The following are the eligibility requirements to participate in a Go Global Exchange, Study Abroad, Summer Abroad or Research Abroad program. You must meet all of the following to participate for Go Global programs.
- Go Global requirements
- Faculty requirements
- Partner University requirements
Please read through them carefully, and don't hesitate to connect with a Go Global advisor if you have any questions or concerns.
Go Global eligibility requirements
- You must have at least a 70% average in your most recent academic term
- You need to be a UBC student in good academic standing
- You must be a full-time student in the year before your Go Global experience
- All undergraduate students except for students in Arts must have third or fourth year standing during the exchange or study abroad program
- Students may participate in one full-year or two single-term (winter session) exchange experiences during their degree
How your grades will be evaluated
Go Global will review your Winter Term 1 (September – December) grades if you’re applying for:
- The main exchange deadline in December
- Summer study at a partner institution (deadlines are usually in early December or late January)
Go Global will be reviewing your Winter Term 2 (January – April) grades if you’re applying for the Round 2 Exchange deadline in May.
To discuss possible appeals or exceptions to the UBC requirements outlined above, please connect with a Go Global advisor.
If you require academic or other accommodations abroad, please speak to your regional Exchange advisor six weeks before applying.
Taking your final term abroad before graduating
Students can not graduate before all transfer credit is processed and degree requirements are complete. Students should return to UBC for at least one term after your Go Global program before graduation in order to allow for the transfer credit process to be complete.
For example, due to normal transfer credit processing times, it is not possible to graduate in May if you finish your degree requirements while abroad in Term 2.
Requirements for taking your final term abroad
Going on exchange or study abroad for your final term requires approval from Go Global and your faculty advisor.
- Meet with a Go Global advisor. In this meeting you will discuss the program, transfer credit timelines, and possible risks or consequences with your plan.
- Meet with your faculty advisor to discuss your degree requirements and eligibility for graduation. It is also recommended to meet with your program or departmental advisor.
As transfer credit equivalencies are not always determined before your exchange or study program ends, there is also a risk that your transfer credits may not meet your remaining degree requirements, and you may need to return to UBC for additional courses.
Faculty requirements
Partner University requirements
Individual partner schools may have different requirements than those listed above. These could include language level assessments, cumulative average requirements, or a particular year level standing.
See the Go Global Partner University pages and use the search tool or check the Summer Abroad pages to ensure you meet the correct eligibility requirements.
These criteria are not eligible for appeal.
If you require academic or other accommodations, connect with a Go Global Advisor six weeks before applying.
Tips and tools: Applying for exchange, research, and study abroad
- Check to see if you’re eligible to go.
- Plan your finances by creating a budget.
- Visit the Resource Library to browse a collection of international student handbooks, course catalogues, and departmental overviews.
- See what courses at your host university can count towards UBC course credits in the "Courses + Transfer credits" section of the individual partner pages.
- Talk to your faculty advisor about your degree requirements.
- Use the study plan tool (pdf) to map out the courses you need for graduation and how exchange and study abroad fits into that.
If you have questions
Contact the Go Global Inbound Exchange Team at go.global@ubc.ca or call 604 822 0942 for email inquiries or drop-in advising.
Please include the following in your email:
- Your student number in the subject line
- Your full name in the body of the email
- Whether you're an incoming or outgoing exchange student in the body of the email