How to register for courses

Find out when you register

Pay your deposit

Starting Winter Session 2021, the registration deposit has been removed from most undergraduate degree programs. Registration deposits are required for most certificates and diplomas.

If you are required to pay a registration deposit, you will see your deposit in your Student Service Centre (SSC) under “Pay Fees”, once your registration date has been released.

You will need to pay it before your registration date. It may take a day or two for your payment to be processed, depending on how you paid.

  • If you're new to UBC, you must pay a non-refundable acceptance deposit which will count as your first registration deposit.
  • If you’re a returning student, you can not refund or transfer your registration deposit once you register for a course.

Both acceptance and registration deposits will be counted towards your tuition fees after you register.

2021/22 Winter Session courses

Check your program requirements

You can find general degree requirements and specific requirements for each program in the Academic Calendar.

If you need help with degree requirements or course planning, contact your academic advising office.

Build your worklists

Worklists are a list of courses and other required sections (e.g., tutorials, workshops, labs, or discussions) that you can build to help you plan your courses before you register.

Create multiple worklists with backup courses you can take, in case the courses you first registered for are full. You can create multiple worklists by clicking "Create new worklist". Worklists will appear in the menu on the left.

You can select a worklist from the list to add subjects, courses, sections or choose to register for a Standard Timetable.

Watch tutorial video

Registering for classes

Registration tips

  • Courses fill up quickly, so register as early as you can. 
  • Have multiple worklists ready in case courses are full.
  • If you have a registration block, you may be missing a prerequisite. Contact your faculty advising office for help.
  • After you register, you can add or drop classes until the course change deadline.

If you're still having trouble, you can always watch our step-by-step video tutorial on how to register.

Common registration issues

If you're having trouble registering, make sure that:

  • You are eligible to register for the session and meet any required prerequisites
  • You are registering on or after your registration date and time
  • You have paid your registration deposit (continuing students) or acceptance deposit (newly admitted students)
  • You have paid any other outstanding fees

For technical problems with the Student Service Centre (SSC), click on Technical Support on the SSC home page.

What can I do if my course is full?

If you've found the course you want but it's full, don't worry. This may happen often, particularly with required courses. 

See student tips

If you need help

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