Dear Claire,

Welcome to the June issue of GradProspect, the newsletter for prospective students on UBC’s graduate programs.

Planning for graduate studies in 2026? Now is the perfect time to start. With more than 300 programs to explore, UBC offers options for every academic interest. In this issue, we break down the different types of graduate programs, share insights from our Graduate Student Ambassadors on transitioning to grad school, invite you to our upcoming applicant advice sessions and more. 

Explore our graduate programs and follow your passion

Choosing the right graduate school and program is a big decision—and we’re here to help. Our website is a great starting point, with an overview of UBC’s 12 Faculties and more than 300 graduate programs. On our Graduate Degree Programs page, you can search by faculty, degree level, mode of delivery, and program type to find a path that fits your goals. You’ll also find key details such as average funding, graduation rates, and completion times.

Search our programs

Understanding different types of graduate program

As you begin exploring graduate studies at UBC, one of the most important steps is understanding the different types of programs available—and how they align with your academic goals, career aspirations, and learning preferences. Graduate programs can vary widely in structure, focus, and outcomes. Whether you're interested in a research-focussed degree or a course-based professional program, having a clear understanding of your options will help you make the best decision.

In this video, Shane Moore from UBC’s Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies breaks down the key characteristics of the various graduate program types. He explains what sets them apart, what kind of experience you can expect, and how to determine which path might be the best fit for you. 
Types of Graduate Programs at UBC
 

Congratulations to the class of 2025
Gordon B. Shrum Building

In May, 1,675 Master's and 268 PhD students from nearly every faculty and discipline graduated in the Chan Centre. The Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office extends its best wishes to all graduates as they embark on the next chapter of their journeys. Among this year's outstanding graduates were Governor General’s Gold Medal (PhD) recipient Seyed Amirhossein Nasseri and Governor General’s Gold Medal (Master’s) recipient Alex Hagler. 

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

June 19 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

June 24 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
 
GradProspect UBC's Prospective Student Newsletter from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

At UBC, we’re proud to support and celebrate our 2SLGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff. This Pride season, explore a wide range of events happening on both our Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. It’s also a great time to connect with community, discover supportive resources and initiatives, and learn more about student groups that help foster inclusion and belonging.

Pride at UBC
 

Ask an ambassador — Moving up to the graduate level

If you are thinking about applying to graduate school, you're very likely thinking about how it might differ from your undergraduate experience. We caught up with some of our Graduate Student Ambassadors to hear about some of the differences they've observed.
Ask an ambassador: Are there differences between your previous degree and the one at UBC?
 

Community updates from across UBC

When is period pain not normal? New website helps young people navigate when to seek care

UBC PhD student Zeba Khan (pictured) led the creation of Period Pain is Real Pain, a website that helps young people recognize when period pain may require medical attention. Featuring a self-assessment quiz and evidence-based resources, the site aims to break stigma and support better access to care. 

Read more

Next-gen technology helps high-rises ride out earthquakes

UBC researchers, led by Dr. Tony Yang (pictured) from the Faculty of Applied Science, successfully tested a groundbreaking structural system to help high-rise buildings withstand major earthquakes. Using a large-scale model on a shake table in Shanghai, the team showed how features like rocking foundations and dampers let buildings absorb seismic energy and stay functional. The system could shape the future of earthquake-safe construction in Vancouver and beyond.

Read more

What’s a healthy amount of sleep? 

New research from UBC and the University of Victoria reveals that the optimal amount of sleep varies across cultures. Analyzing data from nearly 5,000 individuals in 20 countries, the study found that people who slept durations aligning with their cultural norms reported better health outcomes. This challenges the universal "eight-hour" sleep recommendation and suggests that sleep guidelines should be tailored to cultural contexts to promote better health.

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.