FAQ

1. I am trying to decide whether or not to apply to the Ph.D. program at UBC. Would you be able to give me an idea of the minimum requirements for admission? 2. Do I need to have a degree in Economics to be considered for admission? 3. How many applications do you receive each year and how many applicants enter the program? 4. How do I apply for admissions? 5. What is the application deadline? 6. How can I be considered for financial awards/assistance? 7. How many students in your program are successful in obtaining financial support? 8. How much are tuition and other fees for study at UBC? What are living costs in Vancouver? 9. How do I apply for student housing at UBC? 10. What if I still have questions?

1. I am trying to decide whether or not to apply to the Ph.D. program at UBC. Would you be able to give me an idea of the minimum requirements for admission? The Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Economics Department recommend that applicants meet the basic entrance requirements listed here. A record that satisfies basic entrance requirements does not in any way guarantee admission. Successful applicants typically (but do not necessarily) have a Master's degree in economics, and a strong academic record, especially in economic theory, mathematics, statistics, and econometrics. Admission is restricted to the best qualified applicants. Please see the Application Info page for more details.

2. Do I need to have a degree in Economics to be considered for admission? We do accept students without economics degrees. These students usually have a background in mathematics, physics or engineering. For those who do not have such a background, we like to see some training or experience in math and economics.

3. How many applications do you receive each year and how many applicants enter the program? The Ph.D. program receives approximately 200 applications in a typical year. Each year, about 15 applicants enter the program.

4. How do I apply for admissions? Applications are made online. The following supporting documents are required: original, official transcripts (2 sets) with certified English translations (if required), 3 confidential letters of reference, official GRE scores (if required), official test scores of English language proficiency exam (if required), and proof of immigration status (for Canadian Permanent Residents). Please see the Application Info page for more details.

5. What is the application deadline? Admission is only possible for the commencement of studies in September of each academic year. January 15, 2012 is the deadline for submission of the online application. January 31, 2012 is the deadline for submission of all original and official supporting documents. No exceptions to the January 15 and 31 deadlines are made. Incomplete applications are not processed. Do not apply and pay the non-refundable application fee if you cannot submit all original and official supporting documents by the January 31 deadline.

6. How can I be considered for financial awards/assistance? All applications are automatically considered for financial support; a separate application is not required. All financial aid decisions are merit based and awarded on a competitive basis. We anticipate that we cannot offer funding to a large number of otherwise qualified applicants. Consequently, we ask you to take this into account before submitting an application.

Please see our Financial Aid & Fees page for more information

7. How many students in your program are successful in obtaining financial support? The financial support process is competitive, and awards are made to a select group of applicants. Currently, a large majority of our first year Ph.D. students receive funding in the form of fellowships. Additionally, all of our current second through fifth year students who have made satisfactory academic progress receive financial support.

8. How much are tuition and other fees for study at UBC? What are living costs in Vancouver?All fees are determined by the University (not the Economics Department), and subject to change. For the 2011/12 academic year, the tuition fee is $4,263.88 for citizens and permanent residents of Canada, and $7,490.88 for international students. International students are eligible for an International Partial Tuition Scholarship of up to $3,200. In addition to the tuition fee, graduate students are assessed student fees of approximately $800 for the provision of extended health benefits and access to student-run activities and facilities. Please see our Financial Aid & Fees page for detailed information on tuition, fees and the cost of living.

9. How do I apply for student housing at UBC? The UBC Housing Department's application process is entirely separate from the admissions application. Students should not wait until they are admitted to UBC before applying for housing. Information and application forms are available from the UBC Housing and Conferences website.

10. What if I still have questions? All inquiries must be made by email to: econgrad@econ.ubc.ca; please do not call or fax. During the very busy application period (January to April), the turn-around time for email is about 5 to 6 business days. Please be patient; all emails will be answered.