Before applying, you should ensure that you meet the minimum background and standards described below under point 2. Eligibility Requirements. Note that the minimum background and standards defined by the Faculty of Graduate Studies are required in order to apply to the MFRE program. Meeting these minimums does not guarantee that you will be admitted to the program, they just mean that you are eligible to apply.
Application Timing: Ensure your application is completed by deadlines or earlier. It takes just one missing item, such as a letter of reference or a TOEFL score, to hold up your application. The later you apply, the less chance you have of securing a position and/or award/scholarship with the MFRE program. After you submit your application, it might benefit you to contact your referees after 1-2 weeks and confirm they have “submitted” their letters.
Process of review: All completed applications received by the deadline are forwarded to the MFRE admissions committee for review and admission decision. We review all applications and consider an applicant’s combination of academic courses and grades, work experience, and connection/interest in food and resource economics when assessing program fit and offers. Be sure you make these clear in your application documents and statement of interest.
Offer Timing: For the September 2025 intake, all applications must be completed and submitted by January 10, 2025. Reference letters must be received by January 15, 2025, in order for the application to be reviewed by the MFRE admissions committee. MFRE offers will be made in February 2025.
For Applicants Still Taking Academic Courses: Some applicants will be taking courses after the deadlines to complete their degrees, eliminate gaps in their academic background, or raise their grade point average. If this applies to you, you should still complete your application by the deadline and the MFRE decision will be put on hold until final grades for these courses have been received. Once these grades are available, please provide the transcript courses as soon as they become available to ensure the processing of your application. Review UBC Graduate Studies Transcript and Academic Documents for details regarding how and when to provide transcripts.
For all applicants, an online interview may be required prior to a final decision being made.
For students who find out about the MFRE program late, have their applications held up by a missing item, or have not heard by the deadlines, please contact the program with your questions at mfre.lfs@ubc.ca.
Do you have questions about your specific case? Visit our FAQ page. If you still have additional questions, please email us at mfre.lfs@ubc.ca.
