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Why Grad School at UBC?

Every year, UBC attracts outstanding students from around the globe to our world-class academic environment. Why do they choose the University of British Columbia?

Dada Docot

Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology (PhD)

The Ethnographic Film Unit that is hosted by our Department, the very strong Japanese Studies program at the Asian Center, and of course, the opportunity to work with my research supervisor, all encouraged me to come to UBC. I had also heard many positive things about the Department of Anthropology at UBC – for one, that it just beside the world-famous Museum of Anthropology.

Roee Diamant

Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)

The advanced research that takes place in the Electrical Engineering department of UBC is very appealing to me. The atmosphere in the Communication group of the Electrical Engineering department is pleasant and encourages creativity. In addition, pursuing my Doctoral degree at UBC will enable me to study with some of the world's most famous researchers.

Toufiqul Islam

Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)

The communications research scope in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at UBC is among the world's best.

Thomas Harrison

Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience (PhD)

UBC has arguably the strongest neuroscience faculty in Canada, and my supervisor is a leader in his field. The Brain Research Centre regularly hosts lectures by prominent neuroscientists from around the world, and I am surrounded by interesting people and ideas.

Jan Luedert

Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD)

The choice to come to British Columbia was made easy as the city is situated nicely in and around the mountains, Pacific and great forests. UBC was the best place for my anticipated research especially in light of my supervisor Prof. Price who is one of the most important scholars in the field of normative international relations.

Sunday Ibobor

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (PhD)

University of British Columbia is one of the centres of excellence in social work education.

Juliana Negreiros

Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology (PhD)

I chose to live in BC because of the climate and beautiful nature, and I decided to study at UBC because of the richness of the School Psychology program.

Janet Maclean

Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD)

I fell in love with Canada during a year I spent in Ontario on an undergraduate exchange. At the end of my exchange I made a trip through BC, and knew I had to return here and spend more time in this beautiful province. I had heard many excellent things about the friendly and collaborative atmosphere of UBC, and was determined to apply here to grad school, especially when I discovered the fascinating research undertaken by my advisor. UBC has been every bit as welcoming and supportive as I had heard, and I feel extremely lucky to be a part of such a positive academic community.

Siti Hazneza Abdul Hamid

Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)

When I was offered the Academic Staff Training Scheme, I was asked to choose another place than the USA, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. The program chairman then asked if I would have any problem to go to Canada, which, I didn’t. My supervisor then suggested UBC because British Columbia is rich with forest and forest products. She suggested that I contact Dr. Evans and emails after emails, here I am.

Keith Mewis

Master of Science in Genome Science and Technology (MSc)

UBC has many researchers that are leaders in their field. The Genome Science and Technology program gave me the opportunity to work in three very different labs and choose the one that suited me the best. I was fortunate to be able to work with Dr. Carl Hansen, a pioneer in the hugely promising field of microfluidics, Dr. Sam Aparicio, a world leader in breast oncology at the B.C. Cancer Agency, and Dr. Steven Hallam, a leading researcher in genomic studies.

Nicolien van Luijk

Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology (PhD)

I once heard that Vancouver was one of the most livable cities in the world, so when I got the opportunity to come out here to study, I just had to check it out. I chose UBC because of its reputation and because of the people. When a potential supervisor whose work I had read and admired during my undergraduate degree agreed to work with me as a graduate student I was immediately on board. Now having completed my MA here at UBC I have decided to stay on and complete by PhD in the same program.

Jennifer Selgrath

Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD)

I came to UBC because I wanted to work with Dr. Amanda Vincent and Project Seahorse. Project Seahorse is highly unusual in a university setting, because we advance marine conservation by blending academic rigor with applied management and policy work. This is what I wanted from my PhD—working on research that is valuable for real-world conservation needs.

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Here are some more reasons why UBC is the chosen academic destination for some of the world’s most promising young scholars:

Our People. Exceptional people come to UBC. Some of the world’s most exciting scientists, artists, adventurers, entrepreneurs, humanitarians and intellectual leaders come together in our academic community—including graduate students!  At UBC you can expect wise mentoring and supportive staff to help guide you to success. And of course, the lifelong friendships and intellectual partnerships you’ll develop as a member of our community will be among the most lasting benefits of a UBC graduate education.

Our Programs. UBC offers over 250 Graduate Degree Programs in nearly every academic field imaginable, and opportunities to pursue cutting-edge transdisciplinary study that crosses traditional boundaries. There is sure to be a program offered that aligns with your interests.

Our Research. UBC is a research powerhouse. Our Faculties earned more than $549 million in research awards in 2009-2010, and UBC researchers file over 170 patents a year. Many programs have state-of-art new buildings and facilities. At UBC you will work side by side with passionate scholars as you delve into the most meaningful questions of our world.

Our Values. UBC has a passionate vision for preparing exceptional global citizens and promoting a civil and sustainable society. Graduate students are a crucial element of promoting and living these values in our University community. 

Our Setting.  Learning at UBC means enjoying a superb campus in one of the planet’s truly spectacular regions—beautiful British Columbia. Vancouver is BC’s cosmopolitan urban centre, providing a temperate climate, safe streets, a vibrant arts and cultural scene, and a welcoming, culturally diverse population. And if you are from outside Canada, you probably already have a positive impression of our country—a peaceful, progressive society that welcomes all ethnicities, nationalities, and creeds into its cultural fabric.

So, is UBC right for you? Only you can know for sure. But by choosing UBC you are undoubtedly joining a supportive community at the world’s leading edge of graduate education and research.

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Did You Know That?

UBC received Canada's first Gold in university sustainability ratings

Pioneering clean energy projects, an aggressive carbon-reduction strategy and North America’s greenest building have helped the University of British Columbia to garner Canada’s first