Royal Roads and BCIT Join Forces as Student Demand Shifts

Royal Roads University and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) are taking a fresh approach to higher education. As international student numbers decline across Canada, the two institutions have launched a new partnership that brings more learning opportunities to students while helping both schools strengthen enrolment.

The collaboration marks another major step in Royal Roads University’s growing strategy of building partnerships to support long-term growth.

New BCIT Courses Arrive in Langford This Fall

Starting this fall, BCIT will offer courses at Royal Roads University’s John Horgan Campus in Langford.

Up to 100 students will enrol in three interior and interface design courses. BCIT instructors will teach the classes under BCIT’s academic system, while students will have access to Royal Roads campus facilities and services.

At the same time, Royal Roads will expand its reach into the Lower Mainland. Around 120 students pursuing a master’s degree in intercultural communication will study at BCIT’s Burnaby campus.

According to Royal Roads interim vice-president academic and provost Deborah Linehan, partnerships have become increasingly important.

“We’ve always been innovative, but partnerships are clearly creating new opportunities,” she said.

Keeping Island Students Closer to Home

BCIT says the decision was driven by student demand.

Many Vancouver Island residents currently move to Burnaby to access BCIT programs. Therefore, offering courses in Langford allows students to stay closer to home while reducing relocation costs and travel time.

BCIT provost and vice-president academic Jennifer Figner said the move benefits both students and the institution.

Instead of requiring students to relocate, BCIT can now deliver its education directly to Island communities.

Notably, this expansion represents BCIT’s first permanent location outside the Lower Mainland since the institution was established in 1960.

More Pathways for Career Growth

The partnership could soon create even more opportunities.

Both institutions are exploring ways for students in BCIT’s trades and health-care programs to continue their education through Royal Roads. As a result, students may gain additional qualifications, advance their careers, or develop skills needed to start their own businesses.

Discussions about the partnership began roughly one year ago and have continued to evolve.

Importantly, BCIT says the initiative is not designed to compete with other Vancouver Island post-secondary institutions.

Universities Turn to Collaboration Amid Financial Pressure

Post-secondary institutions across British Columbia continue to face financial challenges.

International student enrolment has dropped following federal limits on study permits. Meanwhile, provincial funding has not increased. Consequently, many institutions are looking for new ways to remain financially stable.

Figner believes collaboration offers a practical solution.

Rather than competing by offering similar programs, schools can work together to provide students with more options and better access to education.

Linehan added that Royal Roads coordinates closely with partners such as the University of Victoria and Camosun College to avoid unnecessary overlap.

Military Training Program Expands Royal Roads’ Reach

The BCIT agreement is only one part of Royal Roads’ broader expansion strategy.

Earlier this year, the university partnered with the Canadian Armed Forces to deliver military officer training at the John Horgan Campus.

The program will welcome 40 officer cadets this fall. Over time, enrolment is expected to grow to approximately 160 students.

Furthermore, the university continues to strengthen its undergraduate offerings while maintaining its strong focus on graduate education. Currently, about 80 per cent of Royal Roads students are enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs.

Global Expansion Continues Despite Challenges

Royal Roads has also expanded internationally.

The university recently established a satellite campus in the United Arab Emirates. Its first graduation ceremony is scheduled for November.

Although regional tensions created challenges, the campus remained operational by temporarily shifting to online learning when conflict escalated in the area.

In addition, discussions continue with Zhejiang University in China regarding a potential international institute partnership. An announcement could arrive within the coming months.

Partnerships Help Offset Revenue Losses

For Royal Roads, these partnerships play a key role in replacing revenue lost from declining international student enrolment.

Despite facing an initial projected deficit of $1.2 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year, the university improved its financial outlook through budget efficiencies.

Linehan said the institution achieved those savings without layoffs. As a result, Royal Roads now expects to post a surplus in the coming year.

As student recruitment patterns change, partnerships are becoming an increasingly important part of the university’s future. Through local, national, and international collaborations, Royal Roads aims to expand access to education while maintaining financial stability.