Admissions & Transfer

Undergraduate Deferral

We understand that plans sometimes change. This is why we have instituted a general undergraduate deferral policy that applies to all incoming undergraduate students. This policy will take effect starting with Fall 2024 applicants.

Who can request a deferral?

  • Incoming students not currently studying at ULethbridge (both domestic and international).
  • Students admitted to non-competitive programs.
  • Deferral requests for students admitted to competitive programs may be reviewed in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the program’s Dean.

How long can the deferral be for?

  • Deferrals can be granted for up to one full year; the length of deferral must be included in your request.
    • I.e., fall to winter, fall to fall, winter to fall, winter to winter (depending on initial application term).
  • What if you are ready to start your studies earlier than deferred?

What if my program is only offered in fall?

  • If your program is only offered in the fall, you will not be able to defer your admission to winter.
  • If you want to start at ULethbridge in the winter, please contact Admissions. They will help you complete a program change to an eligible program for winter prior to requesting your deferral. You will be able to change your program back as a continuing student in the fall term. Competitive program admission will require reconsideration prior to re-admission.
  • Fall only programs include:
    • Competitive Admission Programs:
      • Bachelor of Education (After Degree, Combined Degrees, and Early Years Education)
      • Bachelor of Health Sciences/Bachelor of Arts (Addictions and Mental Health Counselling/Psychology)
      • Bachelor of Music (Music)
      • Bachelor of Nursing and Nursing After Degree
      • Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation
    • Faculty of Arts & Science:
      • Bachelor of Science (PD Computer Science [Calgary campus])
      • Pre-Professional Transfer Program in Engineering
      • Undergraduate Certificate in Indigenous Student Success
    • Faculty of Fine Arts
      • Bachelor of Music (Digital Audio Arts)
      • Bachelor of Fine Arts (all Majors except Multidisciplinary)
    • Faculty of Health Sciences:
      • Bachelor of Health Sciences (all Majors except Post-Diploma and After Degree Public Health [Calgary campus])

Are there any conditions?

  • To qualify for a deferral, you must first accept your ULethbridge offer of admission and pay your non-refundable tuition deposit.
  • Only one deferral will be granted per application. Your tuition deposit will be rolled forwards to your deferred term.
  • Proof of admission requirement completion must be received by the appropriate deferral request deadline. If this requirement is not satisfied, your deferral may be cancelled.
  • You cannot attend a post-secondary institution in Canada during your deferral.
  • If you attend a post-secondary institution outside of Canada during your deferral, you must inform Admissions in writing and submit transcripts by your deferred term’s deadlines.
  • Failure to disclose attendance at another post-secondary institution could result in your application being cancelled or the denial of transfer credit.

What are the deadlines?

  • Fall (September) applicants must request a deferral by August 15.
  • Winter (January) applicants must request a deferral by December 1.
  • Deferral requests made after these dates will be denied.

How do I request a deferral?

  • Please complete the deferral application here You will be required to login using your ULethbridge credentials.
  • A non-refundable $50 deferral fee must be completed to submit your deferral application. The portal accepts Visa, Visa Debit, Mastercard, and Mastercard Debit.
  • If you have any questions, please contact Admissions prior to submitting your deferral application.