Credit Limits & Increases

As an Arts student, you are eligible to take up to 30 credits over the winter session (32 credits for first-year students) and 14 credits in the summer session (summer credits are not required).


Credit limits and increases

SessionStandard Credit LimitCredit Increase (Maximum)
Winter Session: Terms 1 & 2 (Sep-Apr)Term 1 (Sep-Dec): 15 credits

Term 2 (Jan-Apr): 15 credits

Total (Sep-Apr): 30 credits (32 credits for first-year students)
Term 1 (Sep-Dec): 3 extra credits

Term 2 (Jan-Apr): 3 extra credits

Total (Sep-Apr): 36 credits
Summer Session: Terms 1 & 2 (May-Aug)
Total (May-Aug): 14 creditsTerm 1 & 2 (May-Aug): 3 extra credits

Total (May-Aug): 17 credits

Requesting a credit increase

Balancing a full course load is challenging, so a credit increase is not usually recommended, particularly if you work or have other responsibilities. If you choose to take a credit increase, you are not eligible for academic concession for issues related to the increased workload.

Credit increase eligibility requirements

  • Credit increases are only permitted after general course registration closes and all students have had a chance to register
  • Credit increases are not granted to accommodate waitlists
  • In order to accommodate labs, first-year students can register in up to 32 credits without a credit limit increase

After completing one winter session term:

If you achieved an average of 70% or higher in a minimum of 15 credits with no fails in your first term, you may apply for a credit limit increase of three credits in your second term.

After completing the full winter session (two terms): 

If you complete at least 24 credits and achieve a sessional average of at least 70% with no fails in the winter session, you may apply for a credit limit increase of three credits for the subsequent winter session.

If you achieved an average of 80% or higher in a minimum of 24 credits with no fails, you may apply for a credit increase of up to six credits for the subsequent winter session. No more than six courses are permitted per term.

If you completed at least 24 credits and achieved a sessional average of at least 70% with no fails in the previous winter session, you may apply for a credit limit increase of three credits for the subsequent winter session.

If you completed at least 24 credits and achieved a sessional average of at least 80% with no fails in the previous winter session, you may apply for a credit limit increase of six credits for the subsequent winter session. No more than six courses are permitted per term.


Credit/D/Fail courses

Explore subjects outside of your program by taking a Credit/D/Fail elective course during your undergraduate degree.

Avoid Credit/D/Fail grading if:

  • You are a first-year student
  • Courses are part of a BFA program
  • Courses are part of a professional accreditation or professional program

You cannot apply Credit/D/Fail grading towards your program and degree requirements, including the outside requirement.

Exceptional application of Credit/D/Fail standing

If you used Credit/D/Fail grading for a course that ended in April 2020, it can be used towards program and degree requirements.


Restricted courses

Many courses have restricted seats (reserved) and general seats (open to anyone). Some seats in courses may be reserved for students in particular programs or year levels.


Enrolling in graduate courses

If you’d like to register in a graduate-level course as an undergraduate student, you must have completed at least 75% (normally equivalent to 36 credits) of the 300- and 400-level courses required for your bachelor degree, and have a minimum overall average of 76% (B+) in your completed 300- and 400-level courses. Also, you must have completed any necessary course prerequisites.

Submit the Enrolment of Undergraduate Students in Graduate Courses form with permission from the course instructor, UBC Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, and Arts Academic Advising.

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