92 Best University of British Columbia PhD Programs

There are so many University of British Columbia PhD programs that you should consider as someone who is interested in studying at the University of British Columbia.

The University of British Columbia is popular because of its excellence in teaching and research.

The most established global rankings all consistently place UBC in the top five per cent of the universities in the world.

22 Times Higher Education Rankings
World Ranking37th
Canada Ranking2nd
North America Public Institutions Ranking7th

For 2021, UBC ranks second in Canada overall and 13th globally out of more than 1,115 participating institutions from 94 countries, based on its contributions through research, outreach and stewardship.

In terms of university research and institutional approaches to sustainability, the University of British Columbia tops the ranking in Canada. Read on to see the best University of British Columbia PhD programs.

Doctoral Degrees at the University of British Columbia

For applicants who are interested in the PhD programs at British Columbia, they can apply for admission to the degree program by reviewing the application requirements for graduate program and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, and afterwards completing the  online application that is available at the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.

All applications for the University of British Columbia PhD programs are accompanied by an application fee at the time of submission.

Consult the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for current information on admissions and application fees.

The number of students that can be accommodated in the University of British Columbia PhD Programs

The number of students that can be admitted in the University of British Columbia PhD Programs is limited and these PhD programs will accept the best qualified candidates as vacancies occur.

Most students begin their study program at the stat of the Winter Session (the beginning of September), however, other start dates may be available, and it depends on the specific program.

There are limitations to the number of students that can be accommodated and this require that applicants be selected well before the start date of the different programs.

Students are advised to submit their applications for admission as early as possible.

Requirements for the University of British Columbia PhD Programs

1) For Ph.D programs, a master’s degree (or equivalent) from an approved institution with clear evidence of students research ability or potential, or in the case of the D.M.A, a master’s degree (or equivalent) from an approved institution with outstanding ability in performance or composition.

2) A bachelor’s degree is required with one year of study in a master’s program with 9 credits at the 500-level or above and of first class standing.

Students who are also entering the doctoral program after partial completion of the master’s degree must know that during the first two years of study at the graduate level, they will complete a total of 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) in order to maintain registration as a doctoral student. Also:

  1. (for Ph.D.) clear evidence of research ability or potential is required;
  2. (for Ph.D., Elementary Education) first class standing in Teacher Training or a B.Ed. is required;

Students can transfer directly into a doctoral program, but this is normally accomplished after the student completes the first year of study at the master’s level. However, it is important to note that they can’t transfer after completion of the second year.

Exceptional Cases

In exceptional cases, applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree and who have an  overall average in the A grade range and also demonstrate advanced research ability may be considered or granted a direct admission to a doctoral degree program based on recommendation of the admitting graduate program and approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Individuals who are of Aboriginal ancestory are encouraged to apply. Applications for the Best University of British Columbia PhD Programs can be found on the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.

Students with Credentials from International Institutions

International students who hold a credential deemed comparable to that of Canadian master’s degree and who also demonstrate superior academic standing are welcomed to apply.

There are specific minimum admission requirements established by the Faculty for graduates of different countries which can be found at Graduate Studies Admissions.

These are minimum requirements; specific programs may have higher requirements. Get full details HERE.

Required Documentation for the University of British Columbia PhD Programs

The following are required for the application and admission process for the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies:

  • Graduate Studies Application
  • Application fee
  • Three confidential reference reports
  • Transcripts/Academic Records
  • Evidence of adequate English proficiency where applicable (TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB are all acceptable)
  • Other information that may be required by the admitting graduate program are GRE, statement of intent, research proposal, etc.

The three confidential reference reports must be uploaded by the referees directly to the online application system, alternatively, it can be sent by post and they must contain the original signatures and be received in sealed envelopes endorsed by referees.

Important Information About Transcripts

Transcripts and academic records for all postsecondary institutions attended by applicants are required upon the initial application into the University of British Columbia PhD Programs.

These required records (and translations if necessary), may be initially provided as electronic copies of official documents which are uploaded to the online application system.

Conditional admission offers may be made based on the unofficial documents, though there are University of British Columbia PhD Programs that may require official paper documents to be submitted as part of the initial application process.

It is important to note that application will not be finalized and applicants will not be allowed to register if until the required official documents are received and validated by the University.

That means, for you to finalize your admission offer and go on with registration, your official transcripts must be received for every postsecondary institution an applicant has attended, unless otherwise indicated to an individual applicant by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

The transcripts are considered official if they are received either 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.

However, if the originals cannot be obtained by the applicant, then attested, certified copies of the originals can be accepted.

If the official transcript does not indicate the degree name and the degree conferral date, an official copy of the degree certificate is required.

The List of the Best University of British Columbia PhD Programs

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration in Accounting (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Animal Biology (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Art History (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Asian Studies (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Astronomy (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Atmospheric Science (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Audiology and Speech Sciences (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Cell and Developmental Biology (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Cinema and Media Studies (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Classics (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Craniofacial Science (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum Studies (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Economics (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Craniofacial Science and Diploma in Endodontics (PhD/Dip. Endodontics)

Doctor of Philosophy in Music, Emphasis Ethnomusicology (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration in Finance (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in French (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Genetic and Genomic Counselling (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Genome Science and Technology (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Geological Engineering (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Geological Sciences (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Geophysics (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Germanic Studies (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Nutrition (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Oncology (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Literacy Education (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Law (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Library, Archival and Information Studies (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration in Management Information Systems (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration in Management Science (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration in Marketing and Behavioural Science (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Genetics (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Physics (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Mining Engineering (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Music, Emphasis Theory (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Music, Emphasis Musicology (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Oceanography (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Oceans and Fisheries (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration in Organizational Behaviour (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Craniofacial Science and Diploma in Pediatric Dentistry (PhD/Dip. Pediatric Dentistry)

Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Planning (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Science (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Population and Public Health (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Reproductive and Developmental Sciences (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Resources, Environment and Sustainability (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in School and Applied Child Psychology (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Soil Science (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration in Strategy and Business Economics (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English as a Second Language (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration in Transportation and Logistics (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration in Urban Land Economics (PhD)

Conclusion

With an acceptance rate of 52.4%, UBC is quite stringent when it comes to acceptance. This means they only choose students who have in the past demonstrated extraordinary academic abilities and intellectual stamina.

Therefore, a strong academic record is a must-have if you must be accepted in the University of British Columbia PhD Programs.

This institution has continued to enjoy a strong reputation worldwide and through their enduring heritage of academic greatness , they have over the years produced a number of Nobel Prize winners and of course, you can become successful there too.

Editor’s Pick

University of British Columbia PhD Programs Footnotes:

University of British Columbia PhD Programs ubc.ca: University of British Columbia Graduate Degree Programs

University of British Columbia PhD Programs : Calendar.ubc.ca:https://www.calendar.ubc.ca/vancouver/index.cfm?tree=12,204,340,181

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