Academic Advising Centre

Post-graduate planning

Thinking about graduate studies? Visit the Grad Studies Fair this September to explore programs and learn about your next steps.

Graduate or professional studies can help you build on your degree, specialize in an area of interest, or gain additional qualifications. Explore your options, including graduate and professional programs at UFV, and learn how to choose a path that aligns with your academic interests, career goals, and future plans.

Why graduate school or a professional program?

Graduate or professional studies can be a strong choice for continuing your education and working toward your long-term goals. Further study can open new opportunities to deepen your knowledge, pursue research, advance in your current field, or prepare for a new career. For some professions, such as counselling or physiotherapy, a graduate degree or professional program may also be required.

But is it right for me?

Consider the questions below as you think about your goals, motivation, academic readiness, finances, and future direction. Your answers can help you decide whether graduate school or a professional program is the right fit for you and prepare you to make an informed decision about your next steps.

 

Goals

  • What are my career goals?
  • Will graduate school help me to achieve them?

   
 

Motivation

  • Am I motivated for another two to seven years of school?
  • Am I willing to work harder than during my degree?
 
 

Academics

  • Are graduate studies realistic considering my undergraduate academics?
  • Do I have the necessary non-academic qualities?
 

Cost

  • What is the cost of graduate school?
  • Can I afford it and will it "pay" for itself?





 

Direction

  • What will I specialize in?
  • What are the competitive entry requirements for my school and program of interest?

 

 

Reasons

  • Why do I want to go to graduate school?
  • Am I pursuing this because I don’t know what else to do, because of family pressures, or other reasons?

 

Additional resources to help you make the right decision

For more articles on the topic of graduate studies, visit the Graduate Matters and Career Advice blogs on the University Affairs website. 

 

Ready to plan your next steps?

Deciding to go to graduate school or enter a professional program is a major life decision. Once you're ready to pursue further study, start researching your options and preparing early.

Explore your program options

Start researching your grad school options early.

Preparation timeline

Review suggested timeline for applying to graduate school

Application process

Start reviewing the admission requirements for your chosen program.

Fund your graduate studies

There is a variety of opportunities for full or partial funding.

Admission tests

Learn about common admission tests required for graduate and professional programs.

UFV Graduate studies

Explore graduate programs and opportunities available at UFV.


Frequently asked questions

Consider your academic interests, career goals, admission requirements, location, program length, and cost. Compare programs carefully to find options that align with your goals.


If you are considering graduate school or another professional program, early planning is important. Some students move directly from their undergraduate program into further studies, while others take time to gain work experience or prepare financially before continuing their education.

Begin by researching programs that align with your interests, career goals, and educational objectives. Consider factors such as admission requirements, application deadlines, costs, location, and delivery format.

Academic Advising provides resources and links to a variety of master's and postgraduate programs to help you explore your options. You should also review the admission requirements for programs of interest and speak with your instructors, who can often provide valuable insight into graduate-level study and application preparation.

Once you have identified potential programs, meet with your academic advisor to ensure you are incorporating any required courses or academic requirements into your undergraduate program.

Visit the post-graduate planning page.




Admission requirements vary by institution and program. Check the website of the university or program you are interested in for current requirements, prerequisites, deadlines, and application information.


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