North Island College

North Island College is a comprehensive public community college in British Columbia, Canada. NIC's campuses are located on Vancouver Island, situated along Canada's breathtaking Pacific Northwest coast.

NIC's academic offerings are underpinned by student support and community collaboration. Combined with small class sizes, individualized instruction and excellent post-graduation employment options, NIC is a top choice for international students.

NIC is proud to offer 30 programs including undergraduate and postgraduate options across the following broad areas of study:

• Arts, Science and Engineering
• Business
• Health and Human Services
• Trades and Technical
• Fine Art
• DIGITAL Design + Development.

Additionally, undergraduate students can benefit from several exclusive transfer agreements between NIC and universities across BC and Canada - students can start their studies in NIC's smaller, supportive, and more cost-effective environment before transferring to complete their degree at university.

NIC is approved by the Government of Canada as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

International students who successfully complete eligible programs at NIC may apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit to gain valuable work experience after graduation.

NIC is a public college known for its close community, quality instruction, and small class size.

International students at NIC come from more than 51 countries, bringing a wide range of cultures and experiences to campus. Every program is designed to help students of all backgrounds succeed.

NIC instructors are passionate about student success. They help students reach their goals and feel confident in a Canadian classroom.

With an average of 18 students per class, instructors can give more one-on-one support. Students also have access to strong support services in areas like mental health, academics, and career planning.

NIC also offers modern learning spaces. Students use up-to-date tools and equipment to help prepare for their future careers.

Campuses

The available programs at the Comox Valley Campus are:

• Advanced Digital Design and Development Diploma
• Adventure Guiding Certificate
• Android Application Development Certificate
• Associate of Arts Degree
• Associate of Science Degree
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Business Administration Certificate and Diploma
• Business Administration Post Graduate Diploma
• Communication Design Diploma
• Criminology Diploma
• Digital Design and Development Post-Graduate Certificate and Diploma
• Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma - Infants and Toddlers
• Engineering Foundations Certificate
• Fine Arts Diploma
• Health Care Assistant and Community Mental Health Worker
• Health Science Diploma
• Human Services Educational Assistant / Community Support Certificate and Diploma
• Island Pre-Health Science Advanced Diploma
• Social Service Diploma
• Web and Mobile Application Development Diploma
• Web Design Fundamentals Certificate

The available programs at the Campbell River campus are:

• Coastal Forest Technology Diploma
• Culinary Business Operations Certificate
• Instrumentation and Electrical Automation Technician Diploma

The available program at the Port Alberni campus – Tebo Vocational Centre is:

• Furniture Design and Joinery Certificate

All programs at NIC are subject to entry requirements.

There are English Language requirements for students in Limited Entry Programs, including:

• Adventure Guiding Certificate
• Coastal Forest Technology Diploma
• Culinary Business Operations Certificate
• Early Childhood Care and Education Certificate/Diploma
• Furniture Design and Joinery Certificate
• Health Care Assistant Certificate
• Instrumentation and Electrical Automation Diploma
• Human Services Certificate/Diploma
• Social Services Diploma

Full details of entry requirements for the above Limited Entry Programs can be found online.

English Language requirements for students in Open Entry Programs:

• BC Curriculum: BC English 12 or BC English First Peoples 12 with a minimum grade of C (or C+: see program pages)
• USA Curriculum: Grade 12 English Studies/Literature/Composition/Creative Writing with minimum of C+ or better from an accredited recognized secondary school.
• GCSE/IGCSE English courses: A minimum final grade of C in GCSE/IGCSE Ordinary Level English. English as a Second Language or Additional Language courses are not accepted.
• Caribbean Examinations Council English courses: A minimum final grade of C or 3 in CSEC English.
• West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE): A minimum C4 in WASSCE English.
• Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE): A minimum C+ in KCSE English.
• Academic IELTS: overall score of 6.0, no band lower than 5.5
• TOEFL ibt: 80 overall with no subsection less than 19
• CAEL: 60 and writing 60
• PTE Academic: 54 overall with no component less than 46
• Cambridge Assessment of English: C1 Advanced 174 overall with no sub-score less than 165
• Duolingo English Test: 105 with no section less than 95. Re-test score within 3 weeks between each testing is NOT accepted

Students may also choose to complete an English language program at one of NIC's affiliated language schools.

A typical international student taking a full course load of 5 academic courses (or 15 credits per term) will pay the below fees for one academic year:

For a study duration of 1 year (2 academic semesters, total of 10 academic courses)

• Tuition (based on 10 courses): CAD 15,351.60
• Mandatory Fees: CAD 1,575.00
• Books and Supplies: CAD 2,000.00
• Total: CAD 18,926.60

Estimated living expenses vary – students should expect to pay an average of CAD 21,612 if they live on campus, or CAD 22,680 if they live off campus.

Financial support

The college offers several financial awards that are designed to assist students cover their tuition costs. Eligibility criteria may apply. Available awards include:

• English Proficiency Award CAD 1,000
• Language Pathway Award (ILAC, SSLC, SELC, Global Village students) CAD 1,000
• High School Pathway Award CAD 1,000 - 2,000
• Regional Pathway Awards CAD 1,000 - 2,000

After enrolment, students are also eligible to apply for many awards and bursaries through NIC Foundation.

NIC's international students study at one of three campuses on Vancouver Island; Comox Valley (CV), Campbell River (CR) and Port Alberni (PA). NIC's campus communities are surrounded by nature - ocean, forests, mountains, and lakes. Students can expect beautiful and vibrant campus communities with an unbeatable combination of opportunity and quality of life. All campus communities possess a small-town feel with all the associated benefits, and none of the stresses associated with big city institutions.

The CV campus is a hub of academic activity and community engagement. The Comox Valley stretches from mountains to farmlands to beaches and offers a variety of amenities, activities, and culinary expertise.

The coastal city of Campbell River is an unofficial Outdoor HQ, offering a variety of outdoor activities.

Port Alberni lies at the head of the rich salmon fishing grounds of the Alberni inlet, and it is known for its welcoming and supportive community and intimate environment.

From Campbell River's state-of-the-art kitchen and bistro facilities to the Comox Valley's DIGITAL Design and Development labs, NIC campus facilities meet and exceed student expectations across the board. NIC students have access to private study spaces, bookstores, and the support and services offered by the North Island Students' Union. Students at the Comox Valley campus have immediate proximity to the new North Island Hospital, and the region's largest aquatic centre.

Accommodation

NIC students are expected to live within their campus communities as there is limited public transport between campuses. Accommodation options can include NIC student housing, private rooms in shared houses, private apartments, and shared rooms.

NIC's on campus student housing opens in September 2025 and features a unique mix of single-occupant and shared housing units. NIC has partnered with Places4Students.com as a resource to help connect students with rental and housing opportunities off campus.

Student support

Starting life in another country is a big step, but it does not have to be challenging. NIC offers free, confidential support to students who need some extra assistance. From the very first day, all NIC students have free and full access to an impressive platform of resources and services, and the college's friendly and helpful team of advisors are always on hand to provide guidance.

Services include:

• Academic and immigration advising
• Student employment services
• Counselling and mental health support
• Math and writing support
• Peer tutoring
• Research support

NIC has also launched Early Assist to support student success.

The Early Assist program helps faculty and staff connect students to the resources they need if they notice a student is beginning to experience challenges in their academic or personal life.

In scenarios such as a reduction in work quality from a student, absence in class, or signs of personal distress emerging, the service can be deployed to secure support or referrals as needed. With support offered quickly and in a personalised, confidential manner, students can get back on track and enjoy success.

There are many student and graduate employment opportunities within the campus communities. They include, but are not limited to, positions in health and human services, finance and business, retail, natural resources and trades, childcare, and digital design. Studying at NIC gives students a distinct advantage when they're seeking a career in these roles.

NIC is proud of its global mindset, and welcomes international students from around the world who enjoy high graduation rates and excellent employment prospects after completing their program. A degree from NIC can help international students open doors to a wide variety of career opportunities both in Canada and globally.

In the next 10 years, British Columbia is expected to have about one million job openings – 75 percent of these will require some form of post-secondary education or training. With NIC's outcome-oriented and student-centered approach, graduates are in an excellent position to take advantage of current and future career opportunities.

In the latest Government of British Columbia survey of former NIC diploma, associate degree and certificate students, satisfaction scores are extremely high.

• 92 percent are satisfied with their education at NIC
• 95 percent report that the quality of instruction at NIC is high
• 89 percent said that the knowledge and skills gained in their studies were useful in performing their job

NIC is investing in spaces that support student learning and life. This includes new academic facilities and other improvements that enhance the student experience.

One example is the new student housing at the Comox Valley campus. It is the first student housing in the area and will open in September 2025. The housing will offer a vibrant place to live, close to classrooms and campus activities.