Graduate Admissions

Our MASc and PhD programs are both highly competitive. We receive a large number of applications from around the world, but can only accommodate a limited number of students each year. Successful candidates will be those with the highest academic standing and strong potential for research excellence.

Applicants with Canadian or U.S. credentials

Masters

Normally, applicants for a master's degree program must hold the academic equivalent of a four-year bachelor's degree from UBC including one of the following:

• A minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC) 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 the field of study.

Doctoral

Applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) must have completed one of the following requirements prior to admission:

• A master's degree (or equivalent) from an approved institution with clear evidence of research ability or potential.
• A bachelor’s degree with one year of study in a master's program with 12 credits of first class average, of which 9 credits must be at the 500-level or above and at least 9 credits must be of first class standing. Also, clear evidence of research ability or potential.
• In exceptional cases, applicants who hold a 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 Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. 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, to maintain registration as a doctoral student.

For a full list of requirements for Canada/US applicants, visit the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.

International Applicants

Application criteria is dependent on the country in which you studied. Visit the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website for the full list of country-specific criteria.

Language Requirements

Note: Our minimum English requirements may be different than those of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

International English Language Testing Service (IELTS)

On the IELTS application form you will be asked to specify institutions where you would like the results to be sent. To ensure UBC receives your results correctly, use the following details on the application:

1. Name of institution: The University of British Columbia
2. Name of person/department: Graduate School Admissions
3. Address: 170-6371 Crescent Road, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z2, Canada

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

1. Use the University of British Columbia’s institution code 0965, and the Mechanical Engineering department code 68.
2. Give the reason for taking TOEFL “to enter a college or university as a graduate student”

Transcripts/certificates must be scanned and uploaded to the application system as PDF files, and English proficiency test results must be self reported during the application process. These will be used for initial evaluation of the applicant. Please have official English proficiency test results sent electronically from the test centre using the above information, or the application will be considered incomplete. Official paper transcripts and certificates will not be required or accepted until after an applicant receives an offer of admission (see "After Applying" section below for details).

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The following components are necessary for when you are completing your application:

• PDF scans of official transcripts:
  • from all past post-secondary institutions at which you studied;
  • front and back, including grading rubric (a grading rubric/scale should include description to interpret the grades that appear on your transcript).
• A minimum of 2 letters of reference.
  • In the online application system, applicants are asked to provide an email address for two referees. Each referee will be invited by email and will need to respond by email. Please note, that we are unable to accept e-mails from referees using Hotmail, Yahoo, GMail, or other free e-mail accounts.
  • A unique link will be emailed to each referee, allowing the referee to log in to a secure site and submit an online reference or upload a reference document as an attachment.
  • References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications. Personal references are not acceptable.
  • Applicants can check the status of submission through their online application account.
• English proficiency exam*
  • Required for applicants from universities outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction.
  • Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.
  • *See "Language Requirements" above for acceptable exam types and submission formats.
• An identified research supervisor.
• Statement of Interest/Letter of Intent (maximum 1 page).
• Resume/CV (maximum 3 pages including list of publication).
• Writing Sample (must choose an individual work):
  • demonstrating your skills in academic research and the use of English language;
  • applicant can decide the length and content of the writing sample.

For more information on these criteria, visit the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website. Please note that we do not require that applicants take or submit results for the GRE.

Program Application Deadline for Entrance Awards

MASc and PhD students may be eligible for a number of awards, ranging from national research awards to departmental entrance awards and top-ups. The majority of awards are awarded upon a student's admission into their program, and are allocated by the Department. To be considered for round 1 of these awards, a full application must be submitted by December 1st.

Early Deadline for PhD Application to NSERC and G+PS Affiliated Awards

PhD students who want to be considered for NSERC or G+PS Affiliated Awards must apply to these external awards by September 15. Both awards require students to submit a separate award application, in addition to a general admission application to our Department.  

Notes:

• January Intake: Applicants applying for January admission will only be eligible for Departmental Awards that begin in the September following their start date.
• Course-based Graduate Programs:  Professional or course-based Master's students (i.e. MEng and MEL) are not eligible for the following awards. MEng and MEL students may be eligible for Teaching Assistantships (TAs) with the permission of their Program Director.

Please see our Tuition, Awards and Funding page for more details on the awards listed below, and for a list of all external awards, visit the Graduate School Award Opportunities database. Please send any questions you have about the following opportunities to admissions@mech.ubc.ca.

Overview of Most Common Awards

Other Funding Opportunities

A large number of research graduate students who do not hold a major award or scholarship are hired as graduate research assistantships (GRAs) by their supervisor(s). These assistantships may be held at the same time as teaching assistantships and some awards. Graduate students from all programs may apply to our Teaching Assistantship (TA) opportunities.

Application Instructions

Ready to apply? Click the button below! The application process will take approximately 45-60 minutes. Apply Now

MASc & PhD Application Process

Complete the following steps to submit your application to UBC Mechanical Engineering (MASc or PhD programs):

1. Read the Academic & Language Requirements section above, and ensure you meet the requirements for the research program you are interested in applying to.
2. Prepare your Application Components.
3. Research and approach potential supervisors.
4. Review the important deadlines at the start of this section. For information about deadlines related to eligibility for graduate awards, view the Graduate Awards information above.
5. Set aside 45-60 minutes to complete your application. Ensure you have all the required documentation for your application. Note that applicants can now upload PDF scans of the following: (1) English test; (2) Proof of Canadian Permanent Residency or Canadian Citizenship (for those not born in Canada); and (3) Official academic documents. If given a provisional admission offer, the academic documents couriered must match the scans used for review in order to receive an unconditional admission letter.
6. Apply via the online portal (see blue button at the start of this section) and pay the application fee to submit your application. Note that the application fee is non-refundable.. To be considered for awards, please ensure you are applying by the appropriate deadlines.
7. Review the After Applying section so you are aware of the full admission process and what to expect after submitting your application.

Supplementary Application Instructions

Application History

Please list all post-secondary institutions you’ve attended in reverse chronological order (the most recent school first).

Program-Specific Question

For Ph.D. applicants, last degree refers to your Master’s degree; second-to-last degree to your Bachelor’s degree. State your original grade scale (do NOT convert it into a different scale). If your institution uses the grading system 0-100, your maximum attainable GPA should be 100.

Self-reported GPA

Canada/US:

Bachelor's: Include all 300/400 level courses (no matter when they were taken) within the Engineering degree. If no 4th year grades are issued at the time of application, report GPA based on 3rd year grades only. Master's: Overall GPA (include all grades earned in your program).

International:

Bachelor's: Overall GPA (include all grades earned in your program). Master's: Overall GPA (include all grades earned in your program).

Supporting Documents

You will have 14 days after the deadline to have all required supporting documents uploaded to your online application. Applications missing the required electronic supporting documents after 14 days past the deadline will not be considered. DO NOT send any physical documents by mail or courier to UBC during the first stage of your application. Paper applications and paper copies of supporting documents will not be accepted at the initial application stage. The department will review scanned PDF versions of documents uploaded to the online application portal, and will only require official (paper) documents if an applicant receives an admission offer and the offer is accepted. Information regarding submitting official paper documents will be outlined in the conditional admission letter. Successful applicants will receive a provisional admission offer with a deadline to submit official documents in order to receive an unconditional admission offer. No registration or start of program is allowed until the provisions are fulfilled and a new letter issued.

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Admissions Procedure

Admission to the Graduate Program is on a competitive basis and is not automatic even if minimum requirements are met. Once an applicant has submitted all required electronic documentation and it has been determined that minimum admission standards are met, the file is reviewed by faculty members. Please note that a supervisor is required for entry into our graduate research programs; if you are not selected by a faculty member then you will not receive an offer letter. Selection is based on many factors including grades, reference letters, publications (if any), work experience, available space in area of research interest, and acceptance by potential supervisors. The number of applicants and the number of available spaces vary from year to year. We regret that we are unable to accept many excellent qualified applicants due to space and funding considerations. The admission process is timely and varies for each student and program. Faculty members evaluate applications on an ongoing basis while he application portal is open; as such, we cannot provide a specific date for a decision or offer.

Adding to your Application

Once you’ve completed your application and uploaded all supporting documents, we start to consider your application. You can make changes to your referee information or add additional documents through the application portal using your CWL. Successful applicants will be contacted via email. Please be patient while our program considers your application. We understand and sympathize with your concerns about your application, however, we would appreciate if you refrain from calling or emailing to check your application status as all successful applicants will be notified as soon as a faculty member has extended an offer. Thank you for your understanding.

Offers of Admission

Successful applicants are sent a conditional admission offer by the Department, which will indicate which faculty member has agreed to supervise them. The letter may also state whether or not financial assistance is available. If financial assistance is available, the supervisor is expected to discuss specifics with the applicant independently. Once the applicant has received the conditional admission letter, they must accept or decline the offer through the application portal. If the offer is accepted, official paper copies of transcripts, certificates, and English proficiency scores (if applicable) must be sent to Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (G+PS) at the following address:

Graduate School Admissions University of British Columbia 170-6371 Crescent Road, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z2, Canada

Please see the information provided by G+PS regarding official documents for domestic and international applicants. Admission offers will not be finalized and applicants will not be allowed to register in a graduate program until all required official documents are received and validated by G+PS. After receiving notification of official acceptance from Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, students should refer to the information for newly admitted students on the G+PS website. International students can find additional information on required documentation for studying and working in Canada here.

Our MEng programs are highly intensive programs with a heavy course load, including strong laboratory components requiring significant teaching and instrumentation resources. We receive a large number of applications from around the world, but can only accommodate a limited number of students each year in each program. Successful candidates will be those with the highest academic standing and the most relevant background in mechatronics, mechanical, or marine engineering.

Applicants with Canadian or U.S credentials

Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Applied Science in engineering or equivalent, conferred at a recognized institution in North America, with:

• A minimum overall average of B+ (76% at UBC) in third- and fourth-year level courses, or
• Academic standing with at least 12 credits of third- or fourth-year level courses in the A-grade range (at UBC 80% or higher)

International applicants

Applicants must hold a credential deemed comparable to a Canadian four-year Bachelor of Applied Science in engineering, with:

• A minimum overall average equivalent to B+ (the MEng Program Office has established specific minimum admission requirements for graduates of different countries), and
• A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL iBT score of 93 (see below for specific language test requirements)

Program Specific Application Requirements

MEng in Mechanical Engineering Requirements

• As well as satisfying requirements above, applicants must also have relevant prior education in mechanical engineering.

MEng in Mechatronics Design Requirements

• As well as satisfying requirements above, applicants must also have relevant prior education in mechatronics design.
• Applicants should be able to demonstrate proficiency in the areas of machine design, electronics, instrumentation, and software.
• Deferrals of IELTS or TOEFL language requirement submissions (see below) are not permitted for the MEng in Mechatronics Design program.

MEng in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Requirements

Application Components

The following components are necessary for when you are completing your application:

• PDF scans of official transcripts:
  • from all past post-secondary institutions at which you studied;
  • front and back, including grading rubric (a grading rubric/scale should include description to interpret the grades that appear on your transcript).
• A minimum of 2 letters of reference.
  • In the online application system, applicants are asked to provide an email address for two referees. Each referee will be invited by email and will need to respond by email. Please note, that we are unable to accept e-mails from referees using Hotmail, Yahoo, GMail, or other free e-mail accounts.
  • A unique link will be emailed to each referee, allowing the referee to log in to a secure site and submit an online reference or upload a reference document as an attachment.
  • References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications. Personal references are not acceptable.
  • Applicants can check the status of submission through their online application account.
• English proficiency exam*
  • Required for applicants from universities outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction.
  • Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.
  • *See "Language Requirements" above for acceptable exam types and submission formats.
• Statement of Interest/Letter of Intent (maximum 1 page) - only required for the MEng in Mechanical Engineering and the MEng in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering.
• Resume/CV (maximum 3 pages including list of publication) - only required for the MEng in Mechanical Engineering.

Ready to apply? Click the button below! The application process will take approximately 45-60 minutes. Apply Now

MEng Application Process

Complete the following steps to submit your application to UBC Mechanical Engineering (MEng programs):

1. Read the Academic & Language Requirements section above, and ensure you meet the requirements for the MEng program you are interested in applying to.
2. Prepare your Application Components.
3. Review the important deadlines at the start of this section.
4. Set aside 45-60 minutes to complete your application. Ensure you have all the required documentation for your application. Note that applicants can now upload PDF scans of the following: (1) English test; (2) Proof of Canadian Permanent Residency or Canadian Citizenship (for those not born in Canada); and (3) Official academic documents. If given a provisional admission offer, the academic documents couriered must match the scans used for review in order to receive an unconditional admission letter.
5. Apply via the online portal (see blue button at the start of this section) and pay the application fee to submit your application. Note that the application fee is non-refundable.
6. Review the After Applying section so you are aware of the full admission process and what to expect after submitting your application.

Supplementary Application Instructions

Application History

Please list all post-secondary institutions you’ve attended in reverse chronological order (the most recent school first).

Self-reported GPA

Canada/US:

Bachelor's: Include all 300/400 level courses (no matter when they were taken) within the Engineering degree. If no 4th year grades are issued at the time of application, report GPA based on 3rd year grades only. Master's: Overall GPA (include all grades earned in your program).

International:

Bachelor's: Overall GPA (include all grades earned in your program). Master's: Overall GPA (include all grades earned in your program).

Supporting Documents

You will have 14 days after the deadline to have all required supporting documents uploaded to your online application. Applications missing the required electronic supporting documents after 14 days past the deadline will not be considered. DO NOT send any physical documents by mail or courier to UBC during the first stage of your application. Paper applications and paper copies of supporting documents will not be accepted at the initial application stage. The department will review scanned PDF versions of documents uploaded to the online application portal, and will only require official (paper) documents if an applicant receives an admission offer and the offer is accepted. Information regarding submitting official paper documents will be outlined in the conditional admission letter. Successful applicants will receive a provisional admission offer with a deadline to submit official documents in order to receive an unconditional admission offer. No registration or start of program is allowed until the provisions are fulfilled and a new letter issued.

Admissions Procedure

Admission to graduate programs is on a competitive basis and is not automatic even if minimum requirements are met. Once an applicant has submitted all required electronic documentation and it has been determined that minimum admission standards are met, the file is reviewed by faculty members. A faculty supervisor is not required for course-based MEng programs. Selection is based on many factors including grades, reference letters, publications (if any), work experience, and available space in the program. The number of applicants and the number of available spaces vary from year to year. We regret that we are unable to accept many excellent qualified applicants due to space and funding considerations. The admission process is timely and varies for each student and program, and we cannot provide a specific date for a decision.

Adding to your Application

Once you’ve completed your application and uploaded all supporting documents, we start to consider your application. You can make changes to your referee information or add additional documents through the application portal using your CWL. Successful applicants will be contacted via email. Please be patient while our office considers your application. We understand and sympathize with your concerns about your application, however, we would appreciate if you refrain from calling or emailing to check your application status as all successful applicants will be notified as soon as the department makes a decision. Thank you for your understanding.

Offers of Admission

Applicants are sent a conditional admission offer by the Department. Once the applicant has received the conditional admission letter, they must accept or decline the offer through the application portal. If the offer is accepted, official paper copies of transcripts, certificates, and English proficiency scores (if applicable) must be sent to Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (G+PS) at the following address:

Graduate School Admissions University of British Columbia 170-6371 Crescent Road, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z2, Canada

Please see the information provided by G+PS regarding official documents for domestic and international applicants. Admission offers will not be finalized and applicants will not be allowed to register in a graduate program until all required official documents are received and validated by G+PS. After receiving notification of official acceptance from Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, students should refer to the information for newly admitted students on the G+PS website. International students can find additional information on required documentation for studying and working in Canada here.