Access studies

student in classroom lecture

Access Studies is an innovative program that offers flexible post-secondary learning options to people of all ages and backgrounds. Through Access Studies, people with varied academic curiosities have the opportunity to pursue knowledge, stretch their minds, and tackle academic challenges.

Students in this category may take up to 6 credits per academic term, up to a maximum of 24 credits in total while registered as Access Studies students. Continuation as an Access Studies student is contingent upon maintaining a passing grade on all courses attempted.

Why take courses through Access Studies?

  • to achieve non-academic or professional qualifications
  • to upgrade non-academic or professional qualifications
  • for general interest

Visit the Academic Calendar for a full breakdown of the classification of students at UBC’s Okanagan campus. Email us at nondegree.ok@ubc.ca if you have any questions.

If you have already completed a degree, follow the steps to apply to UBC’s Okanagan campus as an Unclassified Student.

Eligibility

You can apply as an Access Studies student to take courses for general interest outside of a degree program if:

  • You meet the English language requirement
  • You meet UBC’s Criteria for Access Studies students
  • You have previous work, school, or volunteer experience
  • You don’t currently plan to start or transition to a UBC degree program

Cost

All students who are accepted into Access Studies will be assessed an application fee and will be required to pay an acceptance deposit upon successful admission.

Tuition fees for UBC students are assessed on a per-credit basis and depend on the level of the course and the faculty in which it is offered.

Most undergraduate courses are 3 credits (one term) or 6 credits (two terms) in value, although there are exceptions. The course schedule will detail the credit value of a course. Students studying on campus at UBC are assessed student fees in addition to their tuition. Some of these fees have opt-out provisions, highlighted on the site.

Most student fees are assessed on a per-credit basis, so depending on how many credits you are taking, the total amount of student fees owing will fluctuate.

Visit the Academic Calendar for the most up-to-date fees and policy.

Expect to pay about $100–$150 per course for course materials. Course materials are available through the UBC Bookstore.

Application

Courses start: Deadline:
May through August March 15
September July 15
January November 15

If you’re new to UBC

  • Submit a Non-Degree Studies Application Form. Include the specific course(s) from the course schedule that you wish to take under the “Education Experience” section.
  • Once your application is submitted, we will email you with confirmation of your application and your next steps.

If you’ve registered in courses at UBC’s Okanagan Campus before

Email your request for an Access Studies student application to nondegree.ok@ubc.ca including your:

  • Full name
  • UBC student number
  • Date of birth
  • Desired UBCO courses and their start dates (month and year)
  • Other relevant academic history information

What else do I need to know?

  • Enrolment for Access Studies Students is on a part-time basis in a limited selection of courses and programs.
  • Being admitted to UBC as an Access Studies student does not guarantee entrance to your requested courses or subsequent admission to a degree program at UBC.
  • To register you’ll need to meet course prerequisites through previous study, relevant experience, or instructor permission.
  • If you wish to audit a course, you will need to get approval from the faculty offering the course. Please note that in general, if you’re auditing a course, you’ll be expected to complete all course requirements except the final exam, and your transcript will show a statement of audit for the course. Read more about auditing courses.