Photograph of a chemistry instructor in the chemistry lab. Links to Chemistry faculty bios at https://scitech.viu.ca/chemistry/faculty.

Engineering Transfer Diploma Program

The Engineering Transfer diploma program provides a pathway for students into engineering studies at most post-secondary institutions in British Columbia, as well as the University of Alberta.

University of Victoria
You will complete up to 20 courses over two years of study, each of which is  transferable into a University of Victoria Engineering program. Upon completion of the Engineering Transfer Diploma*, you will have assured entry into second-year engineering at the UVic, with some second year credit. This credit further reduces your course load when you start at UVic, and likely will improve your opportunity for success in whatever engineering discipline you choose.

University of British Columbia, Thompson Rivers University, Simon Fraser University, the University of Northern British Columbia, and the University of Alberta

With the addition of one course each to Term 1A and 1B of the Engineering Transfer Diploma, you will have all the courses required to receive the Engineering Transfer Certificate after just one year of studies. This certificate fulfills the Common First-Year Engineering Curriculum, and allows for direct transfer* into any of the above institutions.  If this path is of interest to you, you must contact VIU Registration  as soon as possible after your have received your acceptance letter to the Engineering Transfer Diploma.

*With an appropriate overall GPA, minimum course grade, and time of program completion

Admission

  • English 12 with a minimum grade of "C+"
  • Physics 12 with a minimum grade of "C+"
  • Chemistry 12 with a minimum grade of "C+"
  • Pre-Calculus 12 with a minimum grade of "B"

Notes on Admission

  • Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted into the program
  • Admission based on GPA rankings
  • Outstanding candidates missing either Chemistry 12 or Physics 12 are encouraged to apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
  • Recommended:  Calculus 12 (if available); Programming 12 (if available)

Start Date and Application Deadline

The program starts in September and applications for admission are accepted on the first business day in October to March 31. Applications received after March 31 are considered late and will be processed as space permits.  

Have you completed the first-year of the VIU Integrated Engineering Technologist Diploma or the Common First-Year Curriculum at another post-secondary institution in BC?  You are eligible to transfer into the second-year of the Engineering Transfer Diploma.  Please contact the Engineering Transfer Advisor for more details.

Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries

There are several scholarships available to students in the Engineering Transfer and Integrated Engineering Technologist programs. For current students, you should ensure that your student profile is up-to-date to be eligible.

Diploma Curriculum

First Year / Fall Term

CodeCourse TitleCredits
CSCI 160Computing Science I4
ENGR 112Engineering Design I3
MATH 121(1)Calculus I4
PHYS 121Physics for the Physical Sciences I4
ENGL 115University Writing and Research3
 Total Hours (Credits)18

First Year / Spring Term

CodeCourse TitleCredits
ENGL 204Business and Technical Writing3
ENGR 121Engineering Design II3
MATH 122(1)Calculus II4
MATH 141(2)Linear Algebra for Engineers3
PHYS 122(3)Physics for the Physical Sciences II4
 Total Hours (Credits)17

Second Year / Fall Term

CodeCourse TitleCredits
CHEM 150(3)Engineering Chemistry4
MATH 221(5)Calculus III3
MATH 254(5)Statistics I3
CS and/or SCI (6)Complementary Studies and/or Science Electives6
 Total Hours (Credits)16

Second Year / Spring Term

CodeCourse TitleCredits
ENGM 141(3)Engineering Mechanics3
MATH 222(5)Calculus IV3
CS and/or SCI (2,5)Complementary Studies and/or Science Electives9
 Total Hours (Credits)15
  1. students may take MATH 100/101 instead of MATH 121/122
  2. students intending to transfer to Software, Electrical, or Computer Engineering at the University of Victoria should take CSCI 161 in place of MATH 141. For these students, MATH 141 will be taken in Term 2B as a SCI elective.
  3. students in Software Engineering will not take PHYS 122 and ENGM 141.  Please see the Engineering advisor for course options.
  4. students may take CHEM 140/142A or CHEM 140/142 instead of CHEM 150
  5. students intending to transfer into Software Engineering at the University of Victoria will not take MATH 221, 222 or MATH 254. Please see the Engineering advisor for course options.
  6. All students attending the University of Victoria are required to take a complementary studies course and/or a Natural Science elective course prior to graduation. You may choose to take this elective during your time at VIU, but it is your ultimate responsibility to ensure that the course is transferable (BC Transfer Guide) to UVic and acceptable for credit. See the list of approved elective courses at UVic that are offered at VIU

After your two years at VIU...

All students may apply for the Engineering Transfer Diploma in their last term of studies. If they meet the credentials of the program, they will be granted the certificate.

Students within the Engineering Transfer Diploma are expected to transfer to UVic to complete their engineering studies. 

Students are also eligible to transfer into the Integrated Engineering Technologist Diploma at VIU after their first or second year of studies.

Courses may also transfer to alternative institutions, but students must apply formally for admission to the receiving institution.