Did You Know?
We have been a member of the iSchools since March 2011.
Admission Requirements & Applications Process
Master of Library and Information Studies Degree Program
For admission to the program, a candidate must:
- Possess a four-year bachelor's degree or the equivalent from a recognized university in any academic discipline. We welcome degrees with areas of concentration in the sciences, humanities, social sciences and interdisciplinary studies, as well as dual degrees, double majors, and major/minors. Applicants holding undergraduate degrees in the Masters degree subject areas (library science, archival science) are examined on a case-by-case basis. The admissions committee reviews degree transcripts closely for evidence of coursework showing significant theoretical and academic content. For more information, visit the Admissions FAQ page.
- Have achieved a minimum overall average in the B+ grade range (76% at UBC) in third- and fourth-year level courses of a bachelor's degree. This is the minimum admission standard; exceeding this requirement will increase the likelihood of being recommended for admission. For students with a degree from a university outside of North America, academic coursework from all years of study is used to calculate academic performance.
- Show promise of superior professional performance as attested by letters of reference and the SLAIS application questionnaire .
English Language Proficiency
Applicants from a university outside Canada, in which English is not the primary language of instruction, must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. The School of Library, Archival and Information Studies requires a score of at least minimum score of 600 on the paper-based TOEFL or a score of at least 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL. The Academic (not General) IELTS exam is also accepted and requires a minimum score of 7.5, with no band less than 7.0.
Admission Procedures
Applications must be submitted using the Online Application Form.
There is a non-refundable application fee of $91.80 Canadian for Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents. For all international applicants, the application fee is $153 Canadian. The online application accepts Visa and Mastercard.
In addition to a completed application form and the fee, the applicant must arrange to have sent to the School:
- Two copies of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Three letters of reference from (in order of preference) university instructors under whom the applicant has studied, professional librarians or archivists, or employers
Transcripts must be sent directly to the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies from the issuing institutions.
References may be submitted electronically ONLY thorugh the E-Ref system, which is initiated at the time the online application is submitted. Please allow time for your referees to send in references and still meet the application deadline. References emailed to the School, even by the referee, are not considered official and will NOT be accepted.
As an alternative to the E-Ref system, referees may mail letters of references directly to the School, in a sealed and endorsed (signed across the flap) envelope. Mailed letters of reference should be accompanied by a signed Reference Form with at least the contact section filled out. The letter of reference should address all the elements listed in the form.
Under normal circumstances, the applicant will be informed of the decision of the Admissions Committee within 6 weeks of the application deadline. The Faculty of Graduate Studies will then inform the applicant, usually within one week, of their final decision on admission. If the applicant is admitted then he/she must promptly contact the iSchool via email (slais.admissions@ubc.ca) indicating his/her decision to accept or decline the offer.
Conditional admission may be granted pending the completion of formal academic requirements. In such cases, arrangements must be made to have final transcripts sent to the School.
An applicant who is not admitted solely because the minimum academic requirements for graduate studies are not met may be eligible for Qualifying Student Status. Such applicants should contact the Student Services Coordinator at slais.ssc@ubc.ca for more information.
Application Deadlines
The closing date for applications for September entry to the MLIS program is February 1st of the year of proposed enrollment. The closing date for applications for January entry to the MLIS program is June 1st of the preceding year.
Degree Requirements
For detailed information on the MLIS Degree's requirements please use the "Programs" link to the left.
Prospective applicants may address inquiries to the Admissions Secretary at slais.admissions@ubc.ca or phone 604-822-3459. Please specify which program you are inquiring about.
