DEGREE:

A degree that is academically equivalent to a UBC 4-year Bachelor’s degree.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA): 

At least four years of study with a B+ average (76% or higher) in third and fourth year-level course work.

DEGREE:

Applicants with international credentials should have academic backgrounds that meet the minimum general requirements outlined  for the country of origin.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA):

Applicants with international credentials should consult the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Policy to determine country-specific equivalency of the minimum academic requirements. Your admission average is calculated on all courses taken for your degree.

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY:

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application. Acceptable English language tests and submission of these results are detailed online with the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

The minimum TOEFL score is 100 and the minimum IELTS score is 7.0, with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component of the Academic IELTS test. For other test scores, visit the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.

Applicants are encouraged to be specific in their statement of interest responses. Clearly articulate your interests in pursuing the MGH at UBC, and describe how the program fits with your overall personal and professional goals.

The online application includes the following questions:

1. What global health challenge has personally motivated you to pursue an MGH degree? What contribution do you see yourself making to resolve this challenge within the next 5 to 10 years? (250 words max)
2. Professional or other real-world experience is considered a strong asset for MGH applicants. Reflect on your skills, knowledge, and past experiences in this context. How will they contribute to the MGH program, fellow students, and to advancing global health? You may choose to draw from professional jobs, advocacy, community involvement, and/or volunteer work. (250 words max)
3. Reflect on how social position, identity, gender, privilege, power, colonial legacies, and/or your geographical context have shaped your interest in global health. How do you understand and incorporate any or some of these elements into the work that you are currently doing or plan to do? (250 words max)
4. What knowledge, skills, and experience do you hope to gain from the MGH program and how do you see these contributing to your future goals? (250 words max)
5. Optional question: Is there anything that the admissions committee should know that has not been mentioned? This is your opportunity to clarify any discrepancies in your record. For example, a term with low GPA due to illness or significant barriers you may have faced due to life circumstances. (300 words max)
6. If applicable: If you have used Generative AI in the process of preparing your application, please briefly explain how it was used. (150 words max)

A detailed and up-to-date CV that highlights your professional work experience and relevant skills. 

We require three references letters from individuals who can comment on your academic and/or work experience as well as professional character. These can be provided by former instructors, supervisors, employers etc. 

We ask that referees provide comments that offer a picture of the applicant’s abilities and potential to succeed as a graduate student, global health professional and/or researcher. Specifically, we seek input on the applicant’s:
– Academic ability, curiosity, and initiative;
– thinking, analytical, and complex problem solving skills;
– Demonstrated ability to collaborate in team-based, interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, international, and/or resource constrained settings;
– Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and sense of social justice.

If possible, please provide examples for your assessment of the applicant on these criteria. It is also useful to provide information on the context in which you have gotten to know the applicant (e.g., work environment, applicant’s role and responsibilities or the educational/course setting). The admissions committee finds it helpful if the referee can compare the applicant to other students or staff in a quantitative way, i.e. this student is in the top 10% of students I have previously taught or supervised in the past number of years.

Electronic submission of references is managed through the Graduate Studies online application site. Your referees will be sent an automated reference request when you register their information in the “References” section of your application.

For more about references for graduate admissions at UBC, please visit this web page on Graduate Reference Letters