, you will normally scan and upload digital copies (.pdfs) of official required documents in the application system. These are considered "unofficial documents". These uploaded copies of your official documents will be used for initial evaluation of the applicant.

Conditional admission offers may be made based on documents uploaded to the application system. However, admission offers will not be finalized and applicants will not be allowed to register in a graduate program until one set of all required official academic records are received and validated by the University.

UPLOADING UNOFFICIAL COPIES OF TRANSCRIPTS IN THE APPLICATION SYSTEM

Applicants with Canadian transcripts (other than UBC) must obtain an official paper transcript for every post-secondary institution they have attended.  UBC transcripts are not required.

Each transcript should be scanned as an individual .pdf file and then uploaded to the application system as indicated. They should be named: "Applicant Full Name-Document Description.extension"

Kelly Smith-University of Waterloo Transcript.pdf Kelly Smith-CV.pdf Kelly Smith-Journal of Neurosciences Paper.pdf

Transcripts must be scanned front and back. All pages of one transcript, front and back, should be uploaded as a single file (rather than a separate file for each page).

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

To be considered official, academic records must either be received in official university envelopes, sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution, or be sent via secure electronic delivery by the issuing institution.

If you have been offered admission conditional upon receipt of official documentation, you must provide UBC with one set of official transcripts for every postsecondary institution you have attended for the equivalent of one year or more of full-time study. UBC reserves the right to also require any individual applicant to provide official transcripts for study of less than one year duration. Do not send official transcripts before receiving an offer of admission unless you have received special instructions from the graduate program to which you have applied.

Documents being provided to meet conditions of admission should be sent directly to:

Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies University of British Columbia 6371 Crescent Rd Vancouver, BC CANADA  V6T 1Z2

CURRENT AND FORMER UBC STUDENTS

You do not need to submit UBC transcripts as part of your graduate application, as this data is already available through the student database system. However, be aware that you are still responsible for submitting transcripts from all other post-secondary institutions that you have attended (e.g., exchange year, transfer year, etc.).

International Transcripts and Translations

UPLOADING UNOFFICIAL COPIES OF REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IN THE APPLICATION SYSTEM

Applicants with transcripts from non-Canadian post-secondary institutions must obtain an official paper transcript for every post-secondary institution they have attended.

Each transcripts should be scanned as an individual .pdf file and then uploaded to the application system as indicated. Otherwise, they should be named: "Applicant Full Name-Document Description.extension"

Peng Zhang-Peking University Transcript.pdf Peng Zhang-Peking University Transcript English Translation.pdf Peng Zhang-CV.pdf Peng Zhang-Journal of Neurosciences Paper.pdf

If you have transcripts that are issued in a language other than English, then in addition to uploading digital copies of the documents in their original language, you must also upload a certified literal English translation of your transcripts from your home university's translation service or certified English translator.

Please consult the document scanning and uploading instructions provided within the online application for detailed instructions.

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS

After being offered admission: If you have been offered admission conditional upon receipt of official documentation, you must provide UBC with one set of official transcripts for every postsecondary institution you have attended for the equivalent of one year or more of full-time study. UBC reserves the right to also require any individual applicant to provide official transcripts for study of less than one year duration.

If an official transcript does not indicate the degree name and the degree conferral date, then an official copy of the degree certificate must also be submitted

If your university issues only one original copy of transcripts/degree certificates:

Make photocopies of your original academic records and send them to your home university. Ask your home university to:

• verify that the photocopies are consistent with their records.
• attest that the copies are true photocopies and stamp them with an official university stamp.
• put the attested, stamped photocopies in sealed envelopes endorsed by the Registrar.
• mail the sealed, endorsed envelopes directly to Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

If your transcripts are issued in a language other than English:

• arrange to have a set of all official transcripts issued in their original language.
• obtain a certified literal English translation of your transcripts from your home university's translation service.
• send both the original transcripts and the literal English translation to UBC Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

If your home university does not provide English translations of transcripts:

• make a photocopy of your copy of your transcripts. Do not open a sealed, endorsed envelope containing transcripts intended for submission to your program.
• take the copy to a certified English translator and ask them to provide a complete, word-by-word, literal English translation.
• tell the translator to put both the original language photocopy and the English translation into a sealed envelope, and endorse the envelope by signing across the seal.
• send the sealed, endorsed envelopes from the translator to UBC Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.
• send your original transcripts in the original language to UBC Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

Note: Academic records must be translated in their entirety, including any information that appears on the reverse side of any document.

UBC does not accept the following:

• photocopies that have not been stamped, attested and endorsed by the Registrar at your home university
• documents in envelopes that have been opened
• documents that do not arrive in sealed envelopes endorsed by the issuing institution or certified translator
• documents that arrive without the official seal of the university
• photocopies notarized by a notary public
• photocopies endorsed by a lawyer, professor, judge etc.
• unofficial translations
• non-literal translations

Do not send academic records that are not in sealed and endorsed envelopes. It will only delay the processing of your application.

Documents being provided to meet conditions of admission  should be sent directly to:

Tuition for PhD and EdD Programs

Tuition fees for PhD and EdD Programs are found on the UBC Calendar  website .

Note that fees are subject to change by the University.

Deadlines for applications

Deadlines for the EDST PhD program can be found on the EDST website .

Quick links:

Graduate Program Assistant Email:  [email protected] Tel: 604.822.6647

Department of Educational Studies Faculty of Education The University of British Columbia 6445 University Boulevard, V6T1Z2

Dr. P   Taylor   Webb , PhD Management Chair Email: [email protected] Tel: 604–822–6381

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Graduate Admissions

Learn about the unique offerings from our two major campuses:

• Grad Studies in Vancouver
• Grad Studies in Okanagan

MA, MSc, PhD? DMA, LLM, LLMCL, LLMT, MAAAPS/JD, MAP, MARCH, MASA, MASc, MASLIS, MBA, MED, MEng, MF, MFA, MFRE, MFS, MHA, MHSc, MJ, MLA, MM, MMEd, MMUS, MN, MOT, MPH, MPH/MSN, MPT, MRSc, MSCP, MSN, MSW? -->

Find the UBC grad program that’s right for you:

• Vancouver Programs
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• Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies in Vancouver
• College of Graduate Studies at UBC Okanagan

Aboriginal Students

• Indigenous Portal (Vancouver)
• Aboriginal Access Studies (Okanagan)

Continuing and Distance Education

• Extended Learning
• Distance Learning — Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT)
• Professional Development & Community Engagement (PDCE)

ESL Students

• English Language Institute (Vancouver)
• English Foundation Program (Okanagan)
• UBC Vantage College

Application & Supporting Documents Deadline: December 15, 2023 (for September 2024 / January 2025)

Steps to Application

• Check out our graduate programs .
• Visit Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies  for information and overviews of our programs.
• Read through the eligibility criteria before submitting an application.

Read our application components for detailed information about how to submit an online application, deadlines and a list of required documents to provide. 

Online application will be available in late September/early October. Apply early so that your referees can submit their references by the deadline.

• Complete and submit your application with supporting documents.  We strongly recommend that you upload them online to avoid delays.   
• Wait for the decision.  

Tuition fees, enrollment numbers and more for each program:

MSc program

PhD program

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Applicants for both the MA and PhD programs are required to meet admission and application requirements for both the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at UBC and the Department of English Language and Literatures.

Application Deadline

The Graduate Program encourages applicants to our PhD program with research interests that overlap with “Visual Storytelling and Graphic Art in Genocide and Human Rights Education,” a SSHRC Partnership Grant (2022-29) led by the University of Victoria with co-applicants at the University of British Columbia. This project proposes new ways of gathering and commemorating the experiences of genocide and mass atrocity survivors through the co-creation of graphic narratives by artists and survivors of/in five genocidal contexts: the Holocaust; Rwanda; Bosnia and Kosovo; Iraq and Syria; and Indigenous genocides in Canada.

Applicants working in one or more of the following areas may be eligible for funding associated with this grant: genocide, the history of human rights, graphic narratives. If accepted, the student may be offered a Graduate Academic Assistantship and/or coop position to work with the Public Humanities Hub on this project. For more information, visit the Public Humanities Hub .

The Graduate Program welcomes applicants to our PhD program with research interests that connect with “Improvising Futures,” a SSHRC Partnership Grant (2022-27) led by the University of Guelph with researchers, artists, and scholars at the University of British Columbia (among a network of global institutions and community organizations). This work investigates improvisation—in literature and in performing arts—as an innovative model for forging new paths within and between communities, to foster new cultural and social formations and modes of knowledge keyed to creative, just, and empowering human futures.

Applicants working in any the following areas may be eligible for funding associated with this grant: Contemporary Drama and Theatre, Performance Studies, Social Justice, Poetry and Poetics, Cultural Studies, Media Studies, Black Studies, Literature and Music, Indigenous Studies, Popular Culture. Graduate Academic Assistantships associated with this grant are aimed at fostering and supporting graduate students’ own critical and creative practices. For further information about the global reach of this multi-faceted interdisciplinary project, please visit the website of the International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation (IICSI)

Application Procedures

We will require official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended, whether or not you completed the program or degree.

If you participated in a university exchange program, you must provide an official transcript from the exchange institution, even if the exchange study is confirmed on the transcript of your home institution.

Statement of intent

Please provide a statement that describes the specific nature of the research you propose to conduct during your MA or PhD studies.

Masters of Arts Statement of Intent

Your statement of intent should be no more than 500 words in length, single-spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt font.

• For the MA through coursework option, you should describe your research interests and objectives and the nature of the studies you hope to pursue.
• If you plan to write an MA thesis, specify your research question and its context, objectives, methodology, and anticipated contribution to the advancement of knowledge. Identify potential faculty supervisors and indicate if you have already been in touch with them regarding your project.

For both the MA thesis or the MA coursework option, indicate whether there are specific resources, e.g. faculty, library collections, research groups, and other programs, that make UBC a perfect fit for you and your proposed research.

Your statement provides a basis from which the admissions committee can assess your readiness for graduate study. Should you be admitted, your statement may also form the groundwork for grant applications you should complete in the fall semester of your first year. The application project proposal can certainly be hypothetical, describing an area of interest rather than a definite future.

Note: students can change their option to do coursework or the thesis once they begin the UBC program.

PhD Statement of Intent

Your statement of intent should be no more than 1000 words in length, single-spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt font.

In your statement of intent, you should:

• Specify your research question and its context, objectives, methodology, and anticipated contribution to the advancement of knowledge.
• Identify potential faculty supervisors and indicate if you have already been in touch with them regarding your project.
• Indicate whether there are particular resources, e.g. faculty, library collections, research groups, and other programs, that make UBC a good fit for you and your proposed research.

Your statement provides a basis from which the admissions committee can assess your readiness for independent research. Should you be admitted, this research statement will also form the groundwork for grant applications you should complete in the fall of your program's first year.

Writing sample

Include a recent academic essay or writing sample, maximum 20 pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt font.

You may upload more than one essay/writing sample as long as the total number of pages does not exceed 20.

Letters of reference

Submit three academic letters of reference. The Department of English Language and Literatures accepts academic references only; professional references cannot be accepted. References may be submitted electronically via the online application system or Interfolio. Paper letters of reference may be mailed directly to the department (to the graduate program's attention).

Entrance Requirements

When applying to the MA or PhD programs, you should fulfil the following entrance requirements. Please note that these include both the university’s and the English department’s requirements and standards.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies sets out minimum grade requirements for admission to UBC graduate programs. Students should note, however, that these are minimum standards only. The MA and PhD's competitive English requirements are higher, and we have set them out by degree program.

International students

UBC welcomes applications for admission from outstanding students from all countries. Students from most English-language universities may apply directly to the PhD program after completing an MA in their own country. However, because of differences in language and university instruction, it is UBC's policy that students from some universities will be considered only for MA studies at UBC after completing an honours BA and MA in their own country, both with first-class standing.

Applicants to either the MA or the PhD programs from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide English language proficiency examination results as part of the application. This requirement is in place to provide evidence of English abilities to the admission committee and be competitive in our program. You require near-native fluency for admittance to our program.

Acceptable tests:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – The graduate program in English requires a minimum test score of 104 (web-based).
• IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) – The graduate program in English requires applicants to achieve a minimum, overall score of 7.5 with no component less than 7.0 (academic test only).

Master’s Entrance Requirements

Applicants to the MA program in literature will typically hold a bachelor's or honours degree in English or a related discipline with a minimum average of A- (80%), or 3.5 on a four-point scale, based upon all academic courses taken during the last two senior undergraduate years.

Typically most accepted applicants maintain upper-year averages above 83%. Most students accepted into our program are in the top 15% of their undergraduate cohort.

Language stream

Applicants to the MA program in language will generally have at least 24 credits of senior undergraduate courses in the English language distributed as follows: one course from area 1, one course from area 2, and at least one course from two of areas 3 to 7:

• History of the English language (e.g. ENGL 320 at UBC)
• The linguistic structure of modern English (e.g. ENGL 330/331)
• The history or and theory of rhetoric (e.g. ENGL 310/311)
• Old or middle English (e.g. ENGL 340/341, 344, 346)
• Linguistic variation (dialectology, sociolinguistics, world englishes) (e.g. ENGL 323)
• Stylistics (ENGL 322), discourse studies (e.g. ENGL 312), or writing studies
• Cognitive linguistics (e.g. ENGL 328)

Applicants to the MA program in language must have taken at least six English literature credits. Students in the language program who have not taken the required courses as part of their undergraduate degree must rectify the deficiency by taking an appropriate graduate seminar or senior undergraduate course (up to a maximum of six credits) as part of their MA program.

PhD Entrance Requirements

When applying to the PhD program, the Department of English Language and Literatures expects you to hold a first-class MA degree in English language or literature. If you hold an advanced degree in a closely related discipline (for example, other literatures), it may, when combined with an undergraduate English degree, constitute sufficient preparation for the PhD.

We urge all applicants to seek advising on the suitability of their backgrounds and project for the PhD in English.

In exceptional cases, if you are an MA program student with a first-class honours BA, you may apply to transfer into the PhD program at the end of your first year. You must have completed at least 18 credits of the MA program with a first-class average, and you must be able to supply two letters of support giving evidence of research ability. The Graduate Committee will determine the additional number of credits you must complete.

In extraordinary cases, you may be allowed to enter the PhD program following a first-class honours BA. The Graduate Committee will determine if you require extra coursework on a case-by-case basis.

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As a clinical science program, we value research efforts and practice directed toward:

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We strive to incorporate core values of equity, diversity, and inclusion into all aspects of our work including research, teaching, practice, and the environment in which faculty and students work. As a program, we are dedicated to promoting mutual respect, understanding, fairness, and inclusion through constructive dialogue and equitable policies and procedures. We seek to respect and value visible and invisible differences that include identities such as race, ethnicity, heritage, culture, age, religion, sexual and gender diversity, disability status, social class, or language. Finally, we view our responsibility as clinical psychologists to include actively challenging the societal structures and barriers that perpetuate mental health disparities and inequities to services.

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Students in the doctoral program in Sociology at UBC graduate with extensive experience in research, publication, and teaching.

Besides the comprehensive curriculum equipping our graduates with a strong mixed-methods background, our students build extensive resumes through publication, instruction, and collaboration with a world-class faculty.

Graduates from the PhD program have established themselves at prestigious universities and research institutions worldwide, and students’ research has earned them numerous major awards.

We welcome around 4 students each year into the PhD program.

Sociology PhD students have the opportunity to specialize in any one or more of the Department’s four major research streams:

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Take the next step in advancing your anthropology career by applying to our Master of Arts (MA) or our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programs at UBC Vancouver, British Columbia.

We look for applicants with developed intellectual interests and abilities, a strong commitment to their area of study, and interests that fall within the current interests of our department.

If applicants have questions about the match between their interests and those of the department, they should contact the Graduate Program Manager at [email protected] . It is also helpful for applicants to discuss their program with potential supervisors before making a final application.

Admissions to our graduate programs are competitive and we consider applications in terms of available faculty and resources.

2023 Application Deadline: MA and Ph.D. applications must be submitted by December 15, 2023. 

The Department of Anthropology is a competitive graduate program with application numbers that go above spots we have available to offer. Before applying to our graduate program, please consider the admission requirements and deadlines:

https://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-admission/check-your-eligibility

Application for MA and Ph.D. in Anthropology is now open:

Program Start Date – Sept 1, 2024 Application Deadlines (International) – December 15, 2023 Application Deadlines (Domestic) – December 15, 2023

MA Application Requirements

UBC Anthropology welcomes Canadian and international applicants from a broad spectrum of anthropological sub-disciplines, such as archaeology, socio-cultural anthropology, museum and visual anthropology, and linguistic anthropology.

Applicants must hold a four-year bachelor’s degree with a major, honours or concentration in anthropology or the equivalent.

Applicants to the MA program must have completed at least 12 credits in senior anthropology courses with a minimum average of 80 (“A-”). The courses should cover a broad range of anthropology, including at least three credits of archaeology or physical anthropology, six credits in ethnography, three credits in methods, and, if possible, at least three credits of anthropological theory, and three credits in museum and visual anthropology.

Highly qualified applicants lacking one or more of these requirements may have courses in contiguous fields accepted as equivalents or may be required to take such courses as part of their program of study.

Outstanding candidates with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines, but with substantial background related to anthropology, or who are missing one or more of our admission requirements, are occasionally admitted on the condition that they complete a number of additional courses in anthropology.

PhD Application Requirements

Admission to the PhD is open to candidates with an MA in anthropology, although we may, in special circumstances, admit students with a master’s degree in a related subject. Candidates without a MA will not be admitted.

In all cases, students applying for the PhD should possess substantive previous training at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels in anthropology or a related discipline, such as sociology, geography, history, or political science.

They are also expected to have had undergraduate preparation equivalent to that of the UBC major in anthropology. Outstanding candidates who are missing one or more requirements may be required to take such courses as a condition of entry or as part of the program of study.

Admission to the PhD program is by application and requires an evaluation of the applicant’s previous work and capacity to pursue and complete original research. Students completing their MA at UBC must also formally apply in order to be considered for the PhD program.

The PhD in anthropology requires a major research project (normally involving fieldwork) and writing a dissertation. We thus seek applicants with developed intellectual interests and abilities, and a strong commitment to their area of study.

Applicants should outline their proposed dissertation research in their statement of intent in clear, non-technical language and provide a sample of written work (if possible) that demonstrates preparation for PhD level research.

Application Procedure

Step 1: ubc application for graduate admissions.

To be considered for September entry, please submit your completed application, including all supporting documents, reference letters and official, endorsed transcripts, by the deadline. The deadline for applying to the Anthropology graduate program is usually early-to-mid December. Early submissions are encouraged. Also, we highly encourage Canadian applicants to apply for the Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS-M) when applying to the UBC Anthropology program.

Step 2: Submit required documents by the application deadline

The most important first step in applying for admission to our graduate program is finding and approaching a potential supervisor in the department. This gives you an opportunity to discuss the research you are interested in completing as a graduate student and to determine if there is a good ‘fit’ with faculty expertise. However, all admissions decisions are made by the Anthropology Graduate Studies Committee and are only communicated after the application deadline following full review of all submitted applications.

English proficiency requirements

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application.

All official post-secondary transcripts

If you are admitted to our program, two copies of official transcripts of all previous academic work from each university or college attended are required, including for courses taken but not yet completed.

Requirements

• A minimum overall average of 76% (“B+” in UBC grading system) in third- and fourth-year courses.
• Academic standing with at least 12 credits of third- or fourth-year courses of at least 80% (“A” in UBC grading system) in the field of study.

Alternatively, applicants who do not meet the requirements stated above, but who have had other significant formal training, relevant professional experience, and/or otherwise possess demonstrable knowledge or expertise that would prepare them adequately for successful study in a specific graduate program, may be granted admission on the recommendation of the appropriate graduate program and approval of the Dean of UBC Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Applicants will be asked to upload transcripts with their grade key (usually located on the back of the transcript). Even if the applicant does not yet have final marks on the transcript, we still require a copy as evidence of registration and academic progress.

If you are admitted to our Graduate Program, you are required to submit 1 copy of all official transcripts from the issuing institution to the UBC Anthropology Department, and 1 copy to UBC Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies by postal mail.

Three reference letters

Three reference letters are required for a complete application. The three references the applicant chooses should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of interest

Your prospectus should be around 500 words (two pages, double-spaced). It should indicate your proposed area of study, outline what research you plan on undertaking in graduate studies, how you plan to accomplish your research, who you wish to work with, etc. Essentially, it outlines your research interest and intent at the graduate level.

Writing sample

The writing sample is to assess your writing. It is appropriate but not necessary for it to be on the topic of your proposed graduate work.

If you are applying for the MA program, an undergraduate upper-level major paper is appropriate.

If you are applying for the PhD program, we prefer to have students submit some portion of their MA thesis or major paper.

Please try to limit your writing sample to 20 pages double-spaced. If you wish to submit a writing sample that is longer than 20 pages, please include a rationale for doing so in your submission.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Provide details of education, academic awards, relevant work experience, relevant volunteer experience, publications, conference presentations, workshops, etc.

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Requirements for admission vary depending on where you attended high school, which UBC campus you hope to attend, and which degree you’re applying to. If you’re a mature student or have already completed some post-secondary education, you’ll have your own set of specific requirements.

On this page:

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If you attended high school in Canada, including CEGEP, find your province’s admission requirements here.

See Canadian high school requirements

If you attended high school outside of Canada, find your country’s admission requirements here.

See international high school requirements

We accept transfer students from universities and colleges around the world. See requirements if you are a post-secondary student or if you have completed two years of CEGEP.

See university and college transfer requirements

If you completed AP courses, your grades may be combined with an approved high school curriculum to meet the UBC’s admission requirements.

See how UBC evaluates Advanced Placement courses

If you are pursuing the International Baccalaureate diploma, you have your own set of general admissions and degree-specific requirements.

See International Baccalaureate requirements

If you’ve been out of formal education for at least four years, and can demonstrate high academic potential through your achievements and life experiences beyond academics, you may be eligible as a mature student.

See mature student requirements

English is the primary language of instruction at UBC. Before you’re admitted, you must demonstrate a minimum level of English. There are nine different ways to meet this requirement, and academic English development programs for those who have not yet met the requirement.

See English language admission requirements

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Graduate Admissions

International admission requirements for graduate studies.

Entry into graduate programs is competitive. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee entry.

English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements

English Language Proficiency Testing Exemptions by Country

Degree and Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement

To gain admission to a graduate program at UNBC, an applicant must have an approved credential and meet a minimum level of academic performance. Entry into our graduate programs is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee entry. Our guide below outlines the minimum credential and required grades for admission consideration.

Starting with the May (Spring) and September (Fall) 2023 admission intakes, we assess admissibility based on an international applicant's cumulative GPA in the degree we use to assess admissibility. Most institutions will include a cumulative GPA on the transcript. For those that do not, we will calculate the cumulative GPA for the entire degree. We do not convert to a UNBC grade scale (4.33). Rather, applicants are assessed based on the grading system of their institution.

How can I determine if I am eligible to apply for admission?

• Start by reviewing the degree requirements listed for your country below and the requirements for the program you are applying to attend. Pay particular attention to the program requirements. Some programs require a specific degree.
• Review the minimum required grade for your country. UNBC will be assessing your transcript to determine if you meet the requirement for admission and we do not pre-assess applicant transcripts prior to applying . However, you should be able to get a general sense of whether or not you will meet minimum requirements to be considered for admission by reviewing this guide. It is important to remember that graduate admissions is highly competitive and meeting the grade minimum is not a guarantee of application consideration or admission.
• On your transcript for the degree required to be considered for admission, find your cumulative GPA. If you do not have a cumulative GPA reported on your transcript, you can calculate this yourself by adding up all your grades (weighted) and dividing by total credits or your individual semester GPAs (weighted) and averaging.
• Your minimum credential and cumulative GPA must meet or exceed the minimum or your application will not be considered for admission and will be closed for not meeting general admission requirements.

International Graduate Admission Requirements by Country

If your country is not listed, or you have further questions, please email  [email protected] . The list below includes the most common grading scales in the country and individual institution grading scales are not included.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

English Language Requirements

Ple​ase consult the appropriate calendar for further information.

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Study Permit Information

Citizenship and Immigration Canada provides the required information on how to obtain the necessary study permits/visa for study in Canada.

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Canadian Immigration Updates

Applicants to Master’s and Doctoral degrees are not affected by the recently announced cap on study permits. Review more details

UBC values diversity and strongly encourages dedicated international students to apply to our graduate programs.

About 30% of master’s students, and 44% of doctoral students at UBC Vancouver are international students. We have close to 3600 doctoral students and 6200 master’s students, the fourth largest graduate student population among Canadian universities, and our 85 academic units offer over 250 research-based programs and 85 course-based master’s programs .

Why come to UBC?

Academic excellence.

UBC is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top public universities in the world.

Modern Facilities

UBC invested more than $1.5 billion dollars into infrastructure and facilities in the past few years.

Entrepreneurial

Seed funding, tech accelerator, incubator, executives in residence - UBC provides support for all stages of venture creation, from ideation, through business model creation, to company building.

Fantastic Location

Vancouver has it all: sea, parks, mountains, beaches and four seasons per year, including beautiful summers and mild, wet winters with snow in the mountains.

Sustainable

UBC is recognized globally as one of the most sustainable campuses in the world and a model for sustainable cities.

UBC focuses on your success and offers dozens of professional development events and career sessions over the course of your program.

Academic Library

UBC has one of the largest academic libraries in Canada.

Degree Program Choice

At UBC, you can choose from more than 300 graduate degree program options and 2200+ research supervisors. You can even design your own program.

Study-Life Balance

Vancouver is one of the most attractive cities in the world, according to rankings by The Economist (world’s most livable city), Mercer Consulting (best city in the world) and by Condé Nast Traveler magazine (best city in the Americas).

Canadians are friendly people with an open and welcoming culture. Canadians rank among the happiest people in the World Happiness Report.

Program Options

Course-based programs.

Course-based pograms, sometimes referred to as professional programs, require a student to complete a set number of courses to obtain a degree. Submission of an individual research thesis is usually not required, but programs may include major projects, capstone courses, internships or other work placements. Course-based programs tend to be shorter in duration and more flexible in program delivery, usually with higher tuition costs. These are often targeted at professionals with some work experience to attain the next career promotion or a change into another field.

View Course-based Programs

Research-based programs

Research-based programs usually include some coursework at the beginning of the degree and then focus on individual independent research under the supervision of a faculty member that culminates in the formulation of a thesis or dissertation. Most master programs require 2 years of study and PhD programs usually require between 5-7 years of study. Research degrees provide the possibility to become an expert in a chosen field of study with the possibility to pursue an academic career as professor as well as exciting careers in non-academic environments. Many UBC programs expect applicants to have obtained a master's level qualification before entering a PhD, although direct entry into PhD progams is possible at UBC.

View thesis optional Master's programs

View thesis required Master's programs

View Doctoral programs

Scholarships, Awards and Funding

UBC is a research powerhouse and invests heavily into attracting the best young scientists into its programs. Compared to other institutions of similar reputation UBC offers very high quality education at a significantly subsidized low tuition cost. Apart from the low base tuition excellent candidates for research-programs will benefit from scholarships and awards.

View awards database

Selected Awards

Guaranteed phd funding.

All new PhD students will receive a minimum funding guarantee of $24,000 for each of the first four years of the PhD. Strong applicants can expect higher funding packages. The average funding package at UBC is $28,000 per year.

International Tuition Award

All eligible international students in research-based programs automatically qualify for a tuition award of up to $3,200.

Graduate Support Initiative

The Graduate Support Initiative is a program for funding graduate students through entrance scholarships, multi-year funding packages, tuition awards and scholarship top-ups.

President's Academic Excellence Initiative PhD Award

These awards recognize the significant contributions of PhD students to the research activities of the university. All eligible PhD students automatically receive the award.

application process

1. Determine which program you would like to apply to and visit their web site to learn more.

2. Review minimum academic requirements, English language requirements and other tests you might need.

3. Gather your required documents, such as transcripts and reference letters, and other application components.

4. If you are applying to a research-based program, investigate faculty members in the graduate program you are interested in. Many graduate programs (especially those that require a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation) recommend that before applying, you make contact with a faculty member in your chosen area of study. This person may be able to support your application in the selection process.

5. Apply online by visiting the application portal.

Common Questions

Do i require an english language test.

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

The value of strong English skills

English is one of the two official languages of Canada, and the primary language of instruction at UBC. Strong English skills mean new students can settle quickly into their academic environment, and get to know their fellow students and faculty members who will be their colleagues during their time at UBC. Students with good English skills are far more likely to succeed; they experience far less stress and get greater enjoyment and fulfillment from their studies.

Applicants are advised to focus on learning how to speak, listen, read, and write in English, independent of studying for the TOEFL (or other tests), as this will best prepare them for communicating in all types of situations. Students with strong English skills are more likely to do well on the TOEFL.

Students from eligible countries planning to apply for a study permit via the Student Direct Stream (SDS) pathway are advised to carefully review the language test eligibility requirements .

Individual graduate programs may require higher English language proficiency scores, and may require minimum scores on individual components of any of the tests. Please check individual program websites to verify English language score requirements.

Acceptable Tests

English language tests.

The minimum TOEFL score required for all applicants to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is

• 90 for the internet-based exam (with minimum component scores of 22 [reading, listening] and 21 [writing, speaking]) or
• 55 each for reading, listening, and writing in the paper-based test, with 4.0 on the Test of Written English (TWE).

Some programs require a higher score .

• TOEFL ibT Home is accepted for admission to UBC-Vancouver.
• TOEFL ITP and TOEFL Essentials are  not  accepted for admission.
• TOEFL MyBest composite scores are not accepted for applications to UBC-Vancouver.
• Minimum scores must be achieved in a single sitting of the test (i.e. scores from multiple test-taking instances may not be used to satisfy minimum component requirements.)

Score submission

UBC requires an official score to be sent to us electronically directly from the test centre/ETS.

On the TOEFL score request form you will be asked to specify the receiving institutions where you would like the results being sent to. To ensure UBC receives your results correctly, you have to use the following details:

• In the electronic score request form in your ETS manager, use institution code 0965 and pick " Graduate Organization " in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
• If you use a paper request form, use institution code 0965 and institution name " University of British Columbia ".
• Both electronic and paper form ask for a department name/code. Either pick the value of an appropriate fit to your study area or 99 for other.
• If you are asked to give a reason for taking the TOEFL test then select/enter: "to enter a college or university as a graduate student"

A minimum overall band score of 6.5 is required with a minimum score of 6.0 in each component of the academic (NOT general) IELTS test.*

Individual graduate programs may require higher English language proficiency scores, and may require minimum scores on individual components of the test. Please check individual program websites to verify English language score requirements.

IELTS Online is accepted for Applications to UBC-Vancouver

IELTS Indicator is not accepted for Applications to UBC-Vancouver.

UBC requires an official score to be sent to us electronically from the test centre.

On the IELTS application form you will be asked to specify institutions where you would like the results being sent to. To ensure UBC receives your results correctly, you have to use the following details on the application:

• Name and address of college / institution / university: University of British Columbia - Graduate School Admissions
• Address: 170-6371 Crescent Road, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z2, Canada

A minimum overall score of 70 is required with 60 on the speaking sub-test.

Individual graduate programs may require higher English language proficiency scores. Please check individual program websites to verify English language score requirements.

UBC requires an official paper record of this test score.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP): Applicant must achieve a 75% in each component of the 600 level.

More information

A minimum overall score of 65 on the academic (NOT general) test is required with minimums of 60 reading, 60 writing, 60 listening, and 60 speaking.

PTE Home / Online are not accepted for application to UBC-Vancouver

Please email [email protected] when you have a test score ready for download.

Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)

A minimum overall MELAB final score of 85 (with 3 in the speaking test) is required by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Alternative English Language Proficiency Test

CAE (Certificate in Advanced English): B

CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English): C

Submission of Test Results

TOEFL and IELTS test takers can request electronic submission of scores to universities. We accept electronic delivery directly from the test centre to UBC only. For all other tests an official paper test score report ordered from the testing agency is required. Photocopies of test scores are not acceptable.

What are the academic minimum requirements by country?

Applicants should have academic backgrounds within the general requirements listed by country below.

Given that the number of applicants exceeds the number of positions available, a record that satisfies basic entrance requirements does not guarantee admission to graduate studies.

Important note to students with three-year bachelor's degrees from European institutions (except UK): Most three-year, Bologna-compliant degrees from research-intensive universities are acceptable as a basis for admission to master's programs at UBC. Contact the UBC program of interest and see individual country listings below for further information.

• Afghanistan
• Aland Islands
• American Samoa
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• British Virgin Islands
• Burkina Faso
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Christmas Island
• Cocos (Keeling) Islands
• Congo, Democratic Republic of the
• Cook Islands
• Côte d'Ivoire
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• Guinea-Bissau
• Holy See (Vatican City State)
• Isle of Man
• Korea, Democratic People's Republic of
• Korea, Republic of
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Micronesia, Federated States of
• Netherlands
• Netherlands Antilles
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Norfolk Island
• North Macedonia
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Russian Federation
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Martin
• Saint Pierre and Miquelon
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Sint Maarten
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Svalbard and Jan Mayen
• Switzerland
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States Minor Outlying Islands
• United States of America
• Wallis and Futuna
• Western Sahara

Other Resources

Other sites that might come in handy as you prepare to apply:

• UBC Calendar
• Faculty Policies Governing Admissions

How do I submit transcripts and degree parchments?

• For your INITIAL APPLICATION we only accept scanned copies of original documents or self-uploaded digital copies.
• If you receive an ADMISSION OFFER , you will have to provide hard copies or secure electronic delivery of academic documents.

Initial Application

Each entry under the Academic History section of the application must include pdf copies of official, up-to-date, transcripts for all current and previous post-secondary study (see exception for current and former UBC students below). 

Note : Grade sheets/records are not transcripts and will not be accepted in lieu of copies of official transcripts.

Uploading transcripts in the application system

The application to graduate school must be made under the current/former  CWL (Campus-wide Login) . Applying with the correct CWL will automatically transfer the UBC record into the application.

Official academic documentation for all other post-secondary institutions that have been attended (e.g., exchange year, transfer year, etc.) will need to be uploaded as part of the application.

Applicants with Canadian transcripts (other than UBC) must obtain an official transcript for every post-secondary institution they have attended.

• Each transcript should be scanned as an individual .pdf file and then uploaded to the application system as indicated.
• Users of the MyCreds | MesCertif digital service have to download the documents as PDF (see video “How to download my document as a PDF”) and self-upload to the application system. Documents sent via secure electronic delivery to UBC as receiving organization directly will not be accepted for initial application purposes!
• Please refer to any directions provided by the selected graduate program on naming scanned document files. Otherwise, files should be named: "Applicant Full Name-Document Description.extension"

Examples: Peng Zhang-University of Waterloo Transcript.pdf Peng Zhang-CV.pdf Peng Zhang-Journal of Neurosciences Paper.pdf

• Transcripts must be scanned front and back.
• All pages of a transcript must be uploaded as a single file (rather than a separate file for each page).
• The online application system provides additional, detailed directions on scanning and uploading of documentation.

Applicants must obtain an official transcript for every post-secondary institution they have attended (other than UBC).

• Each transcript must be scanned as an individual .pdf file and uploaded to the application system as indicated.
• Scan both sides of the transcript and/or degree certificate where there is information, notations, or stamps from the issuing institution.
• Please refer to any directions provided by the selected graduate program on naming scanned document files. Otherwise, files should be named: "Applicant Full Name-Document Description.extension"

Examples: Peng Zhang-Peking University Transcript.pdf Peng Zhang-Peking University Transcript English Translation.pdf Peng Zhang-CV.pdf Peng Zhang-Journal of Neurosciences Paper.pdf

• Each transcript must be uploaded as a single file (rather than a separate file for each page).
• If you have documents that are issued in a language other than English, then, in addition to uploading digital copies of the documents in their original language, you must also upload a certified literal English translation of your transcripts from your home university's translation service or a certified English translator.
• The online application system provides additional, detailed directions on scanning and uploading of academic documentation.

After Being offered Admission

Conditional admission offers are made based on documents uploaded to the application system. Once an offer of admission is received: 

• A list of required transcripts will be posted in the applicant's online portal.
• Note: UBC reserves the right to also require any individual applicant to provide official transcripts for study of less than one year duration.
• Do not send official transcripts before receiving an offer of admission unless special instructions were received from the selected graduate program.
• Applicants will not be allowed to register in a graduate program until the initial transcript requirements are met.

How to Submit Official Academic Documents

To be considered official, academic records must either be received in official university envelopes, sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution, or be received via secure electronic delivery from the issuing institution.

If you applied with your CWL account, your transcript will have been received electronically. No hard copies of UBC transcripts are required. Please ensure to submit official documents of any other institutions.

Documents being provided to meet conditions of admission should be sent directly to:

Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies The University of British Columbia 170 - 6371 Crescent Rd Vancouver, BC CANADA  V6T 1Z2

Applicants from Canadian institutions that participate in the MyCreds | MesCertif service for secure electronic delivery should follow the instructions below under "secure electronic delivery."

If your university issues only one original set of academic documents (transcripts/degree certificates):

Make photocopies of your original academic documents and send them to your home university. Ask your home university to:

• Verify that the photocopies are consistent with their records.
• Attest that the copies are true photocopies and stamp them with an official university stamp.
• Put the attested, stamped photocopies in sealed envelopes endorsed by the Registrar.
• Mail the sealed, endorsed envelopes directly to Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

If your academic documents are issued in a language other than English:

• Order a set of academic documents in the original language along with certified literal English translations from your home university's translation service.

If your home university does not provide English translation:

• Photocopy a set of your documents. 
• Take the copy to a certified English translator and order a complete, word-by-word, literal English translation.
• Direct the translator to put both the original language photocopy and the English translation into a sealed envelope, and endorse the envelope by signing across the seal.
• Send the sealed, endorsed envelopes from the translator to UBC Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.
• Important : Remember that UBC will still require a set of official academic documents received directly from your home institution.

Note: Academic records must be translated in their entirety, including any information that appears on the reverse side of any document.

UBC does not accept the following:

• Photocopies that have not been stamped, attested and endorsed by the Registrar at your home university
• Documents in envelopes that have been opened
• Documents that do not arrive in sealed envelopes endorsed by the issuing institution or certified translator
• Documents that arrive without the official seal of the university
• Photocopies notarized by a notary public
• Photocopies endorsed by a lawyer, professor, judge etc.
• Unofficial translations
• Non-literal translations

Do not order academic records that are not in sealed and endorsed envelopes, or not sent by secure electronic delivery. It will only delay the processing of your application.

Documents being provided by post/courier to meet conditions of admission must be sent directly to:

See below for information on meeting the condition of admission with secure electronic documents. 

Document Ownership

Documents submitted in support of applications become the property of the University and are not returned to the applicant or student. Refer to the UBC Academic Calendar statement on ownership of application documents . 

Applicants are strongly discouraged from sending irreplaceable documents and are advised to follow the instructions for verified copies found under  Official Academic Documents , above.

Secure Electronic Delivery

UBC works with the following digital document providers:

Applicants from Canadian institutions that participate in the MyCreds | MesCertif service for secure electronic delivery of transcripts/parchments should log in to the Learner Portal and share their documents to this registered organization:

University of British Columbia (UBC) - Graduate Admissions | Vancouver Campus

Ensure that:

• You either don’t set an expiry date or provide at least 6 months of duration for documents to be available
• You provide the UBC student number (required) as part of your submission. You receive your student number with confirmation of your application submission to a UBC graduate program.
• You can review videos explaining the process in the How-To Videos .

Access myCreds

Applicants from Australian and New Zealand institutions that participate in the My eQuals service for secure electronic delivery of transcripts/parchments should log in to the Learner Portal and share their documents to this registered organization:

Access My eQuals

Applicants from Chinese institutions that participate in CSSD (formerly CHESICC) service for secure electronic delivery of transcripts/parchments can share their documents via [email protected]

Applicants from institutions that participate in the Digitary platform for secure electronic delivery of transcripts/parchments should log in to the Learner Portal and share their documents to this registered organization:

Access Digitary

The issuing institution must send a link to a secure site to Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (G+PS) at [email protected] . G+PS will download the transcript from the secure site. Important: an e-transcript is downloaded via a link to a secure site. It is NOT an email attachment of any kind, even if sent from an authority at the issuing institution.

Do I have to take the GRE?

Graduate record examination (gre).

The Graduate Record Examination has two components: a General Test measuring verbal, quantitative, and analytical reasoning skills, and a Subject Test measuring achievement in particular  fields of study. The table GRE Requirements by Program lists which graduate program at UBC requires a GRE test.

The UBC institution code is 0965 .

GRE Requirements by Program

Graduate management test (gmat).

Applicants to the MBA and MScB programs in the Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration are required to submit GMAT results (applicants to the MScB in Transportation may submit the GRE or the GMAT). Applicants to the PhD program in the Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration must submit either GMAT or GRE results.

Where is UBC and what is the campus like?

The University of British Columbia's Vancouver campus is located at the western tip of the Point Grey Peninsula, close to the city of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. UBC's second campus - Okanagan campus - is located in Kelowna, about 5 hours north-east of Vancouver.

The University Endowment Lands community (also known as University Hill) is situated adjacent to the campus to the east, while 763 hectares of forested parkland known as Pacific Spirit Regional Park serves as a "green belt" between Vancouver and the campus.

The main campus is bounded by Chancellor Boulevard to the northwest, Marine Drive to the southwest, Wesbrook Mall to the northeast, and West 16th Avenue to the southeast. This represents the administrative and educational core of UBC.

The South Campus is bounded by Southwest Marine Drive to the south, West 16th Avenue to the northwest, and Pacific Spirit Park to the northeast. The South Campus houses many research facilities.

The East Campus is bounded by West 16th Avenue on the south, Wesbrook Mall on the west, Acadia Road on the east, and on the north its border zigzags from Toronto Road to Agronomy Road to Fairview Avenue. A large part of the East Campus is made up of student, faculty and staff housing, along with child care buildings and the local police and fire department. UBC's first market housing development, known as Hampton Place, is also located here.

Although many buildings on campus are quite new, the University's history actually dates back to 1877.

Campus locations

Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is responsible for the majority of graduate students at the Vancouver campus, including those who study at many of the affiliated facilities in the city of Vancouver and BC. The majority of graduate programs are offered at the Point Grey campus or the affiliated facilities , one program (Digital Media) is offered at the Great Northern Way Campus (Vancouver) and few programs such as the Master of Health Administration and business programs are offered at UBC Robson Square (Downtown Vancouver). If you are interested in the Okanagan campus (Kelowna, BC), please visit the website of the College of Graduate Studies .

Campus Videos

Campus Tours

Due to the diversity of our many research facilities, we do not offer campus tours specifically for graduate students. However, individual departments or research groups may offer open houses or other outreach events that may allow you to visit their facilities. Please check on the websites of individual departments or programs for such opportunities.

You can enjoy one of our many self-guided campus walking tours, such as from the Sustainability Initiative or the Art Outdoor Tour . Or you may decide to walk in Pacific Spirit Regional Park .

Or try out one of these five 30 minute walking maps:

• Main Mall Trail
• Sword Fern Trail
• Thunderbird Trail
• Tower Beach Trail
• Wreck Beach Trail

Once you're here, there are several options for getting around campus—you can walk, bike and for longer distances there are  convenient and accessible shuttle buses  to get you where you need to go. Find more information on how to get around campus .

If you have a temporary or permanent condition that limits your mobility, the  Accessibility Shuttle  can help you get around areas of campus that can only be reached on foot. The shuttle is a free, shared-ride service; you can book up to three trips a day. Each building in the service area is within 100 meters of a shuttle stop.

Campus Gallery

You may view more images on Flickr .

Attractions on Campus

Chan Centre for the Performing Arts

Since opening in the spring of 1997, this world class venue has earned high praise for its striking design and stellar acoustics. Inside there are three unique performance spaces: the 1200-seat Chan Shun Concert Hall, the flexible Telus Studio Theatre, and the intimate Royal Bank Cinema. The Chan Centre offers a variety of performances and events year-round, from classical recitals and jazz concerts, to avant-garde theatre and opera productions.

Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery

Internationally recognized for its exhibitions, programs, and online projects, the Belkin Art Gallery is one of Canada’s premier showcases for contemporary art. We specialize in Canadian avant-garde art of the 1960s and 1970s. Download the UBC Outdoor Art Tour and discover UBC in a new way. Free admission and tours.

UBC Botanical Garden

There are 44 hectares of garden and 10,000 different plants located close to our research facilities and student housing.

Rose Garden

This spot offers stunning views over the Strait of Georgia.

Nitobe Memorial Japanese Garden

A traditional Japanese Tea and Stroll garden. A place of reflection, where each step reveals a new harmony, the garden is designed to suggest a span of time – a day, a week or a lifetime – with a beginning, choice of paths, and ending.

Beaty Biodiversity Museum

Explore UBC’s spectacular biological collections through exhibits and public programs. More than five hundred exhibits of plants, marine invertebrates, insects, fish, vertebrates, fungi, and fossils showcase the stunning natural history of British Columbia and beyond.

Museum of Anthropology

The museum is a place of extraordinary architectural beauty, provocative programming, and exciting exhibitions. From towering totem poles in its spectacular Great Hall, to more than 10,000 objects from around the world housed in the Multiversity Galleries, the museum offers endless opportunities for visitors to discover and learn about their own and other cultures.

Pacific Museum of Earth

Explore the Pacific Museum of Earth and discover the wonders of our dynamic Earth. Tour 4.5 billion years through the evolution of Earth, touch a real dinosaur bone, be informed about the hazards of natural disasters, gaze at dazzling mineral and gem displays, and learn about the mineralogical guts of your smartphone.

Frederic Wood Theatre

This historic theatre showcases the leading edge of new theatre practice. Discover everything from premieres to classics of the world stage and free talks by visiting scholars.

The UBC Farm is a 24-ha teaching and learning space, and integrated production farm. Situated within a 90-year-old coastal hemlock forest, the UBC Farm comprises a mosaic of cultivated annual crop fields, perennial hedgerows and orchards, pasture, teaching gardens, and forest stands.

TRIUMF is Canada’s particle accelerator centre. From the hunt for the smallest particles in the universe to the development of new technologies, including next-generation batteries and medical isotopes, TRIUMF is pushing the frontiers in research to advance science, medicine, and business.

Sports Facilities

Multiple sports facilities are located on the UBC campus: Aquatic Centre, Tennis Centre, Baseball Indoor Training Centre, Thunderbird Stadium and Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre amond others.

How much will it cost?

UBC is located in one of the most livable cities in the world which affects living costs - a challenge that many major metropolitan centres face. Your perception of costs may depend on from where you will be joining UBC. If you are relocating from a similarly popular metropolis, costs may be comparable. For others, the costs may come as a surprise. G+PS provides this calculator as a starting point to create a financial plan and budget. Please note that this kind of calculator can only provide estimates and projections. We cannot guarantee availability of listed rates. We link to relevant sources for you to verify data and account for market changes since we last updated our data.

UBC expects you to assume primary responsibility for covering the cost of your education and supporting any family members who might accompany you. It is especially important to plan your finances for the entire duration of the degree. G+PS provides average completion times for most graduate programs in the degree listing under the heading "Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats". Financial awards may be restricted in their duration and in many cases end after four years. With help of the completion data and this annual cost calculator, you can plan a multi-year budget and account for a possible funding drop which usually occurs in upper years.

Are you a domestic or international student? Domestic student (incl. Permanent Resident/Landed Immigrant, Refugee, Diplomat) International student

Are you single or will you be accompanied by a partner? I will live in Vancouver on my own I will bring a partner

Do you have children? Yes No

Where do you plan to live? UBC Student Residence Market rental (off-campus or on-campus)

Do you plan to own a car? Yes No

Immigration Documents

Study permits.

Students who are not Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents require a Study Permit if they will study in Canada for more than 6 months. For information about study permits or visa, please read the information in the International Student Guide.

Working while Studying

If you are an international student and you want to work in Canada, you need to follow certain regulations and may require a work permit. Find out what rules to follow and, if needed, how to get a work permit.

Permits for Partners

If you are an international student studying full-time with a valid study permit, your spouse or common-law partner can apply for an open work permit

Post-graduation Work Permit

You may be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit within 90 days of completing your program requirements, allowing you to live and work in Canada.

Key Contacts

Program Administrator

The program administrator is the first point of contact regarding administrative procedures such as graduate student admissions, eligibility, deadlines, foreign credentials, financial support, etc. You can find the contact details for each program in the program listing.

Graduate Advisor

Each program has a designated faculty member who provides academic advising regarding their graduate program.

International Student Advising

UBC has a team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) who can help with your questions.

Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

G+PS sets the minimum admission standards for entry to any graduate program at UBC and works in collaboration with programs in graduate student administration.

Research Supervisor

Students in research-based programs will have a faculty member as supervisor who mentors them and guides their research. Some programs require applicants to get in touch with supervisors before or as part of the application. Review the program website to learn what is expected.

Support and Services

International students have access to a wide range of support services, from academic to health & wellbeing support, family support, financial support, professional development and much more.

• Why Grad School at UBC?
• Graduate Degree Programs
• Application & Admission
• Info Sessions
• Research Supervisors
• Research Projects
• Indigenous Students
• Tuition, Fees & Cost of Living
• Newly Admitted
• Student Status & Classification
• Student Responsibilities
• Supervision & Advising
• Managing your Program
• Health, Wellbeing and Safety
• Professional Development
• Dissertation & Thesis Preparation
• Final Doctoral Exam
• Final Dissertation & Thesis Submission
• Life in Vancouver
• Vancouver Campus
• Graduate Student Spaces
• Graduate Life Centre
• Life as a Grad Student
• Graduate Student Ambassadors
• Meet our Students
• Award Opportunities
• Award Guidelines
• Minimum Funding Policy for PhD Students
• Killam Awards & Fellowships
• Policies & Procedures
• Information for Supervisors
• Dean's Message
• Leadership Team
• Strategic Plan & Priorities
• Vision & Mission
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• Initiatives, Plans & Reports
• Graduate Education Analysis & Research
• Media Enquiries
• Newsletters
• Giving to Graduate Studies

Strategic Priorities

• Strategic Plan 2019-2024
• Improving Student Funding
• Promoting Excellence in Graduate Programs
• Enhancing Graduate Supervision
• Advancing Indigenous Inclusion
• Supporting Student Development and Success
• Reimagining Graduate Education
• Enriching the Student Experience

Initiatives

• Public Scholars Initiative
• 3 Minute Thesis (3MT)
• PhD Career Outcomes

• Academic Calendar
• Campus Services
• Faculties & Schools
• Student Service Centre
• UBC Directory

Historical BSc Specialization Admission Information

The Faculty of Science provides historical BSc specialization information to help students with their BSc Specialization Admission application.

Exact future admission averages cannot be predicted with this information since they vary due to shifts in students’ interests, changes in the number of available spaces in a specialization, and random factors.

Some BSc specializations admit all qualified students, and some specializations cap the number of students admitted to be able to accommodate students into the course sections available. These quotas and admission averages are not related to the academic difficulty of the specialization.

Use the information to help you decide which specializations you will rank for your three choices in the BSc Specialization Admission application. Select three choices for which you meet the eligibility requirements and rank your top choice first even if your average is lower than the historical averages. If you rank three specializations for which your average is substantially lower than the historical figures, you may not be admitted to any of your choices and you would then need to select a specialization from those with space available.

If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for a specialization or you are not admitted this year, you can explore applying in third year. Learn more about third-year admission procedures on department websites.

Quotas and Umbrellas

Quota means the specialization has a limit for how many students can be admitted this year.

No quota means the specialization admits all students who meet the eligibility requirements.

Umbrellas are groups of specializations which fall under an overall quota. The current umbrellas are Computer Science, Statistics, and Cognitive Systems. Within umbrellas, a specialization may also have its own quota (“sub-quota”). Admission averages are affected by the quotas and sub-quotas. For example, a specialization may not admit very many students because it is part of an umbrella with other more popular specializations, not because it is easier to get into. Students may select up to two specializations from the computer science umbrella.

Use the following legend to help you read the tables:

+ means accepted students had this average or higher.

NF means not filled. The specialization quota was not reached and all eligible students were admitted. Thus, the admission average is not helpful for planning.

sup means suppressed. If only one student was placed into the specialization in a given year, we do not release the average to protect their privacy.

- means no one joined the specialization.

Specializations with Quotas

Specializations within the Computer Science Umbrella

The Faculty of Science received provincial funding to increase the number of domestic seats in computer science specializations. This sometimes results in small differences in the admission averages for domestic (DOM) and international (INT) groups.

Majors, Honours, and Combined Honours without Quotas

• Major (0030): Astronomy (ASTR)
• Major(0167): Atmospheric Science (ATSC)
• Major (1223): Earth and Ocean Sciences (EOSC)
• Major (3428) Geographical Sciences
• Major (3193): Geology
• Major (0001): Geophysics
• Major (0524) Physics (PHYS)
• Combined Honours (0517): Chemical Physics (CHEM, PHYS)
• Combined Honours (0206): Chemistry and Mathematics (CHEM, MATH)
• Combined Major (3383): Oceanography and Chemistry
• Combined Major (3126): Oceanography and Physics
• Combined Major (3096): Combined Major in Science (CMSC)
• Combined Honours (0009): Physics and Astronomy (PHYS, ASTR)
• Combined Honours (0014): Physics and Mathematics (PHYS, MATH)
• Honours (0344): Physics (PHYS)

Musqueam First Nation land acknowledegement

UBC Science acknowledges that the UBC Point Grey campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm.

Learn more: Musqueam First Nation

Faculty of Science

Graduate School

Biochemistry (ph.d.), biochemistry (ph.d.) | graduate.

Our Biochemistry doctoral students are at the forefront of biochemical research and molecular medicine, examining biological mechanisms underlying human disease; they are finding new ways to detect and attack diseases and immunological disorders like cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular disease.

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Biochemistry program at Howard's Graduate School are prepared for careers at top research universities and senior-level research positions in biomedical and related industries. The program's key strengths in molecular microbiology, proteomics and genetics, bioinformatics, and drug design and discovery make us a nexus for collaborative investigations between biochemistry researchers and clinicians. You'll learn to apply biochemical techniques, including NMR spectroscopy, crystallography, and single-molecule methods as well as contemporary approaches to cell culture and genetic analysis to answer key questions about the pathogenesis of specific diseases and the development of effective drug therapies. You'll also enjoy the close mentorship of faculty who are committed to your professional development. Our faculty are experts in several areas of biochemistry, including analysis of molecular structure, proteomics and genetics, tumor biology, structural biology, enzymology, RNA catalysis, stress response, and RNA modification. As you advance in the program, you'll become increasingly involved in laboratory research and the critical analysis of biochemical literature. Our graduate seminar series offers a venue to present your early-stage research. Students may pursue a dual M.D./Ph.D. degree.

Program Snapshot

      ❱  72 credit hours        ❱  Full-time       ❱  On-campus format       ❱  Degree: Ph.D.       ❱  Dual degree: M.D./Ph.D.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2024 entry:         ❱  No spring entry 

Fall 2024 entry:         ❱  Dec. 1, 2023 (early deadline)       ❱  Feb. 15, 2024 (priority deadline)       ❱  Apr. 15, 2024 (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible for earlier consideration of departmental funding opportunities. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

Dr. Zaki Sherif

Dr. matthew george, jr., angela wilson, program details.

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: M.D. / Ph.D., Ph.D.

Admission Requirements

Application for admission.

• Online GradCAS application
• Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest ( 500-1,000 words )
• GRE scores  not required
• Official transcripts sent to GradCAS
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent 
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement ( 500-750 words )

GRE Required?

Gre preferred minimums.

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
• Undergrad GPA minimum: 3.0

Prerequisite Courses

The following course prerequisites are required. Applicants are required to have at least a B average in these prerequisites.   No expiration date for recommended prerequisites.

• Biology (college-level courses, 8 semester credit hrs)
• General Chemistry (college-level courses, 8 semester credit hrs)
• Organic Chemistry (college-level courses, 8 semester credit hrs)
• Elementary Physical Chemistry (college-level course and lab, 4 semester credit hrs)
• Physics (college-level courses, 8 semester credit hrs)
• Calculus  (college-level course, 3 semester credit hrs)

Reference Requirements

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor (Required)
• Supervisor/Manager
• Other 

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Family Member