Applying to NIC

The BC government will begin issuing Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) to post-secondary institutions to allow international applicants to apply for a study permit as required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) starting March 4, 2024. NIC's current applicants joining NIC in May 2024 intake or later will receive an email communication regarding the process of obtaining a PAL. Prospective students can find relevant information on our Applying to NIC page. 

Applying for admission is easy. We will guide you through the steps!

Step 1: Choose your Program and Check Admissions Deadline

Find a program from the program list, then review the admissions deadlines before lodging an application. These dates are subject to change based on enrolment. The application may close once the program reaches capacity.

* The application deadline does not guarantee timely admission or study permit processing. NIC recommends applicants to apply at least 6 months prior to commencement of the chosen intake.

Step 2: Apply Online

Apply Online

Go to EducationPlannerBC and complete the application form. You will create a student account with your pertinent contact information and then lodge an application as a ‘New International Student’. Please ensure your browser is an up-to-date version of Chrome, Safari for Mac, Firefox, or Edge.

For faster processing, upload your required supporting documents while making an online application.

Pay the $100 CAD application fee via credit card on EducationPlannerBC when prompted.

Submit the application. A confirmation email will be sent to you from EducationPlannerBC confirming the application has been received. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 2 business days, please inquire with EducationPlannerBC.

Submitting your Documents

NIC requires all students to submit following documents:

• Copy of passport with signature page
• High school transcripts and graduation certificate (undergraduate programs)
• Post-secondary transcripts and credential (certificate, diploma, degree, etc.)
• Official English proficiency results (see Admission Requirements for accepted English assessments)
• Supplemental documents as required by the specific program
• Original documents not in English must be accompanied by certified 3rd party translation

If you did not upload the documents on EducationPlannerBC at the time of application, scan (recommended 300 dpi) all required supporting documents in colour into a single pdf file and email to iadmissions@nic.bc.ca.

Avoid unnecessary delays with the following tips:

• Applicants with a valid study permit and already in Canada must submit a copy of the study permit.
• Scan and submit the back of transcripts to show the grading scale.
• If you are currently admitted to or studying at NIC’s language pathway schools, please attach your admission letter or enrolment confirmation showing the expected date of completion of your English program.
• Submit required documents only once. If a second submission is made a detailed review/comparison between the previously sent document and the new document will be made which will delay the admission process.

We will process and respond to applications and admissions inquiries in the order they are received. Wait at least 10 business days before following up on an application.

Work with an Agent

NIC collaborates with verified recruitment partners around the world who can assist with the application, admission and preparation for studies at NIC. You can use our Find an Agent tool to find an agent near you. Students applying from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Philippines are required to work with an authorized representative.

Step 3: Pay your Deposit

Once you receive the Letter of Offer from NIC, you are required to pay the deposit to secure the seat in the program. Please note that the Letter of Offer may request additional documentation and/or outline conditions.

Online Math Assessment

When an NIC math placement assessment is required as outlined in your Letter of Offer, the assessment is administered prior to Letter of Acceptance issued. The cost associated with the assessment is covered by NIC. You will find a guide to the assessment to help you prepare for the exam (click on “Math Assessment”).

Letter of Acceptance

Upon payment of the deposit and submission of all outstanding requirements, a Letter of Acceptance will be issued. The deposit will be credited toward your tuition and fees when you have arrived on campus. The deposit is non-refundable.

Provincial Attestation Letter

Starting January 22, 2024, all NIC applicants must accompany their study permit application with a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). For more information on a PAL, please see the information below.

As an admitted student at NIC, we recommend that you read additional information in Admitted Students page.

Step 4: Apply for your Study Permit

Study permits are required for international students who plan to study in Canada for more than six months. Once you have received your NIC Letter of Acceptance and Provincial Attestation Letter, you can apply for a study permit. Learn more by visiting Admitted Students page and IRCC's website.

For more information on study permit requirements to study in Canada, please visit http://www.cic.gc.ca