4.2 Planning your degree
Planning Your Degree
It’s important that you understand the different components that make up your degree.
The academic calendar is your go-to resource for understanding your degree requirements and deadlines.
Your program coordinator and supervisor, as well as graduate program assistants, are helpful when it comes to planning your degree and ensuring you are meeting all of the necessary milestones and requirements.
Full-Time/Part-Time Status
Tuition for graduate students is assessed on an installment basis rather than a per-credit basis (typical with undergraduate degrees). Full-time status for graduate students is thus determined by the fee payment schedule rather than the course load. All graduate students are automatically registered as full-time students and pay as full-time students on “Schedule A”.
To be considered part-time, students must choose to pay on the “Schedule B” fee payment schedule. Only students who are planning to complete their degree on a part-time basis are permitted to choose Schedule B. PhD students cannot be “Schedule B” and not all master’s programs allow “Schedule B.”
Students who are planning on taking a master’s degree on a part-time basis must obtain approval of their graduate program coordinator and the College 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. If you are interested in part-time studies, we advise that you schedule a meeting with your program coordinator to discuss. Candidates who select Schedule B are ineligible to receive University scholarships or fellowships, governmental loans, or interest-free status.
Review the Tuition Schedule B form for more information.
Transfer Credits
For full details about transfer credit from another post-secondary institution, refer to the Academic Calendar. Transfer credits are generally not applicable for PhD students.
Indigenous Student Advisors
UBC Okanagan has a designated Indigenous Graduate Student Advisor to provide advising from the time of application and throughout your academic journey.
The Indigenous Graduate Student Advisor can help you navigate your academic journey through a holistic approach: academic, cultural, social, and physical. They can also provide information about Third Party Sponsorship and admissions pathways.