Start Dates and Application Deadlines

Entrance into the MGISA Program is a competitive process. For the best chance of being accepted into the program, applicants should submit their completed application and all documentation by the application deadline as detailed below:

Stage 1 Blended

  • The 8-month face-to-face version of Stage 1 begins in September and ends in April of the following year at the Nanaimo Campus. This would be followed by the 12-month blended or online version of Stage 2 that begins in September and ends in August.
  • The application deadline is January 31. All completed applications received by this deadline will be reviewed and decisions will be communicated to applicants in February. In order to receive full consideration, all applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their completed application by this deadline.
  • Late applications will be considered until May 15. These applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as long as spots remain.
  • Stage 1 applicants do not need to apply separately for Stage 2.

Stage 1 Online

  • The 16-month online version of Stage 1 begins in January and ends in April of the following year. This would be followed by the 12-month blended or online version of Stage 2 that begins in September and ends in August.
  • The application deadline is September 30 of the year prior to the January start date, i.e. applicants seeking to start in January 2016, for example, should submit their application by September 30, 2015. All completed applications received by this deadline will be reviewed and decisions will be communicated to applicants in October.
  • Late applications cannot be considered since the application deadline is already very close the start date of the program.
  • Stage 1 applicants do not need to apply separately for Stage 2.

Stage 2 Blended or Online

  • The 12-month Blended or Online versions of Stage 2 begin in September and end in August of the following year. Applicants seeking advanced placement into Stage 2 should consider the following dates:
    • The application deadline is January 31. All completed applications received by this deadline will be reviewed and decisions will be communicated to applicants in February. In order to receive full consideration, all applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their completed applications by this deadline.
    • Late applications will be considered until May 15. These applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as long as spots remain.
    • Stage 2 applicants need to have completed, or to be in the process of completing, Stage 1, VIU's advanced GIS diploma (or an equivalent program) at the time of application, as specified in the admission requirements.