Indigenous Student Support

BCIT Computing recognizes that Indigenous students are underrepresented in the student population and industry. In accordance with the Institute’s equity plan, to encourage and support Indigenous applicants, priority seating will be given to Indigenous students in select full-time computing programs.

To be considered under this admission category applicants must:

1. Self-identify as an Indigenous (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) person of Canada on the admission application.
   Documentation of status may be required.
2. Have successfully completed the program’s entrance requirements.

In BCIT Computing competitive-entry diploma programs, and the Master of Science in Applied Computing, students who meet the above criteria will be preferred candidates at the program deadline. For Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science (BScACS) programs with first-come entry, all eligible students may apply until the program is filled, and there is no need for priority seating during early intake. When the program is wait-listing applicants, Indigenous applicants will be given waitlist priority.

Our programs also work closely with Indigenous Initiatives at BCIT to ensure students receive the best possible support and encouragement while in the program. Please visit Indigenous Initiatives for more information on available resources.

Check out the advice and experience from one of our Computer Systems Technology (CST) Diploma alumni.

Indigenous Scholarships & Financial Awards

Scholarships and bursaries are usually a non-repayable source of funds that help students with success while attending BCIT. A wide range of scholarships, awards, bursaries, and financial aid are available to Indigenous students to apply for. Please see the current list by visiting the BCIT Indigenous Initiatives webpage on Scholarships & Financial Aid.

In partnership with TD Bank and Mastercard, the Computing Department offers bursaries and entrance awards specifically for Indigenous Computing students. Up to $20,000 per year is available in multiple computing programs:

• Computer Information Technology (diploma)
• Computer Systems Technology (diploma)
• Full-Stack Web Development (diploma)
• Computer Systems – Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science
• Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity (BTech)
• Technology Professional Programs

Individual funding will depend on financial need (bursaries) or achievement (awards). Application forms are available on the BCIT Bursary webpage during the months of January, June, and October.