Why Grad School?

There are a number of reasons why someone might decide to go to grad school.

For some, it’s about their passion for learning or their desire to facilitate improvements and changes in an area they care deeply about. In a world of extraordinary and continuous change graduate school can be a place and a time for you to innovate, explore and investigate. It’s a chance to collaborate with faculty and colleagues across boundaries, to learn at a deeper level and contribute to the generation of new knowledge that can change the way we think about the world.

For others, grad school is about taking the next step in their career path. Whether getting a degree might help you make a career move to a new field or to climb the ladder, a graduate degree will lead to additional skills, subject matter knowledge and competencies and make you more competitive professionally.

Whatever your reason may be for considering grad school, UBC has a program for you. Our Vancouver campus provides the perfect community to study at the graduate level. With more than 300 graduate programs spanning our 11 faculties, you’ll be part of a community of more than 10,000 graduate students, supported to do your best work, and given opportunities to explore your curiosity and to advance your career.

Academic Excellence

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

Entrepreneurial

Since 2013, more than 476 ventures have been incubated and accelerated, and 220 industry and startup mentors have been part of the UBC network.

Research

$892.8M research funding in 2023/24, generating 9,992 projects across our faculties. All of our PhD students receive our minimum funding package.

Facilities

UBC invested more than $1.5 billion dollars into infrastructure and facilities in the last 10 years. 

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

Impact Stories

Choose UBC

Every year, UBC attracts outstanding students from around the globe to our world-class academic environment. At UBC, we are enhancing graduate supervision, advancing Indigenous inclusion and improving student funding.

We are at the forefront of responding to and building on changes that impact the way we learn and how our most highly educated people contribute to the world. Through the pioneering Public Scholars Initiative, we are reimagining approaches to research graduate education and exploring flexible methodologies for learners to develop needed expertise.

Become part of our community. Apply today. 

 

"Pursuing a graduate degree is a transformative journey. We are here to support you—academically, professionally, and as individuals. Whatever your field of study, you are part of a supportive and inclusive G+PS community."

 

Dr. Shannon Hagerman, Dean and Vice-Provost pro tem, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

 

Explore

Faculties

Find out about the 12 faculties at UBC Vancouver, the departments and schools within the faculties and research centres.

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Graduate Degree Programs

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies offers a wide range of options for course-based or research-based master's and doctoral students. We offer students an intellectually challenging education through programs that are international in scope, interactive in process and interdisciplinary in content and approach.

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Research

Take a look at potential research supervisors, review open research opportunities with faculty members, learn about UBC research clusters and etc. 

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how to apply

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

Explore our Graduate Programs

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

Check Your Eligibility

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

Prepare your Application

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.

Find a supervisor

5. Apply online by visiting the application portal.

Apply Online

Application components

Online Application and Fee

All applicants are advised to use the online application system. Learn more about application fees, payment methods, and application fee waivers.

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Academic Documents

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.

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Reference Letters

A minimum of two references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications. 

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Statement of Interest

A statement of interest is an important part of most graduate school applications. It may also be called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar. 

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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.

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GRE or other tests

Programs might request additional test scores. Please refer to specific Graduate Degree Programs for detailed information specific admission requirements.

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Criminal Record Check

All students who are enrolled in programs that include a practicum component involving work with children or vulnerable adults will have to undergo a criminal record check before they will be permitted to register in the practicum.

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Thesis Supervisor

Browse our faculty member directory to learn about research expertise of our professors. If you are applying to a thesis-based program, please review the program instructions in the degree program listing whether you are expected to contact potential thesis supervisors prior to your application.

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Proof of Citizenship

You may be asked to upload documents to proof your status in Canada (citizen, permanent resident) or your country of citizenship.