Indigenous admissions prioritization & fee exemptions
At BCIT, we are committed to creating pathways that support Indigenous learners and help reduce barriers to post-secondary education. If you identify as Indigenous to Canada, you may be eligible for Indigenous admissions prioritization, application and commitment fee exemptions, and dedicated student support throughout your educational journey.
Whether you are applying for the first time, have questions about your current application, are preparing for a future application, or need support meeting admission requirements, Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships is your central point of contact to provide guidance, support, and connection with services, resources, and community.
Application fee waiver
When completing your EducationPlannerBC (EPBC) application, you must identify as Indigenous to Canada at the time of application to use the waiver code. Select “Yes” when asked whether you identify as Indigenous to Canada, and an on-screen prompt will appear with an application fee waiver code and instructions for using it before you submit your application. Then, upload a completed Indigenous Student Intake Form [PDF] to the supporting documentation section of your EPBC application to support your eligibility for the application fee waiver and connect you with Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships.
Application fee waiver codes may also be provided by Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships or other BCIT student service areas during pre-application advising.
Note: Application fees that have already been paid are non-refundable. Applicants who do not meet the eligibility requirements for the fee waiver will be required to pay the standard application fee prior to application assessment.
Indigenous Student Intake
If you are applying for Indigenous admissions prioritization, fee exemptions, or other Indigenous-specific opportunities where Indigenous identity forms part of the assessment, selection, or eligibility criteria, you will be asked to complete an Indigenous Student Intake [PDF] with Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships.
Upload your form with your application or submit directly to Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships.
The Indigenous Student Intake is the first step in connecting with Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships. It gives the team an opportunity to get to know you, connect you with Indigenous student services, funding opportunities, cultural and community supports, and provide guidance throughout your educational journey at BCIT. The information you provide also helps administer eligibility for Indigenous-specific opportunities.
Information and any supporting documentation shared throughout the Indigenous Student Intake is treated as confidential, maintained by Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships, and used only for the purposes for which it was collected.
Indigenous admissions prioritization
Programs that offer Indigenous admissions prioritization will identify this on their program Entrance Requirements page. If a program does not indicate Indigenous admissions prioritization, applications will be assessed through the standard admissions process.
To be considered for Indigenous admissions prioritization, applicants must complete the Indigenous Student Intake process with Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships.
Commitment fee exemption
Eligible Indigenous applicants may qualify for a commitment fee exemption.
For Technology and Trades programs, eligibility is confirmed through the Indigenous Student Intake process before an offer of admission is finalized. If you are eligible, any required commitment fee will be automatically exempt when your offer of admission is issued.
For apprenticeship training, commitment fee exemption requests are currently coordinated on an individual basis through Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships.
Tuition, other fees, and funding
Tuition and fees remain payable by the published fee deadline unless an approved fee deferral applies or sponsorship arrangement applies.
If you are accessing Indigenous-specific opportunities, we encourage you to connect with Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships before your fee deadlines. The team can provide guidance on available funding, sponsorships, scholarships and bursaries, and refer you to Student Financial Aid and Awards for financial assistance and fee deferral options, where applicable.
Connect with us
Indigenous Initiatives & Partnerships is here to support you throughout your journey at BCIT. Our team can provide guidance, help you navigate your options, and connect you with:
- Student services, cultural supports, and community
- Program Advising and program-specific information
- Upgrading, prerequisite, and pathway options
- Funding, sponsorship, scholarships, and bursaries
- Future application and educational planning
Connect with us at any stage of your journey to explore the support and opportunities available to you.