Find information about how BCIT is adapting during the COVID-19 pandemic, including updates about the Fall 2021 term and learn how you can safely attend BCIT campuses, access support, and continue your studies.
Program delivery
To find out whether your program will be delivered in-person, partially in-person, or fully online, please refer to your program page, or view program delivery modes.
Student Services
During the remote learning period, BCIT’s student services and supports are being offered both in-person and remotely. Please visit the specific service page to find out more.
Coming to campus?
If you are a student in a program that is returning to campus, follow the safety guidelines below. Your actions are critical to protecting not only your health but also that of your classmates, instructors, and the community.
Safety Guidelines
Before you return to campus
1. Complete the COVID-19 and pandemic online course
This recommended 30-minute self-registration online course, “Student Awareness on COVID-19 and Pandemic Exposure Control Plan” will provide critical information to help protect your health while reducing risk to others while you are on campus. To access the course:
a. Login to the BCIT Learning Hub at learn.bcit.ca
b. The course will be listed in your My Courses listing
2. Health screening
The BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool can be used to help assess symptoms and determine if you need further assessment or testing for COVID-19. Use the tool before attending campus.
When you’re on campus
When you are on campus, be vigilant about following the safety rules below. Remember, you are protecting yourself and others. If you feel sick, notify your instructor(s) and do not come to campus.
Safety rules:
- Do not come to campus if you feel unwell.
- Masks are now required in all indoor public areas on all BCIT campuses including classrooms, labs, shops, washrooms, study areas, hallways, lobbies, and stairwells.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Wash your hands both before and after class, before and after using the washroom, and often throughout the day.
- Effective September 13, 2021, as part of the new provincial vaccine requirement announced, accessing some non-essential services on campus will require a proof of vaccination. This will apply to on-campus indoor venues, including but not limited to gyms, restaurants, and a variety of indoor events, such as sporting events and concerts.
- Students who are living in on-campus housing will also require proof of vaccination. Further guidance is being developed in the coming days in consultation with public health, including which types of student housing facilities will be subject to this requirement. This will come into effect on September 7, 2021.
Questions or concerns?
If you have any concerns or questions regarding your health and safety at BCIT, report to your instructor and to ssemohs@bcit.ca
International students
BCIT International is committed to guiding and supporting international students at BCIT. For assistance, please contact isc_info@bcit.ca and our dedicated staff will help navigate you through the available resources.
Please follow the links below to find useful information about the admissions process for new international students, updated travel and immigration measures, medical insurance updates, and more.
New students
Find out about updates relevant to newly admitted international students.
Returning students
Learn about updates that may pertain to you if you are a current or returning international student.
Travel and self-isolation
International students planning to travel to Canada must submit a Travel & Self-Isolation Plan to BCIT.
In addition to the information shared here, you may find our COVID-19 FAQ for International Students page helpful.
The Institute is required to adhere to Provincial and Federal government requirements with respect to arriving international students, including measures for:
- Pre-arrival planning and communication with students/co-arriving family members on legal requirements to quarantine or self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival
- Transportation upon arrival to quarantine location (including avoidance of public transit)
- Quarantine supports (e.g. location options; resources for food/medical care; social/mental health supports)
- Regular and robust monitoring during 14-day period for COVID-19 symptoms, wellbeing and compliance
- The process for care should a student develop COVID-19 symptoms
- Contingency for additional supports if a student should become ill during quarantine
As well, the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training requires post-secondary institutions to provide weekly reporting that includes:
- Number of new international student arrivals;
- Number of students in quarantine
- Any incidents of international students in quarantine who have tested positive for COVID-19 during the quarantine period
- Number of students cleared to attend classes at the end of self-isolation period
Frequently asked questions – students
Registration and program delivery
Per the Public Health Officer’s announcement on August 24, masks will now be required in all indoor public spaces on all BCIT campuses. These areas include lobbies, hallways, stairwells, elevators, classrooms, and labs.
- Masks may be removed:
- while actively consuming food or drink and seated in designated eating/drinking locations
- while actively participating in physical activity at the Fitness Centre or Gym
- while alone in a private office or teaching/learning space
- if there is a barrier separating the individual from other persons, for example a divider or cubicles
- briefly, in order to identify staff, faculty, or students
- when delivering a presentation or lecture – only if separated by a barrier or with two-meter physical distance from audience or class
Read the full Order of the Provincial Health Officer for additional guidance. Should you require a mask, please go to the on-campus Security Office where you will be provided one.
Students requesting an accommodation to the mask requirement based on medical or disability status should contact Accessibility Services at accessibility@bcit.ca to initiate their accommodation request process and will be required to submit valid medical documentation. Faculty and staff requesting an accommodation to the mask requirement based on medical or disability status should contact Human Resources.
See the full list of current Program Delivery Modes here.
In line with the BC Public Health Officer guidelines, BCIT is transitioning substantial programming back to on-campus delivery for the Fall 2021 term. We remain committed to supporting you and your education, and to creating exceptional applied learning experiences. Please refer to your course or program webpage for information on anticipated delivery mode for the fall term.
The current tables reflect delivery modes for Fall 2021 under the prevailing COVID-related health and safety orders. Program areas are working actively to compile this information and the webpage will be updated as quickly as possible. Student will be able to access this information prior to fee payment deadlines.
Similar to our full-time program delivery, there will be a substantial return to in person classes for BCIT Part-time Studies courses starting in Fall 2021. Program areas may offer some Part-time Studies classes in an online or blended format.
Building on BCIT’s success of safely returning activity to campus in a graduated manner, we will continue to take guidelines from the Provincial Health Officer and work closely with WorkSafe BC, Occupational Health and Safety, and BC Centre of Disease to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, faculty, and staff.
We remain committed to our mandate to meet learner and industry needs through applied polytechnic education. The necessary safeguards and adjustments are in place to allow the continuation of experiential learning wherever possible. Our Occupational Health and Safety team continues to assess classrooms, labs, and shops, to ensure we practice safe operating procedures in accordance with public health and safety guidelines as well as WorkSafeBC standards for post-secondary institutions.
Students should anticipate a significant level of on-campus activity and plan accordingly.. Where there are exceptions or changes, program areas will provide an update to accepted students prior to the fee deadline.
BCIT is working closely with our industry partners to determine where students can safely complete work placement components of their program. The ability to do so is largely dependent upon the organization that is hosting the student placements.
Where it is not possible for students to complete that training in an industry setting, program areas are developing alternate plans for students to achieve the required learning outcomes.
Program areas are working to develop technology requirement lists for students as it varies by program. Most programs and courses will require you to have access to a personal computer with video and microphone but some of our specialized programs will require additional technology. Visit the Technology requirements page to see the recommended technology requirements for your program.
Tuition is vital to maintaining the academic and operational continuity of BCIT, as well as upholding the quality of our programs and providing the range of supports our students require. BCIT’s commitment to providing quality learning experiences and services has not changed. As we adapt to current circumstances and offer new modes of delivery, we have also transitioned our comprehensive student services and supports to be made available remotely. Tuition rates will remain consistent as work to ensure the safety of all students, faculty, and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contact Student Information and Enrolment Services for general information, part-time studies registration, payments, or Program Advising appointment booking.
COVID-19 scenarios
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Contact Healthlink 811, BCIT Student Health Services – 604-432-8608 (call before attending), or Primary care physician
- Follow the BC Centre for Disease Control self-isolating protocols
- If you are on campus please avoid others and return home immediately
- Inform your Program Head, Chief Instructor, or instructor
Submit a confidential report through Early Assist or by emailing early_assist@bcit.ca
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Contact Healthlink 811, BCIT Student Health Services – 604-432-8608 (call before attending), or Primary care physician
- Follow the BC Centre for Disease Control self-isolating protocols
- If you are on campus please avoid others and return home immediately. If you are experiencing serious symptoms please contact 811, BCIT Student Health Services, or your primary care physician. In the case of an emergency please contact 911.
- Inform your Program Head, Chief Instructor, or instructor
- Submit a confidential report through Early Assist or by emailing early_assist@bcit.ca
- Follow all guidelines that are provided by the public health authority. This will include self-isolating and possible contact tracing though the health authority.
- If you are on campus please avoid others and return home immediately.
- Inform your Program Head, Chief Instructor, or instructor
- Submit a confidential report through Early Assist or by emailing early_assist@bcit.ca
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Contact Healthlink 811, BCIT Student Health Services – 604-432-8608 (call before attending), or Primary care physician
- Follow the BC Centre for Disease Control self-isolating protocols
- If you are currently on campus and around others, please avoid others and return to a home environment. Isolate off campus if possible.
- Contact Student Housing at housing@bcit.ca
- Submit a confidential report through Early Assist or by emailing early_assist@bcit.ca
- Ensure you are aware of up-to-date information about COVID-19
- Inform your Program Head, Chief Instructor, or instructor
- Submit a confidential report through Early Assist or by emailing early_assist@bcit.ca
Student services and support
The Student Life Office is resuming in-person service delivery, but will also continue offering remote meetings as well. Please feel free to drop-by the office or submit an online referral.
Counselling and Student Development will continue to provide telephone and video appointments to students in the Fall of 2021. Student health services are by appointment only. We are still operating virtually unless an in-person visit is medically necessary.