About Us

Invaluable Education for your Future

With over 900 courses and 70 credit programs in health care, trades, business, fine arts, tourism, and university studies, NIC offers the education and skills training needed to reach your goal, with the flexibility and support to make it achievable.

Most importantly, at NIC, you’ll learn to learn – and in the highly competitive post-secondary and work world, this is a vital component of success. Our classes are small and our faculty, approachable. Compared to larger institutions, you’ll have greater interaction with your instructors, and hands-on access to our industry-standard facilities and learning resources.

I invite you to explore your many options at North Island College. The possibilities are limitless.

Dr. Jan Lindsay, President,
North Island College

North Island College is…

a community college committed to high quality and excellence in our programs and services. We offer more than 900 courses and 70 credit programs supported by a dedicated faculty, staff and administration – all working together to help you achieve your goals.

Our expert faculty will lead you through a relevant course of study using up-to-date materials. Small classes allow more time for you with your instructors – you won’t be just an anonymous face in the crowd at NIC.

Our Vision for the Future

North Island College holds a vision of being a premier community and destination college, in a spectacular west-coast environment, that inspires and prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world. North Island College will fulfill its vision by being:

a vibrant community of learners – embracing their goals and shaping their worlds;
a gateway to education, work and life;
a central force in improving the cultural and socio-economic well-being of the communities we serve; and,
a respectful steward of our unique natural setting.

Together we will create a workplace that inspires personal growth and delivers results to our students, partners and citizens.

Our Mission

North Island College is committed to meeting the education and training needs of adults within its service region by: providing high quality, affordable higher education and skills training, collaborating with our partners to create pathways to learning, and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.

NIC Fast Facts

NIC opened in 1975.
It has four campuses and three centres.
NIC serves 155,000 people over 80,000 square kilometers on northern Vancouver Island and the BC mainland coast from Desolation Sound to Klemtu.
In 2009/2010, 4,649 students enrolled in credit courses through these NIC locations:
- Campbell River campus - 1,204
- Comox Valley campus - 1,904
- Port Alberni campus - 766
- Mount Waddington & Centres - 283
- Distributed Learning - 456
The same year, 4,804 students enrolled in first aid, continuing education, industry training, vocational, contract, and community education courses at these NIC locations:
- Campbell River campus - 1,087
- Comox Valley campus - 1,848
- Port Alberni campus - 658
- Mount Waddington & Centres - 1,016
- Distributed Learning - 195
In 2009/2010, 1,241 students of Aboriginal ancestry (self-disclosed) enrolled in NIC courses and programs.

2011-2015
Strategic Plan

Participation, Partnerships, and Pathways: North Island College has identified six strategic directions, fundamental to our vision.

Read the plan and supporting documents on our Publications page.