Program Length
- 8 Months
Credential
- Certificate
- Transfer Program
Options
- Transfer Program
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
Help solve the challenges of today and tomorrow as an engineer. Get started on your path to an Engineering degree with your first year at VIU. The hands-on learning and individual attention you’ll receive here will give you the best chance of success in the field.
At VIU you’ll benefit from small class sizes and instructors who care about your success. You’ll transfer into a degree program knowing you have a solid foundation to build on.
The Engineering Transfer Certificate Program
Students interested in the certificate must apply to the Engineering Transfer Diploma. Prior to starting classes in September students must indicate their interest in exiting with their Engineering Transfer Certificate. Upon successful completion of the first year (40 credits), students will be eligible to receive the Engineering Transfer Certificate.
Vancouver Island University is a signatory to the BC Common First-Year Engineering Curriculum (CFYEC). The VIU Engineering Transfer Certificate program provides a pathway into second-year engineering at Simon Fraser University, Thompson Rivers University, the University of Northern British Columbia, the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, and the University of Alberta.
Transferring to SFU
Completing the entire Engineering Transfer Certificate program can provide students with a guaranteed seat into second year of SFU’s Engineering Science degree program, Mechatronics Engineering program, or Sustainable Energy Engineering program.
Transferring to TRU
Completing the entire Engineering Transfer Certificate program can provide students with a guaranteed seat into second year of one of TRU’s Bachelor of Applied Science (Engineering) programs. Entry into a specific discipline (e.g. Software) is competitive and based on GPA and seat availability.
Transferring to UNBC
Students completing the entire Engineering Transfer Certificate program over two consecutive academic terms, with a minimum GPA, are eligible for a seat in second year of one of UNBC’s Engineering degree programs.
Transferring to UBC
Students completing the entire Engineering Transfer Certificate program over two consecutive academic terms, with a minimum GPA, are eligible for a seat in second year in one of UBC’s Engineering degree programs at either the Vancouver or Okanagan campuses. Entry into a specific discipline (e.g. Civil, Mechanical) is competitive and based on GPA and seat availability.
Transferring to UVic
Completing the entire Engineering Transfer Certificate program provides students with a guaranteed seat into the second year of one of UVic’s Engineering degree programs. Entry into a specific discipline (e.g. Civil, Mechanical etc.) is competitive and based on GPA and seat availability.
Transferring to the University of Alberta
Completing the entire Engineering Transfer Certificate program provides students with a guaranteed seat into the second year of one of the University of Alberta’s Engineering degree programs. Entry into a specific discipline (e.g. Civil, Mechanical etc.) is competitive and based on GPA, minimum grade in each course, and time of program completion.
Further details on this program may be found on the Department website.
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | |
| CHEM 150 - (Engineering Chemistry) | 4 |
| CSCI 160 - (Computer Science I for Engineering) | 4 |
| ENGL 115 - (University Writing and Research) | 3 |
| ENGR 112 - (Engineering Design I) | 3 |
| MATH 100* - (Calculus for Engineering and Physical Sciences I) | 4 |
| PHYS 121 - (Physics for the Physical Sciences I) | 4 |
| Spring Semester | |
| ENGL 204** - (Business and Technical Writing) | 3 |
| ENGR 110*** - (Additional Engineering Topics) | 2 |
| ENGM 141**** - (Engineering Mechanics) | 3 |
| ENGR 121 - (Engineering Design II) | 3 |
| MATH 101* - (Calculus for Engineering and Physical Sciences II) | 4 |
| MATH 141 - (Matrix Algebra for Engineers) | 3 |
| PHYS 122 - (Physics for the Physical Sciences II) | 4 |
| Total Credits | 40 |
* MATH 121, MATH 122, and MATH 110 may be taken in lieu of MATH 100 and MATH 101.
** ENGL 125, ENGL 135, or an approved elective may be taken in lieu of ENGL 204. Note: ENGL 204 is a required course for students transferring to the University of Victoria Engineering program. ENGL 125 or ENGL 135 should be taken by students transferring to Applied Science at the University of British Columbia if they have not obtained a minimum of a "B" in English 12.
*** ENGR 110 is required for those students transferring to SFU-B.
**** ENGM 141 is not required for those students transferring to SFU-B.
Completion Requirements
Grades for individual courses are awarded as described in the Grading Scale section of this Calendar.
- English 12 with a minimum grade of "C+"
- Principles of Physics 12 with a minimum grade of "C+"
- Principles of Chemistry 12 with a minimum grade of "C+"
- Principles of Mathematics 12 or Pre-Calculus 12 with a minimum grade of "B"
Notes on Admission
- Admission is based on GPA rankings.
- Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
Transfer from other Institutions
Please see advisor.
Program Regulations
Students must achieve a minimum GPA requirement to be eligible for UBC's guaranteed admission program, and complete the Engineering Certificate within one year.
Students must achieve a minimum of a "C" in all their courses within the Engineering Transfer Certificate to allow them to transfer to either UBC or UVic.
All students admitted to the Engineering Transfer Certificate program must maintain good standing and finish all program requirements within two terms. Students who do not fulfill this requirement will need to complete the requirements under the Bachelor of Science degree and will lose priority access to classes.
Demand for engineering graduates both locally and internationally is high. Students completing engineering can expect relatively high employment rates, and a considerable salary premium compared to those who completed only high school. Most engineering disciplines are represented through UBC and UVic. UVic provides electrical, software, computer, civil, biomedical, and mechanical engineering, while UBC provides electrical, computer, mechanical, civil, engineering physics, chemical, etc. Students are encouraged to examine each institution's websites for current offerings.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (40 credits x $166.40 per credit) | 6,656.00 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) | 159.76 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) | 176.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books | 1,000.00 |
| Approximate cost for lab supplies | 50.00 |
| Total | 8,547.96 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (40 credits x $799.77 per credit) | 31,990.80 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) | 159.76 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) | 176.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books | 1,000.00 |
| Approximate cost for lab supplies | 50.00 |
| Total | 33,882.76 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Engineering Transfer Certificate has one program start date each Fall.
Application Fee:
$45.16
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Jenna Milne Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2234 Email: Jenna.Milne@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Brian Dick Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2435 Email: EngAdvisor@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
All requested documents are due by April 15, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to complete their application as soon as possible for early consideration.
Comments:
Students interested in the certificate must apply to the Engineering Transfer Diploma, and speak to the Engineering Program Chair prior to starting classes in September. Upon completion of the first year of the Engineering Transfer Diploma and two additional, required courses (for a total of 40 credits), students will be eligible to exit with the Engineering Transfer Certificate.
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International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Engineering Transfer Diploma has one program start date each Fall.
Application Fee:
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Coordinator Contact:
Name: Brian Dick Email: Eng.Advisor@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Jenna Milne Email: Study@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
Please note that seats in this program are limited and offered on a first-come-first-serve-basis. Please make sure to attach all necessary documents when you submit your application online.
Comments:
Students interested in the certificate must apply for the Engineering Transfer Diploma, and speak to the Engineering Program Chair prior to starting classes in September. Upon completion of the first year of the Engineering Transfer Diploma and two additional, required courses (for a total of 40 credits), students will be eligible to exit with the Engineering Transfer Certificate. For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca
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Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.