The Credit/D/Fail (Cr/D/F) grading policy was created to encourage students’ curiosity and learning in subjects outside of their own programs of study, and to introduce them to diverse fields.
The policy was supported by the AMS Council and approved by UBC Vancouver Senate in March of 2009.
Credit/D/Fail is available to students in some direct-entry undergraduate programs of study. They can take eligible elective courses for Credit, D, or Fail standing instead of percentage grades.
If you choose the Credit/D/Fail option, you'll be expected to complete all of the coursework and exams. You will be assigned a percentage grade, but only the standing will be displayed on your grades record or official transcript. These documents won't display any percentage or letter grade.
You'll get credit for courses with a Credit or D standing, but not for a Fail standing. Courses that you take for Cr/D/Fail won't be counted toward your grade average calculations.
The standings are awarded for the following percentage grades:
For courses where the passing grade is higher than 50%, such as 60%, only Cr or F may be awarded.
You'll be eligible to take courses for Credit/D/Fail (Cr/D/F) grading if all of the following apply:
You're in a direct-entry undergraduate program, with the exception of Applied Science.
Your program allows Credit/D/Fail courses (check the course description in the Course Schedule).
You understand the possible awards implications.
Your course doesn't require a percentage grade as a prerequisite to a course you may want to take in the future.
The course is an elective in your program.
You're not taking more than 6 Cr/D/F credits in one Session (Winter or Summer).
You don't take more than 12 Cr/D/F credits in total toward your degree program.
If you're thinking of applying to a particular graduate or other program in the future, you should consider the possible impact of Cr/D/F grading on that program's admission requirements.
Students have to meet the minimum course load requirements to maintain scholarship eligibility. These requirements are based on percentage-graded credits so Credit/D/Fail (Cr/D/F) grading, which is not percentage graded, may affect your scholarship eligibility.
Read UBC's Regulations Governing University Awards to get full details on minimum requirements for your award type.
If you're not sure how Cr/D/Fail might affect your award eligibility, contact an Enrolment Services Advisor to understand your eligibility and options.
Credit/D/Fail grading does not impact your eligibility for bursaries, which are awarded based on financial need.
There are different instructions to switch your course from Credit/D/Fail to percentage grading depending on the date you complete the change.
You can switch between Cr/D/F and percentage grading anytime before the Add/Drop deadline.
After the Add/Drop deadline, you'll need permission from your faculty to request a change.
Review the Academic Calendar for more information on how changing your program of study, including adding a declared specialization, may affect your Credit or D standing.
If you're an undergraduate student, please contact your Enrolment Services Advisor directly. To find your advisor’s contact information, log into your Student Service Centre (SSC) and select “UBC Contacts” under Personal Info.
Graduate, postgraduate, and all other students can contact an Enrolment Services Advisor by calling 604 822 9836 or submitting a question through the online form.
