Before Applying
If you wish to know more about the graduate degrees/programs offered by LFS, please visit the following websites:
- List of degrees offered
- You may also want to broaden your research and look at related degree programs offered by other UBC faculties
We welcome applications from both domestic and international students. Please visit our website for details regarding admission requirements and our How to Apply page for instructions on submitting an application.
Yes. You can apply as long as your current degree program is completed before the start of the UBC program to which you are applying. Upload the most updated version of your transcript during the application process.
No, we do not require GRE or GMAT test.
Applicants to UBC Graduate programs should have academic backgrounds within the minimum academic requirements listed by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
The application fee pays for the evaluation of your application, and is not refundable. Make sure your application is for the correct program.
For students whose degree was not completed in English, the minimum required is:
- TOEFL scores are 577 (paper version), or 233 (computer version), or 90 (Internet version)
- IELTS – a minimum of 6.5 with no band less than 6
Yes, you will need to submit a separate application and application fee for each program you want to apply to. Decisions are made by the program(s), and they each need complete information in order to evaluate your application. If you are indeed applying to more than one program, references must be sent to each program you have applied to.
Given that the number of applicants to our graduate programs exceeds the number of positions available, a record that satisfies basic entrance requirements does not guarantee admission. If you do not meet the minimum academic requirements, in exceptional cases we may still grant admission based on an applicant’s supplementary academic studies, work experience (if applicable) and referee reports. Exceptions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will only be considered upon the submission of a complete application.
Please see the following links for details on Graduate Awards, Scholarships & Financial Aid:
Application
Steps for completing an application vary depending on the degree program. Review the specific admission requirements and application procedure first, before starting your online application.
Yes, you must list all post-secondary schools and institutions.
Program specific document instructions are provided within the online application system and on our website.
It is the MSc and PhD applicant’s responsibility to secure a prospective research supervisor for their research program application. We strongly recommend not to submit an application if you have not received confirmation from a prospective supervisor that they will review your application. The list of prospective supervisors and their specific areas of research and contact details are also available on our website.
No. Professional master’s students do not complete a thesis therefore they do not require a supervisor.
You will need to scan and upload digital files (pdf) of your official documents to your online application. Please refer to our ‘Graduate Application Procedure package’ pages for a list of the required documents for your application. Transcripts from all your post-secondary institutions are required. Note: UBC transcripts do not need to be submitted.
No, we do not accept reference letters via email. Reference request emails are sent to your listed referees at the moment you submit your online application. Please note that if you have provided a free email address (Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail, etc.) for any referees, they will receive an email providing instructions for submitting a paper reference, as they will not be able to submit online.
After Applying
To check the status of your application and to provide any new information or updated documentation required, please log in to My Applications. My Applications is also where you can find Information about your references and the status of your reference requests. Please note: you will only be able to upload documents after submitting your application as long as the program's document deadline (which is different from the application deadline) has not passed.
PAYING YOUR FEES
Students pay their fees online through the Student Service Centre. All graduate students are responsible for keeping up-to-date in paying tuition and student fees until the completion of their program. Students who have an outstanding balance due on their fee account will encounter difficulties:
- interest accrues on outstanding balances, adding to the amount owed
- students are placed on "financial hold", restricting the ability to register in courses
- a student cannot obtain official transcripts or a degree certificate with an outstanding fee balance
If you encounter financial difficulty during your studies, discuss this issue with your graduate supervisor and make an appointment at Student Financial Aid and Awards as soon as possible.
GRADUATE TUITION FEES
Tuition at UBC is one of the lowest in Canada and lower than most international universities. More...
GRADUATE STUDENT FEES
All UBC students pay mandatory fees related to student facilities, student governments, the UPASS transit pass and health insurance. More...
COST OF LIVING
Anticipating and managing your living expenses is an important part of student success. More...
For research-based programs a change of start date may be possible to the following term within the same academic year (September to August the following year).
For professional program, a deferral is not possible.
If you have been offered admission to UBC, it may be a ‘conditional offer’ that is based on your electronic application with uploaded unofficial academic transcripts. To complete your admission, UBC must now receive and verify official versions (normally paper) of your transcripts and, if appropriate, degree certificates and English language translations. Failure to fulfill the conditions placed on your admission may lead to the revocation of the offer or the suspension of UBC registration status and University sponsored funding until admission condition requirements are fulfilled.