Eligibility for visiting students
Non-Degree Studies are available for students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree at another institution.
You can apply to be considered a visiting student if you meet all the following requirements:
- You meet the English language requirement.
- You are in good academic standing.
- You are enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at a recognized institution.
- You can provide a Letter of Permission.
Considerations for visiting students
- Being admitted as a visiting student does not guarantee your enrolment in requested courses or admission to a degree program at UBC.
- Your credits from courses may be transferable to a future UBC degree program at the discretion of the faculty you apply to.
- Non-Degree students are not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading but you may consider auditing courses.
- Visiting students are admitted to UBC for one academic session, either Winter or Summer, at a time. If you want to continue studying at UBC as a visiting student in the next session, please email non.degree@ubc.ca.
Eligible courses
Visiting students can take courses in the following faculties:
If you’re taking Applied Science courses, you will not receive an admission decision until after degree-seeking students have registered and shortly before the start of classes.
If you plan to take Faculty of Education courses only, please apply directly to the Faculty of Education.
You can use the Course Search to view current course offerings.
Application deadlines
| Course start date | Application deadline |
|---|---|
| September for Winter Session Term 1 | July 15 |
| January for Winter Session Term 2 | July 15 |
| May for Summer Session Term 1 or 2 | March 15 |
How to apply
New students
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 “Visiting Student” under First Program Choice. You do not need to select a second program choice.
- UBC Admissions will email you a confirmation of your application and next steps.
- After completing your application, email any additional and required documents to non.degree@ubc.ca.
Previously registered students
If you have previously been admitted to UBC and registered in courses, you would have a student record in the UBC system with your information. Please email non.degree@ubc.ca with all of the following details to begin your admission process:
- Full name
- UBC student number, if available
- Date of birth
- Your Non-Degree Category, which is “Visiting”
- Intended start date
- Citizenship status (Canadian citizen, permanent resident, study permit)
Letter of Permission
Visiting students are required to provide a Letter of Permission (LOP) issued by their home institution. This letter does not need to be submitted at the time of the application.
Your Letter of Permission is only valid for one session. You will need to submit a new letter for additional sessions you might register in.
Requirements for the letter
- The letter must be typed on official university letterhead or written on an appropriate university form.
- You must include a list of all the courses you are planning to take.
- You must note the academic session you are applying to (e.g., 2025/26 Winter or 2026 Summer).
- You must indicate your current bachelor’s program and academic standing.
- The letter must be in PDF format.
Please have the issuing office of your home institution email the Letter of Permission to non.degree@ubc.ca.
If you have questions
Contact Enrolment Services by phone at 604 822 9836 or email non.degree@ubc.ca.