Taking a break from your courses

Find out what to do if you need to take a break from your studies.

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:

  1. Review UBC's policy on academic leave.

  2. Talk to an academic advisor in your program or faculty for program-specific requirements.

  3. 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.

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

You will automatically receive a registration appointment and be sent an email with your registration date and time. If you do not register by Term 2 of the following Winter session, your record will be discontinued.

You attended school elsewhere with a Letter of Permission (LOP)

You will automatically receive a registration appointment and be sent an email with your registration date and time. If you do not register by Term 2 of the following Winter session, your record will be discontinued.

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.

You will automatically receive a registration appointment and be sent an email with your registration date and time. If you do not register by Term 2 of the following Winter session, your record will be discontinued.

You would like to return to a new program

  1. Log into your Applicant Service Centre.

  2. Click the blue “Re-Admission/Change Program” button on the right.

  3. Under “First Program Selection”, choose the program you would like to apply to using the drop-down.

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