Find out what to do if you need to take a break from your studies.
Overview
About academic leave
In accordance with the Academic Calendar, for most programs, students in "Good Standing" may take an Academic Leave (time away from UBC studies) of up to one full year or 12 months.
Students in some programs are required to seek permission for an academic leave before leaving. All students should discuss their plans with an academic advisor in their faculty or school before requesting a leave.
Those who choose to take one year off will be automatically assigned an Eligibility to Return (ELTR) status on their account for the following academic year.
For example, a student in "Good Standing" after completing the 2021/22 Winter Session will automatically be eligible to register in the same program for the 2022 Summer, 2022/23 Winter, 2023 Summer and 2023/24 Winter Sessions.
Consequences of not being in good standing
If you're placed on academic probation, you may be restricted to register in a maximum number of credits in the following term. Please see your faculty’s academic regulations or contact your faculty’s advising office for more information.
Programs requiring approval for Academic Leave
If you are in a cohort-based or a limited enrolment program, you are required to seek permission for an academic leave before taking time away due to the limited ability to accommodate leaves in such programs.
However, for all other programs, you are highly encouraged to notify your home faculty to ensure you understand the implications and next steps. Please contact your faculty or school before taking an academic leave.
Requesting an Academic Leave
Undergraduate students
If you are an undergraduate student and want to take time off, complete the steps below:
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Review UBC's policy on academic leave.
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Talk to an academic advisor in your program or faculty for program-specific requirements.
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Check with an Enrolment Services Advisor to see if taking a break will affect your financial assistance or awards.
International students
If you're an international student, there are special considerations around taking time off. Read the important steps to take for requesting time away from your studies.
Graduate students
If you're a graduate student, you'll have to apply for a leave of absence from Graduate and Post-doctoral Studies.
Returning from academic leave
If you have been away for one year, there are specific instructions for returning to your studies depending on your situation.
You did not attend school elsewhere
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Log into your Student Service Centre.
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Select “Program to Return”.
You attended school elsewhere with a Letter of Permission (LOP)
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Log into your Student Service Centre.
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Select “Program to Return”.
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Submit your official transcript to UBC for a review of any transfer credit you may be eligible for.
You attended school elsewhere without a Letter of Permission (LOP)
Students who attended school elsewhere without a Letter of Permission from their faculty will not receive transfer credit upon return to their original program.
Do not apply for readmission. You are still considered a Returning student to your original program regardless of attending elsewhere.
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Log into your Student Service Centre (SSC).
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Select “Program to Return”.
You would like to return to a new program
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Log into your Student Service Centre.
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Select “Admission” from the top menu bar.
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Select “Re-admission” from the drop-down menu.
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Select “No, I would like to reapply to a different program”.
