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Disability-related considerations

UBC seeks to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. If you have a disability or ongoing medical condition, the Disability Resource Centre on the Okanagan campus and the Centre for Accessibility on the Vancouver campus provide a variety of services designed to remove barriers to your academic success.

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Disclosing your disability

You are under no obligation to disclose your disability in your application to UBC unless you believe your disability will impact your ability to meet the academic standards of your degree of study. In order to access disability-related accommodations, please register with the Disability Resource Centre on the Okanagan campus or the Centre for Accessibility on the Vancouver campus.

Special Consideration for Undergraduate Admissions

Applicants to UBC have very strong academic records. You must meet both general admission requirements as well as degree-specific requirements. Many applicants with disabilities meet UBC’s admission requirements and are admitted directly to their degree of choice. However, if an unsupported or recently-diagnosed disability has impacted your ability to meet the admission requirements of your degree of choice, you can apply for special consideration for admission.

Special consideration for admission may be granted if, for example, your academic performance has been affected because:

  • You have been recently diagnosed with a disability.
  • Your disability was not accommodated completely or appropriately.

If you have received appropriate accommodations for your disability throughout your studies, you may not be eligible for UBC’s special consideration for admission.

How to apply

To apply for special consideration for admission, please review the list of eligible circumstances and complete the online form. Complete this form no later than the admission application deadline for your degree.

Contact us

For more information, contact the Disability Resource Centre on the Okanagan campus or the Centre for Accessibility on the Vancouver campus.

Note: Some UBC faculties have different processes for special consideration for admission. Please contact your faculty directly for more information.

STEPS Forward

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, you can study at UBC through an inclusive post-secondary initiative with STEPS Forward.

What is STEPS Forward?

STEPS Forward’s BC Initiative for Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (BC-IPSE) provides support for students with developmental disabilities to access post-secondary education.

If you are eligible, you may enrol in UBC courses for four years in a specific area of study. You’ll be part of the same classes, tutorials, and labs as UBC students studying for their degrees, but as a participating auditor: a status that allows your assignments and exams to be modified to suit your individual learning style. You’ll also be supported by STEPS Forward inclusion facilitators at UBC to engage fully in your courses. At the end of your studies, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion at convocation alongside students earning their Bachelor’s degree in the same field.

During your time at UBC, you’ll enjoy student life in the same clubs and social spaces as other undergraduates, and be supported in individualized ways to make decisions about what you want to explore on campus.

Over the summer months (April to August), STEPS Forward will help you to find paid work, internships, training, networking, and other volunteer opportunities that relate to your career goals.

Who is eligible?

There are no minimum academic requirements to be accepted – instead, STEPS Forward will look at your desire to learn and have a typical student experience. The initiative is committed to supporting the inclusion of students with significant and/or complex support needs.

Discover more about the criteria used to select students.

How to apply

  1. Get in touch with us to find out more about whether accessing your studies through UBC’s inclusive post-secondary initiative (STEPS Forward) is right for you:
  1. Attend an interview. The interview is a way for us to learn more about what you want to get out of post-secondary education. You’ll be asked questions about what you’re hoping to gain from the experience and how you’ll grow from UBC’s academic teaching and student life. TIP: Before your interview, think about topics such as:
    • What makes you feel great about going to school?
    • Why do you want to continue your education after high school?
    • How do you want to get involved with sports, clubs, and campus events?
    • How can you get the most out of being a student with facilitator support?
  1. Receive your offer. About a month after your interview, we’ll contact you to let you know if you are accepted. If your application is successful, STEPS Forward will set up a series of meetings with you over the summer to prepare with you and your chosen family, advocates, or allies.

Language 11 Waiver Request

If you are a current BC high school student applying to the Vancouver campus and you are unable to meet the BC Language 11 entrance requirement as a result of your disability, you may be eligible for an exemption. UBC may grant an exemption if:

  • Your disability prevented you from learning a second language.
  • You were advised not to take a second language for disability-related reasons.

If you wish to apply for an exemption, please complete the BC Language 11 Requirement Waiver. The deadline to submit the waiver is February 15.

Note: If you are a student on the Okanagan campus, the BC Language 11 entrance requirement does not apply to you.

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