Application Deadline is March 1
You are encouraged to apply by mid-February to allow time for your reference letters to be submitted.
Admission Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree
Candidates will normally have a Bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics, Physical Education, Kinesiology or another related field of study with one of the following:
- A minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC) in third- and fourth-year level courses.
- Academic standing with at least 12 credits of third- or fourth-year level courses in the A grade range (80% or higher at UBC) in their field of study.
Alternatively, applicants may be considered for admission who do not meet the academic requirements stated above, but who have had significant formal training and relevant professional experience, and/or otherwise possess demonstrable knowledge or expertise that would prepare them adequately for successful study in the graduate certificate program. Assessment standards will be concordant with those employed by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Prior Experience
In addition, candidates will normally have:
- 5 years of coaching experience, including coaching athletes at the national or provincial level, or involvement in major game (Canada Games to Olympic games), or 5 years as a carded National Team athlete.
- National Coaching Certification Program qualification at level 3 or “Competition Development”, and recommendation of the National or Provincial Sports Organization.
Special admission into graduate studies will be considered for candidates who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership potential and impact in their coaching careers but may lack formal academic (undergraduate) training or credential. These candidates will need to demonstrate the drive to excel and the intellectual capability required to succeed, where ability to progress in the program will be assessed within the graduate certificate.
How to Apply
Applications will be considered as they arrive, and it is strongly recommended that you apply early as spaces are limited. Late applications (after March 1 deadline) may be considered if space permits.
Contact the Graduate Programs Coordinator or call 604-822-4641, if you require any assistance with the application process.
- Complete the Graduate Studies online application form.
- Submit the following documents to the School of Kinesiology:
- Upload a copy of your official transcript of every post-secondary institution attended in the online application system. This includes official transcripts from educational institutions where you went on exchange and/or received transfer credits. Even if your primary degree transcript indicates your exchange and/or transfer credits on it, we require the transcripts from these educational institutions. Your application is considered incomplete until we receive copies of all official transcripts from all your post-secondary institutions.
Important: Please remember to include the marking or grading key, which is usually found at the back of the official transcript. Your application will NOT be assessed with unofficial copies. Official transcripts from each post-secondary institution will only be required if you are accepted. - Curriculum Vitae. Include your coaching experiences and your National Coaching Certification Program qualifications (include NCCP #). Upload CV at the time the online application is submitted.
- Three reference letters. Referees can fill the online reference form and submit this form online if the applicant provides their email address in the application. This is the preferred method to submit reference letters. Mailed in reference letters will not be accepted as UBC Campus is now closed. For tips on soliciting reference letters, download this resource sheet.
** One of your reference letters must be a recommendation from your National or Provincial Sports Organization.
Referees can submit either the online reference form and/or upload their own reference letters online after the applicant provides the referee's email address in the online application form. An email link will be sent to the referee AUTOMATICALLY after the application form is completed and paid. Please DO NOT ask your referees to email reference letters to the Program Assistant. Reference letters must be submitted online as indicated above.
Applications meeting minimum eligibility requirements are forwarded to the admission committee for assessments. If accepted, an official admission letter will be issued by the School.
The following criteria, which must meet UBC’s minimum admission requirements, are used to review applications:
- Scholastic Performance (transcripts)
- Reference Letters
- Statement of Purpose
- CV
In addition, evidence from the application will weigh the following criteria for consideration:
- Previous academic standing
- NCCP qualification
- Coaching or leadership experience
- Level of athlete coached
- Major games experience
High performance coaches who may be lacking formal academic experience are encouraged to apply.
The School of Kinesiology will send a formal offer of admission to successful candidates; those not recommended for the School’s graduate program will also receive written notification. All candidates will receive a notification usually by mid April.
International students do not usually require student visas to enter Canada for the one week Face-to-Face component of the program. For more information about visas and entry into Canada, please contact UBC International Student Advising.