Browse through some of the most frequently asked questions about the admission process at BCIT by category.
Before you apply
To apply, simply follow these steps:
- Choose your program of interest.
- Ensure you meet the admission requirements as listed on the program’s ‘Entrance Requirements’ page.
- Prepare your application, including all necessary documentation.
- Submit your application online through the ‘Apply Now’ button on your program page.
- After applying, you can monitor your application status through your myBCIT account.
Admission requirements vary by program. For specific details, refer to the ‘Entrance Requirements’ section of the program page. This page will provide you with all the information you need regarding academic prerequisites, English language proficiency requirements, and any additional criteria.
Note: Some Flexible Learning programs require you to submit a ‘Program Declaration’ through BCIT’s application system.
Your non-refundable application fee must be paid using a credit card. The fee varies based on applicant type:
- Domestic applicants (Canadian citizen or permanent resident): $90 CAD
- International applicants: $154 CAD
If you’re missing any prerequisites, you have a few options:
- Upgrading courses: register for courses at BCIT or through your local school district.
- Assessment testing: demonstrate subject proficiency through assessment.
- English language proficiency equivalencies: explore options to satisfy the English language proficiency requirement.
If you don’t meet the published admission requirements, you might still qualify for your chosen program through our alternate admissions pathway.
You can only hold one active application at a time.
When applying through EducationPlannerBC, you have the option to select two choices within a single application. Your first choice should be your preferred interest, and the second choice will be assessed if you’re not admissible to your first choice.
For applications submitted directly through BCIT, you’re limited to selecting one program. If you are not admissible for your program and wish to be considered for another program, you can request an application fee waiver from Admissions.
Your second-choice program will be considered by Admissions only once a decision regarding your first-choice program has been finalized.
If you haven’t been admitted to your first-choice program and your second-choice program is still open for applications, Admissions will automatically consider you for your alternative option.
If you didn’t list a second-choice program on your application, you can request an application fee waiver from Admissions.
Since you can only hold one active application at a time, you cannot be admitted to multiple programs at a time.
Note: An exception is made if you are admitted to a program that concludes before the start date of another program for which you have applied (i.e., Preparatory or Upgrading programs).
You will need to upload your transcripts and any required supporting documents proving that you meet all the admission requirements. You can submit these documents with your application or through your myBCIT account > Student Self Service > Check Application Status or Upload More Documents.
Applicants with education from outside Canada may be required to have their credentials assessed through the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) to ensure equivalency.
Learn more about the International Credential Evaluation Service >
Your applications will not be assessed until all supporting documents have been received.
Once you’ve found a program that you want to study, make sure you:
- Find and review the specific entrance requirements for the program on the Entrance Requirements page.
- Have the required documents that show you meet all of the entrance requirements for your chosen program.
All high-school applicants
For program requirements at the Grade 11 or 12 level, you can apply with either of the following:
- Midterm grade for the required course*
- Final grade for the required course*
Current BC high-school applicants
For program requirements at the Grade 12 level, you can also apply with the following:
- Final grade for the Grade 11 “prerequisite” course and proof of registration in the Grade 12 required course*
Read more about applying as a high school applicant.
* Grade 12 provincial exams are not required.
Admissions will not be able to evaluate your documents until you’ve applied to BCIT.
Learn how our Program Advisors can support you before applying to BCIT >
If you’re currently attending or have previously attended another recognized post-secondary institution and wish to transfer to BCIT, you may be eligible for direct entry to an advanced level if your previous education is equivalent to part of the program.
For more information, review the ‘Advanced Placement’ section on the program page. If you have specific questions, don’t hesitate to contact the program area directly.
The timing of admissions decision can vary depending on the program and the volume of applications. You will be notified of any updates to your application.
When you apply for direct entry
BCIT assesses applications on a course-by-course basis, comparing your completed courses with the program’s requirements. Bridging courses may be available for degree and diploma graduates to meet specific entrance criteria.
Review the ‘Entrance Requirement’ section on the program page for more detailed information.
Acceptance for direct entry is contingent upon the availability of seats after current students receive their final grades at the end of term. Admissions will then determine the available seats for new direct entry applicants.
Admissions into advanced levels can be highly competitive. When eligible applicants exceed the number of available seats, the selection process becomes competitive. All direct entry applications are subject to the approval of the program area.
If the ‘Program Details’ page leaves you unsure about the appropriate level, we recommend consulting with the program area directly or speaking with a Program Advisor.
Academic credit towards a BCIT credential may be granted based on previous studies at another recognized post-secondary institution (transfer credit) and/or relevant life and work experience (prior learning assessment and recognition).
To satisfy BCIT’s academic residency requirement, at least 50% of your program must be completed at BCIT. For apprenticeship programs, this policy is satisfied upon completing the final level at BCIT.
Direct entry into trades programs is possible with relevant training from another recognized post-secondary institution or trades program at BCIT. Since some trades programs have specific grade and attendance requirements, we recommend contacting a Program Advisor before applying.
A course must be successfully completed within a maximum of three attempts, unless otherwise specified. After two unsuccessful attempts, repeating a course requires special permission from the Associate Dean. Without this permission, direct entry applications will not be processed.
Flexible Learning information
Our Flexible Learning Orientation web page will help you get prepared. It provides an overview of BCIT services and information, including:
- myBCIT
- Distance and online learning
- Textbooks and materials
- Classroom locations
- Parking
You will need your username (your primary BCIT email) and your initial password is your birthday in this format: YYMMDD. You can reset your password if needed.
The Student Information and Enrolment Services office is also here to help.
Not necessarily. You can shop online or by phone at 604-432-8379 or 877-333-8379 (toll free within Canada). If you’re on a budget, you may even want to look for used textbooks. Avoid line-ups by buying what you need before the course starts.
All Flexible Learning course withdrawal requests must be submitted using the official Flexible Learning Course Withdrawal form [PDF]. Visit the Flexible Learning Withdrawals page for more detailed information.
Contact Student Information & Enrolment Services to request a transfer from one course to another. The transfer is subject to a $16 fee and must be requested and processed before the refund deadline.
Many courses allow you to register prior to the second class. Contact Student Information and Enrolment Services to discuss your options.
No further registrations will be accepted for full courses. If there is a cancellation before the course start date, then that seat will be released and registration will be re-opened on a first come, first served basis.
If minimum enrolment for a course is not reached, it may be cancelled. BCIT will cancel courses no later than two days prior to the start date. Variations to this practice will be stated in the course outline.
If your course is cancelled, an email will be sent to your myBCIT account. You will receive a cheque for a full refund within four weeks. You may also transfer your fees to a different course by contacting Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Limited financial assistance is available to eligible students registering for part-time programs and courses. Contact or visit Student Financial Aid and Awards for more information.
Parking rules and rates differ depending on which campus you are attending. Our Parking at BCIT web page will provide you with all the information you need.
After you apply
When a term start date indicates “To be determined,” this means that the program application is waitlisting, and the intake start date will be determined based on availability in a future intake. For most BCIT Trade Foundation programs, applicants apply directly to a waitlist since there are ongoing intakes throughout the year.
Being on a waitlist means you’ve met all entrance requirements, but there are currently no seats available. When a seat becomes available and you’re next on the list, it will be offered to you.
This indicates all seats are filled. Seats cannot be transferred to future intakes. Should a seat become available and you’re next on the list, it will be offered to you.
If you are still waitlisted after the last day to backfill at term start, your application will be closed. Waitlisted applicants will not be transferred to a future intake.
Admissions will assess your application within 4-8 weeks of submission or after the application deadline. You will be notified of any updates to your application status and sent correspondence through your myBCIT account > myCommunication.
You will be notified with any updates on your application status and sent your letter of acceptance through your myBCIT account > myCommunication.
Secure your seat by paying the commitment fee by the specified deadline. Payment methods and deadline date are listed in your letter of acceptance.
Note: Failure to meet the payment deadline will result in withdrawal.
An “incomplete” status on your application indicates it is missing one or more requirements. You will be notified through your myBCIT account > myCommunication with details on your incomplete status.
To keep your application active, please provide proof that you meet or are in the process of meeting the missing requirements within 30 days from receiving your incomplete status notification. If you don’t respond, your application will be closed.
Note: The date that your application is considered complete will be the application submission date.
A conditional offer of acceptance may be granted to you if you are in the process of meeting all the admission requirements within 30 days before the start of class, unless otherwise specified.
We have 3 different conditional acceptance statuses:
- Conditional acceptance – proof of status
Your acceptance is contingent on providing proof of your status in Canada (e.g., original study permit). - Conditional acceptance – to follow-up program
Your acceptance is contingent on successfully completing all admission requirements to your follow-up program. - Conditional acceptance – supplemental
Your acceptance is contingent on completion of supplemental requirements.
Contact Student Records for questions related to legal name change and how to update your BCIT records.
BCIT offers multiple pathways to recognize your prior academic, work, and life experiences.
If you wish to authorize someone else to access your information or make inquiries on your behalf, you’ll need to submit a Consent to Release Personal Information to a Third Party form [PDF].
This form allows you to specify which types of information can be shared with your authorized third party, including Admissions Information, Student Housing Information, Medical Information, Academic Record Information, and Financial Assistant & Award Information.
You’re automatically registered into your classes which you can view through myBCIT. Timetables will be given out on the first day of class and are not available ahead of time.
Check your myCommunication for important information regarding Orientation Day.
Direct transfers are not permitted due to varying admission requirements. To change your program:
- Ensure you meet the program’s admission requirements.
- Withdraw from your current program.
- Apply to the new program.
Advanced-level applicants should consult with the program area or contact Program Advising about direct entry options.
Fees, payment, and refunds
If you’ve been accepted into a full-time program, you must pay a commitment fee (i.e., deposit) to hold your seat in the program. The commitment fee is applied to your tuition and is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Trades programs: $200
- Technology programs: $500
- International applicants: $3,000
Your tuition and fees will be applied to your myBCIT account > Student Self Service > Fee Assessment, Payment and Receipts after you have been registered into your courses.
Find detailed information on Tuition & Fees >
Tuition payment deadlines:
- Technology programs: First term fees are due 60 days before your programs starts.
- Trades programs: First-term fees are due 60 days before your scheduled intake. Trades programs consisting of only one level require full tuition payment.
- Debit card (in person only)
- Cheque or money order payable to BCIT – include your BCIT ID (student number)
- Online banking (bill payment) through your financial institution using BCIT – Tuition as the payee
If you are paying by online banking, use your BCIT ID (student number) as your account number. Please allow up to 48 hours for online bill payments to be posted to your account.
Note: BCIT does not accept credit cards for payment of tuition and related student fees. BCIT accepts payment from all Canadian banks and credit unions and it is the recommended method for paying your fees. For more information view Payment Options at BCIT
If you need more time to pay your tuition, you may request a Tuition Fee Deferral through Student Financial Aid and Awards. This can extend your payment deadline date.
It’s important to inform Admissions when you apply for a fee deferral to prevent being withdrawn due to nonpayment.
Student loans are typically disbursed after your program starts, yet your tuition must be paid by the specified deadline.
If you are waiting for student loan disbursement or another source of funding, we encourage you to request a Tuition Fee Deferral through Student Financial Aid and Awards.
It’s important to inform Admissions when you apply for a fee deferral to prevent being withdrawn due to nonpayment.
Yes. Your commitment fee tells us to hold a seat for you in the program you applied for. If we do not receive a commitment fee within the deadline date, your application will be cancelled.
You need to submit a confirmation of sponsorship to Admissions as soon as possible so that your sponsor can be invoiced. Read our Sponsorship web page for details.
The cost of books and supplies varies from program to program and can range from $200 to $2,000 per year. The estimated cost for your program is listed in the online program description, and details can be found through the BCIT Bookstore.
Please refer to the Refunds & Withdrawals page for details.
Social Insurance Number collection
BCIT—along with all Canadian designated post-secondary institutions—is mandated to comply with a request from the Canadian Revenue Agency to collect Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) from registered students.
BCIT is required to provide the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) with information about each of its students via a T2202–Tuition and Enrollment Certificate. The T2202 supplies the CRA with student information (including tuition fees paid and the number of months of full or part-time enrolment) and, beginning with the 2019 tax year, the student’s Social Insurance Number. This information facilitates eligibility for the Canada Workers Benefit.
For 2019 and subsequent taxation years, the Canadian government has introduced an enhanced version of the Working Income Tax Benefit called the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB). The Canada Workers Benefit is a tax credit that is intended to supplement the earnings of low-income Canadians. As a student, you may be eligible for this tax credit. For more information, please visit the CWB website.
If you registered to BCIT prior to spring 2019, a Social Insurance Number (SIN) was not required. However, in early 2019, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requested that all Canadian designated post-secondary institutions collect this information for taxation purposes.
If you attended BCIT after January 1, 2019, BCIT must submit a T2202–Tuition and Enrollment Certificate to the CRA on your behalf. The T2202 is different only from the current T2202A in that it includes a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
BCIT takes the safeguarding of personal information very seriously and takes appropriate precautions to ensure security of data. Student Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) are collected by BCIT under the authority of the College and Institute Act, RSBC, 1996, c. 52, section 26 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, RSBC 1996, c. 165, and section 203 of the Income Tax Regulations CRC, c. 945 for the purposes of providing an annual information return, called a Tuition and Enrollment Certificate, to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This will facilitate the provisions of the Canada Workers Benefit in situations where a student has not applied for it.
If you don’t have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)—a 9-digit number needed to work and be paid in Canada, to file taxes, and to access government programs and benefits—learn how to apply.
An Individual Tax Number (ITN) is a nine-digit number issued to individuals who are not residents of Canada who need an identification number for tax purposes but who are not eligible to obtain a social insurance number (SIN). This might be the case if, for example, you don’t have a study permit allowing you to work in Canada. You can apply for an ITN online.
If you do not submit your SIN to BCIT, BCIT will not be able to submit a completed T2202– Tuition and Enrollment Certificate to the CRA on your behalf, and you will not be eligible for the Canada Workers Benefit. Note that individuals are not able to submit their own T2202.
Please login to myBCIT self-service to update your personal profile. Scroll down to the SIN field, and then click Update my Profile.
Services
Yes, there are on-campus and off-campus options. Visit the Student Housing web page to find out more.
If you have a disability or medical condition, whether permanent or temporary, explore the options available to support your education.
Check out our Welcome to BCIT guide.
Your student number and e-mail address are still active, so you can login to your myBCIT account or contact Student Information and Enrolment Services for assistance.
Student Employment Services is here to help. Once you are enrolled at BCIT, be sure to register for eJobs, BCIT’s web-based job posting system. You’ll gain access to on- and off-campus, part-time, full-time, and summer employment, and learn what employers want in graduates. You can also visit the work search coach for help with your resume, to prepare for interviews, or find answers to job search questions at any time while you are a BCIT student (you don’t have to wait until you graduate).