The University of British Columbia

The graduate studies application process at UBC can seem quite daunting to some. The following steps are designed to help you navigate some of the more basic elements of the application process.

Step 1: Identify your program specialization

If you are interested in graduate studies in education but don't know what area you want to explore, your first step might be to navigate the Faculty of Education's web site to learn more about the specific programs we offer. The Faculty's Office of Graduate Programs & Research (OGPR) web site offers a handy overview of the Faculty's graduate programs in its graduate programs chart. However, for more specific information on a particular program, it's best to visit the web page of the program's administrative unit.

Step 2: Chat with faculty and staff in the program's administrative unit

Once you've identified programs that spark your interest, your next step might be to speak to the Graduate Secretary and Graduate Advisor in the program's administrative unit. The Graduate Secretary is the staff member who can assist prospective students navigate administrative details, such as deadlines, admission requirements and procedures, transcript and supporting materials, for programs in a specific unit. A current list of Graduate Secretaries in the Faculty can be found here.

Graduate Advisors are faculty in each administrative unit that are responsible for guiding students on academic matters related to specific programs in their unit, and graduate studies in general. Grad Advisors can play a valuable role by providing prospective students information on their unit's programs and helping students asses whether the unit's graduate programs are right for them. A list of current Graduate Advisors can be found here.

Step 3: Apply online through the Faculty of Graduate Studies

Once you have decided on a program, the next step would be to formally apply to graduate school through the Faculty of Graduate Studies' (FoGS) Graduate Studies Online Application web site. FoGS is the body that governs all policies and procedures related to graduate study at UBC. When students are accepted into graduate studies at UBC they are considered graduate students within their units and Faculties, but they are also graduate students of FoGS.

Step 4: Submitting supporting documents

During the application process, you will be asked to submit supporting documents.Please note that admission applications are first reviewed and adjudicated within the administering unit before being forwarded to the Faculty of Graduate Studies for final admissions approval. Therefore, any supporting documents such as TOEFL/GRE scores, reference letters, letters of intent, and previous academic transcripts should be sent directly to the administering unit of the program for which you are applying. Occasionally, you will be requested to submit additional documentation required by the program's administering unit, but not by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Step 5: Processing time and application confirmation

Generally, application for admission takes up to ten months. If you are planning to start your graduate program in September, be prepared to start the application process a full year in advance.

Normally, you will receive correspondence from the administering unit approximately two months after the application deadline, acknowledging your application and, possibly, asking for additional supporting documents

If you are accepted into a Faculty of Education graduate program, the Faculty of Graduate Studies will send you a formal letter of admission.