Seniors' Tuition Benefit

PURSUE YOUR LOVE OF LEARNING–FOR FREE AT NIC!

NIC’s Senior Citizen Tuition Exemption policy allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents ages 65 and up to waive tuition for University Studies courses with available space, providing they meet the course prerequisites.

For example, seniors skip the $260 tuition fee for a Spanish course, and pay only for books/supplies, and a $10 student union fee.

Registration for those who wish to participate in the Senior Citizen Tuition Exemption begins on the first day of term and concludes on the last day of registration.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Learn more about course options and registration below:

1. How do I get started?
   
1. Choose a course from a selection of available University Studies courses.
2. Submit a Senior Citizen Tuition Exemption Application form to the Registration office on campus at least one week prior to the start of a term. Registration staff will process your application and verify that your chosen course is eligible.
3. Next, you’ll be asked to wait until fee-paying students have registered. In the meantime, you are encouraged to attend class while eligibility is decided. NIC will contact you within the first 10 days of term to let you know if space is available and provide registration information at that time.
4. Once your available seat is confirmed, you must register for the course and pay Student Union fees and lab fees that apply to your course. This can be done at the Registration offices or on-line.
2. What can I take?
   Choose from hundreds of first- and second-year University Studies courses with space available. Courses that are full or have a waitlist are not eligible for a tuition waiver.

   Courses may include over 20 areas of study, from anthropology, French, geography and history to psychology and women’s studies. To browse a complete list of courses at your local NIC campus or centre, visit Academic Courses.

3. What are the admission requirements?
   Most courses require previous high school study, called prerequisites. For example, a course may require students to have a C in Grade 12 English or a C+ in Grade 10 math. Please check course descriptions online to find out the prerequisites for your chosen course.

   Can't find your high school records? No problem.
   If you haven’t been to school in a long time or if your education records are unavailable, University Studies courses are still within reach. NIC’s mature student policy makes it possible for students ages 23 and up to skip high school prerequisites, with the understanding that they will be able to perform at the same level as students in the class. Ask to sign a Mature Student Declaration form when you register.

4. Can I skip the homework and tests?
   Seniors who have been approved for the tuition waiver also have the option to “audit” their course. This means, you may participate without completing assignments or write exams, but you will not earn “credit” for the course. Just check off the Audit Student Status box on the Senior Tuition Exemption Applications form.
5. How is this different from ElderCollege?
   Both are great options for seniors looking for lifelong learning opportunities near them.

   Tuition-free University Studies courses are available only to seniors 65 and up interested in digging into an arts, science, math, art, and business courses over the length of whole term. Classes are academically focused and take place with students of all ages.

   ElderCollege classes, on the other hand, are available by $10 membership to people 50 and up (55+ in the Comox Valley). Classes are offered on campus in a relaxed, mature environment on NIC campuses in Campbell River, Port Alberni, Port Alice, and the Comox Valley. Courses cost $0 to $40 and are available to browse online via www.nic.bc.ca/ec.

6. What are the policy guidelines?
   NIC’s Senior Citizen Tuition Exemption policy allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents ages 65 and up to waive tuition for University Studies courses with available space, providing they meet the course prerequisites.
   

   Eligible seniors may apply to have tuition waived if:

   • Space is available after all fee-paying students have registered and enrolment is high enough to warrant running the course.
   • You provide proof of age on registration. Seniors must be 65 before the first day of classes, Canadian citizens, and permanent residents.
   • You meet course prerequisites, or apply as a mature student, pay all other associated costs, including lab fees, student union fees, books, and materials.

   Some limitations apply. The Senior Citizen Tuition Exemption policy allows seniors to:

   • ONE free course per term and up to THREE courses per calendar year.
   • Take a course tuition-free, ONCE. Tuition will be charged on further registrations in the same course.
   • Register in classes AFTER Senior Exemption has been approved. If you’ve registered before classes begin, the tuition exemption will not apply.

   Please Note: The maximum number of tuition fee waivers available for seniors is limited. Seniors who wish to ensure registration in a specific course may do so by registering and paying in the same manner as a fee-paying student.