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How to Apply

The following steps will help you get started in credit programs (certificates, diplomas, degrees) and courses at North Island College. If you have questions at any time, we’re here to help. Call Student Services at 1-800-715-0914 or email questions@nic.bc.ca.

Choose Your Course or Program

At North Island College, you can choose from over 65 programs and more than 800 courses throughout the region, including upgrading, business, fine arts, health care, tourism, trades, university transfer, and much much more.

Browse your options, by campus or by area of study, under Programs & Courses.

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 Application for Admission pdf form 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. 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 serve 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. With certain high demand programs, we encourage students to apply early in order to meet other 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 requirements for entry to your program of choice. Depending on the area of study, admission requirements can vary from a personal interview and criminal records check to Food Safe or First Aid training. Details are listed under each program description.

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)
  • And others

Detailed information on meeting prerequisites is listed under Student Services.

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, important dates, 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.

You’ll find information on timetabling and details on how to register listed under Student Services.

Welcome!

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to college. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to drop in to Student Services or call 1-800-715-0914. We’ll be 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.