At British Columbia Institute of Technology in Burnaby, Canada, Graphic Communications Diploma is offered as a diploma in Visual Arts programme. The programme runs for 2 years, delivered on campus. Teaching is in English. Tuition for international students is CAD 44,146 per total (CAD 13,500 per total for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Diploma
Field:Visual Arts
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On Campus
Language: English
Local tuition: CAD 13,500 / total
International tuition: CAD 44,146 / total
Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
With BCIT’s Graphic Communications diploma, you will learn to design and produce a wide range of compelling and visually appealing graphic products, such as packaging and marketing materials, architectural and vehicle wraps, signage and billboards, magazines and posters, and t-shirts and other specialty printing. The creative and technical skills of graphic communication professionals are in high demand as companies look for new and innovative ways to communicate and engage with their audience, extend their brand message, and get their products to the end consumer.
You will get hands on experience with the entire workflow of graphic output, from design through to production of the finished product. Along the way, you will learn creative software, work with the latest technology and equipment, and develop marketing, leadership and entrepreneurial skills for a successful career in this fast-paced industry.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: BCIT states entrance requirements program by program rather than a single institute-wide cut-off; for this diploma the academic prerequisites are English Studies 12 at 67% (or equivalent) plus one of Pre-Calculus 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, Workplace Mathematics 11, OPMT 0199 Math for Business, or the OPMT 0198 Business Math Assessment Test, each at 67%, or an equivalent BC/Yukon course. The English Studies 12 requirement corresponds to BCIT's Category 2 English Language Proficiency standard, also met by IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 5.5, TOEFL iBT 4.5 overall (no section below 3.5), PTE Academic 60, Duolingo 120, or CAEL 70. The program page states no portfolio, interview, work-experience, or other non-academic condition, and directs applicants who do not hold the BC courses to BCIT's general equivalency guide. Admission is on a first-qualified basis through EducationPlannerBC.
Application Details
Start Date:September each year — this program runs a single intake a year.
Application Deadline:September entry only — this program has no January or April intake. Applications for the September 2027 intake open on 23 November 2026 (9:00 am PT), not on BCIT's usual 1 October, and close 11:59 pm PT on 1 September for domestic applicants and 2 July for international applicants; a date falling on a weekend moves to the next business day. The September 2026 intake is now closed to new applications. This program is under review and a curriculum change is planned for the September 2027 intake.
