Admissions FAQs General
When does the first term start? Do you have a January intake?
The program starts in September. We do not have a January intake.
How long does it take to complete the MPH?
It will take two years to complete the program, including the practicum. All UBC graduate programs must be completed within 5 years.
Is a thesis required?
The MPH program is a practicum-based degree. No thesis is required.
Do I need to find an Academic Supervisor?
No. As the program is practicum-based and not thesis-based, no Supervisor is required. The MPH Program has a community of core faculty members who can assist with academic and professional advising.
Can I transfer between programs before starting? (eg: MHSc to MPH, MPH to MSc)?
All students must complete 1 full term in the program they were admitted to before requesting a transfer. This will only be considered as an exceptional case and all transfers need to be approved by the relevant program Admissions Committee, as well as the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Please contact your Program Manager for further information.
I have a nursing degree. Can I transfer credits from my undergraduate program to the MPH?
No, credits cannot be transferred if they were already applied toward a completed degree.
Can I apply to more than one Master’s degree program at SPPH?
Yes, and should an applicant be successful in applying to both programs, we ask that they inform both programs as to their decision.
Can I apply for this program if I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resource Management and Psychology?
Yes, applicants from any academic background are welcome to apply. We have students in our current cohort who come from Arts and related fields, including Human Resource Management and Psychology.
Can I apply if graduating spring 2026?
If you are studying at a Canadian or U.S. university, yes, you may apply while completing your final term. However, if you are an international applicant from outside Canada or the U.S., you must complete your bachelor’s degree by the end of December 2025 to be eligible for admission.
Can one do the program in 12-18 months?
No, it is not possible to complete the MPH in 18 months. A minimum of 20 months is required, as the capstone project is taught in Term 5 after the completion of all core courses and requirements.
Do you have a hybrid or online options?
The MPH program is in-person only – there are no hybrid or fully online options available. Most courses require in-person attendance at UBC, though some may include hybrid components (a mix of in-person and online sessions). However, the program as a whole cannot be completed online.
I am a full-time working professional. Can I study part-time?
Yes, part-time study is possible. However, the MPH program does not offer an official part-time track, and tuition will be the same as for full-time students. At UBC, graduate program tuition is charged by installment rather than by credit, meaning part-time students pay the same total program cost as full-time students, simply spread over a longer period.
Does the MPH program have rolling admissions?
No, the program has one intake per year, in September. An opening and closing date for the admissions period will be posted on the website well in advance. The Admissions Committee meets after the deadline to review all complete and eligible applications.
How many people apply to the program and are accepted?
The MPH program is very competitive. We aim for a cohort for 40 students and expect between 400 to 500 applications each year.
Do you give preference to local applicants?
The School of Population and Public Health does not have a limit to out-of-province or international students. We rank all completed applications and applicants are admitted based on merit.
Is there an interview during the application process?
There is no interview component to the MPH application.
If I applied last year to the MPH, can I use the same documents?
Previous applicants may indicate on the appropriate place on the application form which specific files they would like pulled from our archive. We can pull transcripts that have not changed. We can also pull references from the previous year if necessary, although current, updated reference letters are recommended. All other documents should be updated and uploaded through the application portal. An updated Letter of Intent is required in the online application.
I am an Indigenous applicant – is there anything I should do to inform you of this?
The online application includes a “Citizenship Information” section to note if an applicant is of Canadian Indigenous Ancestry if they so choose. Please note that the MPH program reserves seats in the program for Indigenous applicants. Please review this resource.
Can my application fee be refunded?
UBC application fees are non-refundable. Please see the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies application fee policy for further information, as individual programs do not manage fees.
How much is tuition?
This information can be found on the MPH website or the UBC Calendar. Tuition fees are subject to change.
Are any scholarships offered for applicants? Where do I find more information?
Students are automatically considered for GSI funding upon admission into the program, though unfortunately there is limited funding available. Students are encouraged to investigate and apply for other external sources of funding. Please see the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website for a list of awards and financial aid: http://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards
How many hours is the practicum?
A total of 450 hours for the mandatory practicum to complete the program.
What is the process for securing a practicum placement; is it assigned by UBC or are students expected to find their own placements?
The program provides access to an internal practicum platform featuring opportunities from BC health authorities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Students can explore and apply for placements through this platform. They are also encouraged to seek external opportunities that align with their interests and career goals, provided the placement meets program requirements and receives approval.
Can I do my MPH practicum abroad?
Yes, students may pursue an international practicum if they secure an opportunity that meets program requirements. While the program itself provides limited international placements, students are encouraged to seek opportunities independently. Additional considerations, such as visa, work permit, or travel requirements, may apply, and students are advised to consult the UBC Go Global office for guidance and support.