There are a number of important time-sensitive steps you need to take once you’ve been accepted into a program at BCIT.
If you have been accepted into a program, you must pay a commitment fee to hold your seat in the program. Payment is due within two weeks of the date on your acceptance letter.
If you are accepted less than 60 days prior to your program start date, your first level / term fees are due within two weeks of the date on your acceptance letter.
You can pay your commitment fee:
Commitment fee amounts can vary by program, but normal amounts are as follows:
| Technology students | $200 |
| Trades students | $100 |
| International students | $1,000 |
Note: All fees are listed in Canadian funds. To convert Canadian dollars to your home currency, visit Bank of Canada.
How much will it cost? Do I need to borrow? Can I get a government student loan? Entrance Awards, scholarships, bursaries –what’s the difference? Achieving high grades will be easier if you arrange your financing before your program starts. Get answers to these questions and more through BCIT Financial Aid and Awards.
Important: Tuition fees are due 60 days prior to the program start date outlined in your acceptance letter. For example, if your program starts September 4, 2007 your first level / term fees are due July 6, 2007.
You can pay your fees online or by phone with your Visa, MasterCard or American Express. You can also pay in person with cheque, cash or debit card. Late payment will result in the loss of your commitment fee and your place in the program.
Under certain circumstances, students may be eligible for a fee deferral (an extension of the payment deadline date). Students who anticipate needing financial assistance should refer to the 'arrange your finances' section of this page. You must notify your Admissions Officer if you will be applying for a fee deferral.
Note: Fees are payable by level or term. It’s the first level/term program fees which are due 60 days prior to the start of your program.
If you are a full-time student and remain a full-time student (according to BCIT standards), your program is eligible and meets the duration requirements, and you were assessed the SA Health Plan fee, you will be covered under this plan. Please check your current fee payment schedule to determine if you are in an eligible program and you have been assessed the SA Health Plan fee.
The SA Health Plan provides you with extended health and dental coverage. It is not provincial health care coverage. Detailed information is available online.
As a full-time student you automatically have this coverage through your registration fees. If you already have comparable extended benefits with another provider and do not wish to combine both plans for higher coverage, you can Opt-Out by visiting the Student Association office.
The myBCIT web site is your secure, personalized gateway to information and services at BCIT. As soon as you have been assigned a BCIT student number (ie: A00000000), you are able to logon and get access to a wealth of information.
Once you’ve logged on, you’ll find a listing of your courses, complete with a calendar of key dates, instructor notices, and a message board for sharing information. You’ll also be able to access your BCIT e-mail account, check your grades, pay fees, update your personal information, and retrieve tax forms.
The BCIT ID card is your photo access card to the five permanent BCIT campuses. It’s also your Library ID, and your free myBCIT e-mail ID number.
A fee of $2.50 per term is included with tuition at the time of registration for full-time, part-time and trades students students taking 30 hours or more of course work. Bring your student number and additional photo identification (such as a driver’s license) when having your picture taken for your card. Students who attend Orientation on the Burnaby Campus each Fall will have their ID card photos taken during registration in the gym if they haven't already applied online for their card.
Get more details about terms of use; cost of card; replacement card fees; and special deals available for BCIT ID card holders.
Remember: Your card is multiterm, so keep it even if you are not enrolled in a class for a term.
Books in a technical program are highly specialized and frequently expensive. If you plan ahead, you can ensure you purchase the books you need, and, if you’re looking to save money, you’ll increase the chances of finding your textbooks used. Find your required course texbooks online at the BCIT bookstore website.
The following steps are only applicable if needed in your own situation:
If you received a letter offering Provisional Acceptance, you are required to satisfy some outstanding prerequisites. If you are missing academic prerequisites, there are many upgrading options available to you including:
Depending on your background and the program you are applying to, you may be able to write an assessment test to show you meet the entrance requirements. For information on assessment testing opportunities at BCIT contact Program Advising or the Admissions Department.
If you have completed post-secondary studies elsewhere that you believe are equivalent to what is taught at BCIT, you may be eligible for course credit within your chosen program.
If credit is granted, your program fee will not change, but your course load will be lighter. That could be an advantage, but if you are applying for financial aid, you may not be eligible for certain kinds of assistance unless you carry a minimum course load.
To apply for course credit in a full-time program, complete a Course Credit/Exemption Application form and submit it along with an official transcript showing the courses you have completed that are equivalent to those taught at BCIT.
Course Credit/Exemption Application forms are available at the Student Information and Enrolment Services office:
Student Information and Enrolment Services
SW1 - First Floor
3700 Willingdon Avenue,
Burnaby, British Columbia,
Canada, V6H 3H2
Applications must be submitted to Student Records within 14 calendar days of the start of the term in which the course is offered.
When you are accepted into a full-time program of four months or longer, you are eligible to live in Maquinna Residence at the Burnaby Campus. If you prefer off-campus housing, BCIT offers extensive online listings of rental accommodation. Whether you choose to live on or off campus, be sure to plan your living arrangements early.
To apply to live on campus, please complete and submit the housing application form enclosed in your acceptance package.
If you are an international student, you also have the option of homestay living with a local family during your studies.
Visit BCIT Housing for detailed housing information.
If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, you are required to obtain a Study Permit. Visit BCIT’s permit and visa page to determine your specific needs.
If you have a disability or medical condition that may affect your time at BCIT, please contact the Disability Resource Centre (DRC) well in advance of starting your program.
The DRC offers a range of support services for students with disabilities. The centre assists students in identifying abilities, vocational interests and work values. Current labour market information is also available along with an opportunity to explore disability issues related to the classroom and the workplace.
A vocational rehabilitation specialist/learning specialist is available to discuss program planning. Contact the Disability Resource Centre to make an appointment.
Disability Resource Centre
Building NE1, Room 308
Burnaby Campus
Ph: 604-451-6963
E-mail: drc@bcit.ca
Web site: www.bcit.ca/drc/