UBC Calendar: Residency Requirements and Duration of Program
Please read the full Senate policy in the Calendar.
University regulations establish a five-year time limit for the completion of a master’s program and a six-year time limit for the completion of a doctoral program. The time that the student is on approved leave does not count in the determination of the time limit.
Extenuating circumstances not of the student’s making may justify allowing the student additional time to complete his or her degree program. A request for a one year’s extension will be received favorably if it is fully justified and supported by the student's Graduate Advisor.
A second year’s extension requires a compelling rationale from the graduate program and an explanation of the special circumstances that would justify an exception. All extension requests from the graduate program must include a timeline showing how the program will be completed in the period requested.
Extensions must correspond with the beginning and end of term.
Increased tuition fees are assessed for students on extension.