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About North Island College

North Island College is a comprehensive public community college in British Columbia, Canada. The college has campuses located on Vancouver Island, situated along Canada’s breathtaking Pacific Northwest coast. NIC’s academic offerings are underpinned by student support and community collaboration. Combined with small class sizes, quality instruction and excellent post-graduation employment options, NIC is a top choice for international students.

NIC is proud to offer more than 30 programs (undergraduate and post graduate options are available) across the following broad areas of study: Arts, Science and Engineering; Business; Health and Human Services; Trades and Technical; Tourism and Hospitality; Fine Art; DIGITAL Design + Development. Additionally, undergraduate students can benefit from several exclusive transfer agreements between NIC and universities across BC and Canada—students can start their studies in NIC’s smaller, supportive, and more cost-effective environment before transferring to complete their degree at university.  

NIC is approved by the Government of Canada as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). 

International students who successfully complete eligible programs at NIC may apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit to gain valuable work experience after graduation. 

Classroom Experience

NIC is a public college with a tight-knit student community. More than 45 countries of origin are represented by NIC’s population, incorporating individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Tutors and mentors represent an experienced and highly qualified team of academics and practitioners who have a great deal of international experience. They are expert communicators and are able to effectively encourage and inspire students from all around the world. As well as being able to impart key industry insights, they are passionate about the success of all their students, and are willing to go the extra mile to help students achieve their academic goals with confidence.

With an average of 18 students per class, faculty can deliver high-quality instruction in a more intimate classroom setting. Students are supported one-to-one, with robust student support services across mental health, academic and employment.

Fees & Support

Tuition fees

A typical taking a full course load of 5 academic courses (or 15 credits per term) will pay the below fees for one academic year: 

For a study duration of 1 year (2 academic semesters, total of 10 academic courses)

Tuition (based on 10 courses): CAD 14,905

Mandatory Fees: CAD 1,575

Books and Supplies: CAD 2,000.00

Total: CAD 18,480

Financial support

The college offers several financial awards that are designed to assist students cover their tuition costs. Eligibility criteria may apply. Available awards include:

• English Proficiency Award CAD 500 - CAD 1,500
• Language Pathway Award CAD 1,000
• High School Pathway Award CAD 1,000 - CAD 2,000
• Regional Pathway Awards CAD 500 - CAD 2,000

After enrolment, students are also eligible to apply for many awards and bursaries through NIC Foundation. 

Student Support  

Starting life in another country is a big step, but it does not have to be challenging. NIC offers free, confidential support to students who need some extra assistance. From the very first day, all NIC students have free and full access to an impressive platform of resources and services, and the college’s friendly and helpful team of advisors are always on hand to provide guidance.

Services include:

• Academic and immigration advising 
• Student employment services 
• Counselling and mental health support
• Math and writing support 
• Peer tutoring 
• Research support

Campuses & Wider Communities

NIC’s international students study at one of three campuses on Vancouver Island; Comox Valley (CV), Campbell River (CR) and Port Alberni (PA). NIC’s campus communities are surrounded by nature—ocean, forests, mountains, and lakes. Students can expect beautiful and vibrant campus communities with an unbeatable combination of opportunity and quality of life. All campus communities possess a small-town feel with all of the associated benefits, and none of the stresses associated with big city institutions.

The CV campus is a hub of academic activity and community engagement. The Comox Valley stretches from mountains to farmlands to beaches and offers a variety of amenities, activities, and culinary expertise. The coastal city of Campbell River is an unofficial Outdoor HQ, offering a variety of outdoor activities. Port Alberni lies at the head of the rich salmon fishing grounds of the Alberni inlet, and it is known for its welcoming and supportive community and intimate environment.

From Campbell River’s state of the art kitchen and bistro facilities to the Comox Valley’s DIGITAL Design and Development labs, NIC campus facilities meet and exceed student expectations across the board. NIC students have access to private study spaces, bookstores, and the supports and services offered by the North Island Students’ Union. Students at the Comox Valley campus have immediate proximity to the new North Island Hospital, and the region’s largest aquatic centre.

NIC students are expected to live within their campus communities as there is limited public transport between campuses. Accommodation options can include private rooms in shared houses, private apartments, and shared rooms. NIC has partnered with .com as a resource to help connect students with rental and housing opportunities. On-campus student housing is currently under construction on the Comox Valley campus, with an expected completion in fall 2025. 

Graduate Outcomes

Student and graduate employment opportunities are many, and varied, within the campus communities. They include, but are not limited to, positions in tourism and hospitality, finance and business, retail, natural resources and trades, childcare and other human services, and digital design. 

NIC is proud of its global outlook, and welcomes international students from around the world who enjoy high graduation rates and after completing their program. In the next 10 years, British Columbia is expected to have about one million job openings – 75 percent of these will require some form of post-secondary education or training. With NIC’s outcome-oriented and student-centred approach, graduates are in an excellent position to take advantage of current and future career opportunities. 

What's new

NIC Students Say: * 

• 92 percent are satisfied with their education at NIC 
• 95 percent report that the quality of instruction at NIC is high 
• 78 percent of employed respondents were working full-time
• 83 percent said the knowledge and skills gained in their studies were useful in performing their job

*Government of British Columbia survey of former NIC Diploma, Associate Degree and Certificate Students 

NIC has launched Early Assist to support student success:  

The program helps faculty and staff connect students to the resources they need if they notice a student is beginning to experience challenges in their academic or personal life.

In scenarios such as a reduction in work quality from a student, non-attendance to class, or signs of personal distress emerging, the service can be deployed to secure support or referrals as needed. With support offered quickly and in a personalised, confidential manner, students can get back on track and enjoy success. 

New student housing commons

Coming soon is at the Comox Valley campus, multi-generational, inclusive, accessible, Indigenized, welcoming space for all students. The commons will include 217 beds to house students from across the North Island and improve access to education. The commons will include 20 family suites in a dedicated family building, accessible suites and short and long-term tenures to meet the needs of NIC students.