The number of credits you need for a full course load depends on your program. Find your degree, certificate, diploma, or non-degree study option below and see how to calculate your course load based on the number of credits enrolled.
If you have a documented permanent disability, you may be eligible to study at a reduced course load.
Loans, grants, and awards
If you're planning to apply to loans and grants, or interest-free status, you must be enrolled in at least 60% of a full-time course load in each term, or 80% for Newfoundland loans.
Students with disabilities
Undergraduate students who have established permanent disability status with their provincial lender may be considered full-time for government student loans with at least 40% of a full-time course load. Graduate students should speak to an Enrolment Services Advisor to determine their full-time funding requirements.
All undergraduate students in a degree program have a dedicated Enrolment Services Advisor to help navigate the loan application process. If you don't have an assigned advisor, they're still available to help.
International students
If you’re an international student, you must be enrolled full-time for immigration purposes during regular academic sessions to:
- Work during your studies and be eligible to work during scheduled program breaks
- Maintain eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit after your program
This may be different from other full-time definitions. For more details, review UBC’s definitions for immigration purposes.
