Frequently Asked Questions for MM in OR Admission
- Should I write the GMAT or the GRE?
- Do I need to write TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB or PTE Academic?
- What are your GPA requirements?
- What is the average GPA and average test scores of your students?
- Who should I contact to check if my GMAT or GRE scores have been received?
- Can I apply online before writing the GMAT or GRE?
- How many references do I need?
- Do I need work experience?
- How much is tuition?
- What kind of financial support is available?
- Can I work during the program?
- Will I have to find my own industry project?
- How much is the application fee?
- How do I apply?
- When is the application deadline?
- Will there be an interview?
- How can I contact an alumnus?
- Can I have my application materials returned to me after I have submitted them?
- Can I defer my application or admission to next year?
- Should I write the GMAT or the GRE?
The GMAT is a standard test required by most graduate schools in business and management. The GRE is required by most graduate schools in engineering and sciences. We accept either the GMAT or the GRE, but one or the other is mandatory for admission into our program, regardless of your academic background or student status.
- Do I need to write TOEFL. IELTS, MELAB or PTE Academic?
You need to write the TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB or PTE Academic if you received your undergraduate degree from an institution where the language of instruction is not English. Please refer to the Admissions Requirements page for minimum test scores.
- What are your GPA requirements?
GPA requirements can be found on the minimum academic requirements page of the Faculty of Graduate Studies website. For international students, please scroll to the bottom and input the country from which you obtained your prior degree to see specific GPA requirements.
- What is the average GPA and average test scores of your students?
For average GPA and test scores and other useful statistics of our students, please visit our Student Profile Statistics page.
- Who should I contact to check if my GMAT or GRE scores have been received?
It may take up to 4 weeks for the test centre to send your official scores to the Sauder School of Business at UBC. Please contact the MBA/MM Programs Office, Sauder School of Business at UBC by emailing mm@sauder.ubc.ca or calling 604-822-8422 or toll free (Canada & USA only) at 1-888-988-9895. It is your responsibility to ensure that your official test scores arrive before the application deadline.
- Can I apply online before writing the GMAT or GRE?
Yes. You may apply online at your earliest convenience and indicate your planned GMAT or GRE test date. Once you complete the test, request the testing service to send your official test scores to the MBA/MM Programs Office at the Sauder School of Business at UBC. This process may take up to 4 weeks, so take the test at least 4 weeks before the application deadline. We will not review any incomplete or late applications after the deadline.
- How many references do I need?
You need to obtain references from three referees who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and professional qualifications. Academic references are preferred. Your referees must fill out UBC's required form online. Separate forms/letters are no longer accepted.
- Do I need work experience?
Work experience is not mandatory though preferred.
- How much is tuition?
Please refer to Financial Information page for tuition fees. Note that UBC tuition fees are subject to change without notice.
- What kind of financial support is available?
All enrolled students (international or domestic) are entitled to CAD $10,000 of financial funding from the COE for their program study disbursed quarterly. Aside from the standard COE funding, students are also eligible to apply for additional financial support from the COE. These additional awards are offered to academically excellent students who have expressed a financial need. Students should contact the COE for details. Other merit-based graduate awards are available from the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
- Can I work during the program?
We do not encourage students to take on additional part-time employment as our program demands a full-time commitment to courses and industry project. However, if you need to work due to financial considerations, please inform the inform the COE beforehand to discuss the matter with the COE Director.
- Will I have to find my own industry project?
No, we will find the industry projects for the students and assign them according to their interest and expertise.
- How much is the application fee?
The application fee is $125 CAD and is non-refundable. Please note that the online application requires payment of the application fee using Mastercard or Visa only.
- How do I apply?
Click here to apply online. Please note that we are unable to accept paper applications.
- When is the application deadline?
Please refer to Admissions page for the application deadline.
Applications received or remaining incomplete after these deadlines will not be accepted or reviewed. The earlier we receive your complete application, the sooner we can start reviewing it and make a decision.
- Will there be an interview?
Yes. Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview prior to being admitted to the program. Non-local applicants will be interviewed over the phone.
- How can I contact an alumnus?
To find out what our alumni are doing, please visit our alumni & project profiles page. To get in touch with an alumnus, please contact the COE and we will make the arrangements for you.
- Can I have my application materials returned to me after I have submitted them?
No. All submitted application materials, including irreplaceable documents, become the property of the Sauder School of Business and will not be returned.
- Can I defer my application or admission to next year?
No (though few exceptions have been made). If you have applied online for admission to September this year but want to join the program next year, you are expected to apply online and pay the application fee again next year. This policy also applies if you have been admitted into the program this year but want to join the program next year or later. However, you will not need to submit the same supporting materials again such as reference forms and transcripts (unless you have taken further academic studies and these records have changed), as we retain all documentation for a two-year period.