Before applying, you should ensure that you meet the minimum background and standards described below under point 3. 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.
Offer Timing: For the 2022 September intake, we have earlier deadlines and two rounds of offers to accommodate longer wait times for student permits due to COVID-19. See dates on the website.
Early Offers: Applicants who submit their complete applications, including all minimum requirements and reference letters, by (TBA) will hear the MFRE decision by (TBA). Applicants that do not receive an early offer will have their application held and reviewed again with the regular offers in February.
Regular Offers*: All applicants that have their applications complete by Jan 8 (including all reference letters) will hear the MFRE decision by early February.
Some applicants will be taking courses after the deadlines in order to raise their grade point average, complete their degrees or to eliminate gaps in their academic background. If this applies to you, you should still complete your application by the deadline and the MFRE decision will be put on hold until grades for these courses have been received.
For students who do not receive early offers, 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.
