PhD Frequently Asked Questions
Applying
Can I apply with an international degree?
Yes, provided you meet the minimum requirements, both international and domestic applicants are weighted equally in the pool of applicants.
Are there any additional examinations or pre-requisites required?
Other than those listed above, there are no additional examinations or pre-requisites required.
Am I required to have to have found a supervisor prior to applying?
Applicants are not required to have found a supervisor prior to applying; however admission to these programs is based on supervisor availability.
Prospective applicants are welcome to peruse our research pages at www.dentistry.ubc.ca/research and contact any faculty via email whose research is of interest.
Can I apply after the application deadline?
Online applications will close after the application deadline and only fully documented applications received by the deadline will be considered for admission. We will keep any application documentation on file for consideration should you choose to apply for the next available intake. Please note that reference letters and English proficiency score sheets are only valid for 24 months.
Can I apply to the PhD stream with an undergraduate degree?
Yes, provided you also meet the minimum requirements specified by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Please note that you may not transfer from the PhD track to the MSc track once accepted to the PhD program; however you may transfer from the MSc track to the PhD track with Faculty approval and after meeting the minimum requirements.
Can I apply to both the MSc and PhD streams?
Yes, you may apply for both. Please note that you may not transfer from the PhD track to the MSc track once accepted to the PhD program; however you may transfer from the MSc track to the PhD track with Faculty approval and after meeting the minimum requirements.
Application Documentation
It is difficult to get university transcripts from my country, do you accept other copies?
As per the Faculty of Graduate Studies, we must receive copies of official transcripts and degree certificates if required in sealed and endorsed envelopes direct from the issuing university.
Will you offer conditional acceptance or extensions if I cannot send documents before the application deadline?
At this time we do not offer conditional acceptance or extensions. We do encourage applicants to consider applying for the following year should they be in a position to not meet the application deadline or requirements.
My transcripts are in French from a Canadian University, do you require English translations?
We will accept French language transcripts from a Canadian University.
What do I need to send if my transcript does not include grades?
If transcripts are issued without grades, you must request a ranking letter from the Department or Faculty Dean’s Office. Along with copies of the original transcripts, the ranking letter must be sent in a sealed and endorsed envelope from the issuing university.
What if my university only issues one copy of transcripts?
You must make photocopies of your original academic records and have the issuing university verify the photocopies are consistent with their records, stamp them with an official university stamp or seal, and have the original and photocopy sent in sealed and endorsed envelopes.
What if my university does not issue English translations of university transcripts or degree certificates?
Take a photocopy of your transcripts and degree certificates if required to a certified English translator and have them provide a complete, word-for-word, literal English translation. Ensure they include the information on the reverse side of the documents. Once you receive the translations, the documents must be returned to the university, stamped as true copies by the university. These documents and translations must be received in sealed and endorsed official university envelope(s).
Contact
If you have further questions about our programs, please contact us.