Taking a break from your courses

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

Academic leave

In accordance to the Academic Calendar, students in ‘Good Standing’, for most programs, may take an Academic Leave (time away from UBC studies) of up to one full year or 12 months. 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

Example: A student in 'Good Standing' after completing the 2017 Winter Session will automatically be eligible to register in the same program for the 2018 Summer, 2018 Winter, 2019 Summer and 2019 Winter Sessions).  

What are the consequences of NOT being in good standing?

Students who have been placed on Academic Probation may be restricted to register in a maximum number of credits in the following term. Please see each Faculty’s academic regulations or contact the Faculty Advising Office for more information.

Which programs require approval for Academic Leave?

Students in cohort-based or limited enrolment programs are required to seek permission for an Academic Leave prior to departing due to limited ability to accommodate leaves in such programs.

However, for all other programs, students are highly encouraged to notify their home Faculty to ensure they understand the implications and next steps/receive advising. Please contact your faculty or school prior to taking an academic leave.

Request academic leave

International students

If you're an international student, you have special considerations when taking time off. 

Be sure to visit the International Student Guide for taking time away from your studies.

Returning from academic leave

 You've been away for one year and: 

Did not attend school elsewhere

  1. Log onto your SSC < Select Program to Return

Attended school elsewhere with a LOP (Letter of Permission)

  1. Log onto your SSC < Select Program to Return < Submit your official transcript to UBC for a review of any transfer credit you may be eligible for.

Attended school elsewhere without a LOP (Letter of Permission)

Students who attended elsewhere without an LOP from their faculty will NOT receive transfer credit upon return to their original program

  1. Log onto your SSC < Select Program to Return

Do not apply for readmission: You are still considered a Returning student to your original program regardless of attending elsewhere

Would like to return to a new program

  1. Log onto your SSC < Select Admission (from the top menu bar)
  2. Select Re-Admission (from the drop-down menu) < No, I would like to reapply to a different program
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