Entrance requirements aren’t here to hold you back. They’re designed to make sure you have the right foundation to succeed in your program. Starting with the right skills and knowledge helps you keep up with the fast pace at BCIT and get the most out of your studies.
Start here
Every program has its own entrance requirements. Check your program page to see the exact courses, grades, and documents you’ll need to submit with your application. Please note that your application will remain incomplete until BCIT has all the required documents and information to assess it.
From there, here’s how to figure out if you’re ready to apply—and what to do if you’re not quite there yet.
Using your education
- Equivalencies: Use our equivalency guides to see if your Canadian or international courses meet BCIT’s requirements.
- Midterm grades: If you’re still finishing a required course, many high school-entry programs let you apply using your midterm grade. If a final grade is needed for admission, it will be clearly stated on the program page.
- Credential Evaluation: College and university courses from outside Canada can be evaluated to see how they compare to BC and Canadian standards.
If you don’t meet the requirements (or if it’s been a while)
Whether you still need to complete a requirement or you’ve already met it but it’s been a while, you have several options:
For some programs, certain courses must have been completed recently and those will be clearly listed as requirements. In other programs, it’s not mandatory but we recommend refreshing your skills if your coursework was completed a long time ago.
Alternate admissions
Normally, you must meet the published entrance requirements to be considered for admission. If your background doesn’t fit the usual path, you may request alternate admissions consideration.
This option is for applicants who believe a combination of their academic studies, work experience, or other learning has prepared them for success in the program.
How it works
Submit a rationale with your application explaining how your experience shows you meet the intent of the requirement. Be specific and include any supporting documents to support the assessment (e.g., transcripts, certificates, resume, or other evidence). Admissions, in consultation with the program area and/or subject matter expert, will determine if your alternate pathway can be accepted.
Important to know
- Alternate admission is not guaranteed and may not be available for all programs.
- Programs that rank applicants using the same criteria usually do not permit alternate admission.
- Requirements with multiple course or assessment options (e.g., English Language Proficiency) are normally not considered for alternate admission.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You don’t always have to repeat what you’ve already learned. If you can show that your previous studies or experience meet the same learning outcomes as a BCIT course, you may be able to receive credit.
- Transfer credit: Request credit for courses completed at BCIT or another recognized institution.
- Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credit: Request credit for knowledge and skills learned outside of recognized programs.
If you plan to request transfer credit, have your previous school send your official transcript directly to BCIT instead of uploading it with your application.
Note: If you used a post-secondary credential or credit(s) to meet a post-secondary requirement(s), those same credits can’t be counted again as transfer credit toward your new credential. You’ll still need to complete the full credit requirements of your new program. If you used a post-secondary course to meet a high school-level requirement, that course may still be considered for transfer credit if it’s also relevant to your program.
Get in touch
Haven’t applied yet?
Reach out to Program Advising or your program area if you’d like help understanding entrance requirements or exploring upgrading options.
To confirm if a specific course meets a requirement, you’ll need to submit an application so Admissions can formally assess your academic background and eligibility for admission consideration.
Already applied?
Connect with Admissions for questions about your application status, deadlines, or required documents.