Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - UBCO is a doctorate in Biochemistry programme offered by The University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. The programme runs for 48 months, delivered on campus. Teaching is in English. Tuition for international students is CAD 8,777 per year (CAD 4,996 per year for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Doctorate
Field:Biochemistry
Duration: 48 months
Delivery: On Campus
Language: English
Local tuition: CAD 4,996 / year
International tuition: CAD 8,777 / year
Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
The PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UBC Okanagan is a 48-month, dissertation-based research degree in the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, focused on discovering and characterising the fundamental processes behind essential biological systems. Doctoral students build the theoretical, technical, analytical and communication skills to produce original research on biochemical mechanisms and the interactions between organisms. Formal coursework is limited to the biochemistry seminar (BIOC 530), waived if it or an equivalent graduate course was completed during the MSc, and students work as teaching assistants for at least two terms alongside their dissertation research, writing and defence. Research interests among the supervising faculty include analytical glycobiology, biomolecular structure and function, cell signalling, neurodegenerative disease and plant molecular biology, among others. Based on the Kelowna campus.
Requirements
Minimum GPA:76.00 / %
Admission Requirements: Applicants must hold the academic equivalent of a two-year master's degree from UBC in biochemistry, chemistry, combined chemistry and biochemistry, biology, or a related field, with a minimum average of B+ (76 per cent) or better in that degree, and must demonstrate clear evidence of research ability or potential. Admission also requires confirmed availability and a mentor-match with a faculty supervisor before applying. Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of English competency through the College of Graduate Studies' list of acceptable proficiency tests; this program's own page does not publish specific minimum scores. A complete application includes the online application and fee, unofficial transcripts (official copies required if admitted), a CV or résumé, and three reference forms or letters. Applicants who do not meet the standard requirements but have significant formal training and relevant professional experience may still be admitted with approval from the Graduate Program Committee and the Dean of Graduate Studies. PhD students must also serve as a Teaching Assistant for at least two terms. Deadlines: 31 January for the September intake, 1 June for January, and 13 October for May.
Application Details
Start Date:September, January and May
Application Deadline:Domestic and international undergraduate applicants both apply through EducationPlannerBC for Winter Session 2027/28 (September 2027 entry) and Summer 2027: applications open in early October 2026 and the equal-consideration deadline is 15 January 2027, 11:59 p.m. PST, the same date for both groups; a few programs keep reviewing late applications on a space-available basis afterwards. Earlier dates apply only to entrance-award consideration -- 15 November 2026 for the International Scholars Program and 1 December 2026 for Presidential/Centennial/Beyond Tomorrow scholars. Several limited-entry programmes -- Law, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing (advanced entry), Occupational/Physical Therapy, Social Work and Teacher Education -- set their own earlier deadlines from October 2026 through February 2027. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.
