If you’re planning to return to UBC after taking a break from your studies, it’s important to understand which scenario applies to you. This page explains common situations, such as returning from an academic leave, readmission after withdrawing from your studies, or coming back as a mature student or alumnus.
Use the list below to jump to the common return scenario that may apply to you. If you don’t see your specific return scenario below, contact an Enrolment Services Advisor for help. If you are an international student, connect with International Student Advising first.
- Academic Leave of 1 year or less
- Leave of more than 1 year
- If you were required to discontinue or withdraw from your studies
- Taking courses as a UBC alumnus
- Admission or readmission as a mature learner
If you’ve taken an Academic Leave
For most programs, in accordance with the Academic Calendar, students in “Good Standing” may take an Academic Leave (time away from UBC studies) of up to one full year or 12 months.
Before taking leave, you likely met with an academic advisor at your faculty or school. Whether you are returning on your originally planned timeline or not, check for any emails you received from your faculty or school and follow the steps outlined.
Students who are studying at another institution on exchange or study abroad, dual enrollment, or with a letter of permission from their faculty are not considered to be on academic leave.
Academic Leave of 1 year or less
Students who take an academic leave for one year or less do not need to follow a formal return process to register for courses.
For example, a student in “Good Standing” after completing the 2024/25 Winter Session will automatically be eligible to register in the same program for the 2025 Summer, 2025/26 Winter, 2026 Summer and 2026/27 Winter Sessions.
You are encouraged to discuss course selection and degree planning with an Academic Advisor in your faculty or school upon your return.
Although you do not need to follow a formal return process, there may be other requirements you need to complete to return to UBC. Use the Return to UBC and readmission checklist to help you plan your next steps.
Leave of more than 1 year
If you are in good academic standing but have taken a break for more than one Winter Session, you must submit an application for readmission to re-enter your program, to transfer into a new program, or to enrol on a different campus.
Speak with your Enrolment Services Advisor to learn about program admission requirements for re-entry and guidance in submitting your readmission application. If you are an international student, connect with International Student Advising first.
After speaking to an Advisor about readmission, use the Return to UBC and readmission checklist to help you plan your next steps.
If you were required to discontinue or withdraw from your studies
Generally, students required to discontinue or withdraw from their studies must wait for a 12-month period and may be required to submit a Letter of Appeal with their readmission application. In some cases, students must complete courses at a recognized post-secondary institution and attain a minimum GPA to qualify for readmission.
If you were required to discontinue your studies or withdraw from UBC after a failed year, refer to the communications you received from your faculty or school. It will detail your earliest return date and the required steps you must take. Keep in mind that the maximum time allowed to complete an undergraduate program is 8 years from when you were first admitted to the program.
Please speak with a Faculty Academic Advisor and an Enrolment Services Advisor for any additional program-specific readmission requirements. If you’re an international student, connect with International Student Advising first.
After speaking to an advisor about readmission, use the Return to UBC and readmission checklist to plan your next steps.
If you’ve graduated from UBC
UBC alumni who have completed a 4-year bachelor’s degree program can apply for unclassified status to take courses at UBC. Learn how to apply for unclassified status.
If you’re a mature learner
Mature applicants are individuals who have not been in full-time formal education for at least 4 years. Learn how to apply as a mature student.
If you need help
Contact Enrolment Services during opening hours. You do not need to have an assigned Enrolment Services Advisor to reach out.
If you are an international student, connect with International Student Advising first.