Program Overview

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Master of International Forestry

The University of British Columbia’s Master of International Forestry (MIF) is an intensive, 12-month program based on a mix of experiential learning and coursework that prepares students to explore, negotiate, and implement solutions to the complex challenges facing the world’s forests, and the people that depend upon them.

Program Overview

The MIF program is designed to equip graduates for careers in a rapidly expanding field addressing global challenges like climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development. With forests at the heart of international concerns, the program provides students with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to tackle complex issues through a transdisciplinary and globally coordinated approach.

Faculty and Instruction

UBC Forestry faculty and MIF instructors bring decades of global experience, from tropical rainforests to boreal regions, into the classroom. Their expertise, passion, and international networks enrich learning through research-driven teaching and guest lectures. The program also connects students to the International Forestry Students Association, fostering global engagement and travel opportunities.

International Field Course

The MIF program includes an international field course (the costs of which are covered by tuition). In February 2025, the MIF class will visit Costa Rica and CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) to witness international forestry and conservation in action. Additional field trips are held locally throughout the year.

Professional Network

MIF students are introduced to a wide variety of organizations and individuals that are involved in the field, including MIF alumni. Support is provided in establishing a professional network and seeking employment.

University Ranking

UBC is a world leader in forestry, consistently ranking among the top 20 global universities. The program offers connections to leading forest institutions and a network of internationally experienced forestry and natural resource management professionals.

Program Details

Program Length and Structure

• The program is 12 months long, full-time.
• It includes 8 months of coursework and experiential learning, followed by an internship placement with one of our international partners, or a directed study supervised by a faculty member.

Courses

The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Integrated natural resources planning and management: taking a “landscapes and livelihoods” approach
• International environmental policy and governance: focusing on international best practices and solutions to complex challenges
• International diplomacy, negotiations and institutions related to forests and the environment
• Social, community, and Indigenous forestry: exploring concepts related to Indigenous rights, tenure, and how they relate to contemporary forest issues
• Natural resource economics and environmental finance: basic principles such as payment for ecosystem services, and skills, such as how to write effective financing proposals
• Forest business enterprise: learn essential skills required to run an international business or social venture
• Leadership and management workshops throughout the year will provide practical skills, such as project management

Tuition Fees

• Canadian students: $21,020.97 CAD (2025/26)
• International students: $43,166.04 CAD (2025/26)

Program Start and Application Deadline

• Program start: September
• Apply by: February 15

At a Glance

• Program length: 12 months, full-time
• Apply by: February 15
• Program start: September
• Tuition (2025/26):
  • Canadian students: $21,020.97 CAD
  • International students: $43,166.04 CAD

Additional Information

MIF Placements and Directed Study

MIF students are placed in internships with international partners or undertake directed studies supervised by faculty members.

Meet the MIF Faculty

The MIF faculty consists of experienced professionals and researchers in the field of international forestry.

Graduate FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the MIF program are available for prospective students.

Follow the UBC MIF Program

The UBC MIF program can be followed on Instagram for updates and news.