If you have been required to withdraw from UBC based on your academic performance, there are some options available for you to return.
Failed year standing
At the end of every academic session, you are assessed for eligibility to continue based on your sessional average. If you are required to withdraw from the Faculty of Arts or another faculty at UBC, know that you are not alone and many students successfully return to their studies once they have regained a pattern of academic success while away from UBC.
If you wish to complete your degree in Arts after receiving a failed year standing, you can contact Arts Academic Advising to discuss your situation and develop a new academic success plan. Also, you may wish to contact other on-campus support units relating to finance, health, and wellness during this time.
Readmission after a failed year
Readmission deadline
Readmission application process
Carefully read UBC readmissions criteria below, paying particular attention to the information about Arts-eligible credits. Once you meet readmission criteria, you may apply for readmission via the ASC (Applicant Service Centre) by May 15.
If you’ve completed 53 or fewer UBC Arts-eligible credits
In order to qualify for readmission, you must complete 21 university-transferable credits at a post-secondary institution with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or UBC Arts’ competitive average, whichever is lower and also satisfy UBC’s admission policy.
There is no time limit to complete these credits, so you can choose to study part-time at college and complete the required number of credits over several terms. The earliest you can be readmitted is one full academic year (September – August) after you were assigned a Failed Year standing.
If you’ve completed 54 or more UBC Arts-eligible credits
In order to qualify for readmission, you must sit out for one full academic year (September – August) and are not required to complete transferable credits. Readmission is guaranteed in this circumstance.
Appeal for permission to continue
The initial requirement to withdraw from UBC Arts can be appealed but requires significant evidence that the issues causing the failed year have been resolved, including proof that you have connected with appropriate professionals (health, wellness, financial aid etc.) to seek help. You can submit a letter of appeal and supporting documentation directly to Arts Academic Advising via the permission to continue appeal form (available late May – June 15).
Appeal deadline
Readmission after two failed years
Students who experience two failed years do not have a right to readmission.
If you have more than one failed year in the Faculty of Arts, you are required to qualify and apply for readmission by following the readmission application process specified above. You will also be asked to submit a letter of intent which should include a thoughtful explanation of the reasons for your previous failed years, documentation of the actions you’ve taken to rectify the issues that interfered with your academics, and a strong, considered, and viable plan for academic success in the future.
Applications for readmission will be reviewed carefully by the Arts Readmissions Appeals Committee. The committee will take into account all evidence of your renewed ability to succeed at the university level, including any courses taken at a college or similar institution during your absence from UBC.
The Admission application deadline is May 15, and the deadline to submit the letter of intent is May 31.