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DiplomaRecommended
Diploma of Geographic Information Systems
British Columbia Institute of Technology
- Burnaby, Canada
- 0.75 years
- English
- On campus
- Diploma
About the program
The GIS Certificate focuses on computerised cartography and spatial databases applied to environmental biology.
Program highlights
- Internship available: yes
- Placement support: no
- Work during study: yes
- Post-study work rights (2 years): no
- PR pathway friendly: no
What you will learn
- Develop foundational and applied understanding of Geographic Information Systems. Practice critical evaluation and communication in the subject. Apply relevant academic or professional methods in appropriate contexts.
Career outcomes
- Geographic Information Systems Specialist
- Geographic Information Systems Research Assistant
- Related Entry-Level Professional
Curriculum
- At least 18 credits: nine required credits starting with introduction to environmental biology and GIS fundamentals
- Then nine credits of GIS electives applying ArcGIS
- Remote sensing and geographic data management to conservation
- Freshwater and invasive species ecology.
Entry requirements
Academic
- Secondary school graduation with English Studies 12 (67%
- Category 2) for most diplomas
- Category 3 (50%) for some trades-related diplomas and Category 1 (73%) for Strategic Human Resources Management. Programme maths or science such as Pre-Calculus 11 or Foundations of Math 11 at 67%. Advanced diplomas require a prior diploma or degree. Entry is first-qualified or competitive.
Accepted academic background
Prior post-secondary diploma or degree (programme-specific; Professional Accounting and Business Management advanced diplomas are post-degree/diploma)
Language tests
- IELTS Academic 6.5 (no band below 5.5)
- TOEFL iBT 4.5 (new scale from 2026-01-21
- PTE Academic no section below 3.5
- Duolingo was 86 with no section below 20)
- IELTS Academic 6.5
Documents you’ll need
- Typically
- a passport copy
- academic transcripts
- graduation certificate and English language evidence where applicable. Confirm program-specific requirements.
How to apply
- Review eligibility and deadlines for Geographic Information Systems. Prepare academic records
- identification and language results where applicable. Submit the official university or college application and supporting documents. Complete any program-specific requirements and pay any confirmed fees. Monitor the admission decision. Confirm international student documentation after acceptance.
Other costs
| Tuition per year | $15,500, $15,100 CAD |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $154 CAD |
| Deposit | $500 CAD |
Program details
| Campus | Burnaby Campus |
|---|---|
| Faculty or school | School of Construction and the Environment |
| Department | Applied & Natural Sciences |
| Teaching language | English |
| Credit value | 66 |
| Study pace | Fixed |
| Post-study stay | 2 years |
| Scholarship note | Potential institutional funding may exist, but program eligibility, award amount and deadlines are not independently confirmed. |
Intakes and deadlines
Program starts
September 2027
Apply by
7 Feb 2027
85 days left
Frequently asked questions
The program takes 0.75 years.
The next deadline is 7 Feb 2027. Apply early, because some programs close when places fill up.
Tuition is $15,500, $15,100 CAD per year. The application fee is $154 CAD. The deposit is $500 CAD. The estimated living cost is $23,448 CAD.
Accepted language tests: IELTS Academic 6.5 (no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT 4.5 (new scale from 2026-01-21, PTE Academic no section below 3.5, Duolingo was 86 with no section below 20), IELTS Academic 6.5.