CA · Master's
University of British Columbia
MA English
University of British Columbia
Course Overview
The University of British Columbia is a top-3 Canadian university (QS top 40 globally) and its Department of English Language and Literatures is one of North America's most respected, with strengths in literary studies, postcolonial and world literatures, and critical theory. The MA English is a two-year research Master's set on UBC's spectacular Vancouver campus. For Sri Lankan English graduates from Colombo, Peradeniya or Kelaniya, UBC offers a globally recognised humanities credential — and, unusually for a top university, graduate-student funding that makes the headline tuition very affordable.
The programme combines advanced coursework with a major research thesis under faculty supervision, and admitted students are typically funded through a package of teaching / research assistantships and scholarships that cover most or all of tuition plus a living stipend. UBC's postcolonial-literatures strength resonates with South Asian literary scholarship. Canada's 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit and Express Entry PR pathway make Vancouver a strong long-term base.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree (B+ / 76%+ in the final two years) in English or a related humanities field — Sri Lankan bachelor's degrees from Colombo, Peradeniya and Kelaniya accepted.
- check_circle An academic writing sample is required.
- check_circle Statement of intent linking your interests to UBC faculty.
- check_circle Two to three academic references and certified transcripts.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall (min 6.5 in each band).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 100 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your bachelor's degree was taught and assessed entirely in English (most Sri Lankan English-medium graduates qualify with an MOI letter).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (CAD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, international graduate) | CAD 9,000 | Rs. 2,115,000 |
| Living Expenses in Vancouver (12 months) | CAD 20,000 | Rs. 4,700,000 |
| Study Permit, Biometrics & Insurance | CAD 1,500 | Rs. 352,500 |
| Books, Materials & Travel | CAD 1,500 | Rs. 352,500 |
| Total Year 1 Investment (before funding) | CAD 32,000 | Rs. 7,520,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
UBC English graduates are eligible for the 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit and a clear PR pathway via Express Entry. Funded thesis students typically receive assistantships and scholarships covering most costs. Graduates progress into PhD programmes (UBC, Toronto, US Ivies), publishing, journalism, communications, teaching, and the cultural / arts sector. Sri Lankan returnees route into university teaching, publishing, media and the education sector.
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ඔබට සුදුසු විශ්වවිද්යාලයක් තේරීම, අයදුම්පත් යොමු කිරීම, SOP සකස් කිරීම සහ වීසා ලබා ගැනීම ඇතුළු සෑම පියවරකදීම, ඔබ වෙනුවෙන් සියලුම වගකීම් විශ්වාසවන්තව අප භාර ගනිමු.