Complete first-year engineering at VCC and apply for admission into second-year degree programs at the University of British Columbia (UBC), University of Victoria (UVIC), University of Northern BC (UNBC), and Thompson River University (TRU).
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and apply it to critically solve problems
- Demonstrate proper laboratory techniques, including the use of appropriate equipment and instrumentation
- Develop original designs to solve engineering problems
- Collect, analyze, and interpret laboratory data, and draw sound conclusions
- Effectively communicate ideas and project results
- Demonstrate an ability to work well independently and in groups
- Engage in informed debate on topics related to technology
- Effectively apply scientific and engineering concepts towards subsequent coursework
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
This is a one year program. The maximum allowable time for students to complete the program is three years. Please note the time limit on completion is sixteen months for assured admission to SFU.
The courses are presented using a variety of instructional strategies, resources and activities including lectures, demonstrations, guest speakers, case studies, and computer and laboratory applied practical experiences. Classes may be delivered face-fo-face, blended, or fully online.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
All students must meet the general college entrance requirements.
- Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent.
- Knowledge of English demonstrated by one of the following:
- English 12 with a minimum ‘C+’ grade or equivalent, or
- English Language Proficiency at an English 12 'C+' level.
- Knowledge of mathematics demonstrated by one of the following:
- Precalculus 12 with a minimum 'B' grade or equivalent, or
- VCC Math 0983/0993 with a minimum 'B' grade, or
- VCC Math 1020 with a minimum 'C' grade, or
- VCC Math Precalculus Test (MPT) with a minimum of 72%.
- Knowledge of physics demonstrated by one of the following:
- Physics 12 with a minimum 'C+' grade or equivalent, or
- VCC Physics 0983/0993 with a minimum 'C+' grade.
- Knowledge of chemistry demonstrated by one of the following:
- Chemistry 12 with a minimum 'C+' grade or equivalent, or
- VCC Chemistry 0983/0993 with a minimum 'C+' grade.
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Demonstrate proficiency in the English language with excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Motivated and disciplined.
- Possess analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Some word processing experience.
Courses *
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
Successful completion of a minimum of 43 credits of university transfer articulated first year courses as per the British Columbia Council on Admission and Transfer Guide (BCCAT) is required for completion of the certificate. Credit distribution in the following courses is required:
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 1100 | Calculus 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 1100 | Physics 1 | 4 |
| CHEM 1121 | Chemistry 1 | 4 |
| CMPT 1010 | Introduction to Computer Programming 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Term Two | ||
| MATH 1200 | Calculus 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 1200 | Physics 2 | 4 |
| CHEM 1223 | Chemistry 2 | 4 |
| MATH 1221 | Applied Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Term Three | ||
| ENGL 1100 | English 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 1170 | Mechanics 1 | 3 |
| SCIE 1100 | Engineering, Technology and Society | 3 |
| SCIE 1110 | Professional Communication | 3 |
| SCIE 1151 | Engineering Graphics & Design | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 43 | |
Course Credits (Option A)
Successful completion of a minimum of 36 credits of university transfer articulated first year courses as per the British Columbia Council on Admission and Transfer Guide (BCCAT) is required for completion of the certificate. Credit distribution in the following courses is required:
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 1100 | Calculus 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 1100 | Physics 1 | 4 |
| CHEM 1121 | Chemistry 1 | 4 |
| CMPT 1010 | Introduction to Computer Programming 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Term Two | ||
| MATH 1200 | Calculus 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 1200 | Physics 2 | 4 |
| CMPT 1020 | Introduction to Computer Programming 2 | 3 |
| MATH 1221 | Applied Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Term Three | ||
| SCIE 1100 | Engineering, Technology and Society | 3 |
| SCIE 1110 | Professional Communication | 3 |
| SCIE 1180 | Introduction to Engineering Analysis | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Course Credits (Option B)
Successful completion of a minimum of 43 credits of university transfer articulated first year courses as per the British Columbia Council on Admission and Transfer Guide (BCCAT) is required for completion of the certificate. Credit distribution in the following courses is required:
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 1100 | Calculus 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 1100 | Physics 1 | 4 |
| CHEM 1121 | Chemistry 1 | 4 |
| CMPT 1010 | Introduction to Computer Programming 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Term Two | ||
| MATH 1200 | Calculus 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 1200 | Physics 2 | 4 |
| CHEM 1223 | Chemistry 2 | 4 |
| MATH 1221 | Applied Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Term Three | ||
| ENGL 1100 | English 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 1170 | Mechanics 1 | 3 |
| SCIE 1100 | Engineering, Technology and Society | 3 |
| SCIE 1110 | Professional Communication | 3 |
| SCIE 1151 | Engineering Graphics & Design | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 43 | |
Option A: (SFU Engineering Science Transfer)
Assured SFU Engineering Degree 2nd Year Admission Pathway
Assured admission under this pathway requires completion of the VCC Engineering Certificate. Students must have an overall average GPA of 2.75 on the courses required for the pathway which are listed below (calculated based on the best attempt for each course) and an overall average of 2.75 (again, calculated based on the best attempt for each course) on all work combined in order to be considered for the 'assured admission' pathway. Students who have been previously required to withdraw from another institution would be considered ineligible for the 'assured admission' pathway as would students who were formerly in a Computing, Engineering or Mechatronics program at SFU.
The assured admission pathway does not apply to international students. While the certificate is fully transferrable to SFU’s Engineering Degree, international students’ GPA requirements may vary at the time of transfer.
All credits must be obtained within sixteen months. In addition, for at least two of the terms at VCC students would need to meet a minimum course load of 12 credits. The following courses must be completed as part of this pathway and must be completed at VCC:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 1100 | Calculus 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 1100 | Physics 1 | 4 |
| CHEM 1121 | Chemistry 1 | 4 |
| CMPT 1010 | Introduction to Computer Programming 1 | 3 |
| MATH 1200 | Calculus 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 1200 | Physics 2 | 4 |
| CMPT 1020 | Introduction to Computer Programming 2 | 3 |
| MATH 1221 | Applied Linear Algebra | 3 |
| SCIE 1110 | Professional Communication | 3 |
| SCIE 1100 | Engineering, Technology and Society | 3 |
| SCIE 1180 | Introduction to Engineering Analysis | 3 |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Competitive Engineering Degree 2nd Year Admission Pathway
VCC students who do not meet the assured admission pathway criteria will be considered for entry to the SFU engineering science program using the existing college transfer criteria for admission (presently 24 credits of transferable work plus meeting the GPA set for that term of admission).
Applicants from both pathways must meet the general SFU English language and quantitative admission requirements.
Option B: (Common First-Year Engineering Curriculum)
The Common First-Year Engineering Curriculum (CFYEC) is intended to prepare graduates for
transfer into second-year Engineering at any of: UBC (Vancouver), UBC (Okanagan), UNBC, UVic, or TRU. Admission is by competitive entry and students must apply to each institution separately. These institutions have agreed to accept the following as equivalent to their first-year engineering curriculum:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 1100 | Calculus 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 1100 | Physics 1 | 4 |
| CHEM 1121 | Chemistry 1 | 4 |
| CMPT 1010 | Introduction to Computer Programming 1 | 3 |
| MATH 1221 | Applied Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 1200 | Calculus 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 1200 | Physics 2 | 4 |
| CHEM 1223 | Chemistry 2 | 4 |
| ENGL 1100 | English 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 1170 | Mechanics 1 | 3 |
| SCIE 1100 | Engineering, Technology and Society | 3 |
| SCIE 1110 | Professional Communication | 3 |
| SCIE 1151 | Engineering Graphics & Design | 3 |
| Total Credits | 43 | |
The required GPA for transfer to other institutions may vary based on transfer agreements with other institutions.
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Discover Open Studies
Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Explore your optionsFees and other costs *
NOTE: Tuition fees vary for each course. Course tuition rates range from approximately $310 - $985. The amount shown below is the estimated total tuition.
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 6362 | |
| Student union | 192 | |
| College initiative | 106 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 177 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 275 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 531 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Apply now
Are you interested in this program?
This program has several options:
- Option A: SFU Engineering Science Transfer
- SFU Engineering Science Pathway (Assured - 16 months to complete VCC courses)
- SFU Engineering Science Pathway (Competitive admission - maximum 3 years to complete VCC courses)
- Option B: Transfer into second year engineering at UBC (Vancouver), UBC (Okanagan), UNBC, UVic, TRU (Competitive admission - maximum 3 years to complete VCC courses)
Read the University Transfer Engineering Certificate Course Selection Guide for more information.
To apply to any of these options, please submit your application to the First-Year University Transfer Engineering Certificate program. (Note: You must apply separately to the transfer institution of your choice upon completion of the VCC program.)
Don't forget to:
- Submit your official transcripts to the Registrar's Office when you apply
- Check Important Dates for deadlines and registration information
Note: Some courses are available in the January term. However, starting your courses in January may affect your eligibility to transfer. Please contact an Advisor at studentservice@vcc.ca to find out what options are best for you.
Get started
Entrance award
September intake of this full-time program is eligible for financial award.