Computer Science Diploma

Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada•World Rank #4,743

Official program page (opens in a new tab)

At Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, Canada, Computer Science Diploma is offered as a diploma in Information Systems & Technology programme. The programme runs for 2 years, delivered on campus. Teaching is in English. Tuition is CAD 5,100 per total for local students.

At a glance

Degree: Diploma

Field: Information Systems & Technology

Duration: 2 years

Delivery: On Campus

Language: English

Local tuition: CAD 5,100 / total

Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·

Program details

Overview

This Computer Science Diploma is designed to prepare you for a career as a computer programmer/programmer analyst. The program emphasizes programming skills, program design techniques as well as database and systems analysis skills. The program includes electives, and recommends students take business courses that will be of use in the computing industry. The program is designed in accordance with the Canadian Information Processing Society accreditation standards.

Requirements

Admission Requirements: The Computer Science Diploma requires English 12 at a minimum "C" grade or equivalent, and either Pre-Calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12 at a minimum "B" grade or equivalent, on top of VIU's general admission requirements for Trades and Applied Technology programmes, which the page links to rather than restating. VIU does not publish a central English-test-score table for this domestic route; applicants lacking the English or Math prerequisite can take upgrading courses first. No minimum admission GPA is stated; once enrolled, students must keep a "C+" average in Computer courses and an overall "C" average to receive the diploma. Enrolment is limited, and VIU notes that meeting or exceeding the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee a seat in the programme.

Application Details

Start Date: Fall

Application Deadline: Domestic (Canadian) applicants apply through EducationPlannerBC; Vancouver Island University sets no institution-wide equal-consideration date, and its admissions FAQ states deadlines vary by programme, with applications for most academic programmes opening 1 October in the year before a September start. VIU publishes no general closing date for that window; applicants are directed to each programme's own page for its own deadline. International applicants use the same portal; VIU publishes no international-specific institution-wide date either, and several health programmes (Practical Nursing, Nursing Unit Assistant) are stated as not currently open to international students. Each programme's own page carries its own Start Date, Deadlines, and Additional Application Details table for the 2026-27 cycle, and admission for programmes without a stated window is treated as ongoing/rolling until the intake fills. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.

About Vancouver Island University

“Love where you learn”

Type: University

Control: Public

Campus setting: Urban

Founded: 1969

Students: 12,022

World rank: #4,743

Programs: 150

Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver Island University academic facilities

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Frequently asked questions

What degree does Computer Science Diploma award?

Vancouver Island University awards a Diploma in the field of Information Systems & Technology on completion of this programme.

How long does Computer Science Diploma take?

The programme runs for 2 years.

How much does Computer Science Diploma cost?

Tuition is CAD 5,100 per total for local students.

Can Computer Science Diploma be studied online?

No — the programme is taught on campus at Vancouver Island University.

What language is Computer Science Diploma taught in?

The programme is taught in English.

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Computer Science Diploma

At a glance