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Home > Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQ's
This FAQ provides answers to commonly asked questions about the UBC Continuing
Studies Computer and Technology certificate programs. For in-depth information
about individual programs, please review the appropriate web site. You can also
download the Program Handbook for detailed information relating to your program.
How much do the programs cost?
Each UBC certificate program varies in price. Prices range from $5,000 CAD
to $16,500 CAD. Fees include all applicable taxes as well as course materials
and books unless it is stated otherwise in the fee description.
Are discounts available for corporations or groups?
Yes, we offer discounts to groups of three or more employees interested in the same course. Please see here for more details.
Can I obtain a student loan to pay for a program?
Student loans are limited to students enrolling in and attending a recognized full-time post-secondary level program leading to a formal credential.
Such programs cannot exceed 52 weeks in length or contain any break period longer
than two consecutive weeks.
All full-time UBC Computers & Technology certificate programs are eligible
for student loan funding. For information on these programs, view:
Part-time programs, due to their duration and course load, are not eligible
for student loans.
What payment options do I have to pay for a course?
UBC Continuing Studies accepts cash, personal and certified cheques (made out
to "UBC Continuing Studies), MasterCard, Visa and debit card.
How long do the programs take?
The part-time programs extend over approximately one to two years. Intensive
and "full time" programs vary from 13 weeks to 10 months.
Must I have Internet access to take the programs?
Yes, you must have access to the Internet to participate in the programs. The
faster your Internet connection the better. Cable and ADSL modems are recommended;
56 KB modems are satisfactory (28 KB and 33 KB modems may or may not be satisfactory).
What kind of computer do I need?
A Pentium PC or high-end Mac.
What software do I need?
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or better is recommended. Netscape Navigator
4.6 or better is satisfactory. You also need an email application or web-based
email, like Hotmail. In addition, you must have Microsoft Office (Word, Excel
and PowerPoint) or similar applications for completing course work and sharing
information.
How do I apply?
There is an application form found on each certificate web page that you must
complete to apply for the program.
What are the prerequisites to enter the programs?
Each UBC Continuing Studies certificate has specific prerequisites. Review
the certificate web page of the program you are interested in for further details.
An Admissions Committee reviews applications to determine qualifications and
suitability for the programs.
Are participants graded?
Participants are assessed and receive a number grade from 1 to 100 according
to University guidelines on student assessment. Students must achieve a minimum
grade of 60% in all courses to earn a Certificate.
What do I get when I complete the program?
Upon completing the program requirements, participants are awarded a UBC Certificate
in their program signed by the President of the University, and the Associate
Vice President of Continuing Studies.
Does completion of a UBC Certificate qualify for academic credits towards a
Diploma or Degree program?
No, certificate programs are stand-alone programs that cannot be used for credits
towards diploma programs or any other academic faculty.
How can I get more information?
You can get more information at this web site, by calling 604-822-1420 or by contacting Client Services.
Where do I get parking or transit information?
For information regarding parking or transit directions for both the Point
Grey and Robson Square campuses, click here.
When am I required to sign up to a Certificate program?
Full-time program: You must apply to the program prior to the application deadline.
Part-time program: You may apply to the program after completing 40 hours of courses or prior to taking any classes.
Online program: You may apply to the program after completing your first online course or prior to taking any classes.
Click here for a detailed list of the program administration fees and details on the number of hours or courses one may take before applying to the Certificate or Award of Achievement program.
How do I receive grades after completing a course?
Certificate and Award of Achievement students will be provided with a Program Completion Record [PCR] at the end of each term. The PCR will show all courses taken to the end of the term, along with the grades and course hours. Certificate and Award of Achievement students may also request a PCR at any time by contacting Client Services.
Non-certificate and non-award of achievement students may request a Letter of Attendance by completing the form located at http://www.tech.ubc.ca/forms/letter_atten.html.
As a Continuing Studies student am I eligible for a U-Pass?
Continuing Studies students are not eligible for the U-Pass. The U-Pass is provided to credit students who pay student union and other fees associated with the university.
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Frequently Asked Questions About our Online Programs and Courses
Are there any scheduled times to be online?
Your online study and research can happen at any time during the day or night and will be dependent on your own schedule. Learning Centre is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Note that there will be assignments and projects that will have completion dates throughout the program or course. You will have advanced notice of those due dates in the Learning Centre Schedule so you can plan your study accordingly. In some courses there may be an online chat component that requires you be online once or twice during the course, at a specified time.
How will the students and/or tutors communicate online?
Both students and tutors communicate with their students via email, online discussion sessions, online chat and the occasional phone call.
How are students graded during the course or program - are there papers or exams?
Because you receive a grade for the course there will be either assignments, individual projects or exams which are graded by the online tutor. Please check the course or program descriptions in our course catalog or program handbook for more specific details.
When can I start my online course?
Each online course has a specific start and end date. On the start day of your online course you will be sent an email [prior to 4:00 pm PST] providing you with the URL of our online Learning Centre, as well as, a login and password. If you haven't received your access information by 4pm PST the day your online course is supposed to begin, please contact Client Services or by phone at 604-822-1420.
What is the Learning Centre?
The Online Learning Management System is our online resource for supporting your learning efforts by providing orientation, schedules, grades, instructor contact information, resources, and curriculum overview pages.
How many hours per week will I need to set aside for coursework?
You should have approximately 10 hours per course, per week set aside for reading, assignments and discussions.
Does paying my $175 Administration Fee (only for certificate programs) automatically register me into the courses for my program?
No, you must also register for the course(s) you wish to take.
Is there any price difference for foreign students?
No, all students pay the same tuition fee.
Besides the course/program tuition fees, are there any other costs that we should know of?
If you choose a part-time program that is a series of courses (such as our Certificate in Business Analysis), you pay for each course separately and there is a $175 CDN administrative fee in order to be enrolled as a certificate student. There may be books included for a course or program, but they are included in the tuition fee unless it is stated otherwise in the fee description.
How do I online register for my courses?
Complete details on how to online register may be found on our Registration Procedures page.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT visas and study/work permits
Will I need a Visa to enter Canada?
Will I need a Study/Work Permit to study at UBC Continuing Studies?
How do I get a Study/Work Permit?
How long does it take to get a Study/Work Permit?
Do I get a refund if my Study/Work Permit application is refused?
What if I don't get my Study/Work Permt in time for the program for which I've applied?
What if I want to visit the United States while I am studying in Canada?
Will I need a Visa to enter Canada?
You may need a Visa to enter Canada depending on your country of citizenship. Click here for more information.
Will I need a Study/Work Permit to study at UBC Continuing Studies?
Yes, by participating in a program that includes an internship component (e.g. Multimedia Studies, Entertainment Administration), you are REQUIRED to obtain a Study and Work Permit from the Canadian Embassy in your home country. For additional information, click here.
How do I get a Study/Work Permit?
You will need to apply through the Canadian Embassy in your home country. Click here to find the Embassy located nearest to you.
How long does it take to get a Study/Work Permit?
The time needed to process an application various by visa office therefore you are encouraged to apply for your stuy/work permit as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance to avoid processing delays.
Do I get a refund if my Study/Work Permit application is refused?
Yes, if you are refused a study permit for the internship programs, you are eligible for a refund of most of your fees. You will need to inform UBC Continuing Studies and provide supporting documentation when requesting a refund.
What if I don't get my Study/Work Permit in time for the program for which I've applied?
If you are denied a permit, it may not be possible to study in Canada. Please notify Client Services as soon as possible to see what options may be available to you.
What if I want to visit the United States while I am studying in Canada?
You will need to have an entrance visa for the United States before before leaving your home country.
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