An applicant may apply for admission to the diploma program by reviewing application requirements on the websites of the graduate program and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, and completing the online application available on the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.
Students are admitted to study only in fields that are authorized by Senate to offer graduate-level diploma programs. All applications must be accompanied by an application fee at the time of submission. Consult the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for more information. The number of students that can be accommodated is limited, and graduate programs with limited facilities will accept the best-qualified students as vacancies occur.
Students must submit applications in accordance with application deadlines as determined by each individual graduate diploma program.
Students with a Bachelor's Degree from a Canadian or American Institution
Normally, applicants for a graduate diploma program must hold the academic equivalent of a four-year bachelor's degree from UBC with one of the following:
- A minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC) in third- and fourth-year level courses.
- Academic standing with at least 12 credits of third- or fourth-year level courses in the A grade range (80% or higher at UBC) in the field of study.
Alternatively, applicants who do not meet the requirements stated above, but who have had significant formal training and 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 the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Individuals of Indigenous ancestry are encouraged to apply. Additional information for Indigenous applicants to graduate programs can be found on the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.
These are the minimum requirements for admission to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Individual graduate programs may have additional admission requirements. Consult the graduate program listings in the Calendar to confirm the admission requirements for specific diploma programs.
Students with a Bachelor's Degree from an International Institution
Applications for admission to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies are welcomed and encouraged from 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 established by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for graduates of different countries may be found at Graduate Studies Admissions. These are minimum requirements; individual graduate programs may have additional admission requirements.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
See English Language Proficiency Standards and GRE Requirements.
Required Documentation
The following information is required for the application and admission process for the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies:
- Graduate Studies Application (online system).
- Application fee.
- A minimum of one confidential reference report. Some graduate diploma programs may require more references. Reports must be uploaded by the referees directly to the online application system, or sent by post (must contain original signature and be received in sealed envelopes endorsed by referees).
- Transcripts/Academic Records. Upon initial application, applicants must provide copies of their academic records for all postsecondary institutions they have attended. These required records (and translations if necessary) may initially be provided as electronic copies of official documents which are uploaded by the applicant to the online application system. Some graduate programs may also require official paper documents to be submitted as part of the initial application process. Conditional admission offers may be made based on unofficial documents. However, admission offers will not be finalized and applicants will not be allowed to register in a graduate program until all required official academic records are received and validated by the University. To finalize an admission offer and allow registration, official transcripts must be received by the University for every postsecondary institution an applicant has attended, unless otherwise indicated to an individual applicant by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. To be considered official, academic records must be either received in official university envelopes, sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution, or be sent via secure electronic delivery by the issuing institution. If transcripts are not issued in English, official academic records in original language and certified English translation are required (if originals cannot be obtained by applicant, then attested, certified copies of originals are acceptable). If the official transcript does not indicate the degree name and the degree conferral date, an official copy of the degree certificate is required.
- Evidence of adequate English proficiency where applicable
- Supplementary information as may be required by the admitting graduate
Types of Admissions Offers
Admission to the graduate diploma program will be in one of the following categories:
1. Unconditional admission. Granted when the applicant meets all admission requirements and all final official documentation has been received.
2. Conditional admission. Contains condition(s) that must be met before an offer can be considered final. Such conditions may include the provision of official transcripts or other academic records, or final documentation showing degree conferred. Admission offers will not be finalized and an applicant will not be allowed to register in a graduate program until the University receives and validates required official documentation which substantiates scanned documents previously submitted in the online system. The Letter of Admission stipulates deadlines as to when the conditions must be met. Failure to meet an admission condition by stated deadlines will normally result in an admission offer being revoked, or a student being required to withdraw from the program.
International Students
Students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents must apply for a study permit (student visa) to enter Canada. Applications can be made at any Canadian Consulate or High Commission.