About the School

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the right program?

Is BCIT right for me?

How do I apply for a full-time program?

How do I apply for a part-time/distance & online learning program?

What do I need to know as a part-time/distance & online learning student?

What do I need to know about transcripts?

Where do I find a list of all the programs available?

All of our programs are listed in Areas of Study. If you have any questions that are not answered by the online program information, please contact us at the School of Transportation. [top]

How do I find a specific program or course?

You can either browse through the list in Areas of Study, or search through all the programs or courses to find detailed information online. [top]

How do I find information on a specific certificate, diploma or degree?

Use the Advanced Program Search to narrow your search, and then read through the online program information. Relate program requirements to your skills and background, and ensure that you meet the prerequisites. [top]

Why should I choose BCIT?

BCIT’s programs are renowned for their learning through practical application, using a hands-on environment. During program development, senior people in a field are often consulted for their advice. In some programs, work placements also contribute to getting you ready to work at a beginning level immediately after graduating. [top]

Where can I find additional information about BCIT?

Click the appropriate link:

  1. Financial Aid
  2. Tuition
  3. Housing
  4. Bookstore
  5. Carpooling
  6. Parking [top]

When do the programs start?

BCIT follows a term system, offering three terms per year. Terms begin in September, January and April. [top]

How much is full-time tuition?

The total cost of most programs depends on the courses you choose to take. BCIT sets fees semester by semester for full-time programs, but even these have electives. Each elective and each course taken on a part-time basis has a fee, and in addition, some courses have textbooks or lab fees. There’s more information in Fees and Refunds. [top]

Is financial assistance available?

Yes. For information on Canada Student Loans and Entrance Scholarships, please go to BCIT Student Financial Aid and Awards for information online, or call the department’s staff at 604-432-8555. Individual programs may have further ways in which you can receive financial assistance; see those FAQs. [top]

How do I receive program or course approval?

You must obtain approval by contacting the program head or program assistant for the program or course you are interested in. Areas of Study lists the programs in the School of Transportation, and each program’s Contacts page provides contact information. [top]

How do I register?

For courses, you can register online, by phone, fax, in person or by mail. [top]

How much do the courses cost?

To find tuition costs for all part time courses, look in Course Finder. For distance & online learning courses, total cost of the courses will be a different price, as there may be materials/textbooks required, along with a shipping and handling fee. [top]

How do I know where my class is located?

Check the BCIT website for classroom locations.

If your class is at the Burnaby Campus, building and room numbers are posted after 4pm, on the first night of class in the SW1 breezeway (across from Registration & Information), SE2 Bookstore, NE1 south entrance and the SE12 breezeway. Student guides will also be available to help during the first week of classes, in the SW1 breezeway, NE1 front entrance and the walkway near parking Lot 7. [top]

Why do courses get cancelled?

Most courses require that a minimum number of students enroll in order to run. If that number isn’t reached prior to the course start date, the Program Coordinator may cancel the course. Full refunds are issued for cancelled classes. The best way to avoid cancelled classes is to register early. [top]

My course is cancelled. What should I do?

You should always have a back-up plan in the event your course is cancelled. Based on what courses are available in that term, select one or two “second choices” that you could take if you are notified of a cancelled course. [top]

What is it like to learn online?

Courses delivered via the Internet allow you to complete all course activities online. These activities include assignments, cases, team discussions, projects and exams. These courses also provide an instructor or tutor. Refer to Distance & Distributed Learning Web pages for further information. [top]

When will I receive my materials?

Contact the BCIT Bookstore to order all distance & online learning course materials and textbooks. Course manuals, materials and textbooks are not included in tuition.

When placing your order with the Bookstore, you have the option of picking up materials in person or having them shipped to you by courier. View the Bookstore's shipping & handling rates and the returns guidelines. [top]

How will I receive my marks?

Look up your marks online:

  1. Log in to myBCIT.
  2. Click the School Services tab.
  3. In the left menu, click Student Records, and then follow the instructions. [top]

What are compressed time frame courses?

They are courses that have been fast-tracked because they are central to certain programs in the School of Transportation. They are offered together as a group over a short period of time during the day, in the evenings and/or as independent study. You can learn whether a program offers this option by looking up its details in Programs & Courses. [top] 

Is it true that I must arrange for graduation?

Yes, it is your responsibility to notify BCIT when you expect to graduate, by filling out the Application for Certificate form in your Student Handbook. Once you have earned the required core credits and elective credits, BCIT will send you an invitation to the next available graduation ceremony. Your credential will be mailed to you in the interim. [top]

How do I request my transcripts?

Complete the Transcript Request form [PDF, 555 KB] with as much information as possible and submit to Student Records for processing.

Please note: If you do not know your BCIT ID, you can search for your it on the BCIT Secure Student Information System. If you still cannot find your BCIT ID, leave the section blank and Student Records can look up your ID when processing.

The form indicates the amount of time required for processing Rush or Regular requests. If transcripts are being mailed then please allow additional time for mail transit. Students requesting transcripts sent by courier must arrange and pay for the courier. [top]


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