Student Direct Stream (SDS)

About the program

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an expedited study permit process offered by Immigration and Citizenship (IC) for international students meeting certain eligibility requirements.

This means that as an international student, you can get your study permit processed faster if you prepay your UBC tuition. If you are eligible and choose this option, note that SDS estimated processing times are not guaranteed. Apply for your study permit as soon as possible.

If you are a student from the Okanagan campus, review the UBC Okanagan guide.

If you’ve already applied for a study permit

If you have submitted a regular study permit application, in most cases we do not recommend that you submit a second application through Student Direct Stream (SDS). 

If you have additional SDS-required documents that you did not include in your existing study permit application, you can request for them to be added by submitting the IRCC webform.

If your course registration has now opened, learn how to download your proof of tuition payment. You can request for this to be added to your existing study permit application through the IRCC webform.

If you’ve applied through the regular study permit process and an officer requests proof of tuition payment or other documents, follow the instructions in the  Frequently Asked Question.

Eligibility requirements for SDS

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is only available to you if you are a legal resident of the following countries at the time you apply for SDS:

Read the specific requirements provided by Immigration Citizenship. Be prepared to show your full prepayment of tuition for your first year of studies, among other documents.

If you’re in the Diploma in Accounting program or Non-Degree Studies, you are not eligible to prepay tuition, thus you cannot apply through the Student Direct Stream.

About SDS tuition prepayment

UBC will only accept prepayment for tuition. Student fees, such as special course fees and health insurance, are not considered part of tuition. You will still be responsible for paying student fees after you register for courses and by the tuition payment deadline.

If you expect additional awards, scholarships, or loans, but do not have written proof, you cannot count those toward your full tuition prepayment.

Eligible students applying for SDS can prepay the full amount of their first-year tuition:

• For undergraduate students and post-baccalaureate students, this includes Term 1 and Term 2 tuition.
• For graduate students, this includes Term 1 and Term 2 tuition, plus the following Summer Session.

About the acceptance deposit

• Undergraduate students
  You must pay an acceptance deposit at the time you accept your offer. This amount will be automatically deducted from your SDS prepayment request once it appears in your Workday Account Activity.
• Graduate students
  Some graduate programs may require an acceptance deposit. If an acceptance deposit applies to your program, you’ll need to pay the deposit following the instructions provided by your program before proceeding with your prepayment request. You can deduct the amount of your deposit from your prepayment request.

Finding your tuition rate

Tuition varies by program. To find the typical tuition for the first year of your program, see the Vancouver or Okanagan Academic Calendars.

Please be aware that the amount you can prepay for SDS is an estimate only. Your exact balance owing will be available in your Workday Account Activity after you register.

Eligibility requirements for prepayment

You can make an SDS prepayment if you meet all of the following requirements:

• You satisfy the eligibility requirements for SDS according to Immigration and Citizenship.
• You’ve accepted your offer to UBC.
• You’ve paid your acceptance deposit, if applicable.
• If you’re a graduate student, you’ve satisfied the conditional admission requirements outlined by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Requirements can include the receipt of official documents.
• You’ve received a confirmation from Enrolment Services after applying for SDS. Students can only submit one application at a time.

How to request SDS prepayment

1. Review the special requirements for SDS to decide if you will use it to apply for your study permit.
2. Submit an online request to UBC for prepayment.
   • Indicate the amount of your acceptance deposit. 
   • If you have written proof that you are getting awards, scholarships or loans, include the total amount in your request. You can deduct the total from your tuition amount and prepay the remainder.
3. You will receive an email from Enrolment Services confirming that your application has been received and is ready for review.

Making your prepayment using TouchNet

In 2 to 3 business days, you will receive an email with instructions on how to make payment in TouchNet. Learn about other accepted methods of payment.

If you complete your payment through TouchNet, please keep any receipts as proof of payment.

Once your payment has been received, you can also download your proof of tuition payment from your Workday account.

After you’ve prepaid, apply for your study permit

Carefully review all steps of UBC’s step-by-step tutorial to prepare your initial study permit application.

Combine and include all your tuition proofs. This includes your proof of prepayment, plus awards, scholarships, loans, and any large deposits.

If you live in a country that is not your country of citizenship, please include a letter of explanation about your residency status and a copy of your valid status in your study permit application.

If you need help

• Connect with your Enrolment Services Advisors for questions around prepaying tuition.
• Contact International Student Advising for questions related to the Student Direct Stream.