You can apply as an Access Studies student to take courses for general interest outside of a degree program if you satisify all the following requirements:
If you’re a senior citizen or a high school (concurrent) student, there are additional steps you’ll need to follow. Review the information in the sections below.
| Course start date | Application deadline |
|---|---|
| September for Winter Session Term 1 | July 15 |
| January for Winter Session Term 2 | October 15 |
| May for Summer Session Term 1 or 2 | March 15 |
If you're new to UBC, or have previously applied to but not attended UBC, you’ll need to create a new student account.
Create an Education Planner BC account online.
Fill in your personal information and academic history.
Click “Start Applying” and select University of British Columbia as the institution.
Select the appropriate Admissions Category based on your academic history.
Select “Access Student” under First Program Choice.
When asked, make sure to include the list of course(s) you’re interested in taking or the specific program under which you would like to take courses.
UBC Admissions will email you with a confirmation of your application and next steps.
After completing your application, email any additional and required documents to non.degree@ubc.ca.
If you have previously been admitted to UBC or if you've registered in courses at UBC, email non.degree@ubc.ca with the following information:
Full name
Previously assigned UBC student number
Your Non-Degree Category, which is “Access”
Intended start date
BC residents 65 years of age or over who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and do not hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution are eligible to apply through Access Studies to take courses for general interest.
Normally, senior citizens do not pay tuition or student fees, except for Distance Education administrative course fees and programs within Dentistry, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, or any faculty or school where existing facilities and resources are limited.
See up-to-date administrative course fees for Distance Education on the Academic Calendar.
If you wish to opt in to the full suite of student fees, please email non.degree@ubc.ca.
Expect to pay about $100 – $150 per course for course materials, which are available through the UBC Bookstore.
To be considered for concurrent studies at UBC as an Access Studies student, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Submit your application and required materials by the deadline, and we will submit them to your chosen faculty for evaluation.
Once you have been approved by the faculty for enrolment in courses at UBC, you will receive an email with confirmation and registration instructions. Forward supporting documentation to non.degree@ubc.ca with your full name and UBC reference (student) number.
Contact Enrolment Services by phone at 604 822 9836 or email non.degree@ubc.ca.
