How do I to apply?
Finding a supervisor is often the most challenging step when applying to any graduate program. While we encourage you to have a supervisor secured prior to formally applying, you may begin the formal application process (see below) while you continue the search for your supervisor.
Application Steps
Step 1
Review the list of Active Researchers and their research areas on this website and identify potential supervisors that match your interests.
Step 2
Contact the Pathology Graduate Assistant at aabdulla@pathology.ubc.ca and email your latest CV and Statement of Interest. You may also email us copies of all your post secondary transcripts if you have specific questions about your application, or require further assistance. (You will still need to submit official transcripts as part of your application.)
Step 3
It is important that you contact those supervisors who interest you directly as we will not contact the advisors for you. It is up to you to set up interviews with them to determine if they are able to take you on as a student.
Step 4
Once you have a supervisor please inform the Graduate Program Assistant, and you can continue onto the formal application process as outlined below.
Formal Application Process
The following is required:
1. A formal online application that you can access here. You will need a credit card to pay for the application fee.
2. Two official transcripts from EVERY post secondary institution you have attended, translated into English if applicable sent directly to the Pathology Graduate Assistant.
3. Three reference letters from three different academic referees. We only accept official letters in sealed envelopes and the online reference form available through the online application tool. Your application will be strengthened by references from senior academic faculty members who can attest to your research experience and potential.
4. An email from your identified Supervisor agreeing to take you on as a student.
If you are a student from outside North America we will also require:
5. The writing of the Graduate Record Examination, both the General Test and one of the chemistry, biology, molecular biology or physics Subject Tests. The UBC institution code is 0965. Priority is given to students to place in the top third percentile.
If you graduated from a non-English speaking university we will also require:
6. A test of the English language. Scores need to be sent directly to the Pathology Graduate Assistant.
We accept:
-Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): minimum 577 (paper version); 233 (computer version); Overall minimum score 90 (internet-based version). Please visit TOEFL for information.
-International English Language Testing Services (IELTS): minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no other component score less than 6.0. Please visit www.ielts.org for information.
-Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): minimum overall score of 81. Please visit www.lsa.umich.edu/eli/melab.htm.
Note: The Department of Pathology provides a conditional acceptance pending the official acceptance by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. All applications must be complete to be formally accepted.