Program Overview
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Master of Design
Program contacts
engineering.graduate@ubc.ca
Admission Requirements
The Master of Design program is designed for graduates of bachelor’s degrees from engineering, technical, business, creative and arts backgrounds.
Applicant will need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Relevant academic experience with a minimum overall grade
- English language proficiency
- Program-specific requirements
Application details
- Applications for May 2026 are now open
- There is one intake in May of each year
- Only full applications will be considered
- Applying takes time. Students are advised to start the application process in advance of the application deadline
Application deadlines
- International: January 9, 2026
- Domestic: January 30, 2026
Advance your career through the MDes program. Questions? Email engineering.graduate@ubc.ca.
Eligibility criteria
Academic experience
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, we recommend this being in a field relevant to the program. You must also meet UBC’s minimum academic requirements, which are based on the country where you completed your undergraduate degree.
If you studied in Canada or the United States, you must have completed an undergraduate degree and attained an overall average of 76% in your upper years of study.
If you studied outside of Canada or the US, you must meet the minimum academic requirements for the country where you completed your undergraduate degree.
Proof of english language proficiency
For success in the program, you must be able to fluently speak, comprehend and write in English.
If you completed your degree at a university in a country where English is not the only official language, you may need to provide results of an English language proficiency test as part of your application.
Learn more about the proof of english language proficiency requirement.
A complete application package will contain
(via the UBC e:vision portal, must have a CWL login)
- online application and application fee,
- CV or resume,
- names of two referees, and
- unofficial transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended are required for the application package; however, if admitted, students are required to submit official transcripts to the College of Graduate Studies.
Program Specific Requirements
- Statement of interest (maximum 1,000 words) outlining their motivation for applying, their academic and professional goals, and why they believe they are a strong fit for the program
- Supporting documents (as applicable)
- Professional portfolio (up to 10 samples and/or links to digital work) OR description of projects completed (descriptions of projects completed through course work is acceptable)
Exceptions
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements stated above, but who have had other significant formal training, relevant professional experience, and/or otherwise possess demonstrable knowledge or expertise that would prepare them adequately for successful study in the graduate program, may be granted admission on the recommendation of the Program Director and the approval of the Dean.
