Students of the Fundamentals of Engineering Certificate Program working on a project

Engineering Transfer Certificate

Program calendar icon Program Length

  • 8 Months

Program credential icon Credential

  • Certificate
  • Transfer Program

Program option icon Options

  • Transfer Program

Program location icon Location Offered

  • Nanaimo

Help solve the challenges of today and tomorrow as an engineer. Get started on your path to an Engineering degree with your first year at VIU. The hands-on learning and individual attention you’ll receive here will give you the best chance of success in the field.

At VIU you’ll benefit from small class sizes and instructors who care about your success. You’ll transfer into a degree program knowing you have a solid foundation to build on.


The Engineering Transfer Certificate Program

Students interested in the certificate must apply to the Engineering Transfer Diploma. Prior to starting classes in September students must indicate their interest in exiting with their Engineering Transfer Certificate. Upon successful completion of the credential requirements students will be eligible to receive the Engineering Transfer Certificate.

Vancouver Island University is a signatory to the BC Common First-Year Engineering Curriculum (CFYEC).  The VIU Engineering Transfer Certificate program has been developed to meet the requirements of the CFYEC and provides a pathway into second-year engineering at Simon Fraser University (SFU), Thompson Rivers University (TRU), the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), the University of British Columbia (UBC), the University of Victoria (UVic), and the University of Alberta (UofA)*. 

*Transferring to the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta generally aligns with the requirements of the CFYEC, but is not a signatory to the agreement.  Please see the program advisor regarding changes to the course enrolment that may be required for this institution. 

 

Year 1Credits
Fall Semester 
CHEM 150 - (Engineering Chemistry)4
CSCI 160 - (Computer Science I for Engineering)4
ENGL 115 - (University Writing and Research)3
ENGR 112 - (Engineering Design I)3
MATH 100* - (Calculus for Engineering and Physical Sciences I)4
PHYS 121 - (Physics for the Physical Sciences I)4
Spring Semester 
ENGL 204** - (Business and Technical Writing)3
ENGM 141*** - (Engineering Mechanics)3
ENGR 121 - (Engineering Design II)4
MATH 101* - (Calculus for Engineering and Physical Sciences II)4
MATH 141 - (Matrix Algebra)3
PHYS 122 - (Physics for the Physical Sciences II)4
Total Credits43

MATH 121 and  MATH 122 may be taken in lieu of MATH 100 and MATH 101

** An approved elective may be taken in lieu of ENGL 204.

*** Students intending to transfer into Software Engineering at the University of Victoria may replace ENGM 141 with CSCI 161.  Students intending to transfer to SFU Engineering Science or Sustainable Energy Engineering are not required to take ENGM 141.

Completion Requirements

Grades for individual courses are awarded as described in the Grading Scale section of this Calendar.

 

The Engineering Transfer Certificate is an exit credential only.  Students complete its requirements within the Engineering Transfer Diploma.  Please see that credential for admission requirements.

Transfer from other Institutions

Please see advisor.

Program Regulations

Students intending to obtain this credential will complete their studies within a condensed version of the Engineering Transfer Diploma. 

The progression and continuance regulations of the Engineering Transfer Diploma apply to this program.  Please see that credential for details. 

Notes on Admission

  • Students seeking to transfer two or more courses into the program are generally ineligible for direct admission.  Please apply to the Bachelor of Science (BSc) instead and consult with the Engineering Advisor for further guidance.

Demand for engineering graduates both locally and internationally is high. Students completing engineering can expect relatively high employment rates, and a considerable salary premium compared to those who completed only high school. 

Domestic Fees | International Fees

Domestic Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year Amount
Tuition (40 credits x $173.12 per credit) 6,924.80
Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.78 per month) 166.24
Student Services fee (8 months x $22.94 per month) 183.52
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $50.08 per month) 400.64
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 285.00
Approximate cost for books 1,000.00
Approximate cost for lab supplies 50.00
Notes

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.  

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.


International Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year Amount
Tuition (40 credits x $832.09 per credit) 33,283.60
Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.78 per month) 166.24
Student Services fee (8 months x $22.94 per month) 183.52
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $50.08 per month) 400.64
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 285.00
Approximate cost for books 1,000.00
Approximate cost for lab supplies 50.00
Notes

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.  

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

Domestic (Canadian)

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus
Next Intake(s):

The Engineering Transfer Certificate has one program start date each Fall.

Application Fee:
$46.06
Admissions Officer:
Name: Jenna Milne
Phone: 250.740.6400
Email: Jenna.Milne@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Brian Dick
Email: EngAdvisor@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
  • All requested documents are due by April 15, 2026.
  • Seats for this program will be offered on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to complete their application as soon as possible.
Comments:

Students interested in the certificate must apply to the Engineering Transfer Diploma, and speak to the Engineering Program Chair prior to starting classes in September. Upon completion of the first year of the Engineering Transfer Diploma and two additional, required courses (for a total of 40 credits), students will be eligible to exit with the Engineering Transfer Certificate.

 

International

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus
Next Intake(s):

The Engineering Transfer Diploma has one program start date each Fall.

Application Fee:
$153
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Coordinator Contact:
Name: Brian Dick
Email: Eng.Advisor@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Jenna Milne
Email: Jenna.Milne@viu.ca
Document Deadline:

Please note that seats in this program are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please make sure to attach all necessary documents when you submit your application online.

Comments:

Students interested in the certificate must apply for the Engineering Transfer Diploma, and speak to the Engineering Program Chair prior to starting classes in September. Upon completion of the first year of the Engineering Transfer Diploma and two additional, required courses (for a total of 40 credits), students will be eligible to exit with the Engineering Transfer Certificate.

For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca

 

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Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.

Visit the Department Website

Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.