How to Apply

Application Deadlines

Applications Open Applications Close Program Start Date
October 1, 2024 January 5, 2025 September 2025

Application Procedure

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the TRANSFOR-M complete application is received by the January 5, 2025 deadline.
Note: we do not require a GRE score.

1. Contact the UBC TRANSFOR-M Director to arrange for an interview

Interviews may be conducted in person or via Zoom or phone call. The purpose of the interview is to ensure all your questions are answered, and that you have a full understanding of the timeline and requirements for completing both the European and Canadian degree components of the TRANSFOR-M program.

UBC TRANSFOR-M Director: Mr. Jorma Neuvonen
jorma.neuvonen@ubc.ca
604-822-2807

2. Complete the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies MF online application

Please note, applications are currently closed. They will reopen October 1, 2024.

Be sure to choose “Master of Forestry” from the drop-down menu of degrees and pay the application fee.

Apply Online – Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

3. Scanned copies of official transcripts

You must scan and upload an official set of transcripts (.pdf) from all post-secondary institutions you have attended or taken courses at.
PLEASE READ THE TRANSCRIPT SUBMISSION PROCEDURE CAREFULLY:

  • Transcripts must be scanned front and back (please include the grading scale which is normally found on the back of transcripts). All pages of one transcript, front and back, should be uploaded as a single file (rather than a separate file for each page).
  • Transcripts must be uploaded as a .pdf file – no other formats are accepted.
  • Naming format of each uploaded transcript file must be: LastName_FirstName_FRST_Credential_Transcript_NameofPostSecondaryInstitution
    • Example #1: Smith_John_FRST_BEng_Transcript_UnivofToronto
    • Example #2: Smith_John_FRST_MSc_Transcript_BeijingForestry
  • If you have transcripts that are issued in a language other than English, then in addition to uploading digital copies of the documents in their original language, you must also upload a certified literal English translation of your transcripts from your home university’s translation service or certified English translator.

DO NOT SEND OFFICIAL PAPER COPIES OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS TO UBC DURING THE APPLICATION PROCESS.   Forestry will use the uploaded scanned copies to evaluate your application. If you are offered admission to Forestry, you will not be allowed to register in the program until one set of all required official academic records is received by mail and validated by UBC Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.  Submission instructions for transcripts will be included in your Offer of Admission package.
Current and former UBC students – You do not need to submit UBC transcripts as part of your graduate application, as this data is already available through the student database system. However, be aware that you are still responsible for submitting transcripts from all other post-secondary institutions that you have attended (e.g., exchange year, transfer year, etc.).

4. Three (3) References

We require three (3) letters of recommendation from academic sources. If one of your referees knows you in a professional context, this is also acceptable as long as they are able to speak to your ability in your area of study.

MF reference forms are submitted directly by the referee through the online application system. They must use the template provided in the application form.

You (the applicant) will input the referee’s contact information in the reference section of your application. The referees will receive an auto-notification with instructions on how to upload their MF reference form only after you have submitted your complete online application (including paid application fee).

It is therefore VERY important that you complete and submit your online application allowing enough time for your referees to upload letters of recommendation. Deadline for reference letters is January 10, 2024.

5. English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose prior degree is from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide official results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your program application and the results must be sent to UBC directly from the testing agency.

Ensure your language test score meets our minimum requirements.

TOEFL, IELTS, CAEL, and PTE are considered acceptable tests; you may refer to the UBC Grad Studies (G+PS) page for a complete list of acceptable testing agencies.

6. Letter of Intent

Provide a brief letter (1-2 pages) that outlines the following; your motivation for pursuing the MF degree, the manner in which your previous education, work or volunteer experience has prepared you to be successful in this graduate program, and what you hope to do on completion of your degree.

This document must be uploaded to your online application as a .PDF file.

Please use the following naming format:
Letter of Intent Naming Format: LastName_FirstName_FRST_LetterOfIntent

7. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Provide an up-to-date CV that summarizes, in the following order, your education (degrees, diplomas, continuing education); academic and professional awards; achievements, honours, or other distinctions you have received; work experience; professional certifications; volunteer experience; recreational pursuits.
This document must be uploaded to your online application as a .PDF file. Please use the following naming format:
CV Naming Format: LastName_FirstName_FRST_CV

*A complete TRANSFOR-M MF application file includes all items in the list above.

Understand the application review and decision process

We only accept MF applications as part of the TRANSFOR-M program

Please ensure you have reviewed our information page prior to applying for MF.

Applying to the MF is a two-step process

Before completing a UBC Master of Forestry application, you must first be interviewed. Only selected TRANSFOR-M applicants should proceed with applying to the MF.

Before applying, ensure you meet the minimum requirements for MF admission

International applicants: in addition to our minimum requirements, you must check that you meet UBC’s specific requirements based on the country in which you completed your prior degree. Look up the country list here. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to UBC.

All applicants: View minimum MF requirements

International applicants: View country specific requirements

You will be notified by email of our admission decision

The official admission decision will be made by the Forestry Associate Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, and the MF Program Director.

Plan for Accommodation in Vancouver

For the portion of the TRANSFOR-M MF program that you attend in Vancouver, we strongly encourage you to apply for on-campus housing. Because demand is high, it is recommended to apply at the same time you submit your Forestry program online application. (The UBC Housing online application system is separate from our Forestry program online application). UBC Housing accepts applications year-round; you do not have to wait for an offer of admission from Forestry to apply to live in residence.

For the portion of the TRANSFOR-M MF program that you attend in Vancouver, we strongly encourage you to apply for UBC Child Care Services well before you arrive at UBC. Prospective UBC students who are pregnant or have children can apply to daycare before they have been accepted to UBC, or even before they have submitted their application to UBC. Prospective parents are only required to submit the child’s last name and expected due date for the childcare application.

Apply to live in residence

Childcare information