A strong application: Tell us who you are

Applying to a graduate program might feel like completing a checklist and making sure you’ve provided all the required elements by the deadline. But for the admissions team at UBC’s Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) and Master of Health Leadership and Policy (MHLP), a strong application is about much more than ensuring you meet the criteria.  

A strong application is one that tells us a story about yourself and that enables us to understand who you are, how your experiences have shaped you, and why you believe the MEL or MHLP is the next step in your professional journey.

Every part of the application – from your transcripts and resume to the letter of intent, references and video interview – helps us determine your readiness for graduate study, your alignment with the program, and the unique perspective you can bring to the cohort.  

Give us a complete understanding of who you are

“We review each application holistically,” says Bailey Kew, Manager of the MEL and MHLP Programs. “We want to understand who you are as a person, including your academic background, your professional experience, your leadership capacity and your goals.”  

Kew emphasizes that the team isn’t interested in generic responses. “We’re interested in your motivations, the experiences that have shaped you and where you want to be. We want to understand the person behind the application and not just whether you meet the criteria.”

• See the application checklist
• Review eligibility criteria

Tell us why this program is the right fit for you

The MEL and MHLP are unique interdisciplinary degrees that combine advanced sector-specific knowledge with leadership education, making them quite different from other master’s degrees that tend to focus more narrowly in one area.  

“We’re looking for applicants who are interested in both elements – professionals who want to gain new knowledge in their specific industry sector and who want to grow their capacity to lead teams and projects,” says Kew.  

Read how the MHLP and MEL set you up to lead in health care or lead in engineering.

In addition to explaining why this combination matters to you, a compelling application tells us why you are interested in the sector-specific program and how it aligns with your vision of where you want to take your career.  

“The letter of intent and video interview offer prime opportunities to share your passion for the field and your vision for how you want to contribute to your industry,” says Kew.

Get your applicant guide, which includes tips on how to put together a strong application

Show how you’re ready for graduate studies

A strong application also reveals how your experiences — academic, professional and personal — have prepared you for the demands of graduate study. The MEL and MHLP are rigorous master’s degrees that involve extensive reading, classroom discussion, assignments and group projects. Prospective students are expected to meet UBC’s minimum academic requirements for graduate study.

However, undergraduate GPAs vary widely, and a lower GPA does not automatically disqualify someone.  

“We’ll still consider you if you have a lower GPA,” says Kew. “It’s okay if you weren’t the top of your class. What matters is what you have done since graduating to develop as a learner and that you are ready to meaningfully contribute and learn from master’s-level material.”

The admissions team is looking for applicants who can show they are committed to learning. This could be from taking courses, pursing professional development opportunities, presenting at conferences, working towards micro-credentials or mentoring colleagues.  

Above all, the team is looking for a mindset of growth: a willingness to reflect on your experiences and articulate how they’ve shaped your readiness for graduate studies at UBC.  

What it takes to succeed in the MEL or MHLP: A mindset that drives progress

Focus on what you will contribute

The MEL and MHLP are built around collaboration and peer learning, with students learning as much from each other as from faculty. As such, the admissions team wants to ensure that each admitted student has the needed depth in their field to reflect on their work, contribute to classroom conversations, be a strong member of student project teams, and learn alongside others who bring different perspectives on their industry.

“Each student elevates the collective experience,” says Kew. “What makes these programs so powerful is the rich learning comes from students sharing insight from their professional experience of how that knowledge is applied in different industries and areas.”

Use your letter of intent and resume to highlight the technical know-how and leadership skills you have developed through projects, policies, initiatives and team-based work. The admissions team is looking for signs that you understand your sector, can engage thoughtfully with others and will actively contribute to the learning environment.

Be authentic in the video interview  

After submitting your application, you will receive instructions on how to complete the required video interview. This is one of the most important parts of the application package.  

“We aren’t looking for polished, scripted or AI-generated answers,” says Kew. “We want to hear your authentic voice – your insights, reflections on your experience and your perspectives on the sector you work in.”  

The strongest video interviews reveal the genuine person behind the application and enable the team to get a sense of how you think and communicate, your abilities to contribute to class-based discussions, and your reflections on your professional experiences and goals.  

Watch a video on how to prepare for the video interview

Final thoughts: Your story matters

“You’re a unique individual with specific experiences and events shaping who you are and what you want to achieve,” says Kew. “Use the application to share your story about how this specific program might help you achieve your dreams and make a difference in your industry.”

If you have questions, the recruitment team is available to help. They can walk you through each part of the application to help you identify how to put your best self forward.

The MEL and MHLP have empowered hundreds of professionals to accelerate their careers and make meaningful contributions in their industry sectors. If you’re ready to take the next step, learn more about our application process and start your application today. And if you haven’t already, get your applicant guide, which includes tips on how to put together a strong application.