Fees & Financial Aid :: International Students
Studying abroad at BCIT opens the door to experiences that are exciting and new, but some things, like figuring out school fees, can be a little confusing. To help you with calculating the cost of studying here, we’ve provided help on this page. The International Student Centre can provide further details if you need them.
Why international tuition fees exist
The International schedule of tuition is higher by a fixed proportion for all programs because it recovers the full costs of instruction, both direct and indirect.
Will your immigration status change soon?
If your immigration status changes on or before the refund deadline of a course (other than courses in the Bridging programs), the differential tuition fee will be refunded.
Tuition for full-time studies
Please note: Each year BC post-secondary institutions may raise tuition by 2 per cent. In April each year, BCIT posts the new rates that take effect on August 1. If you pay your tuition prior to April using the old rates, you are required to pay the difference within 10 business days from the start of your program.
Technology programs and Bridging programs
The fees for Technology programs and Bridging programs include:
- BCIT Student Association activity fee
- BCIT Student Association Health Plan fee
- Learning resource fee
- BCIT ID card fee
- Student Services fee
- Building fee
- Mandatory Clinical or Practicum Fee
- Capital levy fee
Note: Total tuition cost listed in the tuition schedules does not include the U-Pass BC fee. The U-Pass BC fee of $30.00 per month will be charged upon registration and is a mandatory fee.
2012-2013 tuition effective August 1, 2012:
- Full-time Technology and Bridging program fees [PDF]
- High-tech Professional & Digital Arts program fees [PDF]
2011-2012 tuition effective August 1, 2011:
- Full-time Technology and Bridging program fees [PDF]
- High-tech Professional & Digital Arts program fees [PDF]
Degree programs
The fees for degree programs include:
- BCIT Student Association activity fee
- BCIT Student Association Health Plan fee
- Learning resource fee
- BCIT ID card fee
- Student Services fee
- Building fee
- Capital levy fee
2012-2013 tuition fees effective August 1, 2012:
2011-2012 tuition fees effective August 1, 2011:
Trades & Technical Studies programs
The fees for Trades & Technical Studies programs include:
- BCIT Student Association activity fee
- BCIT Student Association Health Plan fee
- Learning resource fee
- BCIT ID card fee
- Student Services fee
- Building fee
- Tool deposit, lab, or flying fee
- Capital levy fee
- Coverall fee
2012-2013 tuition effective August 1, 2012:
2011-2012 tuition effective August 1, 2011:
Tuition for part-time studies courses
Course fees are at the top of the search results from the Programs and Courses page:
Standard Part-time Studies courses for International students carry 2.2 times the fee.
Distance & Online Learning courses carry 1.25 times the fee.
As a student in part-time studies, you are required to pay service fees (building, student activity, registration and BCIT ID card). You can search for the cost of course materials and textbooks by accessing the BCIT Bookstore online.
Refunds for full-time tuition
Note: If you’re a student in a Trades and Technical Studies programs and you want to withdraw voluntarily from your program, begin the process by first reporting to your classroom instructor. If you’ve been asked to withdraw from a course/program for reasons of discipline or unsatisfactory progress, you may forfeit any right to a refund under this section.
| Program type | Commitment fee | Processing fee deducted from refund | Deadline for refund eligible (latest acceptable withdrawal date*) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trades programs lasting 20 weeks or less | non-refundable | $1000 | 10 business days after the start of class |
| Levels within a trades program lasting 20 weeks or less | non-refundable | $1000 | 10 business days after the start of class |
| Trades programs lasting 21 weeks or more | non-refundable | $1000 | 10 business days after the start of class |
| Levels within a trades program lasting 21 weeks or more | non-refundable | $1000 | 10 business days after the start of class |
| Airline and flight operations | non-refundable | $1000 | 20 business days after the start of class |
| Technology program fees: all full and part time day students | n/a | $1000 | Withdrawal no later than 10 business days after the start of classes |
| High Tech Professional Program | |
|
Refer to the specific program web page for all refund details for High Tech programs |
If you withdraw for any reason, the $150 application fee is non-refundable but tuition refunds are possible.
Study Permit Denied
If you are denied a Study Permit by Canadian authorities, you will be refunded 100 per cent of your tuition (less the application fee) if you complete the paperwork no later than 30 calendar days after the initial term start. BCIT requires:
- the original document from the Canadian embassy which denies you the permit
- a written request for withdrawal and refund
Refunds are issued by cheque only to the student (unless a third party was invoiced) and can take up to four weeks from the date of withdrawal.
If you have not received your refund cheque, contact the International Student Centre at 604-432-8475 or toll free at 1-866-434-1610 (Canada and US only). Allow for processing—up to four weeks—and mail delivery time.
Refunds and withdrawals from part-time studies courses
Submit your completed, signed withdrawal requests to Student Information and Enrolment Services before the refund deadline. Afterthe refund deadline, you must complete a Part-time Course Withdrawal form [PDF] .
Even if you have missed the refund or withdrawal deadline, it is very important to notify BCIT of your intent to withdraw. In many cases, a late withdrawal may be an option. Remember to formally withdraw to ensure your permanent academic record, your GPA and your ability to qualify for future awards and recognition are not affected.
Refund information, including the deadline, will be provided when you register for a course. Special fees for some courses are non-refundable, and different refund requirements may apply.
Early Registration Refund Policy: Students who drop or transfer 30 days prior to the course start date will receive a 100-per cent tuition refund.
Although course refund deadlines vary, for most courses, you will receive a full refund, less 15 per cent, if you withdraw after the "Early Registration Refund" cut-off but before the deadlines.
| PTS Course type | Deadline | Refund |
|---|---|---|
| All PTS courses | 30 days prior to the class start date. | 100% tuition refund |
| Course lasting 4 weeks or less | 1 week prior to the class start date. | 85% tuition refund |
| Course lasting over 4 weeks | The day of the 2nd class. | 85% tuition refund |
| Distance & Online Learning
Term Based Course |
Within two weeks of the course start date. | 85% tuition refund |
| Distance & Online Learning
Continual Entry Course |
Within two weeks of registration. | 100% tuition refund |
Refund process
Refunds are issued by cheque only to the student (unless a third party was invoiced) and can take up to four weeks from the date of withdrawal. Allow for mail delivery time.
To follow up a refund request
If you have not received your refund cheque, please contact the International Student Centre at 604-432-8816 or toll free at 1-866-434-1610 (Canada and US only). Allow for processing—up to four weeks—and mail delivery time.
To transfer from one course to another
Visit us in person or call BCIT at 604-432-8816 or toll-free at 1-866-434-1610 (Canada and US only) to request a transfer from one course to another. The transfer is subject to a $15 fee and must be requested and processed before the refund deadline.