Non-degree studies

UBC’s Okanagan campus provides students with world-renown professors, challenging academic programs, and leading edge-facilities, all of which contribute to an outstanding university experience. This tradition of excellence is available to students who are interested in pursuing studies outside of UBC degree programs. Find out more about the flexible learning options available.

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Visiting Students

Students completing a degree program at a recognized degree-granting institution can apply to UBC to take courses that will transfer back to your home institution.

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Aboriginal Access Studies

An entrance program that prepares and transitions Aboriginal learners into degree programs at UBC.

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Access Studies

An innovative program that offers flexible post-secondary learning options to people of all ages and backgrounds.

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Concurrent Studies

Intended for students enrolled in a BC secondary school with a superior academic record, support from the school principal and parent/guardian.

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Senior Citizens

BC residents 65 years of age or over who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents are welcome to take courses for general interest.

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Unclassified Studies

Intended for those students who have a previous university degree and want to enroll in courses not intended to lead to a UBC degree or diploma.

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Registration for non-degree studies

Once you are admitted, follow these steps:

Step one:

Login to Student Service Centre (SSC).

Step two:

Find out when your registration begins. A registration date is assigned on the SCC two weeks before registration opens for your student category.

Step three:

Pay your registration deposit (if applicable). Your registration deposit (if applicable) is a non-refundable deposit that will be credited toward assessed tuition fees. It will appear on the SSC a few weeks prior to your registration date. Registration deposit amount differs depending on the type of student you are.

Step four:

Register for courses once your registration opens. Many courses fill up quickly, so register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Step five:

Pay your tuition and student fees. Check and pay your fees on the SSC by the due date (or you may be charged a late payment fee and interest on the outstanding amount).

Non-Degree Students do not receive transfer credit from other institutions. This means your academic history from another post-secondary institution is not transferred into the UBC system even though you may have provided transcripts for the purpose of an admission decision. If you encounter registration problems due to course restrictions or pre-requisites, contact the department offering the course for registration assistance. There is no guarantee of seat availability for your course. Registration fluctuates throughout the registration period, so check availability periodically.

If your desired course is full:

  • Some courses have a waitlist on the Student Service Centre (SSC) that you can register for. You will not be notified that you have been moved from the waitlist into the course, so check your registration regularly on the SSC.
  • Keep checking the course schedule as registration fluctuates throughout the registration period.
  • Unfortunately, sometimes it’s not possible to register in the course.

Generally, students are admitted to an entire academic session (winter or summer) and may choose to register either in one term or both terms

If you are an international student and not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may need to take additional steps after admission to UBC. Review the information on study permits and visas.

Once you are enrolled

UBC Okanagan offers a wide variety of support services to students. Visit these links to learn more:

Contact us

Access Studies

Enrolment Services: UBC Okanagan
Email: nondegree.ok@ubc.ca

Visiting or Unclassified Students

Enrolment Services: UBC Vancouver
Tel: 604 822 9836
Toll-free: 1 877 272 1422
Web: Contact us via our Ask Me form
*All visiting and unclassified applications are process through Undergraduate Admissions on the Vancouver campus.