UBC Calendar: Residency Requirements and Duration of Program
Please read the full UBC 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 full-time doctoral program or eight years for a part-time 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 favourably 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. After a second year of extension, additional extensions are typically reviewed term by term to help ensure steady progress and regular check-ins between the graduate student and supervisor. This approach helps confirm that the graduate student remains on track and receives timely support if new challenges arise.
Each request must include a completed Request for Extension form, a memo from the Supervisor or Graduate Advisor explaining the reason for the request, the most recent Supervisory Committee report, and a clear extension timeline showing how the remaining work will be completed within the requested period. Extensions must align with the start and end of an academic term, and students on extension are assessed increased tuition fees.