How to Apply

Application Process

If you are interested in applying to the UBC Master of Data Science we suggest you review the admission requirements, application process and deadlines, and gather the required information and documents. Read more application tips.

Please note: Applicants who explicitly use AI software such as ChatGPT, and similar, or other external entities, such as consultants, paid or unpaid, to write Personal Statements, Reference letters, and/or other parts of the application will NOT be considered for admission.

1. Review the admissions requirements.
2. Gather information about your educational history.
   Be prepared to provide names, locations and dates of study for all of the educational institutions you have attended.
3. Select the UBC MDS program for which you want to apply.
   You can apply for more than one of the UBC Master of Data Science programs, but you will be required to complete and submit a separate application for each program.
4. Complete the online application.
   When you click the "Apply Now" button below and select your program of interest, follow the instructions on the UBC Graduate Studies website to complete your application. Allow yourself 45 to 60 minutes to complete the online application. This is where you will enter your biographical and educational information and other required information, such as descriptions of how you meet the prerequisites and your resume. We encourage you to review the questions in advance and take time to prepare your responses. Once your application has been submitted, it cannot be changed. Unsubmitted applications will expire after 30 days of inactivity.
5. Upload your admission documents.
   You are required to upload the following documents to the online application system:
   Transcripts:
   • For MDS Vancouver: Upload a scan of your unofficial Transcripts for all courses, including but not limited to exchange courses, zero-credit courses and courses completed at an international institution (both the front and back) along with any grading scales or marking keys provided.
   • MDS Okanagan: Upload a scan of your academic history documentation (transcript, degree certificate, official translations). Transcripts must be scans of both the front and back of the transcript provided by the institution along with any grading scales or marking keys provided

   • For MDS Computational Linguistics: Upload a scan of your official academic history documentation (transcript, degree certificate, official translations). Transcripts must be scans of both the front and back of the official transcript provided by the institution along with any grading scales or marking keys provided.
     
     Please Note: Transcripts for all three programs must be scanned front and back. All pages of one transcript, front and back, should be uploaded as a single file.

     • Unofficial degree certificates for any degrees that are not indicated on your transcripts
     • One page letter of intent describing your data science experience and interest
     • Resume or CV detailing your qualifications and experience
     • English language (TOEFL or IELTS) test scores (international students only)
     • Unofficial documents are sufficient for the purpose of adjudication. Official versions of each document will be requested at a later date for admission to UBC.

     Note: If you are a UBC student or alumni, please indicate your student number in your online application and the MDS Program Office will download your official UBC transcript directly

6. Ask your referees to submit their letters of recommendation.
   The MDS Vancouver and Computational Linguistics programs require you to provide three letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional). The MDS Okanagan program, only requires two letters of recommendation.

   To be considered official, letters must be submitted by referees in one of two ways:

   • Online (preferred): To take advantage of this option, you must provide a valid institutional email address (no Gmail, Hotmail or similar addresses) for each referee when you apply. Referees will receive a secure link prompting them to upload their letters of recommendation directly to the online application system.
   • Mail: Referees must mail sealed letters to the MDS office, for the program you are applying, directly. More detailed instructions and mailing address can be found on the application form.

Note: Letters mailed by applicants and emailed letters sent are not acceptable and cannot be used to gain admission to UBC.

7. Pay the application fee (Vancouver, Okanagan).

Apply Now