Overview
About the program
Welcome to the Computing & Academic Studies Study Abroad program at BCIT, a short-term free mover program for international students on Canada’s west coast!
Situated in beautiful British Columbia, Vancouver is surrounded by countless beaches, mountains, and trails. You will be able to immerse yourself in nature all year round. In this program, you will study in Vancouver for 5 to 9 months. You will be part of a vibrant student community and live in one of the best cities in the world.
Entrance Requirements
The Study Abroad program has three intakes each year. The entrance requirements are the same for all three terms.
Application processing
This program is open to applications:
- January intake: August 1st* to October 15th*
- April intake: October 1st* to January 15th*
- September intake: October 1st* to June 15th*
Applications are considered for a specific intake.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements.
- Submit the following with your online application:
- Proof of meeting the English requirement
- Official post-secondary transcripts (translated into English)
- Study Abroad Course Selection [PDF]
- Consent for Authorized Agent Representative [PDF] (optional)
- This form is required if your education consultant is submitting an application on your behalf.
- English: one of the following:
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent, or
- DAAD Certificate with Level B2 (for students from Germany)
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
January, April, and September each year.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Costs & Supplies
The program fee covers the cost of four courses. Additionally, please ensure that you reserve ample funds to cover living expenses and unforeseen costs.
Every student coming to study in Canada has a unique budget. The following is an approximate monthly living cost estimation for a single person in Vancouver in 2025/2026:
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Average cost of entertainment | $200 |
| Average cost of groceries | $300 – $800 |
| Phone plan | $60 – $150 |
| Transportation (e.g., monthly transit pass) | $111.60 – $201.55 |
Tuition fees
The Computing and Academic Studies Study Abroad program has a non-refundable application fee of $154.00 CAD.
Please use the tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program. This covers registration for four courses as well as built in ancillary fees such as BCIT ID card, Student Association, and building and capital levy. Textbooks and course supplies are not included in tuition.
Please note that tuition will not be reduced if students register for fewer than four courses, and Study Abroad students are not eligible for U-Pass (i.e., student transit program).
Medical insurance is mandatory while attending BCIT. If you are studying abroad for one term, a $300.00 CAD fee will be added to your Study Abroad tuition to cover your first three months of GuardMe medical insurance. If you are studying abroad for two terms, you are eligible for MSP. In this case, a $180.00 CAD fee will be added to your Study Abroad tuition. To opt out, you can email proof of medical insurance for the duration of your studies to isc_info@bcit.ca.
Courses
Students in this program build a custom curriculum. For selection of your courses, please contact your home institution’s coordinator.
Class hours
Most courses are offered during the day. However, a limited number of courses are offered in the evening. Student schedules may have all daytime classes or a mix of evening, day, and weekend classes. Evening classes are typically scheduled between 5:30 pm and 10:00 pm.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
In addition to the BCIT Study Abroad Flyer [PDF], please review following information:
Accommodation
Finding housing in Metro Vancouver can be challenging. BCIT Student Housing offers a limited number of rooms on Burnaby Campus. Application details will be provided upon acceptance into this program. Please note that rooms are not guaranteed, and we strongly recommend students to look for off-campus options as well. Refer to BCIT Housing Guide for off-campus housing options.
Medical insurance
Medical insurance is mandatory while attending BCIT. All Study Abroad students are automatically enrolled in the GuardMe coverage unless you opt out. To opt out, please email proof of your medical insurance for the duration of your studies to isc_info@bcit.ca before the start of your program.
Study permit and travel to Canada
Study Abroad students planning to study at BCIT for only one term, or less than 6 months, are exempt from BCIT’s standard study permit requirement. However, you still need to provide proof of your valid status in Canada. Please visit the Study Permits page for the latest details.
Campus life
As a BCIT student you will have access to our services on campus. These include free tutoring, recreation services such as the fitness centre and gym, access to counsellors and doctors on campus, and much more. Please visit the International Student Guides page to explore more.
Important dates
Please refer to the Important Dates page for application deadlines, program start dates, orientation dates, and examination periods for each term. For additional key dates and events, please visit the Event Calendar.
Program length
One term (12-15 weeks), full-time.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Classes may be offered at one or both campuses:
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Downtown Campus
555 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC
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Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.