Admission Processes

Please note: there is no direct admission into the Computer Science program, but rather, you need to apply to enter one of the three faculties that offer Computer Science specializations: Science, Arts, or Commerce. Upon the acceptance into one of these three faculties, you can then apply for Computer Science after that. We have different application procedures in place based on your current status at UBC.

Criteria will be based on your status at the end of the term prior to that in which your application is submitted. These conditions may be waived in exceptional circumstances, for example, when a student has switched faculties part way through their program of study. If that is you, you must meet with a department advisor to discuss your situation at least 4 weeks prior to the deadline for applications.

Faculty of Science Coordinated Admissions Process


Do you fall into one of the following categories?

  • First-year standing in the Faculty of Science and eligible for promotion to 2nd year in May
  • Admitted into the Faculty of Science as a transfer student (including students transferring from other UBC Faculties and other post-secondary institutions) and expect to have 2nd year standing or higher in the Faculty of Science 
  • Accepted into a BSc second degree program

If so, you must apply for admission to a CS Specialization using the Faculty of Science Coordinated Admissions Process.  

Department of Computer Science Admissions Process


Do you fall into one of the following categories?

  • Have second year standing, or higher, in the Faculty of Science and are not already enrolled in a CS specialization (i.e., you currently have another Science specialization)
  • Are enrolled in the Faculty of Arts
  • Are already enrolled in the Major or Honours specializations in CS and wish to add the Software Engineering option, or transfer to the Major in Cognitive Systems (Computational Intelligence & Design) or to the Major in Mathematical Sciences
  • Would like to add a Minor in CS

If so, you must apply for admission to a CS specialization using the Computer Science Admissions Process. 

Students transferring from the Faculty of Arts to the Faculty of Science

If you are a BA student applying to transfer to a BSc and you wish to be considered for both the BA specialization in CS as well as a BSc specialization in CS, you must apply through BOTH the Faculty of Science admission process AND the Computer Science admission process. If your application for admission to the BSc program is successful, your application to Computer Science will be handled through the Faculty of Science Coordinated Admissions Process. If you're not admitted into the BSc, your application will be considered by the CS department as a BA student.

 

If your application is unsuccessful, you can try again the following year. In the meantime, you can still try to take CS courses; but, be sure to continue making academic progress in your current major. Consult the UBC Calendar for details about promotion requirements for your major and faculty.