Ph.D in Health Sciences

Admission and Applying

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements described on this page are only a summary. Visit the College of Graduate Studies website to ensure you are familiar with all requirements.

Applicants to the PhD in Health Sciences degree will hold the academic equivalent to a masters degree at UBC, within the health sciences, social sciences, or related field of study, and meet one of the following criteria:

• A master’s degree (or equivalent) in health sciences, social sciences, or a related field, with clear evidence of research ability or potential and a minimum overall average in the B+ grade range (76-79% at UBC) in all graduate courses; or
• A bachelor’s degree in health sciences, social sciences, or a related field, with one year of study in a master’s program, having met the coursework requirements for a master’s degree in their program, or completed 12 credits of coursework, whichever is less. Of these credits, at least six must be at or above the 500 level and the student must have achieved a minimum average of 76% (at UBC) in the courses used to satisfy this requirement. Additionally, there must be clear evidence of research ability or potential. Transfer directly into a doctoral program is normally accomplished after the first year of study and will not be permitted after the completion of the second year in a master’s program; or
• In exceptional cases, applicants who hold an honours bachelor’s degree in health sciences, social sciences, or a related field with an overall average in the A grade range and who demonstrate advanced research ability may be granted direct admission to a doctoral degree program on recommendation of the graduate program and approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
  • To maintain registration as a doctoral student, students entering directly from a bachelor’s degree must, during the first year of study, complete the coursework requirements for an M.Sc. in Health Sciences and achieve a minimum average of 76%.

No applicant will be admitted to the PhD program until an eligible member of the Faculty of Health and Social Development has agreed to supervise their thesis research.

A complete application package will contain:

• Statement of intent or purpose
• Online application and application fee
• Unofficial transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
• English language test (if required – see the College of Graduate Studies English Language Proficiency Requirements for details)
• CV or resumé
• Two reference forms or letters

International student applications

We welcome and encourage applications from students who hold a credential deemed academically equivalent to an approved Canadian two-year master’s degree. Specific minimum admission requirements for graduates of different countries are listed in the International Student Evaluation Manual.

Applicants from outside Canada, for which English is not their primary language, must present evidence of competency in the English language prior to receiving an admission offer. Acceptable English language proficiency tests and required test scores are listed on the College of Graduate Studies website. Test scores must be taken within the last 24 months.

An international student advisor can answer questions about immigration, medical insurance and the transition to UBCO.

Find a Supervisor

Please contact at least one potential research supervisor before starting your application. Admission to the program requires the support of a faculty supervisor as well as satisfying program-specific criteria. See full list of Graduate supervisors above.

How to Apply

Applying takes time. We recommend you start your application at least two months in advance.

For full consideration and eligibility for entrance scholarships, all application materials including references must be submitted by January 31 annually.