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.

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.

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.