Courses, Money & Enrolment

Academic leave

In accordance to the Academic Calendar, students in ‘Good Standing’, for most programs, may take an academic leave (time away from UBC studies) of up to one full year or 12 months.

For example, if you left UBC in good standing after finishing Winter Session 2021, you will automatically be able to register in the following:

  • Summer Session 2022 (starting in April 2022)
  • Winter Session 2022 (starting in September 2022)
  • Summer Session 2023 (starting in April 2023)
  • Winter Session 2023 (starting in September 2023)

International students need to review the guidelines within the Taking Time Away from Studies website prior to requesting leave under the policy.

If you choose to take up to one year off, your Program of Study status will depend on whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student:

  • Undergraduate students: Your Program of Study status will remain as ‘In Progress’.
  • Graduate students: Your Program of Study status will change to ‘Leave of Absence’.

What are the consequences of NOT being in Good Standing?

Students who have been placed on academic probation may be restricted to register in a maximum number of credits in the following terms. Students on academic probation should seek advising about their eligibility for academic leave.

For example a student in Good Standing after completing the 2017 Winter Session will automatically be eligible to register in the same program for the 2018 Summer, 2018 Winter, 2019 Summer and 2019 Winter.

Which programs require approval for Academic Leave?

Students in cohort-based or limited enrolment programs (Nursing, Education, and Engineering) are required to seek permission for an academic leave prior to departing due to limited ability to accommodate leaves in such programs.

If you are a Health and Exercise Science, Science, Management, Arts, or Fine Arts student in good academic standing, you can take an academic leave for one year and still have automatic eligibility to register in the following Winter session. Students are highly encouraged to notify their home faculty or school prior to taking an academic leave to ensure they understand the implications and next steps/receive advising.

All graduate students (except those in the Master of Management program) who are considering or planning a leave from their program must complete the Leave of Absence form and submit it to the College of Graduate Studies.

If you are an international student

There are special considerations around taking time off for international students. Read the important steps to take for requesting time away from your studies.

before you leave

Students with a student loan or scholarship are advised to consult with Student Records & Financial Services prior to taking a leave as there may be financial implications.

Returning from academic leave

Undergraduate students

If you are an undergraduate student and have been away for one year, there are specific instructions for returning to your studies depending on your situation.

You’ve been away for one year and did not attend school elsewhere

A Program of Study status of ‘In Progress’ will remain on your account. You will automatically receive a registration appointment to register for classes.

You’ve been away for one year and attended school elsewhere with a Letter of Permission (LOP)

A Program of Study status of ‘In Progress’ will remain on your account. You will automatically receive a registration appointment to register for classes.

You can submit your official transcript to UBC for a review of any transfer credit you may be eligible for:

1874 East Mall
Undergraduate Admissions
UBC Enrolment Services (Attention: Transfer Credit)
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
Canada

You’ve been away for one year and attended school elsewhere without a Letter of Permission (LOP)

A Program of Study status of ‘In Progress’ will remain on your account. You will automatically receive a registration appointment to register for classes.

DO NOT apply for readmission – you are still considered a returning student to your original program regardless of attending elsewhere.

Note: Students who attended elsewhere without a LOP from their faculty will not receive transfer credit upon return to their original program.

You’ve been away for one year and would like to return to a new program

Log onto the Applicant Service Centre (ASC)*, select the “Edit Profile” tab, and choose “Re-admission/Change Program.”

* Note: If the ASC login link does not work, clear your cache or try opening in a new private/incognito window in your browser.

If you are a graduate student returning from your approved leave of absence

Your program of study status will change from “Leave of Absence” back to “In Progress” once your leave ends. You will automatically receive a registration appointment to register for classes.

Important notes

Students who wish to study at another institution while on leave are required to obtain a Letter of Permission in advance.

Students who are on leave for more than one full year or 12 months will be required to apply for readmission before the published deadlines. The application is found on the Applicant Student Centre (ASC)* and is typically due in January. Eligibility for readmission will be assessed using the grades from your last Winter Session at UBC Okanagan.

*Note: If the ASC login link does not work, clear your cache or try opening in a new private/incognito window in your browser.

In certain circumstances, an undergraduate student may be permitted to return without applying for readmission. For more information contact: 

Courses, Money & Enrolment