Deferrals, Refunds and Withdrawals

We understand that sometimes your plans can change. It is International's objective to make requesting to defer to another term, or getting a refund as smooth as possible. Please see below for details on what you will need to do to complete this request.

Deferrals

Requesting to change your starting term at UNBC, known as deferring, is a simple and quick process. Please see the details below on this process

Undergraduate Deferral

To request a deferral, students should fill out the Undergraduate Deferral Form.

When requesting a deferral please include your 9-digit UNBC student number in the subject line and clearly state that it is a deferral request.

Please note that deferrals are generally granted for the term following your original offer of admission term and can only be granted once. A deferral from the May term to the September term cannot usually be granted because it is not within the academic year, which runs from September to May; in this case a new application would be required. A charge of $38.25 will be made for all deferral requests made from January 2022 onwards.

Graduate Deferral

To request a deferral students must send an email to graduate-admissions@unbc.ca

When requesting a deferral please include your 9-digit UNBC student number in the subject line and indicate what term you would like to defer your admission to, if applicable.

Please note that deferrals are not automatically approved. The program will review each request and must approve it. A $250 deferral deposit is required within 30 days of approval. 

Withdrawals

Prior to starting your studies at UNBC, if you decide to decline your offer of admission and withdraw please email admissions at the following email addresses. Remember to always include your 9-digit UNBC student number in your email.

Undergraduate Students: Send an email to intl.admissions@unbc.ca

Graduate Student: Send an email to graduate-admissions@unbc.ca

International Admission Deposit Refunds 

Refunds for current international students

If you have attended UNBC for at least one semester or are a current student with a balance on your account, please see the UNBC Finance website for more information about applying for a refund or contact refunds@unbc.ca.

International Tuition Deposit Refund Policy

A $150 processing charge will apply. Refunds are only granted if your study permit application has been denied. The international admissions deposit is $9,000 for undergraduate students and $1,500 for graduate students. Any tuition paid above the deposit amount will be refunded to you in according to the refund regulations found in the Undergraduate and Graduate Academic Calendars. Please review the appropriate policy before submitting your request: 

Undergraduate Refund Policy

Graduate Refund Policy

Steps to Request a Refund:

  1. Review the Refund Policy: Familiarize yourself with the specific refund policy that applies to you. Please be aware of the deadline dates for refund requests.
  2. Withdrawal Notification: Notify the appropriate UNBC admissions team (Graduate or Undergraduate) of your intention to withdraw you application/close your application.
  3. Deregister from Courses: Log in to your student account and deregister from all courses before the published deadline. Failure to do so will result in financial penalties.
    • If you require assistance, please email studentinfo@unbc.ca using your UNBC student email address.
  4. Housing Cancellation (If applicable): If you applied for on-campus housing, contact housing@unbc.ca by the deadline date provided in your application/contract.
  5. Submit Refund Request: Email internationalrefunds@unbc.ca your completed "International Refund Request Package" (see details below). Please use your UNBC student email address and include your 9-digit UNBC student number in your email.

Refund Request: Required Documents 

Additional Deposits:

Some UNBC programs may have additional deposits that are not covered by this policy (e.g., MBA programs). If you have paid any additional program-specific deposits, please contact your program directly for refund information. Please note that most seat deposits are non-refundable. 

Communication Expectations:

The International Refund team will provide you with an update once your refund request has been reviewed. 

Refund Processing Time:

Refund requests are typically processed within 8-10 weeks of receiving all required documents. Incomplete refund requests will not be processed.

Refund Disbursement:

If your refund request is approved, the funds will be returned to the original payment location.

Refund Amount:

The final refund amount will be determined after all applicable charges have been applied, including any outstanding tuition and fees.