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 International deposit fee 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 your request for deferral is reviewed by the program and a decision is levied, you will see the decision in your applicant dashboard.  If the deferral is approved, you will be provided instructions on how to make payment via your applicant dashboard.

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

Deferral Request Form

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 International deposit fee 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.