Registering for courses is an essential process at BCIT with which students should be familiar. Review the content below to better understand how course registration relates to your planned studies at BCIT as well as how to register and pay for a Flexible Learning course.
On this page:
- Course registration for a Flexible Learning program
- Course registration for a Full-time cohort program
- Course registration under General Studies
- How to register for a Flexible Learning course
- Flexible Learning course withdrawal & refund policy
- Registration holds
Course registration for a Flexible Learning program
In Flexible Learning programs at BCIT, students register themselves into courses. Upon enrolment to a Flexible Learning program, you will receive a program plan through your myBCIT account (under myCommunication). You should refer to your program plan to know in which courses you should register.
If you are enrolled in a Flexible Learning program, you should understand how to register for courses and make sure to pay careful attention to Key Registration Dates for upcoming terms.
Program Advising is available to support if you have any questions about courses.
Course registration for a Full-time cohort program
Students in a Full-time cohort program generally do not have to take any specific action to register in courses. This is because BCIT staff register entire cohorts of full-time students into block course schedules. In these programs, students follow a specific program plan and are generally do not choose their courses (other than for elective credits).
There are some limited circumstances when a student enrolled in a Full-time cohort program may need to self-register in courses through Flexible Learning, such as:
- for elective courses that are part of your program,
- taking a course equivalent while on a modified full-time course schedule (if advised to do so by BCIT faculty), or
- individual courses from outside your program, taken on top of your regular program course schedule (such as general interest or prerequisite courses for a future program).
Note that courses registered through Flexible Learning are charged course-by-courses in accordance with BCIT’s standard tuition and refund policy for Flexible Learning courses.
General Studies
A student who registers in courses but is not enrolled in any program at BCIT is considered to be under “General Studies.” Most international students in Canada on a study permit should be enrolled in a program while studying at BCIT.
However, there are some limited circumstances when it may be acceptable for a student already in Canada to take individual courses as a General Studies student including:
- Protected Persons (convention refugees), work permit holders, or visitor record holders taking an English upgrading course at BCIT,
- An individual with a valid status in Canada wanting to take an individual course under 6 months in length, or
- An individual with a valid status in Canada wanting to pursue a microcredential or statement of completion (which are not formal programs and therefore do not offer any formal program enrolment).
How to register for a Flexible Learning course
Course registration is done on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration opens one to three months prior to term start. Space in courses is limited, and some fill very quickly. Students should note registration opening dates and web preview dates to prepare for registration.
Each course offering will state a specific time, location, instructor, and Course Reference Number (CRN). Make note of this information as well as any prerequisites may be required prior to taking the course. Students can contact Program Advising for guidance on selecting courses if necessary.
There are several options outlined below for registering in a course.
Flexible Learning course tuition payment and refund policy
Tuition fees are charged upon registration for each individual Flexible Learning course. Payment for the course tuition fees should be made immediately. For more information, see Payment Options at BCIT.
A notable exception to the information above is for international students starting a new Flexible Learning program, who normally pay a commitment fee which covers tuition fees for the first term courses.
To withdraw from a Flexible Learning course, students must submit a course withdrawal form to PTSwithdrawals@bcit.ca.
To request a transfer from one course to another, student must contact Student Information and Enrolment Services. A course transfer is subject to a $16 fee and must be requested and processed before the refund deadline. Courses can only be transferred for the same term and not across different terms.
Review the Flexible Learning Refund Policy and ensure that you take action to drop your courses by the appropriate deadline to receive full or a partial refund of your paid tuition fees.
Registration holds
If you have an active registration hold on your account, you may be prevented from registering for courses.
This type of hold may be placed on your account for several reasons including:
- The study permit (or other status in Canada document) you provided to BCIT has expired
- You have not provided BCIT with proof of enrolment in BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
- You have an outstanding balance on your account which is overdue
- You have an overdue items checked out from the BCIT Library
If you believe there is a registration hold on your account, you may contact the International Student Centre or Student Information and Enrolment Services for assistance.