Overview

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 value from $300 to $2,500.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology Diploma Program

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology program from Vancouver Island University is designed to develop well-rounded technologists with a broad background in the practical and academic skills of fish and invertebrate culture, fisheries habitat and fish stock assessment, wild stock management, and environmental control and planning.

Both the “why” and “how” are presented through formal lectures and practical experience. The selection of program material is designed to give a broad theoretical background to provide flexibility, as well as foster a professional attitude toward a future career. Students will spend approximately 25 per cent of their time on “hands-on” fisheries and aquaculture projects on- and-off campus.

The first year provides a foundation in such basic conceptual areas as statistics, biology, English, habitats of fish and fish rearing methods. There is a weekly practicum, in which students are sent into the field for a day to work in various aquacultural or fisheries facilities (salmonid hatcheries, spawning channels, wild fish projects, oyster farms, invertebrate hatcheries and others), and students also work one half day each week on aquaculture or fisheries field projects on campus or in the field. Many courses also involve significant field experience. Over the two years this practical work experience exposes students to a wide variety of activities, and introduces them to the facilities, organizations and personnel important in their future careers.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Fish Husbandry

Biology of Fishes

Aquatic Habitat

Shop Skills

Aquaculture Practicum

Project in Husbandry

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-07-31 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-03-31 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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Credits

73 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Nanaimo, Canada

Disciplines

Marine Science View 11 other Bachelors in Marine Science in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Check IELTS test dates and locations. Book an IELTS test now!

Other requirements

General 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.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Vancouver Island University and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

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International

29368 CAD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 29368 CAD per year during 24 months.
National

6110 CAD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 6110 CAD per year during 24 months.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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