Applications for the September 2024 intake will open on August 15, 2023, closing on November 15, 2023. Letters of reference and official transcript scans are due by December 15, 2023
Apply online | Contact graduate admissions

Applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements for graduate studies.

Applicants must also satisfy the eligibility requirements in order to be considered for admission. Please note that meeting the minimum requirements does not ensure admission.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be registered nurses with a bachelor's degree, normally in nursing
  • Canadian students must hold practicing nurse registration in BC or another province. International students must meet general eligibility criteria for nurse registration in BC.

Applicants must:

  • be registered nurses
  • have a bachelor's degree, normally in nursing
  • provide proof of RN licensure within their home province, or country
  • have 3 years of clinical registered nursing practice at a minimum
  • commit to full time, on campus study for the duration of the program
  • demonstrate, through their application the readiness and motivation to begin a new professional challenge

Applicants must have completed one of the following requirements prior to admission:

  • A master's degree (or equivalent) from an approved institution with clear evidence of research ability and potential
  • A bachelor's degree with one year of study in a master's program with 9 credits at the 500-level or above and of first class standing, with clear evidence of research ability or potential. Students entering in the doctoral program after partial completion of the master's degree must, during the first two years of study at the graduate level, complete a total of 12 credits with a first class average (of which at least 9 credits must be at the 500-level or above and at least 9 credits must be of first class standing) to maintain registration as a doctoral student. Direct transfer into a doctoral program is normally accomplished after completion of the first year of study at the master's level and will not be permitted after completion of the second year.
  • For UBC MSN students who are interested in applying to transfer into the PhD program, see the Graduate FAQ "Can I transfer from master's program to PhD?"
  • In exceptional cases, applicants to hold a bachelor's degree with an overall average in the A grade range and who demonstrate advanced research ability may be granted direct admission to a doctoral program on recommendation of the admitting graduate program and approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Students entering directly from a bachelor's degree must, during the first two years of study, complete a total of 12 credits with a first class average, of which at least 9 credits must be at the 500-level or above and at least 9 credits must be of first class standing, to maintain registration as a doctoral student.
  • Applicants are expected to identify a faculty member who has agreed to serve as supervisor before the application will be assessed. All applicants are strongly encouraged to speak with the Graduate Programs Admissions Officer and/or PhD Program Coordinator prior to completing the application form, and to seek assistance (as necessary) in identifying a potential supervisor. Applicants should also browse faculty profiles on the School of Nursing website

Canadian students must hold practicing nurse registration in BC or another province. International students must meet general eligibility criteria for nurse registration in BC. Applicants must meet both the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies minimum requirements for graduate program, and the School of Nursing program requirements. 

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