Technology requirements
Computer requirements vary by program—check your program page for details. For most students, a basic computer meeting minimum requirements is all you need, but there are exceptions. Review our recommended specifications below, and check your program page for any additional requirements. The specifications below will ensure good performance for needed software running through AppsAnywhere.
| Minimum requirements | Basic | Mid-level | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended for | All programs | School of Business + Media | Forensics/Computing/Engineering |
| Operating System | Windows 10 | ||
| Processor | Intel 10th Gen i5 or better
or AMD Ryzen 5 4000 “U” Series or better |
Intel 10th Gen i7 (“H” Series preferred) or better
or AMD Ryzen 5 4000 (“H” Series preferred) or better |
|
| Memory | 8 GB or greater | 16 GB or greater | |
| Hard drive | 250 GB Solid State Drive (SSD) | 500 GB SSD | Primary: 500 GB SSD
Secondary: Consider 2nd data drive or external storage |
| Graphics card | Intel: UHD/Iris/Xe Graphics
AMD: Radeon Graphics |
Intel: UHD/Iris/Xe Graphics
AMD: Radeon Graphics nVidia GPU: MX250/Quadro P520 or better |
Intel: UHD/Iris/Xe Graphics
AMD: Radeon Graphics Plus Discrete Graphics: nVidia GTX 1650/AMD Radeon 5600M or better |
| Screen | 13″ or larger
1080P (FHD – 1920×1080) resolution or higher |
||
| Connectivity | 802.11ac (or newer) or wired ethernet connection | ||
| Internet | High-speed internet connection of at least 30 Mbps Download/10 Mbps Upload | ||
| Other | 720P Webcam + Microphone | ||
| Warranty | Accidental damage coverage recommended | ||
Even if your program doesn’t require an above-basic computer, for best performance, you might want to consider upgrading. Please see the following additional information about technology requirements for these programs:
- Broadcast: Technology requirements for Broadcast and Online Journalism [PDF]
- Computing: Laptop requirements vary by Computing programs; please check your program page and welcome packages
- Civil Engineering: Technology requirements for Civil Engineering [PDF]
- Digital Arts/New Media: Technology requirements for Digital Arts and New Media programs [PDF]
Student discounts on technology products
As a BCIT student, you are eligible for educational pricing on computers and other technology.
BCIT partners with Dell and Apple to provide choice for students. Visit their websites below to view offers on applicable technology products.
Dell Computers
Sign up for an account to access discounted pricing.
Apple Computers
Save on a new Mac or iPad with Apple education pricing. Available to current and newly accepted BCIT students and their parents, as well as faculty and staff.