Dear Claire,

Welcome to the May issue of GradProspect, the newsletter for prospective students on UBC’s graduate programs. This month, we dive into a key part of every grad school application: the statement of interest. We also spotlight the Gordon B. Shrum Building—Canada’s first purpose-built biomedical engineering facility. Plus, don’t miss our upcoming info sessions and the latest news from across UBC Vancouver.

How to write a strong statement of interest 

No matter which graduate program you’re applying to, you’ll need to submit a written statement. Sometimes it's a response to specific questions, but more often, it’s a general statement of interest—also known as a statement of intent.

In this quick, practical video, Shane Moore from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies walks you through what makes a strong statement—and shares our top tips to help yours stand out from the crowd.

If you want more statement of interest advice then check out our faculty advice playlist on this topic and read more on our application and admission pages. 
 

UBC opens Gordon B. Shrum Building, Canada’s first purpose-built biomedical engineering facility
Gordon B. Shrum Building

UBC has officially opened the Gordon B. Shrum Building—the first purpose-built biomedical engineering facility in Canada and the new home of the School of Biomedical Engineering. This cutting-edge space will support hands-on learning, groundbreaking research, and collaboration with industry to drive health innovation and grow B.C.’s life sciences sector. From AI-powered diagnostics to next-generation medical devices, the new facility offers exciting opportunities for graduate students to engage in impactful work.

Read more
 

Upcoming applicant advice sessions

Join one or both of our monthly applicant advice sessions where we explain the grad school application process and answer your questions. 

Applying to grad school at UBC

May 20 at 10 AM (LinkedIn and Zoom)

In this session, we’ll break down the graduate school application at UBC – explaining the process, key elements and provide some tips on strengthening your application. Plus we'll answer your questions.

Register

AMA on applying to grad school at UBC

May 29 at 10 AM (Instagram)

Join us on Instagram for a 45-minute AMA on applying to grad school at UBC! We’ll discuss how to write a standout statement of interest, how to find the right supervisor, and what we look for in references. Plus we’ll answer your questions.

Register
 
Gordon B. Shrum Building

UBC Vancouver campus looking west over the Museum of Anthropology (photo credit: UBC Brand & Marketing)
 

Community updates from across UBC

UBC doctoral student Tyler Paetkau awarded Trudeau Foundation Scholarship

UBC PhD student Tyler Paetkau has been named a 2025 Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholar for his research on the ethics of medical assistance in dying and mental health. His work was selected from more than 680 applicants and will be supported with funding over the next three years.

Read more

How ‘parks for bugs’ boost pollinators in Vancouver

Jens Ulrich, a PhD candidate in UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems, spearheaded a three-year study demonstrating that simple changes—like reducing lawn mowing and planting pollinator meadows—significantly boosts pollinator diversity in Vancouver's urban parks. 

Read more

UBC’s Seed Lending Libraries: a growing movement in sustainability and community engagement

UBC’s Seed Lending Libraries offer free access to a variety of seeds—vegetables, herbs, flowers, and culturally significant plants—encouraging sustainable gardening and community sharing. Open to everyone, these libraries promote sustainability, education, and cultural connection. 

Read more

Fully autonomous store opens on UBC campus

UBC has unveiled Gage Market, a fully autonomous convenience store utilizing Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology. Located in Gage Commons, it offers a seamless, cashier-free shopping experience—open 24/7 for students, faculty, and visitors.

Read more
 

Download our Graduate School Application Guide
GradProspect UBC's Prospective Student Newsletter from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Our 37-page guide works to demystify the graduate application process and provide some practical advice to help make your application as strong as possible, whichever program or university you're applying to.  

Download
 

Follow our step-by-step approach to applying

If you are applying to graduate school at UBC, be sure to familiarize yourself with the process. Our website is packed with useful application information. A great place to start is our Application & Admission page, where you will find key steps to take before and during your application. Also, be sure to download our Application Guide, which is packed with useful advice on putting together a grad school application.