- Level
- 4-Year Bachelor Degree
- CIP code
- 11.0701
- Duration
- 4 year bachelor degree
- Open intake
-
Off-shoreSep 2027
- Field
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Institution
- Public University
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
- Next deadline
- 2026-09-01
Program overview
A four year science degree in computing, covering programming, algorithms and data structures, software engineering, operating systems, networks, databases and a substantial final year project, with optional co-op.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Optional Co-op) costs the same per year as the two year diploma in the same subject, and unlike the diploma it is exempt from the Canadian field of study test for work permits.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Optional Co-op) is delivered by Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, a designated learning institution, and because Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Optional Co-op) is a degree it is exempt from the Canadian field of study requirement. Completing Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Optional Co-op) therefore supports a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to three years without the subject being tested against an eligibility list. A British Columbia attestation letter is required with the study permit application for Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Optional Co-op), and the university issues it alongside the letter of acceptance. The permit length follows the length of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Optional Co-op), so a four year degree supports the full three years while a shorter programme supports correspondingly less.
Entry to Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Optional Co-op) is Grade 12 or Class 12 at 50 percent or above. The English requirement is IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, and tuition for Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Optional Co-op) is recorded at CAD 24,963 a year with a CAD 156 application fee, with a recorded initial deposit of CAD 10,000. No scholarship is recorded against Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Optional Co-op). September entry across 2026, 2027 and 2028. Apply Study Visa manages the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Optional Co-op) application, the deposit, the letter of acceptance and the Canadian study permit as one process.
What it costs per year · indicative
Living cost is an estimate; tuition is the institute's published international fee. We confirm exact, current figures before you pay anything.
Do you qualify?
These are the published minimums. Whether your profile fits — with your marks, gap and budget — is exactly what a free counsellor check confirms.
Admission requirements
Who can apply (guide for international students):
- Education: Grade 12 or Class 12 with the percentage stated for this programme.
- English (meet any one): IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 88 with at least 20 in each section, PTE Academic 60 with no component below 60, or the Duolingo English Test at 115 with no sub score below 105.
- Application and deposit: An application fee of CAD 156 applies. An initial deposit of CAD 10,000 is recorded, which is substantial and should be confirmed in writing before any money is sent.
- Scholarship: No scholarship is recorded against this programme. Budget the full tuition.
- Programme availability: VIU is working through a published Deficit Mitigation Plan and has cancelled or suspended a number of programmes since 2025. Confirm in writing that this programme is running for your intake before you pay a deposit.
- Work permit: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Optional Co-op) is a degree, so it is exempt from the Canadian field of study test and supports a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to three years. No spousal open work permit arises, because that needs a master programme of 16 months or longer. A British Columbia attestation letter is required with the study permit application.
- Study permit: Apply Study Visa handles the British Columbia attestation letter, the study permit application and the biometrics appointment with you.
English requirements
Documents you'll need typical · we confirm yours
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets and certificates
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Financial proof — bank statement / loan sanction + GIC
- Passport-size photographs
- Study-gap affidavit or work-experience letter (if applicable)
Getting documents right is the #1 reason applications succeed or get refused — our team checks every file before submission.
Career opportunities
Typical destinations for graduates:
- Software Engineer: product and platform teams
- Backend Developer: API and services work
- Data Engineer: pipeline and warehouse roles
- QA Automation Engineer: software quality functions
- Systems Developer: enterprise applications
- Graduate Study: computing master degrees
Reality check: Canadian technology employers hire on demonstrable code, so publish projects publicly from first year and treat the optional co-op as compulsory in practice.
About Vancouver Island University
- Type
- University
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.6
- World rank
- #1366
- Established
- 1936
- Reference No.
- O19395299688
