UBC Exam Deferral: Medical Documentation Guide (2026)
The University of British Columbia (UBC) — with campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna (Okanagan) — has updated its exam deferral policies significantly. With 70,000+ students, understanding these requirements is essential.
UBC's Self-Declaration Policy
UBC has moved toward a self-declaration model for many absences, reducing the need for doctor's notes:
What self-declaration covers:
- Short-term illness (1-3 days)
- Minor medical issues
- Some midterm absences (faculty-dependent)
- Available through the Student Service Centre (SSC)
What self-declaration does NOT cover:
- Final exams (Academic Concession required)
- Extended absences (more than 3-5 days)
- Repeated absences in the same course
- Some faculties with stricter requirements
When You Need a Doctor's Note at UBC
Situations requiring medical documentation:
- Missing a final exam (Academic Concession)
- Extended illness (more than 3-5 consecutive days)
- Multiple absences in the same term
- Requesting a late withdrawal for medical reasons
- Some professional programs (Medicine, Law, Pharmacy)
Academic Concession at UBC
For final exams and significant assessments, you need to apply for Academic Concession through your faculty's advising office:
UBC Vancouver faculties:
- Arts: Arts Academic Advising
- Science: Science Advising
- Engineering: Engineering Student Services
- Commerce (Sauder): Sauder Undergraduate Office
- Applied Science: APSC Student Services
UBC Okanagan:
- All faculties: Student Services (UNC building)
Getting Medical Documentation During Exam Season
During December and April exams, Vancouver's healthcare options are strained:
| Option | Wait Time | Cost | Accepted by UBC? |
|--------|-----------|------|-------------------|
| UBC Student Health | 1-5 day wait | Free (included in fees) | Yes |
| Walk-in clinic (Vancouver) | 3-6 hours | $30-$50 for note | Yes |
| TELUS Health MyCare | 1-4 hours | $20-$40 for note | Yes |
| MedLetter | 2-4 hours (no wait) | $49 | Yes (CPSBC-registered) |
Self-Declaration vs. Medical Documentation
| Feature | Self-Declaration | Medical Documentation |
|---------|-----------------|----------------------|
| Documentation needed | None (online form) | CPSBC-registered physician |
| Duration covered | 1-3 days typically | Any duration |
| Use per term | Limited (varies by faculty) | Unlimited |
| Final exams | No | Yes (Academic Concession) |
| Available on | SSC | Faculty advising office |
| Processing time | Immediate | 1-3 weeks |
Faculty-Specific Notes
Sauder School of Business:
- Stricter documentation requirements than most faculties
- May require medical documentation for midterms
- Contact Sauder UGO for specific policies
Faculty of Medicine:
- Very strict requirements
- Must notify the MD Program immediately
- May require documentation from specific providers
Faculty of Engineering:
- Standard self-declaration for short absences
- Lab components may have separate policies
- Contact your department's undergraduate office
Faculty of Science:
- Generally accepts self-declaration for short absences
- Final exams always require Academic Concession with documentation
Tips for UBC Students
1. Use self-declaration first — if eligible, it is faster and requires no documentation
2. Check your faculty's specific policies — they vary significantly
3. Apply for Academic Concession early — do not wait until grades are posted
4. Keep copies of everything — save digital copies of all submissions
5. Contact your faculty advisor — they can guide you through the process
6. UBC Student Health is free — but book early during exam season
UBC Okanagan Differences
The Okanagan campus has slightly different procedures:
- Smaller campus = shorter wait times at Student Health
- Fewer walk-in clinic options in Kelowna
- Same Academic Concession process through Student Services
- Self-declaration available through SSC (same system)
Key Takeaway
UBC's self-declaration policy covers most short-term absences without needing a doctor's note. For final exams and extended absences, you need medical documentation through the Academic Concession process. During exam season when UBC Student Health is overwhelmed, MedLetter provides same-day documentation from a CPSBC-registered physician that meets UBC's requirements.
Related: [Sick Note Vancouver](/online-sick-note-vancouver) | [Sick Note Surrey](/online-sick-note-surrey) | [Online Sick Note BC](/online-sick-note-bc)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note for a missed exam in BC?
Yes. BC universities accept sick notes from licensed physicians for exam deferrals and academic accommodations.
Will UBC, SFU, or UVic accept an online sick note?
Yes. Major BC universities accept sick notes from any CPSBC-licensed physician, including those providing virtual care.
How quickly do I need a sick note for an exam deferral in BC?
Most BC universities require documentation within 3-5 business days of the missed exam. Online services provide same-day notes.
What if I was sick but did not see a doctor on the exam day?
A physician can still assess your reported symptoms and provide documentation. Get your note as soon as possible after the illness.