UBC students in good academic standing may, in most programs, take an academic leave (time away from UBC studies). There are different rules for returning to studies, depending on how long you are away or how many times you take academic leave.
Voluntary academic leave
If you leave the Faculty of Arts at UBC in good academic standing, you can take an academic leave of up to one year and will be automatically assigned an Eligibility to Return status on your account for the following academic year.
If you leave the Faculty of Arts at UBC in good academic standing and take more than a year away from your degree, you must apply for readmission through the UBC Applicant Service Centre. Admission is not competitive if you left in good standing.
If you leave the Faculty of Arts at UBC in good academic standing, return to UBC, and then take another academic leave, you must apply for readmission through the UBC Applicant Service Centre. Admission is not competitive if you left in good standing.
Before you leave
- Review UBC’s policy on academic leave
- Talk to an academic or departmental advisor for program-specific requirements
- Check with an Enrolment Services Advisor to see if taking a break will affect your financial assistance or awards
Readmission deadline
Academic leave for international students in good standing
UBC’s Academic Leave Policy enables undergraduate international students in good academic standing to take up to a year away from studies without having to reapply for admission.
Eligibility requirements:
- You must be eligible to register in the upcoming Winter Session
- You must be in good academic standing (not required to withdraw due to a failed year)
If you want to demonstrate to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that you were on an authorized leave, you must have a letter from UBC confirming that you are authorized to take the leave.
Leaves longer than 150 days could negatively impact your student status in Canada, your eligibility to work on and off campus, and your future eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
If you have questions about immigration, contact International Student Advising.
Please carefully review the information about taking time away from school for international students.
To request your authorized leave and letter, please complete this form. Your Campus Wide Login (CWL) will be required. If your request meets all eligibility requirements, you will receive your authorized letter in 2-4 weeks.