Business Administration

The BCIT Graduate Certificate in Business Administration program is structured to meet the requirements for direct entry and advanced placement in MBA and other master’s degree programs.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Programs:

1. What are the entrance requirements?

1. English: Two years of education in English in an English-speaking country with one of the following:
   • English 12 (67%) or
   • Three credits of post-secondary English, Humanities or Social Sciences (67%) from a recognized institution
2. Post-Secondary Education: Completion of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 73% (or equivalent) or greater
3. Post-Secondary Course: Completion of one of the following post-secondary courses:
   • OPMT 1197 – Statistics for Business and Industry
   • OPMT 7701 – Calculus for Management
   • OPMT 1110 – Business Mathematics

Applicants who completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, United States or the United Kingdom will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES).

Recommended for success
Though not an entrance requirement, it is preferred that applicants have at least two years progressive work experience which should include at least one of the following:

1. Working at a professional job with appropriate credentials (e.g. as a professional engineer)
2. Working as a supervisor (e.g. supervising other employees, budget control, planning or product development)
3. Advancement in career (e.g. promotion to a higher level within the organization with greater responsibilities)

2. If I do not meet all of the entrance requirements, can I still be accepted?
Applicants are required to complete a pre-entry assessment form [PDF] to review their work experience and how they meet the entrance requirements:

• Applicants that do not meet all entrance requirements will receive a study plan as part of their assessment indicating pre-entry courses if required.
• Applicants not meeting the entrance requirements may be considered for acceptance if they have a minimum recommended two years of progressive work experience.

3. What level do I use when I am applying for the GCBA?
Level 01

4. Do you accept foreign degrees/credits?
Applicants who completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, United States or the United Kingdom will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). If these credentials are found to be equivalent to Canadian credentials, then we can accept them as appropriate for entrance to the program.

Note that this process takes at least 7 weeks to complete so should be undertaken well in advance of the desired admission date.

5. How do I get my credential evaluated?
Applicants who completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, United States or the United Kingdom will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES).

6. Can I get a conditional acceptance to the program?
A conditional acceptance can be made on English and course work requirements. The applicant receives full acceptance into Business Management Studies full time Associate Certificate (BMS) as a bridge to completing the missing requirements for entering the GCBA program.

7. What is the English requirement?
Two years of education in English in an English-speaking country with one of the following:

• English 12 (67%) or
• Three credits of post-secondary English, Humanities or Social Sciences (67%) from a recognized institution in an English Speaking Country

If you are from a non-English speaking country then you have provide the documents to prove equivalency.

8. What if I don’t meet the English requirements?
English requirements have been established to help you succeed. If you plan to study at BCIT, ensure you meet our English-proficiency standards. There are two ways to meet the requirements:

1. Complete both of the following:
   • An English 12 course or equivalent at the specified grade for your program
   • Two years of full-time education in English in an English-speaking country
2. Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening:
   • Complete courses or assessments including ISEP, PELD, TOEFL, or IELTS.
   • Options for demonstrating your proficiency in English

A conditional acceptance can be made on the basis of a lowered English and course work requirements by entering the Business Fundamentals program. The applicant receives full acceptance into Business Fundamentals full time Associate Certificate (BMS) as a bridging program to completing the missing requirements for entering the GCBA program.

9. I can’t figure out how to get a student number!
Click here to create a BCIT Student Number.

10. I can’t figure out where to apply to the program!
Click here to Apply Now.

11. What documents I need to show and how to apply?
Please see the Entrance Requirements page.

12. What are the program application deadlines?
There are no application deadlines. Applications are accepted until program is full. However, to be considered for the current term and/or intake, it’s suggested that applications be submitted 6 months prior to a start date. For out of country applicants, please note that there are long processing times so you are encouraged to apply 8-10 months prior to the start date.

13. Who/what kind of student is the program for?
The BCIT Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is recommended for students who want to start their MBA at BCIT and continue to complete their master’s degree at a reputable institution abroad. Graduates have the opportunity to continue their studies to complete a master’s degree or to enter the workforce in a managerial role.

14. How long is the program?
Two terms full-time, approximately 8 months.
The maximum time to complete the program is five years

15. What is the schedule?
8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

16. Where is the program offered?
All core courses and two electives will be provided in classrooms and labs at the BCIT Downtown Campus. Students may contact the Program Head for additional elective options and for approval.

17. How long is the MBA program after the completion of the Graduate Certificate and what is the tuition?
The BCIT Graduate Certificate in Business Administration program is structured to meet the requirements for direct entry and advanced placement in MBA and other master’s degree programs at four partner Universities.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program length and tuitions vary between universities. Note that each may have somewhat different entrance requirements than the GCBA. Acceptance into the GCBA program in no way guarantees or bypasses the entrance requirements for the partner universities.

Please see the partner university page for more details.

18. What is the tuition?
This program is eight months long and total fee for the program is $10,067.46 (domestic students [PDF]). The first term starts in September until December. You will be required to pay $5033.73 at front. Please see the Fees, Payments and Refunds section of the website for more current information on full-time tuition fees.
Tution for an International student [PDF] is $13,433.46. You will be required to pay $6716.73 for the first term at front.

19. What are books and supplies costs?
$1,000 (General estimated cost, subject to change)

*Laptop with Windows operating system required for the program.

Please note that a tablet computer will not be sufficient.

20. Is there financial assistance?
Financial assistance may be available for this program for domestic students only. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.

21. Who are the instructors and what are their credentials?
Instructors are drawn from our regular faculty pool typically with a Masters and extensive business experience.

22. What is the workload like?
There will be many projects and extensive group work. Lots of initiative expected. Up to three of hours of homework per day should be anticipated with more intense periods during the term and at the end of the course.

23. Can I work and be a student at the same time?
It is strongly suggested that students do not hold full time jobs (hours) while attending classes. Students are expected to attend 100% of their full time classes and spend a minimum of 3 hours day on homework leaving minimal time to work. Should you be receiving financial assistance please remember to review their guidelines with working and going to school.

International students will require proper permits to do any work while in Canada. For more information contact the International Student Centre.

24. I haven’t been to school for a long time and I am worried about how I’ll do. Is help available?
Yes, the BCIT Library has services for writing and peer tutoring.

25. Does BCIT provide housing?
Yes, BCIT has on-campus housing is located on the Burnaby Campus, adjacent to the sports field and campus recreation facilities. We also offer, in partnership with the My Ideal Home Network, comprehensive listings of off-campus accommodation including support for short-stay, apprenticeship and international students.

For help as an international student check out the housing services.

Questions or comments?