The University Transition Program

The University Transition Program, often called the Transition Program, is an early college entrance program funded by the Vancouver School Board, the University of British Columbia and the BC Ministry of Education that is based in the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Each year, the program accepts 20 new students between the ages 12 and 15, half of which are from outside the Vancouver School District. This is out of approximately 200 applicants; rigorous testing must be performed to select acceptable candidates. Over the course of two years, students aim to complete the required high school curriculum along with some university level coursework. When they graduate from the program, the students usually are accepted into UBC earlier than they would if they had graduated from a regular high school (aged 14–16 instead of 17–18). The program was first established in 1993 by the Vancouver School Board, British Columbia Ministry of Education and the University of British Columbia. Students of the program have access to most UBC facilities and possess UBC undergraduate student cards. The program held its 20th anniversary on May 15-17, 2015.