Academic status is very important for international students to understand, since it may directly impact a student’s:
- Ability to meet the conditions as a study permit holder in Canada
- Eligibility for themselves or their spouse to work in Canada during their studies
- Eligibility for a Post-graduation work permit (PGWP)
View the definitions below for:
Note that as a Designated Learning Institute (DLI), BCIT is required to report to Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) the academic status of each student who has BCIT listed as the DLI on their study permit.
Full-time status
BCIT considers international students as having full-time status if they are enrolled in either:
- a Regular Credential program (Full-time) and registered in courses each term (except for regularly scheduled breaks): Students in Regular Credential Programs generally are registered in courses in a term-based cohort model; or
- a Flexible Learning program: with a minimum of 9 credits of BCIT courses every term (winter, spring/summer, and fall): Students in Flexible Learning programs self-register course-by-course.
Part-time status
BCIT considers international students as having part-time status if they are enrolled in
- a Flexible Learning program: registered in less than 9 credits of BCIT courses per term: Students in Flexible Learning programs self-register course-by-course.
Scheduled breaks
Scheduled breaks for Regular Credential (Full-time) programs at BCIT
A period of time during a program when there are no scheduled classes such as winter break, reading break, or summer term break. Contact your program area for more details about any scheduled breaks that your program may have.
Scheduled breaks for Flexible Learning programs at BCIT
A period of time when a student has no scheduled classes between consecutive terms of study.
Unscheduled breaks
Students can not create breaks other than the scheduled breaks defined above. If you choose to take a leave from your studies, you will be considered as “no longer enrolled.”