Parent & Supporter Resources

Starting post-secondary is a big decision which affects the whole family. At NIC we will help you prepare for the next chapter. Whether your student’s goal is to transition into the workforce or to further their education before transferring seamlessly to university, our goal is to help them succeed.

NIC Student Recruiters are here to support students’ transitions to post-secondary education. Please encourage your students to connect with a student recruiter-advisor. If students would like to connect with our Indigenous Education Navigators, please schedule an appointment with one of our Indigenous Education Navigators as a “Future Indigenous NIC Student”.

Are you the parent or guardian of a new or returning NIC student? A family's experience may be different to that of a student - it's an experience with its own questions, concerns and anticipations. At NIC, we want parents/guardians to have the information you need to support students in making important academic and life choices. Join Members of NIC student services have put together a video to provide resources and answer your questions. Click here to watch.

Resources

FAQs

NIC offers a range of programs from certificates to degrees.

NIC students pursue careers in trades & technical, health & human services, business, tourism & hospitality, fine art and DIGITAL Design + Development, or transfer to universities across BC and beyond. NIC also offers upgrading courses, to help students meet the prerequisites for their chosen program.

Browse all of our programs.

NIC is proud to have faculty who are experts in their fields, accessible, approachable and 100% committed to your success. Our small class sizes mean you get to know your instructors and they get the chance to know you. Read more about the faculty in each area of study.

Education is an investment into your future. According to a 20-year field study by Statistics Canada, workers with post-secondary earned between 1.3 and 2 times more than high school graduates.

*source: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-626-x/11-626-x2014040-eng.htm

NIC’s university transfer students save over $10,000 per year by taking your first year courses at NIC and then transferring to university.

Every year, as a new, continuing or graduating NIC student, you are eligible to apply for more than $375,000 in scholarships and bursaries to help pay for college. Scholarships are awarded for outstanding achievement, while bursaries are based on financial need. All it takes is one application.

NIC’s financial aid advisors are here to help you navigate the world of student loans and other funding sources make an appointment today.

NIC is a community college. Our faculty, staff and other students are here to support you every step of the way. You will earn employable skills and have access to study abroad, research and internship and co-op opportunities all while learning with NIC’s expert faculty.

Check out life at NIC to learn more about what to expect during your time at NIC.

Yes, you can. We are here to help.

NIC is committed to helping you achieve your post-secondary goals. Small classes provide a discussion-friendly learning environment. Educational advisors, counsellors and elders-in-residence are available to provide guidance and support.

NIC also helps you achieve your academic best with a wide range of resources and services in our Library & Learning Commons. You will find a collaborative, inclusive environment with study and meeting spaces, research help, peer tutoring and math, writing and student technical support.

NIC’s team of educational advisors are here to help answer your questions and guide you through the process make an appointment today.

Transfer seamlessly from NIC to university thanks to NIC’s exclusive university transfer agreements. Universities across Canada have also given transfer credit for NIC programs and courses.

Take advantage of dual or guaranteed admission with UVic, VIU, UNBC and Royal Roads. Secure your seat at the start of your education and receive full credit for your NIC coursework at university. If you meet minimum GPA requirements, your admission is guaranteed. Learn more about university transfer.

55,000 students move between post-secondary institutions in BC every year. The BC Council on Admissions & Transfer (BCCAT) oversees the BC Transfer System, which enables links between post-secondary institutions, including NIC. BCCAT also provides direction over the provincial application service EducationPlannerBC, which you can use to apply to NIC.

Dual credit allows students to take first-year post-secondary academic courses while still in high school. It lets students get a sense of what post-secondary is like and also helps to lighten their course load for their first year of college.

“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

Learn more about dual credit courses offered at NIC.

The Youth Train in Trades (formerly the ACE-IT) program is a SkilledTradesBC approved youth program that allows students to earn high school graduation credits, foundation trades credentials and workplace hours while still in high school. You graduate job ready and ready to continue your apprenticeship training toward your Interprovincial Red Seal designation.

“Graduating high school with my NIC trades certificate showed employers my enthusiasm for cars and made me a lot more employable. It was my jump-start.”
Austin McCoombs
Automotive Service Technician Foundation graduate

Learn more about Youth Train.

NIC students have the opportunity to travel the world and expand their education through study abroad opportunities. Students can take part in exchange programs, field schools, internships, co-ops and practicum placements, volunteer opportunities and specialized exchanges.

Learn more about Study Abroad opportunities.

Still have questions, email us at futurestudents@nic.bc.ca. We are here to help.