Eligibility Requirements

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.
  • 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.

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:

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.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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 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.

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

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