Diploma in Computer Science at Vancouver Island University

Study Computer Science at Vancouver Island University, a Diploma degree offered on the Nanaimo campus in Canada. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 2 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The tuition fee is USD 19,470 / year, with the next intake scheduled for September 8, 2026.

About Diploma in Computer Science

About the Computer Science Diploma program

In this program you gain practical skills working with a computer and build a solid foundation for working in computer-related fields. VIU computer science programs are designed in accordance with the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) accreditation standards.

In the program you learn:

software development principles, practical and theoretical
computer systems, hardware and software
database systems and applications

The program includes electives, and we recommend you take business courses that useful in the computing industry.

Disciplines

Science and Technology

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Diploma in Computer Science at Vancouver Island University

Entry Requirements

General admission requirements apply.
English 12 with minimum “C” grade, or equivalent.
Minimum “B” grade in Pre-calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12, or equivalent.

Notes on Admission

Applicants lacking admission requirements may take upgrading courses. Please check with an Advisor for details.
Students may complete some of the courses before enrolling in the diploma program.
Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

English Requirements

PTEMin 60
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 88

English Program Requirements

Test

Minimum score

TOEFL iBT Paper Edition

550 (no section below 56)

TOEFL iBT

88 (no section below 20), 4.5 (No section below 4.0)

IELTS (Academic)

6.5 (no band below 6.0)

CAEL

C2 Proficiency, formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

176 overall

C1 Advanced, formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)

176 overall

English Studies 12 (BC)

Min. “C”

Pearson (PTE) Academic

60 (no section below 60)

Duolingo English Test

115 (no band less than 105)

International Baccalaureate English A1/A2

Higher Level (HL)/ Standard Level (SL) grade 3 or higher

VIU English Language Centre

Successful completion of University Preparation Level 5 (UP5) or EAP Level IV on BC EAL articulation

Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition

Grade 2 or higher

Accredited institution where English is the primary language of instruction, located in a country that satisfies VIU’s English Language Requirements

Completion of recognized diploma (minimum 2 years) or degree program

Accredited institution where English is the primary language of instruction, located in a country that satisfies VIU’s English Language Requirements

Completion of six credits of post-secondary English composition and literature with a minimum grade of “C”

General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)

English at the O-level with a minimum grade of C or 4

CAEL online

Pearson (PTE) Online

60 (no section below 60)

TOEFL iBT Home Edition

88 (no section below 20)

ILAC Pathway Program

Successful Completion of Pathway 3.3

Career Opportunities after Completing Diploma in Computer Science

Career opportunities with a computer science diploma

There's never been a better time to study computer science. This diploma opens doors to many exciting careers in technology in BC and beyond, including.

IT support
programmer
software developer
small business owner

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

19,470 / year

Diploma in Computer Science at Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University

Canada, Nanaimo