Non-Degree Studies for Access Studies

Eligibility

When to apply

Courses start Application deadline
September (Winter Session Term 1) July 15
January (Winter Session Term 2) October 15
May (Summer Session Term 1/2) March 15

How to apply

Select your courses

  1. Search the course schedule for eligible courses in Arts, Forestry, Land & Food Systems, and/or Science
  2. Select Course Search and enter the subject area or keywords for your area of interest ensuring that you meet the stated course restrictions and prerequisites

Apply

  1. Submit your application
  • Include the list of course(s) you are interested in the question box: Please tell us why you are applying to take courses at UBC through Non Degree Studies​​​​​​​ 
  1. If you have previously applied to, been admitted to or registered in courses at UBC, email non.degree@ubc.ca with the following information:

  • Full name

  • Previously assigned UBC student number (if available)

  • Newly assigned UBC student number

  • Non-Degree Category (Unclassified/Visiting/Access 

  1. Upon submitting your application, you will subsequently receive an email with a 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's 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 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 forward this indication to non.degree@ubc.ca  

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) and your UBC refernce (student) number by:

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

Submit your application and 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 a confirmation and registration instructions. Forward supporting documentation to non.degree@ubc.ca with your full name and UBC reference (student) number.

What else do I need to know?

  • Enrolment for Access Studies students is limited to 6 credits per term to a lifetime maximum of 24 credits

  • 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

More information

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