Overview
The Financial Planning Diploma equips you for a career in financial and investment planning in 2 years. Guided by industry professionals, acquire essential skills in the finance sector. Graduate with success, having written and passed the Canadian Securities Institute exam and prepared for your own financial plan.
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 two-year diploma program, you’ll be 100% prepared to start work in investment and financial planning upon graduation. And with our strong mentorships, networking opportunities, and focus on practical, useable skills, many students have job offers even before graduation.
About the program
- Two-year, full-time 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 should apply for the Financial Planning Diploma?
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.
Your experience matters
Do you already have work experience or coursework from another school? If so, you might qualify for course credits to help accelerate your training. Check to see whether your experience qualifies you for Advanced Placement.
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. As part of your training, you’ll also have exposure to industry leaders through mentorship and with your own financial plan presentation.
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 at 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.
Accredited program
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
- Next up Entrance Requirements
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Open to applications beginning October 1st (or next business day).
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains.
- 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
Recommended for success
Strong mathematic skills are required for success in BCIT Business diplomas. If you feel that you would like to upgrade your math skills, you should complete OPMT 0199 or OPMT 0023 before commencing the program.International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. 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
September each year.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
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- Next up Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement
Re-admission
You can apply for re-admission if you:
- were previously admitted to this program and completed part of it at BCIT and
- want to re-enter the program at an advanced level.
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Submit the Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF] with your application.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry
BCIT accepts complete applications starting:
- February 1st* for level 2 (January start)
- October 1st* for level 3 (September start)
*or next business day
There are four options for direct entry. If you are applying through options 1, 2, or 3, you must submit an online application. Option 4 applicants, submit your application for transfer directly to BCIT Admissions.
Applications to level 2 or 3.
Submit the following with your online application:
- Proof of meeting all general entrance requirements (excluding Math 11)
- Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF] showing that you have completed all of the required courses for the level to which you are applying
Required courses
If you are applying to level 2, you must show proof of completion of (or registration in) the level 1 courses (or equivalents) below.
If you are applying to level 3, you must show proof of completion of (or registration in) the level 1 and 2 courses (or equivalents) below.
Level 1 courses
Full-time | Course Name | Part-time Equivalent |
BSYS 1000 | Business Information Systems | BSYS 1001 |
COMM 1100 | Business Communication 1 | COMM 1103 or COMM 1106 |
ECON 2100 | Microeconomics | ECON 2100 |
FMGT 1105* (65%) | Accounting 1 for Financial Management | FMGT 1100 (70% or B-) |
MKTG 1102 | Essentials of Marketing | MKTG 1102 |
OPMT 1110 | Business Mathematics | OPMT 1110 |
Level 2 courses
Full-time | Course Name | Part-time Equivalent |
BSYS 2000 | Applied Data Analytics in Excel | BSYS 2222 |
BUSA 2150 | Introduction to Organizational Development | BUSA 2005 and ORGB 1105 |
COMM 2200 | Business Communication 2 | COMM 2202 and COMM 2002 or COMM 2202 and COMM 2003 |
ECON 2200 | Macroeconomics | ECON 2200 |
FMGT 2105* (65%) | Accounting 2 for Financial Management | FMGT 2100 (70% or B-) |
FMGT 2540 | Introduction to Finance | FMGT 2540 |
OPMT 1130 | Business Statistics | OPMT 1197 |
*Note: Accounting courses completed in the UK or the United States may be considered for transfer credit toward FMGT 1105/1100 and FMGT 2105/2100.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Applications to level 2 or 3.
Submit the following with your online application:
- Proof of meeting all general entrance requirements (excluding Math 11)
- Proof of 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 your credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered.
Required courses for direct entry to level 2:
Full-time | Course Name | Part-time Equivalent |
COMM 1100* | Business Communication 1 | COMM 1103 or COMM 1106 |
FMGT 1105** (65%) | Accounting 1 for Financial Management | FMGT 1100 (70% or B-) |
Required courses for direct entry to level 3:
Full-time | Course Name | Part-time Equivalent |
FMGT 1105** (65%) | Accounting 1 for Financial Management | FMGT 1100 (70% or B-) |
FMGT 2105** (65%) | Accounting 2 for Financial Management | FMGT 2100 (70% or B-) |
The following courses are recommended for completion prior to admission into level 3, but are mandatory for graduation from the program.
Full-time | Course Name | Part-time Equivalent |
COMM 1100* | Business Communication 1 | COMM 1103 or COMM 1106 |
COMM 2200* | Business Communication 2 | COMM 2202 (or 2002) and COMM 2203 (or 2003) |
*Note: For accredited Canadian or US credentials, if you have achieved a bachelor’s degree the COMM 1100 and 2200 courses may be waived. If you have an associate degree or a diploma, COMM 1103 (or 1106) and COMM 2202 (or 2002) may be waived. Note that COMM 2203 (or 2003) will still be required.
**Note: Accounting courses completed in the UK or the United States may be considered for transfer credit for FMGT 1105/1100 and FMGT 2105/2100.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
If you are an adult learner, you may be eligible to complete an Advanced Placement and Prior Learning (APPL) assessment to qualify for direct entry to an advanced level of the program. Visit the SITE Centre to find out if you are eligible, and to learn more about the assessment process and associated fees.
Submit the following with your online application:
- Proof of meeting all general entrance requirements
- Approved Advanced Placement and Prior Learning (APPL) Assessment
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
If you are currently in a full-time BCIT School of Business diploma program and wish to transfer:
- Print the School of Business Program Change form [PDF].
- Make an appointment with the program heads to review your eligibility to transfer.
- If you are transferring to Level 3, you may be required to complete one or more bridging courses.
- Submit the following to BCIT Admissions:
- Approved School of Business Program Change form
- Completed Course-by-Course Self-Assessment form for your current program (found on your current program’s Advanced Placement page)
Do not apply online.
Direct entry FAQs
- When should I apply?
- When will I be accepted?
- Can I take courses in advance to reduce my course load?
- 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. If you are currently registered in a course, please indicate this on the self-assessment form.
Once your application has been assessed and has been approved for direct entry, a seat must become available in the program you have selected. The Admissions department must wait until the current students obtain their final grades in either December or May to determine how many seats will become available for direct entry applicants.
In order to maintain a competitive application, it is recommended that you take no more than two courses per term ahead of time. A maximum of two courses per level are eligible for credit. Note that this will not reduce your full-time program tuition.
Print your timetable one day prior to class start by logging into my.bcit.ca and going to Student Self-Service. You must be registered in your courses in order to access this feature. If you know the set to which you have been assigned, you can also find your timetable at timetables.bcitsitecentre.ca.
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 Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) course, visit Register for Flexing Learning courses or contact Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Still have questions? Review the Admissions FAQ or contact Program Advising.
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- Next up Costs & Supplies
Costs & Supplies
Bring Your Own Device
Students are required to have their own laptop. Please refer to the Bring Your Own Device Specifications [PDF] for requirements.
Laptop costs vary depending on the configuration chosen, but will likely range from approximately $1,000 to $2,000.
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
Level 1: $542; Level 2: $388; Level 3: $981; Level 4: $758
(General estimated cost, subject to change)
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
- Go back Advanced Placement
- Next up Courses
Courses
Students should be aware that course exemptions can be claimed for a maximum of two courses per level.
Program matrix
Level 1 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
BSYS 1000 | Business Information Systems | 3.0 | |
COMM 1100 | Business Communication 1 | 3.0 | |
ECON 2100 | Microeconomics | 3.0 | |
FMGT 1105 | Accounting 1 for Financial Management | 5.0 | |
MKTG 1102 | Essentials of Marketing | 3.0 | |
OPMT 1110 | Business Mathematics | 4.0 | |
Students must achieve a minimum grade of 50% in FMGT 1105 or 70% in FMGT 1100 to take FMGT 2105. | |||
Level 2 (20 weeks) | Credits | ||
BSYS 2000 | Applied Data Analytics in Excel | 4.0 | |
BUSA 2150 | Introduction to Organizational Development | 4.0 | |
COMM 2200 | Business Communication 2 | 4.0 | |
ECON 2200 | Macroeconomics | 4.0 | |
FMGT 2105 | Accounting 2 for Financial Management | 6.5 | |
FMGT 2540 | Introduction to Finance* | 2.5 | |
OPMT 1130 | Business Statistics | 5.5 | |
*denotes a half-term course | |||
Level 3 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
BLAW 3100 | Business Law | 4.0 | |
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 | Security Analysis 1 | 4.0 | |
FMGT 3830 | Fundamentals of Financial Planning | 4.0 | |
Level 4 (20 weeks) | Credits | ||
FMGT 4130 | Financial Statement Analysis 2 | 4.0 | |
FMGT 4510 | Finance 2 | 5.5 | |
FMGT 4535 | Financial Services* | 2.5 | |
FMGT 4610 | Security Analysis 2* | 4.0 | |
FMGT 4721 | Financial Analytics in Excel | 4.0 | |
FMGT 4830 | Comprehensive Financial Planning | 5.5 | |
FMGT 4911 | Advanced Curriculum in Financial Planning* | 3.0 | |
FMGT 4921 | Career Preparation | 4.0 | |
*denotes a half-term course | |||
Total Credits: | 108.0 |
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.
- Go back Costs & Supplies
- Next up Program Details
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 working with successful mentors and developing your own financial plan to present to industry leaders. You’ll also graduate having written and passed Canadian Securities Institute exam to prepare you and your resume for success.
Program length
Two years, full-time
Additional program options
Program delivery
Blended: This program is delivered partly on campus and partly online.
Most of this program will be delivered in person; however, some lectures in the second year of the program will be delivered asynchronously.
Continue your education
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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- Next up Graduating & Jobs
Graduating & Jobs
Your training at BCIT includes mentorships with industry leaders and a portfolio of your own complete financial plan that you’ll present. This exposure to potential employers and mentors gives our students a unique opportunity to improve their skills and also secure jobs to begin 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 recognized at many universities for block credit transfers.
Testimonials
The learning environment is excellent and my instructor was an experienced professional with lots of real world advice to share. He knew all of the students personally and was able to give personalized feedback throughout the term. Class sizes were ideal for easy Q&A and group discussions. Several employers came into class seeking out candidates and my instructor personally put me in touch with a prospective employer. I couldn’t be happier with my experience at BCIT.
Lauren Fanthome CPA, CMA
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.
- Go back Program Details
- Next up Contact Us
Contact Us
604-431-4954 | Financial_Planning-Diploma@bcit.ca
International students please contact:
international@bcit.ca
Contact a Program Advisor with the BCIT program name in the subject line if you have a question about:
- Program selection and program planning
- Applying for transfer credit and advanced placement
- Job placement and graduate outcomes
- Student life
Questions or comments?
- Go back Graduating & Jobs
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