We recognize that circumstances may arise that require an applicant to seek a delay in starting their studies. Graduate Admissions will consider requests for a deferral for a minimum of one semester to a maximum of one year (3 semesters) provided the following criteria are met:

• You have received an offer of admission.
• Conditions of your admission have been met (e.g. final transcripts have been submitted).
• For international applicants, the $1,500 deposit must be paid prior to requesting the deferral.

Deferrals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and not all deferral requests can be approved. You may request a deferral only once.

Note: The MEd Counseling program and the MBA program do not defer admission. Deferrals are not permitted for applicants who will attend another institution during the deferral period.

Deadline to request a deferral

A deferral requires:

• Program approval.
• Payment of a $250 deferral deposit.

After we review your request for deferral, we will contact you with the decision and, if approved, provide instructions on how to make payment.

To request a deferral, please complete this form and submit by email to graduate-admissions@unbc.ca by the deadline noted above.

Frequently asked questions

How can I pay my deferral deposit?

Information on how to make payment can be found on our website.

If I chose not to attend after I have deferred admission, will be deposit(s) be refunded?

The $250 deferral deposit is non-refundable. The $1,500 deferral deposit is non-refundable except in cases of study permit refusal and deadlines and fees apply. For full details, please visit this website.

I am still waiting for my study permit and cannot arrive before classes start. Can I start my studies remotely?

Programs that are on-campus do not offer a remote start option. There may be limited exceptions for students in thesis and doctoral programs. Each situation is evaluated on an individual basis. Please contact graduate-admissions@unbc.ca and include the following information:

• Confirmation from your supervisor that a remote start is an available option
• The plan for what work you will be completing remotely (including course registration details)
• Your anticipated arrival date and a rationale for the delay.

Please note that you will be required to pay tuition by the first day of classes, the international tuition deposit will be non-refundable and you will not receive a refund of tuition fees if your study permit is subsequently denied.