Sponsorship billing

Some UBC students have a portion of their UBC fees paid by a sponsor such as an Aboriginal community, employer, or government agency. This is called sponsorship billing.

Information for students

To have an organization sponsor your studies at UBC, they will have to meet the required criteria and apply before the deadline. For any changes to the sponsoring agency or amount sponsored, you will need to submit a new form. 

How it works

  1. Your sponsor must fax a completed application form to Enrolment Services at 604.822.9858 before the deadline
  2. Once we receive the form, we will update your account and let you know your next steps 
  3. Add your sponsoring agency as an authorized third party on the Student Service Centre (SSC)

Sponsors using US currency: UBC can accept payments in either Canadian or US funds (no other foreign currency is accepted), but all US funds will be converted to Canadian funds using the daily exchange rate provided by the UBC Finance office on the date that UBC processes the payment.

Sponsorship contract dollar limits (if applicable) can only be set in Canadian funds – any foreign currency limits will be converted into Canadian funds. UBC only invoices in Canadian funds. 

Next steps

  • After your account is updated, we will defer your registration deposit and add it to the invoice that we send  your sponsor. You will not need to pay your registration deposit before you register.
  • We will send your sponsor an invoice at the end of the first month of each term: late September and late January for Winter Session Term 1 and 2 courses, and late May and late July for Summer Session courses.
  • Your sponsor has one month to pay the invoice. We will send you a copy of the invoice by email, and you will also be able to see each invoice in your Student Service Centre (SSC) message centre.
  • Once we receive your sponsor's payment, we will apply it to your tuition and fees and send you an update by email.
  • It is your responsibility to pay any tuition and fees that your sponsor elects not to pay by the tuition due date. Check Sponsorship Billing in your Student Service Centre (SSC) account to see what isn't covered by your sponsor. You will be responsible for the payment of any remaining balance by the tuition due date.
  • If your sponsor doesn't pay the invoice by the deadline, or if there is an outstanding balance on the portion for which you are responsible, your student file will be placed on financial hold which means you won't be able to make changes to your registration, view grades, or order transcripts. There will also be a $35 fee charged to your account.

Your responsibilities as a student

  • Do not delay payment of fees in anticipation of sponsorship. If late payment charges accrue before a contract has been authorized, they will not be reversed. While sponsors typically do not cover late payment penalties, they may agree to do so if the fees are a result of the sponsor sending in a late application.
  • Stay up to date on fees for things like extended health and dental coverage that may not be covered by your sponsor. You won't receive a bill if there are charges and you will have to pay these fees or you may be assessed late payment penalties.  
  • If you have extended health and dental coverage elsewhere, you can opt out of the AMS/GSS plan. If you do not opt out before the deadline you will be responsible for these fees.
  • If your sponsor requires more information (such as transcripts), you are responsible for providing it to them.  

Aboriginal students

There are some important questions you may need to ask your band about sponsorship.

For example:

  • If you are receiving band funding for four years of on-campus housing, one question to ask your band is whether you could still be funded if you chose to live off-campus.
  • If you are participating in a co-op program and need an additional year to finish your degree, check with your band about continued funding for your fifth and last year, or if this makes you ineligible for continued sponsorship.

If band funding isn’t enough to cover all your costs, look at other financial options available to you.

Information for sponsors

Sponsorship eligibility

Individuals, parents, and other relatives are not eligible to act as sponsors.

Sponsors can be Government Agencies, Companies, Aboriginal bands, or other organizations. Sponsors are invoiced each term for the costs they agree to, and pay UBC directly for these fees.

If you are an organization wishing to set up a scholarship, please contact ubc.sponsorship@ubc.ca.

All sponsors must complete a Sponsorship Billing Application Form for each student they wish to sponsor. Once we receive the form, we will add it to the student’s account within 2 business days and send an e-mail to let them know when it was added.

Sponsors using US currency: UBC can accept payments in either Canadian or US funds (no other foreign currency is accepted), but all US funds will be converted to Canadian funds using the daily exchange rate provided by the UBC Finance office on the date that UBC processes the payment.

Sponsorship contract dollar limits (if applicable) can only be set in Canadian funds – any foreign currency limits will be converted into Canadian funds. UBC only invoices in Canadian funds. 

How it works

  • As a sponsor, you will only receive an e-mail if your application is refused or if we have questions about the sponsorship details. In accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), we will ask the student(s) you sponsor to consent to the release of their registration information, which allows us to send you invoices.
  • If the conditions of your sponsorship include having the student keep you up to date on their progress, or if you require transcripts, etc, you will need to ask the student to send these directly to you.
  • If you wish to sponsor a student for books and supplies or housing in addition to tuition, we can help you arrange this. You can indicate this on the sponsorship application form and we will forward it to the appropriate department on your behalf.

Sponsorship Billing Application Form

PDF iconSponsorship Billing Application Form

Dates and deadlines

You will receive invoices at the end of the first month of each term: in September and late January for Winter Session courses, and in late May and late July for Summer Session courses. This helps ensure the accuracy of the invoice, as students may change their registered courses early in the term. 

Invoices are due upon receipt. If your payment will be delayed, please contact the Sponsorship Billing Coordinator in order to make sure the student is not penalized for a late payment.  

If you are unable to apply before the deadlines listed below, please contact the Sponsorship Billing Coordinator.  

Session Dates Deadline
Summer Session May - August April 1
Winter Session (term 1 and 2) September - April August 1
Term 2 (new students only) January - April November 1
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