Applicant Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the application deadline?

A. We accept applications once a year for programs commencing in September. We have a firm application deadline of December 1st for the program commencing the following September. The application and all supporting documentation must be received by that date to be eligible for consideration for admission.

Q. Is there an application fee?

A. Yes. Currently the application fee for domestic applicants is CDN $91.80 and for international students it is CDN $153.00
The application fee is waived only for citizens of the following countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burkina, Faso, Burundi, Chad, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissou, Lao PDR, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Uganda.

Q. When will the online application be available?

A. The on-line application will open at the end of October for September 2012 admissions.

Q. How many applicants apply to the Masters program each year?

A. Each year we receive 170 to 250 full applications.

Q. What is the size of the entering class?

A. The objective of our admissions process is to select a diverse and balanced entering class of 35 well qualified and highly motivated students.

Q. Can I apply to SCARP with an undergraduate degree in a non-planning discipline?

A. Disciplinary backgrounds of entering students reflects the breadth and diversity of our sustainability planning program. Students are admitted from many different disciplines. In recent years, the School accepted students with undergraduate degrees in disciplines as varied as: Agriculture, Anthropology, Architecture, Asian Studies, Biology, Business, Civil Engineering, Economics, Environmental Studies, Forestry, French, Geography, History, International Development Studies, International Relations, Landscape Architecture, Law, Natural Resource Management, Political Science, Sociology, and Urban Planning.

Q. How can I improve my chances of being admitted to the program?

A. The major ways in which any application can be enhanced are several and interrelated. Enhancement begins by ensuring that you write a strong statement of intent, one that tells us how your previous education and experience positions you well to pursue your specific planning interests through the particular program options that SCARP uniquely offers. Your potential to benefit from this proposed study program should be closely supported by strong letters of reference from individuals who can provide specific examples of your demonstrated capabilities.

Q. Do I have to write the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?

A. Although the Graduate Records Exam (GRE) is not mandatory, we strongly encourage applicants to SCARP to write it. The reason we encourage GRE scores be submitted by applicants is straightforward: it measures reasoning skills, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate effectively in writing which provides us with additional information about the likelihood of a student's success in graduate school. These scores are used to supplement other information that helps indicate a student's future success, such as the student's grades in an undergraduate or other graduate program. We pay close attention to a student's previous grades, as well as the nature and location of the student's previous university programs, letters of recommendation and professional and personal experience. In other words, the GRE is one of several indicators we use as a basis for comparing candidates.

The GRE is particularly helpful in situations where students do not have undergraduate grades (because their program may have been ungraded), or when undergraduate grades do not reflect a student's true potential as a graduate student. The GRE is widely required for graduate school applications throughout North America. Professional programs such as law, medicine and business all use similar standardized tests as one of many sources of information for their admission decisions. The GRE is a reasonable test that provides useful information about the capabilities of applicants. We urge applicants to carefully review the guidebook that comes with the test application. It illustrates the kinds of questions on the test, and helps the student practice for the test. GRE website: http://www.gre.org.

Q. Are there scholarships available for Canadian citizens or Canadian Permanent Residents in the first year of the Masters program?

If you are a Canadian applicant we recommend you check the Social Science & Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) NOW to see if you are eligible for their scholarships during your first year of graduate studies http://www.sshrc.ca/web/apply/students_e.asp
Applicants with a first class average in each of their last two years of undergraduate full-time study may be eligible to apply. SSHRC will have information on the deadline and where to apply. The scholarship is worth approximately $17,500.00 for your first year in the program. Do not apply directly to SCARP for this scholarship.

Q. Is the Masters program offered part-time or by distance education?

A. The program is only offered full-time. We do not offer distance education.

Q. How long is the Masters program?

A. It is a 2-year program.

Q. Do you mail an information package?

A. SCARP no longer produces a printed brochure. Our website provides detailed information about our admissions process, our programs, curriculum, faculty, research and School events. If you have questions not answered on our website you can email: ptop [at] exchange [dot] ubc [dot] ca

Q. How can I check to see if my supporting documents have been received by SCARP?

A. Once you apply online an electronic checklist is available on the online application website. It will show the transcripts and references you have noted on your application. It will also show the GRE if you applied for it and for International students it will show the TOEFL receipt. The checklist is updated within two business days of receiving the documents by mail. Please do not phone or email to check to see if documents have arrived. NOTE: The checklist is not available until you officially apply.

Q. When should I contact my referees?

A. Contact your referees several months before the December 1st deadline. Let them know that you plan to apply to our graduate program and ask them if they are willing to write you a reference. This will give you an opportunity to ask other referees if the original referees are not available. If they agree to write you a reference give them a copy of your statement of interest to our School and your resume. It will allow them to write a more personal reference for you. If they send us your reference letter before we receive your application it will be filed and then put with your application when it arrives. The reference letters must be received by our School no later than December 1st.

Q. What are the areas of concentration in the Masters program?

A. The six areas of concentration are:

Community Development and Social Planning
Comparative Development Planning
Disaster and Risk Management Planning
Ecological and Natural Resources Planning
Urban Design and Transportation Planning
Urban Development Planning
Indigenous Planning

Q. I am an International applicant. Where can I find information on housing, work in Canada,etc.?

A. A UBC International Student Handbook will answer most of your questions. An electronic copy is available at the following link: http://students.ubc.ca/international/handbook.cfm

Q. I am an International applicant. Do I meet the academic requirements for admission to the Master's program at SCARP?

A. Please check the following link. It shows the academic requirements for students applying with degrees from International institutions http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-admission/minimum-academic-requirements-international-credentials

Q. I would like to improve my English. Where can I take an English upgrading course?

A. The UBC English Language Institute (UBC ELI) offers English language programs for short- and long-term study throughout the year for ESL learners of every level and interest. http://www.eli.ubc.ca/