The Education System in British Columbia

Diplomas and Certificates

With multiple pathways and credentials available across our institutions, LCI Education helps you find the best fit for your goals and aspirations.

This tool guides you in understanding diploma equivalencies based on an international framework, with names, structures, and durations that may vary depending on the country and institution.

Associate's Degree

Undergraduate studies

 Focuses on fundamental understanding.
 Acts as a stepping stone to further education or entry-levels positions.

Such as:

Associate's Degree
Technician

Bachelor's Degree

Undergraduate studies

 Focuses on comprehensive expertise.
 Acts as minimum qualification for many professional careers.

Such as:

Bachelor
Bac+3
Bac+5

Certificates

Continuing Education

 Focuses on specific skills or credentials without commitment to full degree program.
 Indicates increased skill-level in specific fields.

Such as:

Courses
Certificate
Technician's certificate
Continuing education programs

Diplomas

Continuing Education
Vocational studies

 Focuses on specialized education over the course of 1–3 years.
 Indicates competitive practical skills, understanding, job readiness, and specialized expertise.

Such as:

Diplomas
ACS
Specialized Technician Diploma

Explore all programs and courses

Understanding Credentials in British Columbia

Bachelor’s Degree – Length: 2.5 to 3 years (8 to 10 quarters)

A Bachelor’s Degree in Canada normally means successfully completing three or four years of full-time post-secondary studies. In these programs, learners expect to gain general and foundational knowledge in the first and second years, and then specialize in an area known as a “major.”

Associate Degree – Length: 18 months (4 quarters, 880 hours)

An Associate Degree is a program in a traditional field of study (like arts or science). Unlike a certificate or diploma, Associate Degrees include general studies as well as a specialization in a specific area of interest (similar to a major).

Diploma – Length: 9 to 16 months (3 to 5 quarters)

A “Diploma” in British Columbia is a one- or two-year post-secondary program that develops practical, specialized skills in a professional field, preparing learners to quickly enter the job market.

Certificate – Length: 2 to 3 quarters

A “Certificate” in British Columbia is a short program ranging from a few months to a year, where you gain targeted skills in a specific area. It’s ideal for learners who want to specialize quickly and hit the job market.