Access Studies

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.

Why take courses through Access Studies?

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

Eligibility for Access Studies

If you haven’t completed a degree but you’d like to take courses for general interest at UBC outside of a degree program, you can apply as an Access Studies student.

To be eligible, you must meet all the following requirements:

• You meet the English language requirement.
• You meet UBC’s Criteria for Access Studies students.
• You don’t currently plan to start or transition to a UBC degree program.
• You don’t hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.

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

Considerations for Access Studies students

• Enrolment for Access Studies students is limited to 6 credits per term and a lifetime maximum of 24 credits.
• Being admitted to UBC as an Access Studies student does not guarantee enrolment in requested courses or admission to a degree program at UBC.
• To register, you’ll need to meet course prerequisites through previous study, relevant experience, or instructor permission.

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, with some exceptions. The Course Search will detail the credit value of a course.

Students studying on campus at UBC are assessed student fees in addition to their tuition. While some student fees are prorated based on the number of credits you are registered in, most are assessed on a one-time basis. There are some student fees that you can choose to opt out of.

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 dates

How to apply

Select your courses

1. Use the Course Search to find courses.
2. Enter the subject area or keywords for your area of interest, making sure that you meet the stated course restrictions and prerequisites.

Apply online

All students must complete the following steps. If you are a senior citizen or high school student, there are specific instructions you must follow:

• Senior citizens
• Concurrent high school students

1. Ensure you meet the English language requirement.

2. Apply through Education Planner BC

• Create an Education Planner BC account online.
• Fill in your personal information and academic history.
• Click “Start Applying” and select “University of British Columbia” as the institution.
• Select the appropriate Admission Category based on your academic history.
• Select “UBC Okanagan” and “Access Studies” under “First Program Choice”. You do not need to select a second program choice.
• In the “Access Studies Exclusive Information” box, include the course(s) you are interested in taking.

3. UBC Admissions will email you with a confirmation of your application and next steps.

4. After completing your application, email any additional and required documents to nondegree.ok@ubc.ca.

UBC’s inclusive post-secondary education initiative

If you have developmental or intellectual disabilities and are interested in attending post-secondary education in a way that supports your strengths and learning style, consider applying for UBC’s inclusive post-secondary education initiative with the STEPS Forward program.