Computer systems diploma (CST)
Computer Systems Technology (CST) Diploma
Facts checked 7 September 2026
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Part of the route toSoftware Developer·Diploma
A two-year practical polytechnic diploma focused on software engineering, web development, databases, and co-op work.
Ways to get this paid for
Government money that can cover this course. Check who qualifies before you pay.
Free adult upgrading
FreeGrade 11 and 12 courses and English classes are free at public colleges and school districts. This covers the Grade 11 and 12 prerequisite courses, not the program itself.
Canada Training Credit
Half your tuition back, up to $5,000 in your lifeFederal tax credit. $250 a year builds up from age 26. Claim it on your tax return.
BC Access Grant
Up to $4,000 a yearFor low and middle income students in full-time programs under two years at public schools. Assessed when you apply through StudentAid BC.
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (7 steps)
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
Step 1 of 7
Grade 11
⏱ 1 school year- Foundations of Mathematics 11 or Pre-Calculus 11 with a minimum grade of C
Step 2 of 7
Grade 12
⏱ 1 school year- English 12. Requirement varies by school (British Columbia Institute of Technology, Douglas College). Strictest requirement: C.
- Pre-Calculus 12 with minimum 67% (competitive cutoff often 80%+)
Step 3 of 7
What you need to get in
- Introductory programming coursework or post-secondary experience recommended
- Public polytechnic offering; no official regulator list exists in BC not yet verified
- Competitive admissions model (applicant pool evaluated on academic averages)
Step 4 of 7
How to apply
- Apply online through the BCIT admissions portal for Fall (September) or Winter (January) intakes
- Applications processed on a competitive academic basis
- Submit official secondary and post-secondary transcripts
Step 5 of 7
Computer systems diploma (CST)
⏱ 2 years- 2-year intensive polytechnic applied diploma program (4 terms)
- Object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and relational database systems
- Full-stack web application development and mobile app engineering
- Specialized option tracks (cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data communications, or web development)
- Mandatory industry-sponsored client project and optional paid co-op work term
Step 6 of 7
Where to take it
⏱ 2 schools in BC- British Columbia Institute of Technology — 2 years (About $16,800 for the whole program)
- Douglas College — 2 years (About $3,700 per year)
Step 7 of 7
Leads to: Software Developer
- Explore Software Developer wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(2 schools)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 7 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.