Registration: Graduate Student How To

Graduate students register by submitting a registration form.

Find current course offerings here.

For Frequently Asked Questions 

Note: In your myUNBC Student Portal account, you may see a registration hold. This is because online registration for graduate students is not yet available and graduate students register by submitting a form.

About Graduate Registration

As a graduate student, it’s important to know your program requirements and make sure your registration is accurate and complete. 

Be sure to register for courses that fit your program and plan with your supervisor or Program Chair/Coordinator. Submit your registration to the Registrar’s Office at least two weeks before your semester begins.

Registering before the start of the semester is important. Registering gives you access to important resources:  

  • You’ll need to be registered to receive a confirmation of enrolment (for 3rd party sponsorship, loans, or immigration requirements).
  • Medical coverage is tied to registration status.
  • Applications like Moodle (some instructors use this in the classroom).
  • Awards or bursaries (the release of funds only happens after registration).
  • Your student card, which you will need for your uPass for transportation, access to the library and Northern Sports Centre access.

Conditionally Admitted Students

Students who have been admitted conditionally may not be able to register until outstanding documentation is received. The deadlines are:

  • August 15 for a September start
  • December 1 for a January start
  • April 15 for a May start

Continuous Registration Requirement

All graduate students must stay registered throughout their program, unless they’re on an approved leave of absence or in a course-based program with no Spring courses.

Course—based students include: 

  • These are course-work only or end with a 3-credit capstone (like a major research paper, comprehensive exam, portfolio or practicum).
  • If you're finishing your capstone in Spring (May), you must register.
  • Not sure? Check with your program or email grad-office@unbc.ca.

Thesis, Project or Dissertation

  • You must register every semester unless you're on leave.
  • Not taking courses? Register in your thesis/project/dissertation.
  • Taking fewer than 6 credits? Still register in your capstone.

Apply for a leave of absence if you require a break in your studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have a hold on my account?

Online registration for graduate students is not yet available and graduate students register by submitting a form. As a result, you’ll see this hold on your record. 

Newly admitted students may also have a hold, and your dashboard will tell you what is outstanding. Most often, this will be because you need to provide missing documentation (such as final proof of degree, a criminal record check, or proof of a course completion). You can reach out to graduate-admissions@unbc.ca if you have questions for this. 

How do I register?

Graduate students register by submitting a registration form. You’ll need to know the CRN for the course you add to your PDF form, and that changes each semester. You can find the CRN in the Course Catalogue.

How do I know what I should register in?

  • Work with your supervisor or program chair to choose your courses.
  • Submit your registration at least 2 weeks before classes start.
  • Use the course schedule, program approval form and graduate calendar to plan —most programs require the program approval form by the end of your first semester.
  • Keep your program approval form up to date—it’s used to confirm you’ve met your degree requirements. If you miss submitting this form, don’t follow the approved plan for course selection, or don’t update it, your graduation may be impacted.
  • For students who are finishing their program by completing a thesis, project, or dissertation and taking fewer than 6 credits in any semester, you should also register in your thesis, project, or dissertation course.
  • Some programs don’t need a program approval form, but you still need to register on time. Check the calendar for your degree requirements, and the course schedule for available courses.
  • Questions? Reach out to grad-office@unbc.ca.

I will be entering my first semester of study and have not completed a program of study. How do I know what to register in?

  • If you have a supervisor, reach out to them for help choosing courses and completing your program approval form.
  • In course-based programs, your Program Chair or Coordinator can help.
  • Remember to register in the right number of minimum credits. A full-time student will need to ensure they are enrolled in at least 6 credits.

I don’t have a copy of my program approval form. How can I obtain one?

Always save a copy of any forms you submit to the Office of Graduate Administration. Once your form is approved by the Dean, you’ll get a confirmation email—this is your proof that it’s been processed. Please check your email before reaching out.

Can’t find your form or confirmation? No problem—just email grad-office@unbc.ca.

Some programs don’t need a program approval form if you’re following the calendar exactly. But if you’re adding or swapping courses, you’ll need to submit a Program Approval Revision Form. Unapproved changes could affect your graduation.

What is the deadline to submit registration?

The registration form should ideally be submitted to registration@unbc.ca at least two weeks prior to the first day of classes Registration can be revised without academic or financial penalty up until the add/drop – find that date online here. There is a second withdrawal deadline later in the semester. You can chose to leave a class up until this date, but you will not receive a refund of your tuition and fees. 

How can I review my academic record?

Unofficial transcripts may be viewed and printed through myUNBC Student Account. To view your unofficial transcript:

  • Log into your myUNBC Student Account.
  • Select Student Records -  Unofficial Transcript.
  • You can save this as a PDF or print this page from your browser. 

Where can I find a list of the courses offered for my program semester?

Find current course offerings here [LINK: https://selfservice.unbc.ca/StudentRegistrationSsb/ssb/term/termSelecti…].

Use your Program Approval Form as your guide for course selection.

How do I register in a directed reading, directed study or independent study course?

Complete the Independent Study registration form. 

Remember to ensure this course is listed on your Program Approval form!

How do I drop a course?

Provided you are seeking to revise registration before the add/drop deadline, you can do so via the registration form. If you are attempting to revise your registration after the add/drop deadline, please reach out to grad-office@unbc.ca for guidance.

There are two deadlines for revising registration. The first, called the add/drop date, allows you to revise registration with a refund of tuition. This removes the course from your transcript. The second date is to permit withdrawal. No refund of fees is given and the course will remain on your transcript with a W in place of the grade. You can find these dates here.

If you are looking to withdraw from a course, which is different than dropping a course, please contact grad-office@unbc.ca for assistance. 

What are my tuition and fees

Tuition fee structures vary by program, and some programs have program-specific or credit-based fees. Find details here: Graduate program tuition and fees.

What are Tuition Instalments?

If you are enrolled in a graduate program with instalment-based tuition, this information will help you understand how fees work. It is important to understand the difference between regular tuition instalments and continuing registration fees. You can also find information about how tuition works if you are completing your degree early.

Graduate Registration Forms