The PhD Program in Business Administration at the University of British Columbia welcomes applications from intelligent, motivated and creative individuals planning research-oriented academic careers. We encourage people with strong backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, computer science, economics, psychology, and other social sciences and physical sciences to apply.

In the admission decision, several factors are considered: the rigour of undergraduate and graduate programs completed, academic performance, the strength of letters of recommendation, scores on the GMAT or GRE examinations, and the quality of the applicant's statement of purpose.

A Master's degree is typical but not an absolute requirement for entry to the program. In exceptional cases, applicants from countries where the first degree is often the standard basis for admission to a doctoral level program, direct admission to UBC's PhD program may be permissible on the basis of the first university-level degree with first class standing (i.e. Canada and the USA). In the People's Republic of China, the bachelor's degree is not structured to facilitate direct admission to the PhD program. Therefore, for applicants from P.R. China, the Faculty of Graduate Studies requires the completion of a master's degree with a minimum average of 85% for consideration to the PhD Program. In order to obtain a visa the master's degree must usually have been conferred at least six months before the intended starting date.

The applicant should submit the following in addition to the on-line application form.

Graduate Management Aptitude Test and/or the Graduate Record Exam scores
Official copies of the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) and/or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are required. The former is preferable for all areas except Management Science, where the latter is preferred. There are no official cut-off levels for these scores, but the average score of successful applicants is about the 95th percentile. Official GMAT scores must be sent to the PhD Office (please ask them to send it to the UBC Sauder School of Business PhD Program). Official GRE scores should be sent to 0965 (Institution Code); 4201 (Department/Subject Code).

For information and registration materials
GMAT
To schedule a GMAT appointment and to have the official scores sent to UBC, please call 1-800-717-GMAT (4628) or visit www.mba.com.

GRE
P.O. Box 6000
Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6000
USA

Test of English as a Foreign Language or the International English Language Testing Service or the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery
Applicants from a university outside of Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. Acceptable English language proficiency tests for applicants to the PhD Program in the Sauder School of Business and Business Administration are:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): minimum score of 600 (paper version) or 250 (computer version) or 100 (internet version;
• IELTS (International English Language Testing Service): minimum overall band score of 7.0 with no other component score less than 6.5;
  
• MELAB(Michigan English Language Assessment Battery): minimum overall score of 84.
  

Because of the rigorous nature of the doctoral program, a student cannot expect to develop significant skills at the same time courses are being taken. English proficiency is necessary. Please arrange to have the official results sent directly to the Sauder PhD program office using the following institution code for UBC: 0965. The department code is 02.

For information and registration materials
TOEFL
P.O. Box 6151
Princeton, New Jersey, 08541-6151
USA

IELTS
University of Cambridge
Local Examinations Syndicate
1 Hills Road, Cambridge
UK, CB1 2E8

MELAB
University of Michigan
North University Building, Room 3020
1205 North University Avenue
Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-1057
USA

Official Transcripts
Two sets of official transcripts (or certified copies) from all universities/colleges previously and currently attended. Transcripts issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by certified English translations. To be considered official, transcripts and degree certificates must be received in envelopes which have been sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution.

Supplementary Application
The Commerce supplementary application form, outlining relevant background, reasons for wanting to pursue doctoral studies, and areas of research interest.

Applicants are encouraged to submit supplementary information, such as a copy of research done for a previous degree or in a business setting, that they believe shows evidence of academic potential. Supplementary documentation of this nature is welcomed, but cannot be returned.

Letters of Recommendation
Applicants should arrange for at least three letters of recommendation supporting their application. The PhD Committee prefers that recommendations be written by people who know what a rigorous, research-oriented doctoral program demands and can comment confidently on the applicant's ability to complete the program and his or her potential as a researcher. This usually means that referees are academics familiar with the applicant's scholastic and research potential. Where applicants have been away from an academic environment for an extended period of time, non-academic references may be substituted. In this case, care should be taken to emphasize to the referee that the applicant's academic research potential, rather than managerial or teaching capability, is of primary interest to the PhD Committee.

Please note that, although official copies of all documents will be required before the final admission decision can be made, you can expedite the processing of your application by submitting unofficial copies of standardized test scores by fax, mail, or e-mail, as soon as possible.

Decisions
It is expected that new students will enter the program at the start of an academic year (September). Early application is strongly recommended.

Deadlines

Application for Admission
UBC uses a rolling admissions process, in which applications are evaluated in the order they are complete.

International applicants--December 31
Canadian and USA applicants--January 31

Fellowships and Scholarships
To be considered for University fellowships and scholarships, applications must be complete by December 31. Applicants in this group will usually be informed of the admission and financial aid decisions during March. Applicants needing earlier notice are encouraged to inform the Director of their situation.