School programs · Vancouver School Board and BC Ministry of Education, hosted at UBC

Transition Program for Gifted Students at UBC

An early university entrance program for highly gifted students aged 12–15. Admissions are paused, and no intake has been announced for 2026–27.

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Grades
Grades 7–9
Format
Application and assessment, when admissions are open.
Cost
Not applicable while admissions are paused.
Official site
transitionprogramforgiftedstudents.ca

Key dates

  • Not confirmed yetNext intakePaused. No 2026–27 intake announced.

What it is

A provincial program that prepares up to 20 highly gifted students a year for early entrance to UBC. Students normally enter at age 12 (finishing Grade 7) up to 15 (finishing Grade 9).

Graduates are admitted to UBC on the recommendation of the program principal and with the agreement of the faculty dean.

Admissions were paused in 2024 over student well-being concerns. The program says the pause continues for 2025/26, and the Ministry is reviewing how gifted students are supported. No newer update has been published.

A good fit if: Exceptionally advanced students aged 12–15, if admissions reopen.

How to register

  1. Admissions are currently paused. Check the program website for updates.
  2. Questions can go to prpadmin@gov.bc.ca.

How to prepare

  • If your child is highly advanced, look at MACC, mini schools and enrichment contests in the meantime.

For grade-by-grade options see Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9.

Common questions

Is the UBC Transition Program accepting applications?

No. Admissions were paused in 2024 and the program says the pause continues for 2025/26. No intake has been announced for 2026–27 yet.

What age do students enter the Transition Program?

Normally at least 12 in the year of entry (finishing Grade 7), up to 15 (finishing Grade 9).

Sources

Last checked October 2, 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm with the organizer.