UBC admissions blog

Now the new school year has begun, it’s time to shift your focus to what comes next for you academically. If your sights are set on a future at UBC, now’s the time to start thinking about applying.

Important deadlines

UBC’s online application for the 2023/24 academic year is now open.

Admission to UBC is not granted on a first-come, first-served basis, so you can take time to think about your application. The deadline to apply is 11:59pm PST on January 15, 2023.

Your application deadline will be earlier if you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada and you’d like to be considered for a Presidential Scholars Award, or you’re an international student who’d like to apply for the International Scholars Program awards. For be eligible for each, you must apply to UBC by at 11:59pm PST on December 1, 2022.

Note: to be considered for the International Scholars Program awards, a separate application is due by 11:59pm PST on November 15, 2022.

Before you begin

You’ll need to make sure that you fulfil all the admission requirements before you apply to your degree. Have a look at our worksheets (PDF download) to help you plan ahead.

Review the key steps on how to apply to get a sense of the process. When you’re ready to get started, click Apply to UBC.

Where will you go?

Not all of our students start their undergraduate degrees straight out of high school. If you’re a mature student, you’re also able to apply to UBC.

UBC welcomes mature student applications from those who want to complete a degree program, and can demonstrate their academic potential through a range of achievements and life experiences beyond academics.

If you’d rather take UBC credit-based courses without pursuing a UBC degree, diploma, or certificate program, take a look at our Non-Degree Studies options.

Am I eligible?

In order to apply as a mature student, you must be out of full-time education for at least four years, including high school and post-secondary institutions.

You’ll also still need to meet all the English language requirements and degree-specific requirements for the program you choose. These will vary according to where you attended high school or post-secondary. If you’re missing any general admissions or degree-specific requirements, you’ll need to complete them at another institution.

Is it better to apply as a transfer student?

Because UBC accepts only a small number of mature students, it’s recommended that you apply to UBC as a transfer student.

Mature students can apply to most – but not all – UBC degrees. If your chosen degree isn’t on the list, you’ll need to enroll at a different institution and transfer to UBC.

If you have a previous post-secondary degree and want to complete another at UBC, you’ll also need to apply as a transfer student.

We’re looking forward to receiving your application!