Overview
The part-time Financial Planning Diploma emphasizes practical training in financial and investment planning and advising. Your BCIT training includes preparing a comprehensive financial plan. This hands-on experience with real-world scenarios equips our students with a unique skill set that enhances their job prospects upon graduation.
The demand for qualified financial planners is high so if you’re interested in investments and working with people, this diploma program can help you move into a successful, rewarding career. By focusing your training at BCIT in this diploma program, you’ll be 100% prepared to start work in investment and financial planning upon graduation. With our networking opportunities, and focus on practical, useable skills, many students have job offers even before graduation.
About the program
- Full or part-time diploma program
- Focused on practical training for financial and investment planning and advising
- Strong industry connections and networking opportunities
- After graduation, transition to the workforce or apply to complete your Bachelor of Business Administration degree at BCIT with full-time or part-time evening courses
Find more details of how you’ll be prepared for success upon graduation in the Program Details.
Who it’s for
This program might be right for you if you:
- Are service-focused.
- Enjoy interacting with people.
- Have high emotional intelligence.
- Have an interest in investments.
- Enjoy forecasting and problem solving.
If any of these sound like you, visit the Entrance Requirements page today to apply.
What grads can do
In this program, you’ll focus on the practical, usable skills you’ll need for a successful career in investments and financial planning.
Upon graduation, you’ll be 100% ready to begin working in the industry and be well on your way to receiving your Certified Financial Planner designation. You’ll also have the option to continue your education with BCIT’s Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Working towards the Chartered Financial Analyst designation is also possible.
Learn more about the variety of opportunities on the Graduating and Jobs page.
International study
BCIT offers a number of international study opportunities that helps students gain a global perspective of the economy, culture, government, and everyday life of the country they study in. You could participate in a summer field school or complete an international degree. Learn more about studying abroad.
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Entrance Requirements
About Flexible Learning
Take a single course, or work towards a credential — all at a pace that’s right for you.
Part-time courses are offered in a variety of scheduling formats, including at night or on weekends, flexible daytime delivery, or you can opt for distance or online learning. If you meet the prerequisites and there’s space available, you can register for a course immediately. Courses are offered in each of three terms: Fall (September), Winter (January), and Spring/Summer (April).
To apply to this Part-time Studies program and earn your credential, you simply need to submit a program application. Applications are processed throughout the year.
Part-time Financial Planning Diploma:
Part-time Studies students considering the Financial Planning Diploma are able to apply directly to the program. Students are reminded to be aware of BCIT Policy 5103 – Student Evaluation [PDF], stating all program requirements must be completed within seven years.
Additionally, part-time students intending to pursue the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation have the option of completing the Associate Certificate in Financial Planning program. Alternatively, students intending to pursue the CFP® designation also have the option of completing just the core curriculum courses to help qualify to write the CFP® Level 1 exam:
- FMGT 1810 – Personal Financial Planning 1
- FMGT 3430 – Taxation and Financial Planning
- FMGT 3600 – Security Analysis
- FMGT 4810 – Personal Financial Planning 2
Although not a core curriculum requirement, students who have not previously studied introductory accounting are strongly encouraged to complete FMGT 1152 – Accounting for the Manager before completing FMGT 3430 – Taxation and Financial Planning.
Previous full-time students who have successfully completed Level 1 and/or Level 2, considering completing the Financial Planning Diploma through Part-time Studies, are advised to apply to this program.
Application processing
This program is open to applications beginning:
- February 1st* for the January intake
- May 1st* for the April intake
- October 1st* for the September intake
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first-qualified basis.
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (67%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (67%) or
- Workplace Math 11 (67%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants who currently have a valid status in Canada. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
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Advanced Placement
Direct entry
If you have a diploma or degree, you may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through direct entry. Please note that only complete applications are considered; you must show proof that you have completed, or are registered in, all requirements.
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Submit proof of meeting the following requirements with your online application:
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- Diploma or degree* in any discipline from a recognized post-secondary institution
- Course-by-Course Self-Assessment form [PDF] showing that you have completed all of the required courses below
*If you have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you will require a basic evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered.
Required courses
Part-time course | Course name | Full-time equivalent |
---|---|---|
COMM 1103* (or 1106) | Introduction to Business and Technical Communication | COMM 1100 |
FMGT 1100** (70% or B) | Accounting 1 | FMGT 1105 (65%) |
FMGT 2100** (70% or B) | Accounting 2 | FMGT 2105 (65%) |
The following courses are recommended for completion prior to admission, but are mandatory for graduation from the program:
Part-time course | Course name | Full-time equivalent |
---|---|---|
COMM 2202* (or 2002) | Business and Technical Correspondence | COMM 2200 |
COMM 2203* (or 2003) | Business and Technical Reports | COMM 2200 |
*For accredited Canadian or US credentials, if you have achieved a bachelor's degree the COMM courses may be waived. If you have an associate degree or diploma, COMM 1103/1106 and COMM 2202/2002 may be waived. COMM 2203/2003 will still be required.
**Accounting courses completed in the UK or the US may be considered for transfer credit toward FMGT 1100/2100.
Program matrix
Once accepted, the following courses will be required to complete this program:
Part-time course | Course name | Credits |
---|---|---|
FMGT 3130 | Financial Statement Analysis 1 | 4.0 |
FMGT 3444 | Income Tax for Financial Planning | 4.0 |
FMGT 3510 | Finance 1 | 4.0 |
FMGT 3610* | Canadian Securities Course (CSC) | 4.0 |
FMGT 3830 | Fundamentals of Financial Planning | 4.0 |
FMGT 4130 | Financial Statement Analysis 2 | 4.0 |
FMGT 4510 | Finance 2 | 5.5 |
FMGT 4610* | Canadian Securities Course (CSC) | 4.0 |
FMGT 4721 | Financial Analysis in Excel | 4.0 |
FMGT 4830 | Comprehensive Financial Planning | 5.5 |
FMGT 4911 | Capstone Course for CFP Certification | 3.0 |
FMGT 4921 | Career Preparation | 4.0 |
Note: Students must successfully complete FMGT 3600 (Security Analysis) for transfer credit towards FMGT 3610 and FMGT 4610.
Once accepted, you may register for courses on a course-by-course basis, provided that any course prerequisites have been completed, during the next available Part-time Studies term:
- Winter: January - March
- Spring/Summer: April - June
- Fall: September - December
All program requirements must be completed within seven years per BCIT Policy 5103 - Student Evaluation [PDF]. BCIT Policy 5103 also permits a maximum of three attempts to successfully complete each course within this credential. If you fail a course twice, you will only be allowed to repeat the course with written permission from the Associate Dean.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry FAQs
- When should I apply?
- When will I be accepted?
- When will I get my timetable?
- When can I buy my books?
It is recommended that you apply when you have met all of the entrance requirements.
Once your application has been assessed and has been approved for direct entry, you will be accepted into the program.
Part-time students are responsible for setting their own timetable through registering for individual courses. Initially, it is recommended that students register for a maximum of two courses during the first term of study. This will help in gauging the time commitment, workload, and impact to one's individual situation (i.e. career responsibilities, personal life, etc.). You are able to view your registered courses by visiting my.bcit.ca and selecting the myCourses tab.
It is recommended that you wait until the first week of classes before buying textbooks. Your instructors will tell you which books to buy.
To register for a Part-time Studies course, visit Register for Part-time Courses or contact Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Still have questions? Review the Admissions FAQ or contact Program Advising.
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Costs & Supplies
Bring your own device
Most courses and programs in the School of Business + Media are BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). Please ensure you bring a laptop to every class. Plug-in outlets will be provided at most stations in classrooms, but not in all classrooms, so please ensure you have at least 2 hours of battery life available at the beginning of each class. Check the following recommended computer requirements prior to the start of class. If a program or course does not require you to provide your own device, that information will be provided by your instructor or indicated in the course outline.
For online classes, it is important you have a stable and consistent internet connection to access course content.
Tuition fees
Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees page for more information on domestic and international tuitions.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
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Courses
Important updates to Flexible Learning
Read more about the English requirement.
Note: Part-time programs and courses are open enrolment and although we make every effort to accommodate demand, course registration cannot be guaranteed in every semester. Courses in high demand fill quickly and may result in students unable to register for a course that semester. Courses may also be cancelled due to low enrolment.
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
January 2025 MatrixThe below program matrix is effective for students entering the program in January 2025 and later. 1. Required Courses (complete a minimum of 93.0 credits): |
Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
BLAW 3100 | Business Law | 4.0 | |
BSYS 2000 | Applied Data Analytics in Excel | 4.0 | |
ECON 2100 | Microeconomics | 3.0 | |
ECON 2200 | Macroeconomics | 4.0 | |
FMGT 3444 | Income Tax for Financial Planning | 4.0 | |
FMGT 3510 | Finance 1 | 4.0 | |
FMGT 3610 | Security Analysis 1** | 4.0 | |
FMGT 4510 | Finance 2 | 5.5 | |
FMGT 4610 | Security Analysis 2* | 4.0 | |
FMGT 4911 | Advanced Curriculum in Financial Planning | 3.0 | |
MKTG 1102 | Essentials of Marketing | 3.0 | |
OPMT 1110 | Business Mathematics | 4.0 | |
OPMT 1130 | Business Statistics | 5.5 | |
and | |||
BSYS 1000 | Business Information Systems*** | 3.0 | |
or | |||
BSYS 1001 | Business Information Systems 1-Microsoft 365 for Windows | 3.0 | |
and | |||
BUSA 2005 | Principles of Management | 4.0 | |
ORGB 1105 | Organizational Behaviour | 4.0 | |
or | |||
BUSA 2150 | Introduction to Organizational Development*** | 4.0 | |
and | |||
FMGT 1100 | Accounting 1** | 4.0 | |
or | |||
FMGT 1105 | Accounting 1 for Financial Management*** | 5.0 | |
and | |||
FMGT 1810 | Personal Financial Planning 1 | 3.0 | |
or | |||
FMGT 3830 | Fundamentals of Financial Planning*** | 4.0 | |
and | |||
FMGT 1540 | Credit and Collections | 3.0 | |
or | |||
FMGT 2540 | Introduction to Finance | 2.5 | |
and | |||
FMGT 2100 | Accounting 2** | 5.5 | |
or | |||
FMGT 2105 | Accounting 2 for Financial Management | 6.5 | |
and | |||
FMGT 3110 | Financial Accounting 1 | 5.0 | |
or | |||
FMGT 3130 | Financial Statement Analysis 1*** | 4.0 | |
and | |||
FMGT 4110 | Financial Accounting 2 | 5.5 | |
or | |||
FMGT 4130 | Financial Statement Analysis 2*** | 4.0 | |
and | |||
FMGT 4710 | Advanced Computer Applications 2 | 5.5 | |
or | |||
FMGT 4721 | Financial Analytics in Excel*** | 4.0 | |
and | |||
FMGT 4810 | Personal Financial Planning 2 | 3.0 | |
or | |||
FMGT 4830 | Comprehensive Financial Planning*** | 5.5 | |
and | |||
FMGT 4920 | Career Preparation | 4.0 | |
or | |||
FMGT 4921 | Career Preparation | 4.0 | |
*Students must successfully complete FMGT 3600 for transfer credit towards FMGT 3610 and FMGT 4610. **Students must achieve a final grade of 70% or greater in FMGT 1100 and FMGT 2100. ***Course is available through full-time studies only. |
|||
2. Required Courses - Communications (7.0 credits): | Credits | ||
COMM 1100 | Business Communication 1* | 3.0 | |
or | |||
COMM 1103 | Introduction to Business and Technical Communication | 3.0 | |
or | |||
COMM 1106 | Introduction to Business and Technical Communication (With Language Development Component) | 3.0 | |
and | |||
COMM 2002 | Business and Technical Correspondence With Language Development Component | 3.0 | |
COMM 2003 | Business and Technical Reports With Language Development Component | 3.0 | |
or | |||
COMM 2200 | Business Communication 2* | 4.0 | |
or | |||
COMM 2202 | Business and Technical Correspondence | 3.0 | |
COMM 2203 | Business and Technical Reports | 3.0 | |
*Course is available through full-time studies only. | |||
Total Credits: | 100.0 |
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
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Program Details
This program is designed by working professionals to prepare you for a career in financial and investment planning. By focusing your training on the necessary, applicable skills you’ll need daily in the finance industry, you’ll graduate with the knowledge and confidence to secure and excel at a job in financial planning. As part of the program, you’ll study in-class as well as with hands-on practice by developing your own financial plan. You’ll also graduate having written and passed Canadian Securities Institute exam to prepare you and your resume for success.
Program length
The rate of progress through the part-time program varies. Although most individuals take three to five years to complete their studies, students have up to seven years to complete the program requirements.
Additional program options
Accreditation
Students who choose the Financial Planning program will write the Canadian Securities Course examination. Successful completion is a mandatory step for anyone considering a career in the field of financial planning or in any aspect of the investment world. In addition, it is a prerequisite for all other courses and programs offered by the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI), including the Personal Financial Planning Course (PFPC).
Many of the individual courses in this program are eligible for transfer/credit to the professional accounting bodies.
The Financial Planning option is accredited by the Financial Planning Standards Council of Canada. It meets the academic prerequisites necessary to be permitted to write the Certified Financial Planners (CFP) national examinations.
Program delivery
Blended: This program is delivered partly on campus and partly online.
This flexible learning (part-time studies) program is offered on a course-by-course basis, allowing you the flexibility to complete courses in any order, provided that any required course prerequisites have been completed. Students register for each course individually and may undertake studies in any term (Winter, Spring/Summer, or Fall). While you may choose the pace of your studies, all program requirements must be completed within seven years as per BCIT Policy 5103 - Student Evaluation [PDF].
Please note that some courses in this program are offered only once or twice per year, and BCIT reserves the right to cancel courses if enrolment is insufficient.
In-classroom delivery is available for most courses in the program. Some courses are also offered online.
The length of most online courses is 12 weeks. Online learning students should plan to spend an average of seven to ten hours per week on their studies for each course.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Downtown Campus
555 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC
Courses are also offered through online learning.
Continue your education
BCIT offers part-time students the opportunity to complete a series of credential programs, ultimately leading to a bachelor's degree. If you apply and qualify, you can work towards the following credentials:
Degree completion: Bachelor of Technology in Accounting
The Financial Management department offers an Accounting degree completion program to those who already have an Accounting, Finance, or Financial Planning Diploma or equivalent. Please see our Bachelor of Accounting program for more information.
Universities will give credit for subjects taken in the program to those students who wish to continue their training and qualify for a university degree. Block transfer credit arrangements are in effect with Thompson River University, Simon Fraser University, the University of Northern British Columbia, Royal Roads University, and Lakehead University.
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Graduating & Jobs
Your training at BCIT includes preparation of a complete financial plan. This exposure to real-world scenarios provides our students a unique skill set to assist them in securing jobs upon graduation.
Some job opportunities for grads include:
- Financial Planner
- Financial Advisor
- Investment Advisor
- Assistant Financial Planner
With experience, grads can move on to become:
- Financial Service Manager
- Senior Financial Advisor
- Branch Manager
- Independent Advisor
You’ll also be able to start work as a financial planner and pursue your CFP immediately, or continue on to complete your bachelor’s degree, and from there, continue on to do a CFP and a CFA. This diploma program is recognized at many universities for block credit transfers.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Apply for graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit it to Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.
All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.
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Contact Us
For program related inquiries, please reach out to:
fmgtpts@bcit.ca
Deacon Devlin
Flexible Learning Coordinator – Accounting, Finance, and Insurance
Tel: 604-412-7453
Email: Deacon_Devlin@bcit.ca
Contact a Flexible Learning Program Advisor with the BCIT program name in the subject line if you have a question about:
- Course selection and program planning
- Declaring your program
- Making changes to your approved program plan
- Applying for transfer credit
- Laddering options
- Job placement and graduate outcomes
- Student life
Questions or comments?
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Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.