Dual Credit
What is Dual Credit?
Dual credit courses and programs allow motivated high school students to complete trades, career, or
university-level courses before graduating from secondary school. Students who
participate in this early entry opportunity receive credit towards their high school Grade 12
graduation requirements as well as NIC credit.
Who is Eligible?
All students enrolled in high school are eligible.
What Can I Study?
At NIC, you can currently earn dual credit in the following programs:
How Do I Apply?
Give the Form to your High School Counsellor
Give your completed application form to your high school counsellor. Start dates may vary according to the course or program,
so check with your counsellor for the correct deadline for the program that interests you. For trades programs starting in September,
applications are due March 30. For trades programs starting in January and February, the deadline is October 31.
You can still apply after this deadline, but your application will only be considered
if seats are available.
Your High School Counsellor will Submit your Application
Your counsellor will submit your application to Student Services at the nearest North
Island College campus or centre. Once your application has been received at NIC,
you will be contacted to make an appointment with an NIC counsellor who will guide you
through your next steps.
[Dual Credit] saves money, it's a good test of what's coming before you
enroll in full-time classes at college, and the higher level classes weren't as
scary as I thought they were going to be!"
Danielle Nichol, Grade 12 Dual Credit student
Applied Business Technology
What is Applied Business Technology?
The Applied Business Technology program (ABT) prepares students for office positions
like receptionist, general clerk, or office assistant. From accounting and education to
real estate, hospitality, and healthcare, ABT graduates possess office skills valued in
virtually every type of business and industry.
Tuition for ABT courses varies, and the cost of most dual credit courses is covered by your school
district. Speak with your school counsellor or an NIC Student Advisor for more information.
For more information about ABT courses and programs, visit
Applied Business Technology.
Unique Features
- ABT is offered online. There’s no need to worry about attending seminars or juggling
classes with other responsibilities. All you need is an internet connection, and
you’re on your way to possessing the skills you require.
- Local NIC instructors and computer lab facilities are available to support Dual
Credit students at each of NIC’s campuses and centres.
For more information about dual credit and Applied Business Technology, contact your school counsellor or an NIC student advisor.
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I found I had constant support from NIC's teachers. I was able to push myself just a little bit harder
knowing they were behind me the whole time!"
Brittany Sharp, ABT graduate
What is Pre-Nursing Option?
Looking for a fast track into nursing? Would you like to explore post-secondary
studies in Health Sciences, Pre-Med, or Biological Sciences? Consider the Pre-Nursing Option!
Students enrolled in this option are registered as University Transfer students and entered onto the Bachelor of
Science in Nursing waitlist, providing they meet admission requirements. By participating in the Pre-Nursing Study
Option, students experience a college/university program while easing the course load of their first year.
While students may choose to enrol in other electives from the program, recommended courses include English 115, English 120,
Psychology 130, Psychology 131, Biology 160, and/or Biology 161.
For more information about the program, visit
Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Unique Features
- Tuition is lower at NIC than at larger universities and colleges and, in some cases,
the cost of tuition for dual credit students is covered by their school district.
- Because NIC classes are smaller, students have the opportunity to build strong
relationships with their instructors and classmates.
- Courses are available in several communities across the North Island region.
For more information about dual credit and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, contact your school counsellor or an NIC student advisor.
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I would recommend it for sure; when I get to college, I’ll already be doing my second year in my first year there."
Danielle Nichol, Grade 12 Dual Credit student
Trades & Technology
Dual Credit Opportunities in Trades & Technology
NIC offers a wide range of Trades & Technology programs at the Comox Valley, Campbell River and Port Alberni campuses,
and while following provincially determined outcomes, each program is designed to ensure that graduates’ skills are industry-approved
and in demand. Dual credit students entering Foundation (pre-apprentice) programs that lead to apprenticeship certification are also
eligible for tuition support through the Industry Training Authority's ACE-IT program. School district career counsellors have information
about the application process for these programs. Upon successful completion of a dual credit trades program, graduates receive credit for
the first level of apprenticeship technical (in-class) training and a time-credit towards the workplace hours requirement for certification
in that trade.
Trades and Technology options include:
All Trades and Technology options, except for Drafting, are eligible for tuition funding support through the ITA's ACE-IT program.
For more information on Trades & Technology programs available at NIC, visit Trades & Technology.
Unique Features
- With buildings like the Trades Training Centre, the Third Course Bistro, or NIC's vocational
centres in Campbell River and Port Alberni, students gain hands-on training at some of the most
modern, well-equipped facilities in BC.
- Because ACE-IT brings together students, school districts, and local employers, many graduates
are successful in gaining employment in their chosen trade, immediately after graduation.
- Tuition varies from program to program. In many cases, the cost of tuition is covered by ITA's
ACE-IT funding.
Some programs start in September while others begin in February, so it is very important that students plan
their Grade 11 and 12 courses to meet the program pre-requisites prior to the start date of their chosen program.
For more information about Trades & Technology options, contact your school counsellor or an NIC student advisor.
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I'd always known I wanted to be a mechanic. The ACE-IT program let me get college credit
and apprenticeship training while I was in Grade 11. Now I'm basically two years ahead."
Automotive Service Technician Foundation graduate
University Transfer
What is University Transfer?
Are you looking for an early start into college or university? Are you interested in taking
a wider selection of courses topics than currently available at your high school, such as criminology,
space science & astronomy, creative writing or art history?
If so, consider dual credit in University Transfer. Courses transfer in part or in full to other institutions
and may be customized as a transfer plan and/or applied towards diplomas, associate degrees, or bachelor’s degrees
at NIC and beyond. Plus, you'll experience university life without making a large financial commitment or moving
away to university.
For more information about NIC's university-level courses, visit
University Studies & Transfer.
Unique Features
- Tuition is lower at NIC than at larger universities and colleges and, in some cases,
the cost of tuition for dual credit students is covered by their school district.
- NIC classes tend to be smaller, allowing students the opportunity to build strong
relationships with their instructors and classmates.
- Student advisors are dedicated to helping you make the most of your course choices. With
one-on-one personal advising, you can be assured that your classes at NIC will help you get
where you want to go.
For more information, speak with your high school counsellor or contact an NIC student advisor.
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