When to Apply

BCIT accepts and processes applications throughout the year, but when you should apply depends on the program and when it starts. While many programs follow the timelines below, some may have earlier deadlines or may fill up quickly. Always check your program page for exact dates.

Common application dates for most credential programs

These timelines apply to most cohort-based and Flexible Learning credential programs (e.g., associate certificate, certificate, diploma, degree, and master’s):

Intake start date	Application opening date (unless otherwise posted)	Application deadline (unless otherwise posted or full)
Winter (January)	February 1st*	Domestic students: January 2nd* International students: November 1st*
Spring/Summer (April)	May 1st*	Domestic students: April 1st* International students: February 1st*
Fall (September)	October 1st*	Domestic students: September 1st* International students: July 2nd*

Intake start date

Application opening date (unless otherwise posted)

Application deadline (unless otherwise posted or full)

Winter (January)

February 1st*

Domestic students: January 2nd*

International students: November 1st*

Spring/Summer (April)

May 1st*

Domestic students: April 1st*

International students: February 1st*

Fall (September)

October 1st*

Domestic students: September 1st*

International students: July 2nd*

*If an opening or deadline date falls on a weekend, it moves to the next business day.

Notice to applicants: If you are an international applicant who meets an alternative requirement and will be able to begin studies on a short notice, please contact BCIT International Admissions to inquire about possible options for application deadlines.

Application processing by admission type

Admission type	Application processing
Competitive entry programs	Some programs are competitive and have one or more fixed deadlines that occur earlier than dates listed above. These deadlines are posted directly on the program’s webpage, and applications are reviewed after each posted date. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Be sure to submit all required supporting documentation by the specific deadline.
First-qualified, first-accepted programs	Many programs admit students on a first-qualified, first-accepted basis. These programs can fill up before the posted deadline, and once full, applications may be waitlisted or closed. Applying early gives you the best chance of being admitted. The programs below follow this admission type: Flexible Learning program declarations: Flexible Learning program declarations are accepted year-round and typically follow a first-qualified, first-accepted admission model. Many programs allow open enrolment, meaning you can register for courses before being formally admitted. However, if you’re working toward a full credential, we recommend applying early so we know your intent and can support your progress to graduation. Trades Foundation programs: Most trades programs accept applications year-round through a rolling waitlist. There are no posted deadlines, but intakes are limited and fill quickly. Applicants who meet the admission requirements are placed on the waitlist on a first-qualified, first-waitlisted basis. Seats are offered as space becomes available, so the earlier you apply and qualify, the sooner you may be admitted to an upcoming intake. Apprenticeship levels: Apprenticeship training requests are submitted using an online Trades Training Request Form and are processed on a first-qualified, first-accepted basis. There are no waitlists or formal deadlines. Once an intake is full, no additional requests are accepted unless space becomes available. Learn more about apprenticeship registration.

Admission type

Application processing

Competitive entry programs

Some programs are competitive and have one or more fixed deadlines that occur earlier than dates listed above. These deadlines are posted directly on the program’s webpage, and applications are reviewed after each posted date. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Be sure to submit all required supporting documentation by the specific deadline.

First-qualified, first-accepted programs

Many programs admit students on a first-qualified, first-accepted basis. These programs can fill up before the posted deadline, and once full, applications may be waitlisted or closed. Applying early gives you the best chance of being admitted. The programs below follow this admission type:

Flexible Learning program declarations:

Flexible Learning program declarations are accepted year-round and typically follow a first-qualified, first-accepted admission model. Many programs allow open enrolment, meaning you can register for courses before being formally admitted. However, if you’re working toward a full credential, we recommend applying early so we know your intent and can support your progress to graduation.

Trades Foundation programs:

Most trades programs accept applications year-round through a rolling waitlist. There are no posted deadlines, but intakes are limited and fill quickly. Applicants who meet the admission requirements are placed on the waitlist on a first-qualified, first-waitlisted basis. Seats are offered as space becomes available, so the earlier you apply and qualify, the sooner you may be admitted to an upcoming intake.

Apprenticeship levels:

Apprenticeship training requests are submitted using an online Trades Training Request Form and are processed on a first-qualified, first-accepted basis. There are no waitlists or formal deadlines. Once an intake is full, no additional requests are accepted unless space becomes available. Learn more about apprenticeship registration.