With several world-class universities and a standard public schooling system, Canada presents prospective students with a wide array of programs to ensure an optimum learning experience. The student grants and international scholarships are also options that can benefit students.
About British Columbia Institute of Technology
British Colombia Institute of Technology was first established in 1960 as a single campus but has since expanded into five schools located in British Colombia. BCIT is made up of small classes with a practical approach towards teaching that focuses on finding solutions to real-life problems. BCIT is host to over 48,000 students and offers a variety of certificates, diplomas, and degree options to these students.
The ranges of courses offered by BCIT include health sciences, computing, engineering, etc
Study in British Columbia Institute of Technology as an International student
Another prestigious and popular choice in B.C. for international students is British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). With five campuses scattered throughout the province, the institute works closely with leading industry employers and helps students connect with employers.
BCIT has a wide variety of programs including certificates and masters programs. The application requirements will vary depending on program of choice and whether you are studying full-time or part-time. But some basic requirements include English language proficiency, grades and equivalencies.
While the application dates for most programs are September, BCIT accepts and processes applications throughout the year. Make sure to check the specific requirements for your program.
Once you apply, you will receive a student number and login information to use myCommunication. This portal will allow you to check your application status and receive all other BCIT correspondence.
As part of the application process, students are also required to get the relevant study permits and visas.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition fees for BCIT international students are higher than for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The fees for one year ranges between $13,000 to $44,000.
This is not including the cost of books or supplies and does not take into account living expenses such as rent, food and utilities. BCIT also requires students to purchase medical insurance coverage.
To ease the financial burden, a number of scholarships and bursaries are available to BCIT international students.
History of BCIT
BCIT was established in the early 1960s, and over time has become one of the foremost citadels for learning, research, and technology. The timeline below shows the growth of the School from a single campus into an internationally acclaimed institute of technology.
- 1960, BC Vocational School opens at Willindon and Canada Way in Burnaby.
- The first Principal of BCIT is appointed in 1962
- In 1964, 498 students became the School’s first set predominantly in Engineering, Health, and Business.
- By 1975, the number of students on Campus has now increased to 3,200.
- 1977, the BCIT Sea Island Campus is established.
- The BCIT Alumni association is incorporated.
- In 1986, BCIT merged with Pacific Vocational Institute
- 1994 the Pacific Marine Training Institute combines with BCIT
- 1996 was the year BCIT offered its first Bachelor of technology degree in Environmental Engineering Technology.
- In 1997 the new downtown campus was opened.
- By 2004, the number of students has risen to more than 48,000, and the School’s polytechnic status is enshrined in legislation.
- In 2007, BCIT opened a new 300,000 square-foot Aerospace Technology campus at the entrance to Vancouver International Airport.
In nearly six decades of the operation of the British Columbia Institute of technology, the alumni list has grown to more than 120,000.
BCIT Campuses
Since its establishment, the institute has grown into five campuses in different locations.
Burnaby Campu
The Burnaby campus is off the Trans-Canada Highway at the corner of Willingdon Avenue and Canada Way:
3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5G 3H2
Downtown Campus
The Campus features a TEC Hub, which is innovative and shared IT learning space in the heart of the Vancouver downtown tech corridor. The facility is in the central part of Vancouver, near the Granville Skytrain Station.
555 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 3H6, Canada.
Marine Campus
The Marine Campus of BCIT is in the North of Vancouver near the Lonsdale Quay and Seabus terminal:
265 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, BC, V7M 1A5, Canada.
Aerospace Technology Campus
The Campus is in Richmond near the South Terminal for the Vancouver International Airport.
3800 Cessna Drive, Richmond, BC, V7B 0A1
Annacis Island Campus
This Campus is BCIT’s newest location and opened in September 2014. It is a 142,000-square-foot facility and serves the primary purpose of hosting motive power programs offered by BCIT and Vancouver Community College. These programs are very functional in training heavy-duty mechanics, transport trailers, diesel mechanics, commercial transportation mechanics, railway conductors, and forklift operators. This facility is in Delta, at:
1608 Cliveden Avenue Delta, BC, Canada, V3M 6M2
Schools of BCIT
Six schools provide programs and courses at The British Columbia Institute of Technology. They are:
School of Computing and Academic Studies
The School has a comprehensive curriculum offering over 250 courses and 40 different programs. The School also provides both full and part-time options for the completion of its diverse programs.
School of Business
The School of Business offers a hands-on working experience for students by creating an environment where students can learn from industry experts while also exchanging ideas with classmates from diverse industries. With a healthy curriculum boasting over 100 programs and 300 courses, the BCIT School of Business enhances the skills of students. It improves the marketability of students through either a full or part-time study opportunity.
School of Construction and the Environment
The School focuses on the study of the natural environment, the built environment (built Environment), and the interplay between them. The School of construction and Environment offers over 270 part-time courses and 60 different full-time programs.
School of Health Sciences
The School of Health Sciences provides a practical learning experience to prepare students for real-life problems. With an extensive curriculum and intimate learning experience from industry practitioners, the School equips students with an education that paves the way to a highly-rewarding and challenging career.
School of Energy
The School of energy provides top-notch practical learning experience to students on programs ranging from Machinist to Telecommunications, and Chemical and Environmental Technology to Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering.
School of Transportation
The BCIT School of transportation offers a sturdy education and training on all types of transportation, including air, sea, rail, land, and hosts Western Canada’s largest Aerospace Technology School.
With Innovative programs, world-class training and equipment, intimate learning experience with industry experts aided by the availability of flexible learning options, BCIT is determined to meet the educational needs of students from all over the globe.
