Application FAQ
Q: Can you evaluate my background/transcripts and tell me if I am qualified to apply for your program?
A: We receive approximately 200 applications each year. We do not have the resources to provide pre-application evaluations. Please see the recommended and required background checklist for MSc. and PhD applicants, and browse through our graduate courses. If you do not have a sufficiently strong background in Statistics, we cannot recommend that you apply.
Q: How many applications do you receive every year, and how many are accepted into the program?
A: Last year we received over 200 applications, and were able to admit approximately five percent of these applicants.
Q: Can I start the program in January instead of in September?
A: No. We do not have a January start date.
Q: How much is tuition? Do you offer any funding? How do I apply for financial assistance?
A: Please see our page on Financial Issues for information on tuition and funding.
Q: The Co-op Program looks perfect for me! How do I apply?
A: If you are accepted into one of our graduate programs, you will then be able to apply for the Co-op Program during your first semester of study.
Q: Do I need to find a supervisor before I apply? Will it increase my chance of admission?
A: We do not encourage applicants to contact potential supervisors. Admissions are decided by the Graduate Admissions Committee, not by individual faculty members.
Q: My undergraduate degree is not in Statistics. Can I still apply to the program?
A: Yes. We sometimes admit students from different backgrounds. However, you must have the minimum required Statistical background.
Q: I have only taken an introductory course in Statistics, but I am really interested in the subject, and want to do my MSc. in your department. Can I be admitted, and make up the required background during my first year?
A: No. If you have only taken an introductory course in Statistics, and do not at least meet the minimum recommended background, we will not be able to admit you to the program. Our MSc. program is rigorous, and requires a strong knowledge of Statistics. Courses are advanced, and there is no room for review or introductory material. However, if you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Statistics, you may take the recommended courses as a non-degree student, or pursue a second degree in Statistics, and then apply to the program.
Q: On your website, there is no mention of the minimum GPA requirement. Can you tell me the minimum required GPA?
A: All information regarding minimum requirements for domestic and international students can be found on the UBC Faculty of Graduate Studies webpage. Please note that this is the minimum standard required for you application to be accepted for review. Our program is extremely competitive, and applicants must exceed the minimum requirements to be successful.
Q: The application deadline is January 15th, but I will not finish my degree until April. Can I still apply?
A: Absolutely! You must send us your most current transcripts. If you are accepted, you will be asked to send us your final transcripts once they become available.
Q: Can I send extra supporting materials such as a CV, publications etc.?
A: You are welcome, but not required, to send any extra material you wish.
Q: I noticed that you do not require applicants to submit a GRE score. If I write the test and submit a score, will it increase my chances of acceptance?
A: Submitting a GRE score will only enhance your application if your score is exceptionally high. If you would like to submit a GRE score, you do no need to send an official copy. A photo copy will be sufficient.
Q: I am not a native English speaker, but I received a degree from a Canadian university. Do I still need to submit a TOEFL score?
A: No. If you COMPLETED a degree at a recognized university in Canada or the United States, or a university where English is the language of instruction, you are not required to submit a TOEFL score. If in doubt, please contact the Graduate secretary for more information.
Q: English was the language of instruction for my degree, however, my university is in a country where English is NOT the native language. Do I still need to submit a TOEFL score?
A: If the language of instruction at your university was English, then you are not required to submit a TOEFL score. However, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide proof of instruction in English. This proof must be supplied in the form of an official sealed and endorsed letter from the university registrar confirming that English is the language of instruction. In such a case, it must be clear that English was the language of instruction for your ENTIRE degree, not just for a few courses.
Q: My TOEFL score is lower than the required minimum stated on your webpage. Can I still apply?
A: You may still apply. However, please remember that admission to our program is very competitive, and a score that is below the minimum will make your application less competitive.
Q: I am registered to take the TOEFL test in February, and the score will not be available until after the deadline. Can you evaluate my application without the score?
A: No. Your TOEFL score is an important part of your application, as it allows us to evaluate your language skills. Your application will be considered incomplete until we receive your official score from ETS. Please ensure you have scheduled your test early enough that the score will reach us before the deadline.
Q: What are the Institution and Department codes I need for ordering my test scores from ETS?
A: The Institution code is 0965, and the Department code is 59.
Q: Can I send my transcripts by email?
A: No. We do not accept electronic copies of transcripts.
Q: I only have one official copy of my transcripts. Can I submit just one copy, or submit a photocopy?
A: UBC Faculty of Graduate Studies requires that all applicants submit two (2) official copies of all post-secondary transcripts. Your application will be considered incomplete if you do not send both copies. This includes transcripts from exchange programs and transfer credits.
Q: I have two copies of my official transcripts, but they are open, and not in sealed envelopes. Will these copies be sufficient?
A: No. You are required to submit your transcripts in envelopes that are sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution. There are no exceptions to this policy.
Q: My school is closed during most of January. Is it ok if my transcripts arrive after the deadline?
A: No. You must ensure that ALL of your application materials are received by the deadline. There can be no exceptions to this rule. Please ensure that you order your transcripts well ahead of the deadline in order to account for delays in delivery. Keep in mind that it can take up to six weeks for transcripts to arrive at UBC from universities over seas.
Q: I ordered my transcripts from my former university over 3 weeks ago, and they have not arrived yet. What should I do?
A: You will need to contact your university directly, and/or order another copy of your transcripts. You are responsible for ensuring that all of your documents arrive before the deadline, and we will not be responsible for lost or misdirected mail.
Q: My referee does not want to submit her application online. Can she send it via email? Or through the mail?
A: The UBC Faculty of Graduate Studies has specific policies regarding reference letters. We do not accept references via email. Your referee is welcome to send the reference by mail, but the letter must arrive in an envelope that is signed and sealed by the referee. Referees may use the provided reference form, or a free form letter.
Q: On the online application, there is a section entitled ‘Academic History Checklist’? What does this mean? Do I need to submit something besides my transcripts for this?
A: No. Once you have submitted your transcripts, the ‘Academic History Checklist’ will be marked as submitted. This is simply a tool for us to track your transcript submission.
Q: I have submitted my online application, but I want to edit it, and add more information. How can I do this?
A: Once you have submitted your online application, you cannot make any changes. Please edit your application carefully, and make sure all information is correct before submitting. If you wish to make changes to your statement of purpose, please contact the program directly.
Q: I want to apply for some scholarships in my country. Can you evaluate my application early, and make a decision before the deadline?
A: No. In order to be fair to all applicants, we are unable to review applications and inform applicants of decisions until after the application deadline.
Q: When will I find out if I am accepted into the program?
A: We will do our best to evaluate applications and notify applicants as quickly as possible. Every effort will be made to notify applicants by the beginning of March. Please note that applicants will be notified by mail, so notification will depend upon mail delivery times.
If you cannot find the answer to your question on this page or the application pages, please send email with the subject line re:GRAD QUERY to the graduate secretary, Ms. Andrea Sollberger at admiss@stat.ubc.ca
