British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)

About

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (also referred to as BCIT), is a public polytechnic institute in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. The technical institute has five campuses located in the Metro Vancouver region, with its main campus in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. 

Acronym	BCIT
Motto / Slogan	To each their highest attainment
Colour	Navy Blue, Yellow
Founded	1964
Location	Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Address	3700 Willingdon Ave. Burnaby, British Columbia Canada V5G 3H2

Objectives

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has several key objectives, including empowering people, shaping British Columbia, and inspiring global progress. Its mission focuses on partnering learners and industry for success through workforce development, with a commitment to applied education and integration with industry. BCIT also aims to improve the lives of those who learn and work there. 

 

 

Main Academic Divisions (Faculties)

• School of Business & Media
• School of Computing & Academic Studies
• School of Construction & the Environment
• School of Energy
• School of Health Sciences|School of Health Sciences
• School of Transportation

Reasons to Study at British Columbia Institute of Technology

1. Wide variety of courses

   The variety of BCIT courses, whether in terms of the subjects taught or the levels at which they are delivered, is wide. BCIT offers over 300 programs, including diploma, degree, and certificate programs. The degree programs are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels in business, engineering, computing, health sciences, trades and transportation.

   
    

2. A welcoming, friendly campus

   The British Columbia Institute of Technology provides a welcoming and friendly campus environment for all students. Being located in the heart of Burnaby, it is one of the province’s largest post-secondary institutions having a diverse student community with over 50% of its students coming from outside of Canada.

   
    

3. Small class sizes

   BCIT prides itself on providing small class sizes, ensuring that students receive personalized guidance and support from their professors. As a key component of the BCIT educational experience, small class sizes enable students to engage more deeply with the course material and receive individualized feedback and support. The average class size is around 25 students, which is significantly smaller than many other educational institutions.

   
    

4. Great location

   The BCIT campus is located in Burnaby, which is an excellent place for students to live and learn. It is situated just outside of Vancouver and offers a welcoming and diverse community of immigrants and International students. The city provides a convenient and affordable option for housing to students that are close to the campus. Burnaby is also a great option as it offers a range of amenities and attractions that are popular among students.

   
    

   
    

Fees

Admission

Undergraduate Admission Requirement

Admission criteria and deadlines are unique to every program. Please check the Entrance Requirements on each program webpage.

 

Supporting Documents

• Official Transcripts: Each transcript you submit should be in support of meeting one or more of the program’s entrance requirements. Do not submit transcripts that are not relevant to your application.
• Letters of Reference: Check to see if your program requires a reference letter by viewing the program details page.
• Proof of status in Canada.
• Some programs require additional information, such as a criminal record check or a copy of your driver’s license. Check your program’s web page to see if your program has additional requirements.

 

 

Postgraduate Admission Requirments

Admission criteria and deadlines are unique to every program. Please check the Entrance Requirements on each program webpage.

Supporting Documents

• Official Transcripts: Each transcript you submit should be in support of meeting one or more of the program’s entrance requirements. Do not submit transcripts that are not relevant to your application.
• Letters of Reference: Check to see if your program requires a reference letter by viewing the program details page.
• Proof of status in Canada.
• Some programs require additional information, such as a criminal record check or a copy of your driver’s license. Check your program’s web page to see if your program has additional requirements.

How To Apply For Admission

Applications are available through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC). Use the Apply Now button on your program’s page to be directed to the EPBC application platform.

Admission Contacts

Email: [email protected]

Apply For Admission

Gallery

• 

  Graduating Students

• 

  Forensic Lab

• 

  Classroom

Campus Tour

Facilities

• Classrooms: BCIT offers in-person courses and programs that require a physical classroom setting, and has even undergone renovations to create new classrooms for specific departments, like the Visual Arts and 3D Modelling programs. 
• Library: British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has a library system with a main campus library and online resources. The library provides physical spaces for group and individual study, computer facilities, and a wealth of online materials like e-books, articles, and research databases. 
• Laboratory: BCIT has a laboratory program as part of its Medical Laboratory Technology program. The program includes hands-on clinical training and teaches students skills in areas like clinical chemistry and microbiology to prepare them for a career as a medical laboratory technologist. 
• Accommodation: BCIT has on-campus accommodation, including options in the new Tall Timber Student Housing and the established Townhouses. These communities provide a comfortable and supportive living environment for students.
• Sports: BCIT Recreation Services offers both organized and non-organized sporting opportunities for all to participate in and enjoy, including numerous sports courts, a weight room, aerobics classes, sports fields and a running track.
• Gym: BCIT has a large training facility equipped with the latest strength equipment, dumbbells, free weights, mirrors, and a large variety of cardio machines, including treadmills, stair climbers, rowing machines, and much more. The facility is well-maintained and provides a safe, clean, welcoming and inclusive environment for all to enjoy. In addition, they offer men’s, women’s and individual change room facilities equipped with showers.

 

 

Accreditations

• Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB)
• Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). 

Vice Chancellor

Academic Staff

• 

  Jennifer Figner

  Provost & Vice President, Academic Jennifer joined BCIT as faculty in the School of Business + Media in 2005, bringing with her nearly a decade of experience in the accounting sector in both financial and human resource management role... read more

  s. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia and is a designated Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA). In 2015 she was the recipient of a BCIT Employee Excellence Award for Leadership and in 2017 was appointed Associate Dean of Accounting, Finance, Financial Planning, Risk Management and Insurance. Jennifer also spent six years as Chair of the Education Council where she was responsible for the review and approval of new and existing academic programming at the Institute.

  
   

• 

  Dr. Fawad Ahmed Najam

  Lecturer Dr. Fawad A. Najam is a research fellow in the School of Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC Okanagan). He received a PhD degree in Structural Engineering from Asian Institute of Te... read more

  chnology (AIT, Thailand) with the research focused on evaluation of nonlinear seismic demands of high?rise reinforced concrete buildings using simplified analysis procedures. Before joining UBC, he was serving as an assistant professor of structural engineering at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) (Islamabad, Pakistan).
   
• 

  Dr. Ken Byrne

  Lecturer

  Dr. Ken is a professional forester with a background in natural disturbance modelling and extensive practice implementing research in forest operations.

• 

  Melanie Guindon

  Lecturer With over 13 years of dedicated experience in perinatal nursing, Melanie brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the faculty of Applied science. Her diverse roles—ranging from acute care nurs... read more

  e and charge nurse to nurse educator—have equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges and best practices in perinatal care. More recently, Melanie served in a provincial role working at Perinatal Services BC. She played a key role in the development and launch of the Perinatal and Newborn Health Hub, a provincial resource launched in 2023 aimed at enhancing the quality of care delivered by perinatal and newborn health providers throughout British Columbia. 

View More Staff

Notable Alumni

• 
  Shawn Atleo Politician
• 
  John Furlong Sports Executive
• 
  Wai Young Politician
• 
  Tamara Taggart Journalist

View More Alumni

History

In 1960, the British Columbia Vocational School (BCVS) was established in Burnaby, opening at Willingdon and Canada Way. It was the first permanent trades school of its kind in British Columbia; its programs included carpentry, welding and aircraft maintenance. A year later, plans were announced to establish the British Columbia Institute of Technology on adjacent land. It was the first provincial institution dedicated to advanced technical education in BC, and its principal was named in 1962. It offered education in the areas of engineering, business and health, enrolling 498 students in 1964. In 1966, it celebrated its first graduates.