Prospective students
As a student with a disability who is considering attending the University of British Columbia, you may have questions about Access & Diversity's role and how it can facilitate your academic success. UBC is committed to the academic success of students with disabilities. Access & Diversity is your resource for disability-related issues at the University.
Self-disclosing your disability
You are under no obligation to self-disclose your disability on your application to the University unless you believe that your disability will impact your ability to meet the academic standards of your program of study. However, some students do choose to disclose information about their disability on their application form.
Disclosure does not impact your admission to UBC.
Disclosing information about your disability on your application does not automatically entitle you to receive disability-related accommodations while you are at UBC. You must still make arrangements for such accommodations by booking an appointment with Access & Diversity. Read about Registering with Access & Diversity for more information.
Admissions
Second language entrance requirement exemption
As a prospective student who does not meet the University's second language entrance requirement, you may be exempted from this requirement if warranted by your disability. Exemptions may be granted if your disability prevented you from learning a second language or if school officials advised you not to take a second language for disability-related reasons.
Documentation of your disability that supports the exemption from the second language entrance requirement is required. If you wish to apply for a second language entrance requirement exemption, contact Access & Diversity.
Special admission consideration for disability-related reasons
You must demonstrate that you have been unable to meet the competitive admissions academic standard due to disability-related circumstances, such as a lack of accommodations for a particular disability, or a relapse or temporary worsening of a disability. You will still need to demonstrate satisfactory academic performance following recovery. The simple presence of a disability does not qualify you for special admission consideration. See the application form and submit no later than the application deadline of your program. You may contact Access & Diversity for more information.
Some programs and faculties at UBC have special processes set up to admit students whose circumstances differ from the general undergraduate admissions process. You should inquire directly with your program or faculty about these special procedures.
If you require academic accommodations in the process, please contact Access & Diversity.
Admissions Special Consideration (470KB PDF)
Registering with Access & Diversity
Once you have been admitted to UBC, contact Access & Diversity to make an appointment with a Diversity Advisor – Disability. Bring your medical documentation, in keeping with Access & Diversity's guidelines, to your first meeting.
Diversity Advisors – Disability:
- Evaluate medical documentation
- Determine and implement appropriate academic accommodations
- Assist students to access funding for disability-related expenses, equipment, and assessment
- Provide information about other disability-related services and supports
Determination and implementation of appropriate academic accommodations is always done according to UBC's Policy 73 and current privacy legislation.
If you will be requesting our services – such as the provision of course materials in alternate format, interpreting or captioning, or specialized equipment – or have complex needs, you should make an appointment as soon as you are admitted (no less than two to three months before the start of the school term).
Requests for other services and supports should be made prior to or within the first two weeks of courses. Please note that appointment slots are filled quickly, so book early.
Appointments are made through the Access & Diversity front desk. In-person appointments are preferable, but if you are not on campus, you may arrange to have a phone-in appointment. You will be responsible for calling our office.
Parents and other family members are welcomed to accompany you to meetings with a Diversity Advisor – Disability at your request. However, due to privacy legislation, advisors are not permitted to discuss your application or accommodations with a parent without your written permission.
Visit the Support for students website for more information.
