Academic concessions for Non-Degree Studies

About academic concessions

An academic concession is an accommodation for students who are unable to fulfill course requirements due to extenuating circumstances.

You may be eligible for an academic concession in your course if medical or emotional difficulties prevent you from continuing your studies. You will need to submit a request for concession as soon as possible.

An academic concession may be a deferred standing (SD) or a late withdrawal from a course.

Eligibility for academic concessions

Deadlines to apply for an academic concession

You must apply for an end-of-term concession by the following deadlines:

Date Session
Mon, Jan 15, 2024 Winter Session, Term 1
Fri, May 15, 2024 Winter Session, Term 2
Sun, Sep 15, 2024 Summer Session

How to apply for an academic concession

  1. Complete the academic concession form so an advisor can review your case. Your concession cannot be processed until the form is filled out. You don’t need to contact the Non-degree Studies team or speak to an advisor before filling out the form.
  2. You will receive a decision or instructions for next steps within 5 to 7 business days.

Late withdrawal

You are not permitted to withdraw from a course after the withdrawal deadline, unless you qualify for an academic concession due to extenuating circumstances.

Requests to withdraw due to anticipation of an unsatisfactory academic outcome or neglect of the coursework will be refused.

If you are approved for a late withdrawal from a course, the university's normal policy of refund of tuition fees applies. You will be assessed the full tuition and student fees for the course. The concession will be noted on your transcript with a W standing for the course.

Deferred standing

Before applying, please read through details about standing deferred and supplemental exams.

Follow the steps below if your academic concession for a deferred standing is approved and an “SD” has been added to your student record:

  1. Apply through your Student Service Centre (SSC) to write your exam(s) in the application period outlined by Enrolment Services.
  2. Write your deferred exam as scheduled by Enrolment Services. Deferred exams for Winter Session courses are held the following July or August. Deferred exams for Summer Session courses are held in November.
  3. Submit incomplete coursework as per your instructor’s directions and deadlines. This must be done by Fri, Aug 23, 2024 for the Winter Session and Wed, Dec 25, 2024 for the Summer Session.

Missed midterm work

Any incomplete work during the term must be handled between you and your instructor, in accordance with written guidelines given at the start of the course. Review UBC grading practices and your course syllabus for guidelines.

If you want an extension for incomplete work, contact your instructor directly and arrange to make up or complete the work, if permitted.

Your instructor is not required to make allowance for any missed test or incomplete work that is not satisfactorily accounted for.

If you have questions