All Majors, all Combined Majors, and a few second-year declarable Honours and Combined Honours specializations can be applied to via this application. Students eligible to apply are notified by e-mail in advance of the opening of the application.
How does the process work?
Students are placed into their first-choice specialization (so long as they meet pre-requisites) ordered by average, as long as there's still room in that specialization. Applicants are ranked by their most recent winter session average or admission average (for transfer students). For the student with the highest grade, we start by reviewing their first choice. If they meet the admission requirements, they will be placed in their top choice that still has space in it. When a student’s application meets admission requirements but there isn’t space in their first choice, we move to their second choice and do the same evaluation. If there isn’t room in their second choice, we review their third choice.
We’re able to place the vast majority of students into one of their three choices--especially when you select specializations that align with your grades and completed coursework (admission requirements).
When will I know the outcome of my application?
Roughly two weeks after the application has closed you’ll receive an email at the address you’ve listed on the Student Service Centre. It will direct you to log into SSC to learn which specialization you’ve been placed in.
Can I change my application after I’ve submitted it?
No. Ensure you’re confident in your choices and have done the recommended research to inform your decisions before you submit your application.
What happens if I don’t apply for a specialization?
If you have second-year standing and don’t have a specialization, you will not be able to register for courses. If you’ve missed the application deadline, email yr2application@science.ubc.ca with your name and student number to inquire about next steps.
Step 2 - Make Sure You're EligibleMore FAQs
General | Transfers | Science Co-opCan I complete the requirements for my chosen specializations over the summer?
No. The listed specialization application requirements must be completed before you apply.
Can I register for courses without a specialization?
No. Once you’ve been promoted to second year standing, you must have a specialization in order to register for courses.
What if I’m not placed in one of my three choices?
This is typically avoidable—ensure you apply to three choices and have done your research to confirm your choices are reasonable for your completed coursework and sessional average. If you’re not placed in one of your three choices, we’ll reach out via email regarding next steps. It’s important that you check your email and respond quickly—the next steps are on a first-come, first-served basis.
What if the exact program specialization I want isn’t listed?
Some specializations, like some Honours, only allow entry in third year and therefore aren’t part of this application. See our full list of specializations and cross-reference with the current Academic Calendar to ensure they’re currently offered. For now, apply to a major related to the specialization you’re interested in (e.g. major in the subject if you’re interested in honours in that subject) as part of the UBC Science Second Year Application. You must complete this step in order to register for courses in second year. Check the website of the relevant department to learn more about requirements and timelines for getting into your intended specialization.
What if the combined major I want isn’t listed?
Some combined majors and honours only allow entry in third year and therefore aren’t part of this application. Examples include the Combined Major in Mathematics and Economics and many small combined honours specializations, such as Combined Honours in Mathematics and Statistics. See the full list of specializations in the BSc degree.
For now, apply to at least one of the two majors you’re interested in. At the end of second year, you can apply to the combined major or combined honours. Check the websites of both relevant departments for more information—sometimes you need to apply to both departments to be considered for the specialization in third year.