UBC does not require the GRE for the large majority of its graduate programmes. Admission is based primarily on your undergraduate GPA and, for research degrees, direct engagement with a potential supervisor — standard practice across Canadian universities.
Does UBC Require the GRE?
| Programme Type | GRE Status |
|---|---|
| Most taught Master's programmes | Not required |
| UBC Sauder School of Business (MBA) | GMAT preferred; GRE also accepted |
| Economics PhD | Sometimes recommended |
| Engineering PhD / research Master's | Department-dependent, increasingly optional |
What UBC Actually Evaluates Instead
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate GPA | Primary factor |
| Relevant coursework and academic references | High |
| Research proposal and supervisor fit (PhD) | Critical for research degrees |
| English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) | Mandatory, separate requirement |
Should You Take the GRE Anyway?
If UBC is one of several universities you're applying to alongside GRE-requiring destinations, preparing for and taking the test regardless can support a competitive PhD scholarship application even where UBC doesn't mandate it.
GRE Is Separate From English Proficiency
Even though UBC does not require the GRE for most programmes, IELTS or TOEFL is mandatory for applicants whose prior education was not conducted in English:
| Requirement | UBC Policy |
|---|---|
| GRE | Not required for most programmes |
| IELTS | Required — see our UBC IELTS Requirements guide |
| TOEFL | Required — see our UBC TOEFL Requirements guide |
Prepare for IELTS with Gabble — the mandatory English requirement for UBC, regardless of GRE. AI-powered speaking and writing feedback. Or prepare for TOEFL.