Master of Engineering Leadership in Urban Systems (MEL)
CanadaCourse at a Glance
- MasterDegree level
- 1 yearDuration
- Vancouver, CanadaLocation
- Urban SystemsField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- VancouverCampus
- Master of Engineering Leadership in Urban Systems (MEL)Awards
- $70,795Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
2027 Admissions to MEL in High Performance Buildings and MEL in Urban Systems are paused as we redesign the program for relaunch in 2028, with expanded flexible full-time and part-time options. Current students are not affected.
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Details to be announced fall 2026. TRANSFORM THE FUTURE IN A RAPIDLY EVOLVING INDUSTRY Elevate your career to new heights with the Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) in Urban Systems, an advanced degree crafted for visionary system thinkers eager to tackle complex challenges in infrastructure. This unique interdisciplinary program merges the rigor of graduate-level engineering and urban planning with the business acumen from UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School. Equip yourself with the multifaceted skills essential for spearheading innovation necessary to build resilient cities. Organizations across the public and private sectors are on the lookout for urban planners and engineers who not only possess technical and strategic abilities but also understand the intricate balance of social, environmental, and financial aspects in the built environment. They seek leaders with a holistic view and the interpersonal skills to lead teams and catalyze change effectively. BLEND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE WITH BUSINESS INSIGHTS The MEL in Urban Systems stands out with its rare blend of in-depth technical and business courses, preparing you to play a pivotal role in progressive organizations. Delve into a curriculum that covers the entire industry spectrum—from understanding the societal context of infrastructure to mastering engineering design, project delivery, and asset management. The business courses, led by UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School, lay a robust foundation in business strategy, innovation, project management, and leadership. FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS Tailor your educational journey to fit your lifestyle and career goals with the option to enrol full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months. The full-time pro
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
Canada- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modeCoursework only
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies minimum: a bachelor's degree with a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC); individual programmes may set higher minimums. Applicants from a university outside Canada where English is not the primary language of instruction must submit an English language proficiency test taken within the last 24 months. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: Applicants whose degree is from a university where English is the primary language of instruction are not required to submit an English language proficiency test (UBC Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies English language requirement). · Application fee: CAD 168.25 (international applicants); CAD 118.50 (Canadian citizen / permanent resident / refugee / diplomat) · Deposit: CAD 5000.00 deposit to accept offer of admission (if admitted), as published in the programme fee table
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$70,795 CAD total programme cost≈ $52,055 total programme cost
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsThis programme's own fee table lists no International Tuition Award, so the ITA - which UBC restricts to research-oriented master's and doctoral programmes at UBC Vancouver - does not apply here. Affiliated Fellowships (master's competition): roughly 50 fellowships a year, CAD 175 to CAD 16,000, open to current and prospective full-time UBC graduate students of any citizenship, awarded on academic excellence. UBC's full merit-based award database, filterable by citizenship and degree level, is at. Graduate Research, Teaching and Academic Assistantships are also available through the departmentView scholarship page
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Master of Engineering Leadership in Urban Systems (MEL) cost?
CAD 70,795 total programme cost.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
1 year, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies minimum: a bachelor's degree with a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC); individual programmes may set higher minimums. Applicants from a university outside Canada where English is not the primary language of instruction must submit an English language proficiency test taken within the last 24 months. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: Applicants whose degree is from a university where English is the primary language of instruction are not required to submit an English language proficiency test (UBC Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies English language requirement). · Application fee: CAD 168.25 (international applicants); CAD 118.50 (Canadian citizen / permanent resident / refugee / diplomat) · Deposit: CAD 5000.00 deposit to accept offer of admission (if admitted), as published in the programme fee table
Is there a scholarship?
This programme's own fee table lists no International Tuition Award, so the ITA - which UBC restricts to research-oriented master's and doctoral programmes at UBC Vancouver - does not apply here. Affiliated Fellowships (master's competition): roughly 50 fellowships a year, CAD 175 to CAD 16,000, open to current and prospective full-time UBC graduate students of any citizenship, awarded on academic excellence. UBC's full merit-based award database, filterable by citizenship and degree level, is at. Graduate Research, Teaching and Academic Assistantships are also available through the department View scholarship page
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