BASE
Loading...

Computer Systems Technology

CREDENTIAL: Diploma
UPCOMING START DATES

UPCOMING START DATES
September 2025

Build hands-on skills in design and development of intelligent web / mobile / or general sofware applications using AI-assisted tools while launching your career developing software and solving computer-related issues for businesses, governments, or institutions.

Tuition: 12775*
Credential: Diploma
Length: 2 0 years
Hours: Full-time
Delivery: Class-based
Program Flyer: Download
Campus: Downtown Downtown
Start Dates: Jan, Sep
 

Early Admission Awards 

Save up to $4,000 on tuition and fees on select programs.

Entrance award

September intake of this full-time program is eligible for financial award.

What you will learn

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

  • Install and configure computer hardware and software
  • Develop software applications for PC, mobile and embedded devices
  • Create computer software using multiple programming languages
  • Develop intelligent web and mobile applications
  • Integrate cloud-based services and solutions in software apps
  • Apply version control and project management skills in software development
  • Collaborate and communicate effectively in team-based development environment
  • Evaluate and implement new technologies in software development

What to expect

The main mode of delivery for the CST program is face-to-face in a lab setting. Instructional strategies include classroom lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, computer labs and hands-on practical work, and online sessions.

Students have access to state-of-the-art modern computer labs with software and tools such as Visual Studio, Azure Microsoft suite of applications and Operating Systems, web and mobile app development tools, and private department servers.

Admission requirements

Program-specific

  • Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
  • English Studies 12 with a minimum 'C' grade, or equivalent
  • Foundation of Mathematics 11 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent

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

  • Extended periods (4+ hours) of computer work requiring sustained visual attention to screens. Tasks require frequent keyboarding and mouse use.
  • Students are expected to have access to a modern laptop capable of running Microsoft Windows with full privileges. Required hardware consists of at least a quad-core processor and 16GB of RAM and 256GB storage, in order to do their assignments or connect to the lab computers remotely.  
  • Audio/video hardware including webcam/speakers/microphone for participating in classes that have an online delivery mode.

Courses *

This program must be completed within 5 years.

Prior learning assessment and recognition

Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience, including Indigenous ways of knowing. Credits may be granted to students who are able to sufficiently demonstrate the learning outcomes of specific courses.

PLAR is available for the following courses:

  • CSTP 1101 Communication and Workplace Behaviour
  • CSTP 1106 Website Development
  • CSTP 1120 Introduction to Computer Systems
  • CSTP 1130 Python Programming
  • CSTP 1150 Applied Mathematics for Programmers

Students may complete up to 50% of the total credits of the program through PLAR and transfer credit. Please see individual course outlines for PLAR details. Tuition and fees apply to PLAR.

Methods for assessing prior learning may include exams, portfolios, interviews, and other evaluations.

If PLAR is successful, transcripts will reflect an ‘S’ grade (satisfactorily completed), which is not included in grade point average (GPA) calculations.

International Students should contact VCC International Education Advising to learn how PLAR can impact immigration status, prior to proceeding with the PLAR request.

See Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition policy for more information.

Open studies students working in the computer lab
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 options

Fees and other costs *

Tuition Deposit

0 (0 non-refundable)

Tution deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.

Fee descriptionFee AmountNotes
Application fee36
Tuition Tuition 12775
Student union354
College initiative225
Materials0 not including textbooks
Campus resource256
Laundry0
Tools (deposit)0
Coverall (deposit)0
Uniform (deposit)0
Medical and Dental 570
Temporary Medical Insurance 0
U-PASS 1080
Graduation45
Program-specific extra fees0
Total

Need help with tuition?


Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Apply now

ONLINE
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC
Get started
MAIL
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

Early Admission Awards 

Save up to $4,000 on tuition and fees on select programs.

Entrance award

September intake of this full-time program is eligible for financial award.

Ask a question


122