Skip to content

Distance Learning

No matter where you live, Distance Learning at NIC provides opportunities for you to pursue your education where and when you like. From Ucluelet to Port Hardy, North Island College delivers hundreds of courses in varied formats and with different scheduling options to help make it easy – in a way that works for you.

Becoming a distance student is easy. The following steps will get you started.

Choose your courses

To browse available Distance Education course offerings by term, please visit NIC CONNECT. Be sure to select “Distance Education” as the course delivery method in the search window.

To learn about the classroom-based courses the College has to offer, visit the Programs & Courses page.

Not sure which program is right for you?

Book an in-person or telephone appointment with our Student Advisors. They have extensive knowledge of programs, funding options, career paths, and post-secondary education - at NIC and beyond.

Need more information?

Our Student Services staff are always happy to help. Drop in or call today!

Apply to NIC

Complete our for Admission form pdf doc or apply online external link.

You can apply online, by mail, or in person at your local NIC campus or centre. A $25.00 one-time non-refundable application fee must accompany your application. Please make cheques or money orders payable to 'North Island College'. For more information, please contact your nearest Student Services office or call us at 1-800-715-0914.

General Admission to NIC

Applicants to North Island College must be:

  • A Canadian citizen or permanent resident, a landed immigrant or their dependant, or those participating in international reciprocal transfer agreements, such as visiting armed forces personnel based at a Canadian Forces base, and be
  • Eighteen (18) years of age or older. Applicants under 18 years of age may be admitted 1) if the applicant turns 18 before the end of the first calendar year of their post-secondary studies and has completed high school, or 2) by special request and discussion with an NIC counsellor.
  • International students will find complete admission details under International Education.

Application Form Tips

  • Your personal information. Any information concerning you, including all documentation provided in support of your Application for Admission, will be kept confidential. Information can only be released with your written permission. For more information, please see Confidentiality of Student Records under Student Policies.
  • Your program selection. The Application for Admission form requests your program selection. This is the full program name as it appears in the NIC Calendar or under Programs & Courses. Exceptions: for administration purposes, the program selection for university transfer is designated as University Studies, and for upgrading as Adult Basic Education (ABE).

When to Apply

North Island College accepts applications at any time during the year. We accept students on a first come, first qualified, first served basis. This means that once a student applies and meets all of the mandatory admission requirements, the next available seat in the program will be theirs. We encourage students to apply early in order to meet deadlines and ensure there is space available. Once you apply to a program, Student Services will advise you of your next steps by mail.

Complete Admission Requirements

Your next step is to submit documents showing that you meet the admission requirements for your program of choice, as well as the course prerequisites as described below.

Once you have sent all your required documentation to us, we will be able to finish processing your application. If any additional information is required, we’ll contact you by mail or telephone to let you know. As a NIC applicant, please ensure that you open and read all documentation that you receive from the College.

Program Admission

You may need to complete additional admission requirements for entry to your program of choice. Details are listed under each program description in the Admissions tab.

Course Prerequisites

Many courses require some form of previous study for success. The entry requirements for individual courses at NIC are called prerequisites. You will find them detailed under course descriptions. There are a number of ways to provide documentation or meet your course prerequisites, including:

  • Official high school transcript
  • Official post secondary transcript
  • Placement testing or prior learning credit
  • Instructor permission
  • Mature student status (See Student Policies for details)

Please note:While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of admissions requirements, program information in NIC Calendar and website is only correct at the time of publishing. For the most current admission requirements and information, please check with Student Services or call us at 1-800-715-0914.

Register for Classes

Once you have successfully completed the application process, you will receive a letter which includes information about registering in classes, paying your tuition, academic schedules, and deadlines.

Before registering in classes, you will be asked to submit a non-refundable tuition deposit. This amount varies by program and will be applied towards your tuition. Detailed information about tuition, fees, and payments is listed under Tuition & Costs in the Student Services section of the website.

There are two ways to register in courses. For continuous entry/exit programs and all upgrading courses you must register in person at a campus or centre. For all other courses you may also choose to register online at NIC CONNECT.

Using online registration through NIC CONNECT:

  • Search for your course:
    Delivery Method = Distance Education
    Course Code = this information is a combination of letters and numbers published in our course listings (ex. CVF1);
  • Click the check box beside your desired courses
    Important: Make sure you indicate the correct type of distance course (lock-step or flexible), and the correct delivery method (e.g. online).

Register in person at Student Services:

  • Know the name and section of the courses for which you wish to register;
  • Make sure you bring all required documentation, including proof of prerequisites or your transcripts;
  • Be ready to complete an assessment test, if required;
  • Be prepared to pay your course fees.

Welcome!

We’re looking forward to welcoming you at North Island College. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to drop in to Student Services or call 1-800-715-0914. We are happy to help.

Getting Ready

To find out which course materials, text books, and supplies you’ll need, visit the bookstore on campus or use our Book Search online.

The more you get to know NIC, the more you’ll feel at home. Browse Student Services, where you’ll find everything from campus maps and library hours to child care access and parking information.

Need help?

Call 1-800-715-0914, visit a Student Advisor, or email nic4me@nic.bc.ca.