Full-Time Classification

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Students classified as full-time are expected to engage in their studies on a full-time basis. Master's students are normally considered full-time and are assessed tuition fees according to Schedule A. Full-time students are eligible for graduate scholarships and fellowships. Normally, teaching assistantships (TAs) and research assistantships (RAs) are limited to full-time students.

Graduate programs may articulate specific limitations regarding concurrent paid employment as consistent with the definition of full-time study. Recipients of Teaching Assistantships (TAs) must adhere to the TA union's regulations governing number of hours worked while holding a Teaching Assistantship.

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A full-time student is one paying full-time tuition fees (schedule A of the tuition fee schedule). See the Fees section of the UBC Calendar for details. Graduate Programs may articulate specific limitations regarding concurrent paid employment as consistent with participation in full-time study. Students holding Teaching Assistantships must adhere to TA contract rules regarding hours of employment.

Part-Time Classification

In some programs, master’s students have the option of pursuing the degree through part-time study. The expected academic workload of students classified as part-time is determined by the graduate program.

Students who wish to be classified as part-time must obtain approval from their graduate program advisor and the Faculty of Graduate Studies prior to the beginning of the first term of the program (i.e., prior to the commencement of the degree program) in which fees are first assessed. Students classified as part-time are assessed tuition fees according to Schedule B.

Students who are on Schedule B and who are classified as part-time are advised that:

• they are not eligible to receive interest-free status government loans, University fellowships or scholarships,
• they are not eligible for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, student housing, or assigned desk space at the University, and
• the five-year maximum time allowed for the master’s program also applies to part-time students.

Students who pay tuition fees according to Schedule B are not permitted to revert back to Schedule A after the initial payment of the tuition fees in the first term of the program.

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All master’s students are automatically assessed tuition fees according to Schedule A unless formally approved to be assessed according to Schedule B.
Master’s students are considered full-time when assessed tuition fees according to Schedule A.

Part-time master’s students may be assessed tuition fees according to Schedule B.

Students who are planning on taking a master’s degree on a part-time basis must obtain approval of their Graduate Program Advisor and the Faculty of Graduate Studies prior to the beginning of the first term of the program (i.e. prior to the commencement of the degree program) in which fees are first assessed.

Students permitted to pay their tuition fees according to Schedule B are advised that:

1. they are not eligible to receive interest-free status government loans, and University fellowships or scholarships
2. are not eligible for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, student housing, or assigned desk space at the University
3. the 5-year maximum time allowed for the program applies to part-time students

Students who pay tuition fees according to Schedule B are not permitted to revert back to Schedule A after the initial payment of the tuition fees in the first term of the program.

Tuition fees paid according to Schedule B are payable in three (3) installments per year (plus authorized student fees). No master’s student who selects Schedule B will pay total fees of less than the first nine (9) installments (plus authorized student fees). Upon program completion, any installments not already assessed will be assessed at that time.

For detailed information regarding specific program fees, please refer to the Fees section of the UBC Calendar.