Non-Degree Studies for Access Studies

Eligibility to apply

You can apply as an Access Studies student to take courses for general interest outside of a degree program if:

  • You meet the English language requirement
  • You meet UBC’s criteria for Access Studies students
  • You have previous work, school or volunteer experience
  • You don't currently plan to start or transition to a UBC degree program
  • You do not hold a bachelor degree from a recognized institution
  • You’re planning to register in courses in one of the following faculties:
    • Arts (except English 100-199)
    • Forestry
    • Land & Food Systems

Access Studies is also an option for other types of students who are not pursuing a UBC degree, such as:

Unclassified and Visiting

Unclassified and visiting students aren't eligible to apply through Access Studies unless you plan to take distance education courses only.

When to apply

Courses start Application deadline
May - August March 15
September June 15
January June 15

How to apply

Select your courses

  1. Search the course schedule for eligible courses in Arts, Forestry or Land & Food Systems
  2. Select Course Search and enter the subject area or keywords for your area of interest
  3. Write down your results

Apply

We will email you with confirmation of your application and your next steps.

Senior citizens

BC residents 65 years of age or over who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and do not hold a bachelor degree from a recognized institution are eligible to apply through Access Studies to take courses for general interest.

How much does it cost?

Normally, senior citizens do not pay tuition or student fees, except under the following circumstances:

  • Programs within the 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

You can also expect to pay about $100.00–$150.00 per course for course materials, which are available through the UBC Bookstore.

How do I apply as a senior citizen? 

Follow the application instructions above and send proof of your date of birth (such as a photocopy of a passport or driver's license) by:

  • email: non.degree@ubc.ca
  • fax: 604.822.5945 (attention: Access Studies)
  • in person: bring your UBC reference number to Brock Hall on UBC's Vancouver campus 

High school (concurrent) students

To be considered for concurrent studies at UBC as an Access Studies student, you must:

  • Have a superior academic record
  • Be enrolled in a BC secondary school in a program that meets regular UBC entry requirements
  • Get a written recommendation from your high school principal
  • Have the written consent of your parent or legal guardian

The deadline to apply and submit all required documents is one month prior to the start date of the course. 

  • For summer courses: March 31
  • For September courses: July 31
  • For January courses: November 30

Submit your required materials by the deadline. 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.

How do I apply as a High School (concurrent) student?

Follow the application instructions above and send all required documentation by:

  • email: non.degree@ubc.ca
  • fax: 604.822.5945 (attention: Access Studies)
  • in person: bring your UBC reference number to Brock Hall on UBC's Vancouver campus 

What else do I need to know?

  • Enrolment for Access Studies Students is on a part-time basis in a limited selection of courses and programs.

  • Being admitted to UBC as an Access Studies student does not guarantee entrance to your requested courses or subsequent admission to a degree program at UBC.

  • You may be able to transfer your courses to a future UBC degree program, at the discretion of the faculty you apply to.

  • To register you'll need to meet course prerequisites through previous study, relevant experience, or instructor permission. 

  • High school (concurrent) students and senior citizens may have more flexibility in the courses they are can take through other faculties.

More information

Contact us

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