Gap Year & Deferral Process

The Deferral Process

First, students need to ACCEPT THEIR OFFER OF ADMISSION BY THE DEADLINE in order to begin the process of deferring an offer.

To take a gap year will mean either deferring enrollment (after having received and accepted an admission offer) or applying again next year to the student's institution of choice. Instructions for how to defer enrollment are listed on the institutions’ websites -- for example, see UVic or UBC's specific policies.

Typically, students will need to apply to defer their enrollment. Deferrals are granted on a case-by-case basis, and are by no means guaranteed.

In virtually all cases, a deferral of enrollment will only be valid for one calendar year. After that, a student loses the spot and will have to reapply. As well, with deferrals, universities typically restrict students from taking any post-secondary courses at another institution in the 'gap' year. Check the university's websites for specific policies.