Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology Diploma at Vancouver Island University

Programme overview

Vancouver Island University’s close proximity and relationship with Fisheries and Oceans Canada have developed the Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology program into one of the best of its kind. Students receive expert instruction from leading aquaculture specialists fishery officers and marine biologists and take part in a hands-on practicum experience, spending more than a quarter of their training out in the field. There are numerous special awards specifically for Fisheries and Aquaculture students, ranging in

Faculty: Science, Engineering and Technology | Duration: 2 years | Study mode: co-op | Intake: The Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology Diploma program has one start date every two years. | Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

What you will study

Courses include Life History and Management of Salmonids, Introduction to Salmonid Husbandry, Biology of Fishes, Aquatic Habitats, Aquatic Plant and Algae Ecology and Culture, Fisheries and Aquaculture Technician Skills I, Fisheries and Aquaculture Technician Skills II, Fisheries and Aquaculture Work Experience I.

Career pathways

Careers in fisheries and aquaculture typically involve both outdoor work related to the rearing or assessment of aquatic stocks, and indoor activities related directly to field or support activities, including personnel and business management. Aquaculture is usually practiced in relatively remote areas.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

General admission requirements apply.; A minimum “C” grade in one of Precalculus 11, or Foundations of Mathematics 11, or equivalent.; Life Sciences 11 with a minimum “C” grade, or equivalent.; Recommended for Admission; Physics and other science courses are highly recommended.; Additional English courses that lead to improved writing skills are invaluable.; Notes on Admission; The program is limited to a maximum of 26 full-time students per year. Students wishing to take the program on a part-time basis, or wishing to attend single courses may contact the department to determine whether that is possible, although if space is limited, which is often the case, preference will be given to full-time students.; Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program. Applicants are encouraged to...

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Most programmes start in September; January intake is offered for some bachelor's degrees and other programmes; many programmes offer alternative start dates throughout the year.

Applications for most academic programs open October 1 in the year before the program start date (applications for programs beginning September 2027 open October 1, 2026); deadlines vary by program.

Application fee: domestic undergraduate $46.98, domestic graduate $121.86, international all programs $156.06 (non-refundable); no application fee for Adult Basic Education.

Apply through the official page: https://www.viu.ca/apply

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