International Graduate Study Preparation program (IGSPP)

Program details

UBC Continuing Studies has designed this full-time Pre-Masters educational opportunity for international students, focusing on the specific skills needed to plan an academic path. This includes:

• identifying academic goals and establishing an academic plan
• investigation to find the ideal program for your academic interests
• developing critical thinking, teamwork and networking skills fundamental to graduate schools
• strengthening research & writing skills for academic and professional purposes
• becoming confident to study, work and communicate in English in academic, professional and social environments
• building the formal and informal communication skills necessary to effectively convey your academic goals

The development of these and many other skills are designed to support each participant's performance for further academic study and professional life when working, living and studying in an international setting. The program will take place on the beautiful, Point Grey campus of the University of British Columbia, Vancouver.

IGSPP-Regular Stream includes:

• academic training at UBC Continuing Studies for 14 weeks
• approximately 24 hours per week of structured activities in the classroom and community
• opportunities for students to become familiar with studying at a world-class university
• learning survival skills for university studies in North America
• field-specific academic mentorship for each student
• studies led by experienced UBC Continuing Studies academics, faculty and instructors
• creating smoother transitions for international students into North American universities
• options for English language training (if required) at additional cost.

IGSPP-Credit Stream

New in 2012, IGSPP-Credit Stream is a program for students who are interested in participating in up to six credits of UBC courses in preparation for graduate study. This option gives students access to a wide selection of undergraduate and some graduate level courses* and the opportunity to study alongside Canadian and other international students. IGSPP-Credit Stream students also take part in one non-credit UBC course in either academic writing, GRE/GMAT/LSAT test preparation or mathematics. Finally, IGSPP-Credit Stream students participate in both small group workshops and individual mentoring with a focus on personal academic planning.

*Students must have met the course prerequisites and/or have instructor and faculty permission in order to participate.

Until the completion of our new website, please review the following document for additional IGSPP-Credit Stream details including prices and admission criteria.

IGSPP-Introductory Program

Also new in 2012, this five-week program is for international undergraduate students in their first to third year who are considering pursuing a master’s degree in North America. It is specifically designed to provide students with an overview of graduate study and academic culture in Canada and the US. Benefits of the program include:

• explanation of the competitive and complex nature of graduate school admission
• guided exploration of the academic paths and Master’s programs available
• discovery of how research leads to academic and career opportunities
• taking part in campus life at a highly-ranked university
• developing of English language skills
• enjoying the beautiful Vancouver region in the summer.

The IGSPP-Introductory Program is offered annually in July/August. Applicants are required to be current university undergraduate students with one-to-three years of study completed. Students should have intermediate level English skills (approximately IELTS 5.5) and a B grade level (GPA of 70%). For details on dates, prices and accommodation, please speak to your educational agent or email igspp@cstudies.ubc.ca.

Completion of IGSPP does not guarantee admission to graduate programs at UBC or any other post-secondary institution. Admission to these programs is controlled by that institution’s policies and admission standards.

Program start Dates

The International Graduate Study Preparation Program (IGSPP) is a 14 week program (over approximately four months) and focuses on academic and cultural training. Program Start Dates for IGSPP are listed below. Please note that the Program Start Dates are different for direct admission and conditional admission students.

• Program Start Dates for Winter 2012:
  • January 05, 2012 - Conditional Admission
  • January 09, 2012 - Direct Admission
    
    
• Program Start Dates for Summer 2012:
  • May 03, 2012 - Conditional Admission
  • May 14, 2012 - Direct Admission
    
    
• Program Start Dates for Fall 2012:
  • August 30, 2012 - Conditional Admission
  • September 10, 2012 - Direct Admission
    
    
• Program Start Dates for Winter 2013:
  • January 04, 2013 - Conditional Admission
  • January 07, 2013 - Direct Admission
    
    
• Program Start Dates for Summer 2013:
  • May 03, 2013 - Conditional Admission
  • May 13, 2013 - Direct Admission
    
    
• Program Start Dates for Fall 2013:
  • August 30, 2013 - Conditional Admission
  • September 09, 2013 - Direct Admission

  
  

Students may wish to refer to their Admission Confirmation Letter from UBC Continuing Studies if they are not sure which dates apply to them.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early in order to allow sufficient time for the processing of the Study Permit (visa) by the Canadian embassy or consulate.

Applicants who are delayed in applying or receiving their visa may defer to the next available program in the schedule.