Whether you’re interested in applying for one of our graduate degrees this year or in the future, here are a few tips to guide you along the way! We recommend starting your application two months in advance of the application deadline to ensure you have time to submit all the requirements documents.
- Admission Requirements
Master of Education
Applicants to the MEd program normally hold a bachelor’s degree in Education or related field, with a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76-79%) in third- and fourth-year courses, academic standing with at least 12 credits of third-or fourth-year courses in the A- grade range (80% or higher at UBC) in a four-year baccalaureate degree or its academic equivalent.
Applicants who do 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 Director of Graduate Programs in Education.
Master of Arts in Education
Applicants to the MA program must have a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76-79%) in third- and fourth-year courses, academic standing with at least 12 credits of third-or fourth-year courses in the A- grade range (80% or higher at UBC) in a four-year baccalaureate degree or its academic equivalent. Background training and previous experience must be sufficient to demonstrate ability or potential for advanced research in the chosen field.
In exceptional cases, applicants who do not meet the requirements stated above, but who have had significant formal training and relevant professional experience, may be granted admission on the recommendation of the Education Graduate Program Committee.
TIP: Not sure if you want to pursue your Master of Arts in Education or Master of Education? Read this story.
- Find a Supervisor (MA students only)
Prospective MA students are required to find a supervisor before starting their application. Admission to the program requires the support of a faculty supervisor as well as satisfying program-specific criteria.
MEd applicants can indicate on their application a preference for a supervisor (optional). The review committee will take this under advisement, but it is not a guarantee.
- Select and ask your references
Three academic references are requested for all applicants; however, professional references will be allowed in place of academic references if your credential was received:
- less than five years ago: up to one professional reference letter
- between five and 10 years ago: up to two professional reference letters
- more than 10 years ago: up to three professional reference letters
An academic reference is provided by a college or university instructor, usually holding a PhD. The academic referee will have instructed or supervised you during your academic studies. The academic referee will be asked to comment, where applicable, on your academic preparation, originality, skill at research, industry, intellectual capacity, and teaching ability.
A professional reference is provided by an individual who has worked with you in the field of your intended graduate study in a supervisory capacity. The professional referee will be asked to comment, where applicable, on your academic preparation, practice competence, creativity, working relationships, work ethic, critical thinking skills, research skills, intellectual capacity, and teaching ability.
All other references are considered “personal” and are not accepted.
You will provide the College of Graduate Studies with your references email addresses, please ensure you provide their professional email from an institution or organization. We recommend asking your reference to be your reference prior to submitting their email.
References will be sent an email with instructions as to how to submit their reference form or letter.
For more information, including what to do if your reference is retired, please visit gradstudies.ok.ubc.ca
- Required Documents Check List
A complete application package will contain:
- Online application and application fee
- Official transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- English Language Proficiency Requirements(for applicants where English is not your primary language)
- Statement of Intent (see guidelines and tips)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resumé (see Career Resource support on writing CVs)
- Three reference letters (see #3 for details)
Review our graduate programs page for more details.