About PhD Program,
Interested in graduate studies at UBC? Considering a research program or a professional program in Mechanical Engineering? Browse the pages below to find out everything you need to know about studying Mechanical Engineering at UBC.
The Department offers Master of Applied Science (MASc), Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs for those wishing to further their studies.
The Master of Applied Science program is suitable for students wishing to pursue a traditional thesis-based Masters. All MASc courses are administered by Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
A MASc degree is expected to take around 24 months to complete. Your thesis is prepared with the guidance of your Research Supervisor, and typically falls under one of the Department’s Research Areas (biomedical†, design and applied mechanics, mechatronics and manufacturing, thermofluids).
For application instructions, see MASc/PhD Applications.
The Master of Engineering is a course-based program designed for engineers wishing to upgrade their training. During this 12 month program students take a prescribed set of courses designed to advance their skills. MEng in Mechanical Engineering students are allowed to enroll in the engineering co-op program with the permission of program director and supervisor (if applicable).
Students interested in the MEng can apply to one of the following areas:
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Normally, applicants for a master’s degree program must hold the academic equivalent of a four-year bachelor’s degree from UBC including one of the following:
- A minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC) in third- and fourth-year courses.
- Academic standing with at least 12 credits of third- or fourth-year courses in the A grade range (80% or higher at UBC) in the field of study.
PhD Funding Coverage,
The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers a number of scholarships, awards, Research Assistantships (RAs) and Teaching Assistantships (TAs) to our graduate students.
A large number of research graduate students who do not hold a major award or scholarship are offered research assistantships by their supervisor(s). These assistantships may be held with teaching assistantships and some scholarships.
NOTE: The majority of applicants applying for January admission are not eligible for scholarships, department awards, or research assistantships.
Awards and Scholarships
There are many awards available for MASc and PhD students ranging from national research awards to departmental top-ups. The majority of awards are awarded upon a student’s application into their program. For a list of all external awards, visit the Graduate School Award Opportunities database.
Please note that professional or course-based Master’s students (i.e. MEng and MEL) are not eligible for the following awards. For funding opportunities for the MEng NAME program, please visit the NAME website. For MEL awards, refer to the MEL website. MEng and MEL students may also be eligible for Teaching Assistantships (see below) with the permission of their Program Director.
Application Requirement,
- PDF scans of official transcripts
- from all past post-secondary institutions at which you studied*
- front and back, including grading rubric (a grading rubric/scale should include description to interpret the grades that appear on your transcript)
- 3 letters of reference
- English proficiency exam*
- required for applicants from universities outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction.
- An identified research supervisor
- Statement of Interest/Letter of Intent (maximum 1 page).
- Resume/CV (maximum 3 pages including list of publication).
- Writing Sample (must choose an individual work)
- demonstrating your skills in academic research and/or the use of English language
- applicant can decide the length and content of the writing sample
- Video Interview: in order to be considered for departmental awards (e.g. Four Year Fellowship or Gartshore Fellowship), applicants must submit a video interview to be eligible.
- For more information on these criteria, visit the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.
- Please note that we do not require that applicants take or submit results for the GRE.
Application Deadline,
Dec 01, 2025
Application Fee,
- Canadians (and Permanent Residents, Refugees, Diplomats): (CDN) $116.25
- International Applicants: (CDN) $168.25
