Learn how to apply to UBC Graduate Programs and the MFRE Masters Degree

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 2021 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 November 22, 2020  will hear the MFRE decision by December 1, 2020. 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 January 8, 2021 (including all reference letters) will hear the MFRE decision by February 1, 2021.

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.

The MFRE program offers highly competitive tuition fees in relation to comparative professional programs at similarly ranked universities. Please review our Tuition fees and financial support options to learn more.

See Tuition & Fees

To be admitted, you must meet both the UBC Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum standards for admission and MFRE program-specific entry requirements. Please review our eligibility requirements.

See Eligibility Requirements

Download our Application Checklist for an easily guided application process.

Download Checklist

Review steps before you apply.

• Have you read the Important Considerations?
• Have you review the Tuition & Financial Aid?
• Have your reviewed Eligibility Requirements?
• Have you completed your Application Checklist?

If you answered YES to the above 4 questions you are ready to apply online!

If you haven’t complete one of the steps use the links to research what you might be missing from your application.

Apply Online

Once we have received your completed application, it will be evaluated by both the MFRE admissions committee and the Faculty of Graduate Studies. In addition to your grades, the evaluators will take into account your academic background and references, English language capability, work experience, extra-curricular activities and other factors that can contribute to your success in the MFRE program. You will be notified of an admission decision by late February or early March via email/letter. Accepting an Offer of Admission If you are accepted to the MFRE program, you will receive a formal letter of admission from UBC and a Welcome Letter from the program. To confirm your acceptance you must:

• Formally accept your offer of admission on the Graduate Studies Online Application system
• Submit a non-refundable deposit
• Send your official transcripts to the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies office
• Fulfill any other conditions described in your offer of admission

1. Your connection with the Food / Natural Resources / Environmental sectors. Explain how you got involved in these fields and/or you motivation to further understand them through the MFRE program.
2. How the MFRE program fits with your future career plans.
3. Your background, interests and goals. Tell us about yourself!