FAQ
Preparing to Apply
1. I want to apply to the MEng program.
Please review http://www.engineering.ubc.ca/prospective_students/graduate/mEng/admissions.php and follow the instruction.
2. How do I pay the application fee? I don't have a credit card – how can I pay my application fee?
For the online application, the fee must be paid with a credit card.
If you do not have access to a credit card, please contact mech-admission@apsc.ubc.ca for the paper application.
For the paper application, the fee may be paid in Canadian dollars by cheque, money order or bank draft, payable to "The Faculty of Graduate Studies".
3. Is the application fee refundable?
The application fee pays for the evaluation of your application, and is not refundable. We can only refund the application fee when a program applied for has been cancelled.
4. I want to apply to more than one program; do I have to submit more than one application?
You need to submit a separate application for each program you want to apply to. Decisions are made by the programs, and they each need complete information in order to evaluate your application.
5. I'm not able to log into my UBC Graduate Account. What can I do?
Versions 4.0 or higher of Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator are strongly recommended. Be sure your browser is set to accept cookies and that JavaScript is enabled; these settings are found in the Options or Preferences window of your browser.
6. When should I contact the Faculty of Graduate Studies?
You should contact the Faculty of Graduate Studies for the following:
a. credit card payment problems
b. persistent log in problems with the online application
While Applying
1. The online application looks strange on my computer. Why?
Versions 4.0 or higher of Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator are strongly recommended. Be sure your browser is set to accept cookies and that JavaScript is enabled; these settings are found in your Options or Preferences window of your browser.
If this does not solve your access problem, please try accessing the online application from a different computer. Public libraries or internet cafes may have set their security on a very high level and therefore will not allow cookies.
2. What supporting documents should I send?
All required documents are listed on the website.
3. I got an email saying that my online application will be deleted soon, but I thought I had already submitted it. Did you receive my application?
The 14 day notice is automatically sent to applicants that currently have an un-submitted online application in their account. It does not necessarily mean that we have not received your application. It may mean that you have started more than one application to the same graduate program, and submitted one, leaving the others incomplete.
You can check under the "Submitted Application" link to find the application(s) you've successfully submitted. Please ignore this email message if you have already submitted your online application.
If you are still unsure whether or not you have successfully submitted your online application, please email Graduate Studies with CHECK APPLICATION SUBMISSION in the subject line. Note: it may take 4 – 5 business days for a response.
4. I got an email saying that my online application has been deleted. Does that mean I will get a credit card refund?
If your application is deleted, your credit card is not charged.
5. Do I have to list all the post-secondary schools and institutions I’ve attended?
Yes.
6. What does "degree conferred" mean?
If your degree has been conferred, it means that you have received your diploma for the degree. If you have finished your course requirements, but have not yet been granted your degree, then your degree has not yet been conferred.
7. My degree hasn’t been conferred yet because I am still attending university, but I plan on finishing soon. What should I fill in?
Please enter information that is current as of the date you fill out the application.
8. I don’t have a Social Insurance Number; what do I do?
If you are a Canadian citizen you must have a Social Insurance Number in order to complete the online application.
9. I don’t have a Study Permit yet, but I plan on getting one if I get an offer of admission from you. What should I put in the online application?
If you don't have to have a Study Permit at the time of application, but will need one to attend UBC, please choose "Student Authorization" as Visa Type.
10. I've submitted an application to Citizenship and Immigration Canada to be a Permanent Resident, but it hasn't been approved yet. What should I put in the online application?
If you are not currently a Permanent Resident of Canada, choose "Student Authorization" as Visa Type. Once you have obtained permanent resident status, please send a copy of both the front and the back of your Permanent Resident Card to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. We will then update your status in our files.
Obtaining References
1. How do I send reference reports to UBC?
Reference reports can be submitted in two ways; by paper or by using our online reference system. Referees can choose which they prefer, but should not do both.
2. Does Mechanical Engineering Department accept electronic references?
Yes, these letters are submitted through the UBC eReference system.
3. Where can I get paper reference forms?
Reference forms can be downloaded from the Grad Studies web site.
4. Where should my referees send the paper reference forms?
Ask your referees to send the forms directly to us:
Graduate Admissions
Department of Mechanical Engineering
The University of British Columbia
2054-6250 Applied Science Lane
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
5. How are electronic references submitted?
Upon your application submission, your referees will receive an automatic email (sent to the email addresses you entered in the "Referees" section) asking them to provide a reference report on your behalf. They then submit their references to the online application.
Referees
1. I'd prefer not to use the electronic reference system. Where can I get a paper reference form?
If you are unable to complete the online reference or prefer not to do so, you can download a paper reference form from our web site. Please fill out the form and mail it to the program to which the student applied in a sealed envelope, with your signature written across the envelope seal.
2. Where should I send the paper reference form and/or free form letter?
Please mail the form directly to us:
Graduate Admissions
Department of Mechanical Engineering
The University of British Columbia
2054-6250 Applied Science Lane
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
3. I got an email with a link for submitting my reference, but the link doesn't work. What should I do?
In most cases, this happens because the reference link has wrapped around to a second line in your email program, thus invalidating the link. Please try cutting and pasting the complete email link into your browser.
If the link still does not work, please email Graduate Studies with REFERENCE LINK BROKEN in the subject line, and provide the full name of the student requesting the reference. If possible, email us by forwarding your original email with the broken link.
4. Can I send a reference as an email or email attachment?
For security reasons an email or an email attachment is not an acceptable format for a reference letter.
We accept reference letters electronically, but this must be done via the link provided in the "Reference form for UBC Graduate Application" email that you have received.
Please do not hesitate to contact mech-admission@apsc.ubc.ca should you have any further questions.
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Last reviewed 
12/15/2009 1:13:42 PM