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The Computer Systems Technology (CST) combines computer systems theory with hands-on practical experience in software development. You’ll learn software engineering and programming from industry professionals, and gain experience working on projects from concept to deployment. You can choose to specialize in areas like artificial intelligence, client servers, technical programming, web and mobile, and more. Additionally, you'll get the chance to work with an industry sponsor on a project before graduating and embarking on a career as an entry-level software developer, application programmer, software tester, or network or database administrator.

Computer Systems Technology (CST): Diploma

British Columbia Institute of Technology

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The Computer Systems Technology program is offered at both the Burnaby and Downtown campuses. Accepted applicants will be assigned to either the Burnaby or Downtown Campus as part of their admission offer. 



Competitive Entry: Two-step process

Preference will be given to applicants with:

 grades above the minimum (secondary or post-secondary)
Computer Programming 11 or 12
Computer Science 11 or 12

Applicants with preferred  are to submit transcripts and supporting documentation with their online application.

Step 1: Meet the following 

English: two years of education in English in an English-speaking country with one of the following:
English Studies 12 (67%) or
English First Peoples 12 (67%) or
Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
3.0 credits of post-secondary English, humanities or social sciences (67%) from a recognized institution

Math: one of the following:
Pre-Calculus 12 (67%) or
Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses

Step 2: Department assessment

Admission is competitive and will be offered to the most qualified applicants. The competitive calculation formula takes the average of the applicant’s secondary or post-secondary English and math scores.

If submitting updated grades after applying, inform Admissions and advise them of your highest grades.

A waitlist of eligible applicants, ranked in competitive order, will be kept in the event that a seat becomes available prior to the end of the first week of term. The waitlist is cleared once the program intake is full and closed; unsuccessful applicants must re-apply to be considered for the next intake. Unsuccessful students may wish to upgrade their math and English before re-applying.

International applicants

This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.

Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.

Transfer credit

Equivalent courses from BCIT and other institutions may be transferable to the Computer Systems Technology program based on the recommendations of the instructor and the program head.

To be considered for course credit, students must:

Be accepted into the diploma program.
Have earned a minimum of 60% final grade in the equivalent course or courses.
Have completed the courses within an acceptable recency of five years.
Be able to demonstrate coverage of course learning outcomes in the equivalent course or courses.

BCIT policy allows only a maximum of 50 percent of a credential’s credits to be awarded through previously earned credits. If you have taken an equivalent course and meet the above requirements, apply for transfer credit by submitting a Course Credit Exemption form.

Academic Admission Requirement



BCIT is committed to providing assistance to all its full- and part-time students with permanent or temporary, visible or non-visible disabilities. Current and future students who maybe need support to overcome the limits and barriers that you may encounter during your studies are encouraged to contact BCIT’s Accessibility Services to attend an information session or to arrange an interview with one of the institute's Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists.

Admission Advice

This program is open to applications:		
		
October  to March for the Fall (September) intake.		
March to August for the Winter (January) intake.		
		
We recommend that you apply early. All supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline.		
		
Indigenous applicants: Read about Indigenous student support available for the Computer Systems Technology program.
	

Application Deadline Advice

Computer Information Systems Diplomas

URL for Computer Systems Technology (CST): Diploma at BCIT

Computer Systems Technology (CST): Diploma

British Columbia Institute of Technology

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