Computer systems diploma (CST)
Computer Systems Technology (CST) Diploma
Part of the route toSoftware Developer·Diploma
A two-year practical polytechnic diploma focused on software engineering, web development, databases, and co-op work.
How long
2 Years
Cost
$16,750
Schools
2 in BC
🏫Where you can take this: 2 schools
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)
1Grade 11 Preparation
2Grade 12 Graduation
3Admissions & Prerequisites
4Application Process
5Program Curriculum
6Where to Take It
7Career Destination
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
1
Step 1 of 7
Grade 11
⏱ 1 School Year- Foundations of Mathematics 11 or Pre-Calculus 11 with a minimum grade of C
2
Step 2 of 7
Grade 12
⏱ 1 School Year- English Studies 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%+)
3
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)
4
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
5
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
6
Step 6 of 7
Where to take it
⏱ 2 schools in BC- British Columbia Institute of Technology — 2 years ($16,750)
- Douglas College — 2 years (Not published)
7
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.
🔬
Duration2 years
Tuition$16,750
DeliveryIn-Person
“High-intensity polytechnic diploma covering software architecture, cloud platforms, web applications, data algorithms, and practical term projects.”
📚
Duration2 years
TuitionNot published
DeliveryHybrid
“Two-year public college diploma teaching object-oriented programming, cloud computing, database management, and optional co-op work experience.”