Overview
Graduates of the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) program promote 'Movement and Function for Life'. Using the Lifespan approach, the major areas of study in the 26-month MPT program include: basic sciences, clinical decision making, clinical practice (musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory), exercise and movement sciences, and rehabilitation research.
The MPT Program has been accredited by Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada, and has a strong relationship with the clinical community. Students experience a total of 1080 'hands-on' clinical hours over six clinical placements in diverse aspects of clinical care. The evidence-based curriculum is structured to promote critical thinking, develop problem solving skills, promote teamwork and collaboration, and empower students to be lifelong learners.
What makes the program unique?
The UBC Master of Physical Therapy program (MPT) is the only fully distributed, entry-to-practice Physical Therapy program in British Columbia. The MPT program offers students the opportunity to study at one of two locations: UBC’s Point Grey Campus or University of Northern British Columbia’s campus in Prince George.
MPT-Vancouver and MPT-North cohorts have the opportunity to learn using state-of-the-art facilities that are equipped with cameras and large screen monitors when observing demonstrations of even the most detailed subjects. Additionally, students have access to break-out rooms designed to help practice their clinical skills.
The Department leads in innovative research and is well known globally for its high standards and excellent faculty. Both academic and external faculty are recipients of prestigious teaching awards, providing an excellent learning environment.
Quick Facts
Program Enquiries
Admission Information & Requirements
1) Check Eligibility
Minimum Academic Requirements
The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:
Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.
English Language Test
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.
Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based
Overall score requirement: 100
Reading
22
Writing
21
Speaking
21
Listening
22
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
Overall score requirement: 7.5
Reading
7.0
Writing
7.0
Speaking
7.0
Listening
7.0
Other Test Scores
Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:
The GRE is not required.
Prior degree, course and other requirements
Prior Degree Requirements
Recognized baccalaureate degree in any field (120 credits).
Course Requirements
Prerequisite courses in Physics, English, Anatomy, Psychology, Statistics and Human Physiology.
Other Requirements
Minimum of 70 volunteer hours or work experience with people with disabilities.
2) Meet Deadlines
3) Prepare Application
Transcripts
All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.
Letters of Reference
A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.
Statement of Interest
Many programs require a statement of interest, sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.
Thesis Supervision
Course-based programs do not have a thesis component. While they may assign academic advisors to cohorts of students, they do not require applicants to reach out to individual professors / faculty members to seek commitment as their thesis supervisor. Please do not contact faculty members for the purposes of thesis supervision if you are applying to this program.
Criminal Record Check
Citizenship Verification
Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.
4) Apply Online
All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.
Geographic Restrictions
Primary consideration is given to residents of British Columbia, those out of province students who have completed a Bachelors degree or higher in BC within the last five years, and applicants who are residents of the Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut. Applicants are considered BC Residents if they hold a currently valid BC CareCard or BC Services Card at the time of application to the program. Residents of the Yukon, Northwest Territories are treated as BC residents and will be required to provide equivalent documentation to the BC residency requirement. By the application deadline, applicants must submit a scanned copy or photocopy of their BC CareCard or BC Services Card. The Admissions Office reserves the right to contact applicants for further information or documentation, if required, to clarify BC residency status. We can currently accept up to 10% of all incoming students from out of Province. Beginning with the September 2016 entrance, the Department of Physical Therapy will accept up to 8 international students per year into the Master of Physical Therapy program.
Tuition & Financial Support
Tuition
| Fees | Canadian Citizen / Permanent Resident / Refugee / Diplomat | International |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $112.00 | $168.25 |
| Tuition * | ||
| Installments per year | 3 | 3 |
| Tuition per installment | $2,289.24 | $14,893.21 |
| Program Fee | $16,024.68 | $104,252.47 |
| Int. Tuition Award (ITA) per year (if eligible) | Not applicable | |
| Other Fees and Costs | ||
| Supplementary fees (once) | $125.25 Supplemental application fee | |
| Student Fees (yearly) | $1,081.64 (approx.) | |
| Costs of living (yearly) | starting at $18,517.90 (check cost calculator) | |
| Deposit to accept offer (if admitted) | ||
| Deposit requirement | $1000.00 | $1000.00 |
All fees for the year are subject to adjustment and UBC reserves the right to change any fees without notice at any time, including tuition and student fees. Tuition fees are reviewed annually by the UBC Board of Governors. In recent years, tuition increases have been 2% for continuing domestic students and between 2% and 5% for continuing international students. New students may see higher increases in tuition. Admitted students who defer their admission are subject to the potentially higher tuition fees for incoming students effective at the later program start date. In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.
Financial Support
Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options.
Employer support
Organizations may provide their employees with tuition benefits as part of an employment package to support lifelong learning of their workforce.
Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)
Professional / course-based programs usually do not provide merit-based funding. Some programs may offer bursaries.
Financial aid (need-based funding)
Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans.
All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.
Foreign government scholarships
Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.
Working while studying
The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.
International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.
A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement.
Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals
Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.
Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.
Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.
Cost Calculator
Applicants have access to the cost calculator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.
Career Options
Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats
These statistics show data for the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.
Enrolment Data
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications | 351 | 292 | 315 | 342 | 373 |
| Offers | 108 | 109 | 87 | 83 | 84 |
| New registrations | 97 | 93 | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| Total enrolment | 278 | 257 | 237 | 235 | 237 |
Completion Rates & Times
Disclaimer
Further Information
Specialization
Physical therapists specialize in the assessment and treatment related to movement. Common movement disorders result from impairment of the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, respiratory or cardiovascular systems. Following assessment of their clients, physical therapists often use physical agents such as therapeutic exercise, heat, cold, and electrical stimulation to increase muscle strength and function, reduce pain, promote general health and fitness, and prevent disability. As specialists in movement dysfunction, physical therapists also provide expertise in human mobility, carefully analyzing gait patterns and prescribing treatment regimens or devices (such as braces, crutches, or wheelchairs) to enable clients to move independently through their environments.
Faculty Overview
Academic Unit
Program Identifier
Classification
Program Enquiries
Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update the application inquiries contact details please use this form.
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