Academic advising

To apply for admission: 

• You must have graduated from secondary school (or equivalent) or be at least 18 years old within the calendar year of your application.
• You must meet the specific program admission requirements.
• You may qualify as a Mature Student. There are options to waive certain prerequisites for students aged 23 or older. 

Yes. Applicants under the age of 18 who have not graduated from secondary school within the calendar year of application can use an alternative application process provided by the Office of the Registrar.  

NIC also has a Dual Credit program available. Dual credit lets high school students, typically in Grade 12, start post-secondary courses during their second semester (February) while still in school. Our Dual Credit advisor can navigate options with you.

Program duration depends on the type of program. 

Certificates: Usually 6 months to 1 year. 

Diplomas: 1 to 2 years. 

Degrees: 3 to 4 years. 

Micro-credentials or short courses: A few weeks to a few months.

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: 

• Be a Canadian citizen.
• Provide proof of permanent resident status.
• Provide proof of convention refugee status.
• Submit documentation showing permission to study in Canada as an international student. 

1. Explore programs:
   Visit NIC's website to review available programs and decide which one you’d like to apply to.
   
   
2. Submit an application:
   • Go to EducationPlannerBC.
   • If you already have an account, sign in using your username and password.
   • If you’re new, create an account by clicking "Create Account" and filling out the required information.
3. Select NIC:
   After completing your EducationPlannerBC profile, choose North Island College from the list of institutions and complete your application.
   
   
4. Receive Confirmation:
   EducationPlannerBC will send a confirmation email to the address you provided once your application is submitted successfully

If you experience any problems: 

• Check the FAQs and help section on EducationPlannerBC.
• Contact NIC's Office of the Registrar for further assistance

NIC has block transfer agreements with other institutions, enabling students to transfer a block of courses (typically two years) to the receiving institution. Details are on the BC Transfer Guide. 

For transfers outside these agreements, students must coordinate with the Student Records Office at their new institution. Submit transcripts during the application process to determine transfer eligibility.

Study Abroad

Studying abroad enriches personal, academic, and professional growth by fostering cultural awareness, independence, employability, language skills, and global connections. 

• Field Schools: Short-term (2-3 weeks), faculty-led trips combine NIC coursework with immersive cultural experiences at a lower cost. 
• Exchange Programs: Spend one or two semesters abroad, gaining global exposure, language skills, and personal growth. Inbound exchanges bring international students to Canada, promoting cross-cultural learning. NIC had a wide range of international exchange agreements with institutions in countries such as Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Romania, Scotland, USA and Vietnam.

Find out more

If you’d like to celebrate with your friends and family at the convocation ceremony, you’ll need to fill out the convocation registration and regalia order form. The form can be picked up at Student Services or filled out online. Don’t forget to pay the registration fee, you can drop off the form and payment at any Student Services office. 

Graduation vs. Convocation: 

• Graduation is when you officially receive your credential.
• Convocation is the special ceremony where you get to celebrate your achievement with your loved ones

NIC’s partnership with the Department of National Defence offers Canadian Forces members and their dependents tailored support to help them succeed in post-secondary education.

To take advantage of this, an advisor will review your military training and determine if you’re eligible for credit toward NIC certificate, diploma, or associate degree requirements. For more details or to get started, reach out to NIC’s educational/military advisor.

Yes, NIC offers scholarships, grants, and bursaries based on merit, financial need, or specific criteria. Our Financial Aid advisors can let you know about options that best suit your needs. Apply early and ensure you meet all deadlines and requirements.

StudentAidBC is where you can apply for loans, and NIC's Financial Aid advisors are available to help guide you through the process. 

To keep your financial aid, you must make progress in your coursework and program. Grades may also affect eligibility. Each instructor's course outline will include attendance expectations, so review the criteria for online attendance and progression carefully.

If you need support during a challenging time that is preventing you from attending classes you can contact our Early Assist team. We're with you on your journey, so don't hesitate to reach out if you need support!

NIC provides a range of academic support services, including: 

• Tutoring and writing assistance
• Study skills workshops
• Access to libraries and online resources
• Academic advising for program planning