Important notice
- Applications submitted for intakes scheduled to start on or after September 1, 2024 or applications received starting October 1, 2023 for programs with rolling start dates will be evaluated using the new English Language Proficiency (ELP) categories: Category 1, 2, 3, or Graduate Studies. The ELP categories replace the previous English requirements.
- Applications submitted for intakes scheduled to start before September 1, 2024 will continue to be assessed based on the English requirements.
English is the language used for instruction and communication at BCIT. All applicants and registrants, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin, must demonstrate a satisfactory level of English proficiency. This proficiency requirement ensures that all students have the necessary language skills to succeed in their chosen courses and programs. The assessment of English Language Proficiency (ELP) is based on the categories listed below.
Applications submitted for intakes scheduled to start on or after September 1, 2024 or applications received starting October 1, 2023 for programs with rolling start dates will be evaluated using the new English Language Proficiency (ELP) categories: Category 1, 2, 3, or Graduate Studies. The ELP categories replace the previous English requirements.
Intakes starting before September 1, 2024
Refer to the information provided below for applications submitted for intakes scheduled to start before September 1, 2024 as they will continue to be assessed based on the English requirements.
English is the language of instruction and communication at BCIT. All applicants and registrants, regardless of citizenship status or country of origin, must demonstrate an adequate level of proficiency in English. This language requirement ensures that all students will have the opportunity for success in their chosen courses and programs.
There are two ways to meet the English requirement:
1. Complete both of the following:
- English 12 or equivalent with the percentage required for your program
For proficiency in reading and writing - Two years of full-time education in English in an English-speaking country
For proficiency in speaking and listening
OR
2. Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening:
- Complete courses or assessments including ISEP, PELD, PTE Academic, TOEFL, or IELTS.
Options for demonstrating your English proficiency
English 12 and equivalencies
At BCIT, entrance requirements are program-specific. All programs require English 12, but the percentage required varies by program. Be sure to confirm your program’s specific English requirement before applying.
If you do not meet the requirements, BCIT offers several options to help you upgrade your skills:
Two years of education in English
Applicants to BCIT are required to have completed two years of full-time study in a high school or post-secondary program in English in an English-speaking country. Two years of full-time education is equivalent to:
- 12 courses successfully completed within two years or
- 15 courses successfully completed within three years
Most subjects are acceptable, including academic, vocational, trades and technical studies courses.
English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are not acceptable.
English-speaking countries
Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda Australia Bahamas Barbados Belize Bermuda Botswana British Virgin Islands Canada Cayman Islands Dominica Gambia |
Ghana Grenada Guyana Ireland Jamaica Kenya Liberia Mauritius Montserrat New Zealand Nigeria Saint Lucia Saint Kitts and Nevis |
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Singapore Sierra Leone South Africa Tanzania Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Islands Uganda United Kingdom United States United States Virgin Islands Zimbabwe |
If you have English 12 (or equivalent) but not two years in English education in an English-speaking country, you can take BCIT’s COMM 0030 course or the COMM 0033 test.
Options for demonstrating your proficiency in English
If you do not have English 12, and you have not studied in an English-speaking country, you will need to demonstrate your skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening by completing one of the following options.
Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program you’re applying to.
English Requirements for Graduate Programs
If you do not have a minimum of two years of full-time post-secondary education in an English-speaking country, you will need to submit proof of English language proficiency.
Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program you’re applying to.