North Island College

Located on Canada's magnificent Vancouver Island, North Island College (NIC) is a public community college with three campuses, superb teaching facilities, and firm dedication to student success.

NIC offers a wide range of programs for undergraduate and post-graduates. Our class sizes are small, and tuition is affordable. The college supports an array of exclusive transfer agreements with other institutions, and so provides a perfect start for students studying towards a university degree. The college is approved to operate as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) by the Government of Canada. As a result, overseas students who complete their studies at NIC can apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit (if an eligible course is completed) and open the door to excellent work experience opportunities.

The college is clear in its dedication to supporting students towards success through a variety of partnerships with other higher education partnerships across British Columbia and the wider world.

The college offers a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, across areas like arts, science and technology; business; tourism and hospitality; fine art, design and development; health and human services; trades and technical. Language pathway programs are also available that can enable access to English-delivered academic courses upon completion.

The college works hard to nurture a diverse and dynamic student community with fair representation of students from all backgrounds, cultures and characteristics. To support such a rich population of learners, NIC has invested heavily in its ability to provide effective support services, which cater to students on an individual basis. Services are free, confidential and implemented to enhance the college experience, ensuring that all students feel welcomed and supported.

NIC students can access a wide range of student support services including:

• International Student Advising
• Student Employment Services and Work-Integrated Learning
• Academic Peer Tutoring, Math & English Support
• NIC Library & Learning Commons, Research Support
• Mental Health & Counselling Services
• NIC Student Technical Services (IT).

Students will live and study in the international tourism destinations of Comox Valley, Campbell River, or Port Alberni where adventure and quality education await. Here, students can explore Canadian life in a safe and friendly community surrounded by mountains and ocean.

Facilities

Finding a suitable place to live will be a top priority for students. NIC is in process of building a brand-new Housing Commons that are community-first environmental design. Students may choose to find private rentals or utilize homestay/roomstay options.

Communities

North Island College international students study at three campuses on Vancouver Island located in the Comox Valley (CV), Campbell River (CR), and Port Alberni (PA). The CV campus is located in a community known for its outdoor adventures, culinary scene, and arts, culture, and heritage. CV is the is home to plentiful shopping amenities, sports complexes, and healthcare. Both the CV and CR communities are home to new state-of-the-art hospitals. CR community is named one of the top five quality of life destinations in North America. Students studying in CR have access to both natural beauty and urban services. PA community is known for its cultural history and access to the rugged wild west coast of Vancouver Island. The PA campus is situated within a smaller community and all year-round outdoor activities. Students in all communities enjoy connecting with fellow international students, meeting locals, access to part-time employment, and exploring Vancouver Island.

NIC Campus Locations Fast Facts

• Comox Valley Campus Estimated population: 67,000 Average summer temperature: 22°C Average winter temp 7°C
• Campbell River Campus Estimated population: 37,500 Average summer temp 23°C Average winter temp 6.3°C
• Port Alberni Campus Estimated population: 18,000 Average summer temp 23°C Average winter temp 5°C.

Courses at NIC are subject to entry requirements. Other academic entry requirements may apply depending on the course.

English Language Requirements for students in Limited Entry Programs

Programs under this category: Adventure Guiding Certificate, Aircraft Structures Technician (AME-S), Computer Information Systems Certificate, Early Childhood Care and Education Certificate/Diploma, Electronics Technician Core Certificate, Furniture Design and Joinery Certificate, Human Services Certificate/Diploma, Social Services Diploma, Tourism and Hospitality Diploma – Adventure Guiding Option.

• Academic IELTS: overall score of 6.0, no band lower than 6.0
• TOEFL ibt: 80 overall with no subsection less than 20
• CAEL: 60 and writing 60
• PTE Academic: 54 overall with no component less than 50
• Cambridge Assessment of English: C1 Advanced 174 overall with no sub-score less than 169
• Duolingo English Test: 110, taken after January 2020, Re-test score within 3 weeks between each testing is NOT accepted

English Language Requirements for students in Open Entry Programs

Programs under this category: All other programs not mentioned above.

• Academic IELTS: overall score of 6.0, no band lower than 5.5
• TOEFL ibt: 80 overall with no subsection less than 19
• CAEL: 60 and writing 60
• PTE Academic: 54 overall with no component less than 46
• Cambridge Assessment of English: C1 Advanced 174 overall with no sub-score less than 165
• Duolingo English Test: 105, taken after January 2020, Re-test score within 3 weeks between each testing is NOT accepted

Students may also choose to complete English language program at one of NIC's affiliated language courses.

India English Language Requirements

Academic IELTS: overall score 6.0, no band below 6.0.

Bangladesh English Language Requirements

Academic IELTS: overall score 6.0, one band at 5.5 permitted.

Sri Lanka English Language Requirements

Academic IELTS: overall score 6.0, one band at 5.5 permitted.

Cambridge curriculum only: English with GCSE O Level B.

NIC is a public college with tight-knit community of international students, who come together to enjoy an authentic education experience and Canadian lifestyle.

Classes in the college range in size from 12 to35 students, allowing students to benefit from high quality teaching, personalised support and a comfortable, well-equipped learning environment.

Students at NIC feel able to ask questions without hesitation, as well as go further in their exploration of a certain topic. They can also benefit from one-to-one teaching from expert teachers in English and Math, as well as friendly peer tutors.

NIC has received international recognition for its technology-enabled programs, and its distance learning students form a significant proportion of their student community.

NIC's graduates are extremely satisfied with the educational experience, and one of the key reasons is because NIC is smaller with ample accessible services to support their success.

NIC Students Say: *

• 92 percent Satisfied with their education at NIC
• 96 percent Quality of instruction is high
• 97 percent Well prepared by NIC for further studies

*DASCO survey of former NIC Diploma, Associate Degree and Certificate Students

NIC has launched Early Assist to support student success.

North Island College's Early Assist service is a new tool that assist staff and faculty in identifying times where students might be struggling with their academic or personal lives. It allows them to quickly and easily connect them to the relevant support services that are available at NIC.

"We know that the earlier we connect students to supports, the sooner they can get back on track and be successful," said Felicity Blaiklock, director of student affairs. "The Early Assist program helps enable faculty and staff connect students to the resources they need if they notice a student is beginning to experience challenges."

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.

The college has a global outlook and welcomes international students from around the world, who enjoy high graduation rates and excellent employment prospects after completing their course. Students at NIC also have great access to jobs in the surrounding area. In the next 10 years, British Columbia is expecting to welcome 263,000 immigrants into the workforce and with outcome-oriented and student-centred approach of NIC, students are in an excellent position to take advantage of current and future opportunities.

Below are the estimated academic costs per year (assuming two semesters and a total of 10 courses) for most Arts, Sciences and Technology, Business, and Digital Design + Development programs for the 2021-2022 academic year.

For the cost breakdown of a particular program, please visit the program page, click on 'Program Details and Tuition,' then 'Estimated Program Fees'.

Duration of Study - 1 year (2 academic semesters, total of 10 academic courses)

• Tuition (based on 10 courses) - CAD 14,326.20
• Mandatory Fees - CAD 1232.70
• Medical Insurance - CAD 450.50
• Books and Supplies - CAD 2,000.00
• Total - CAD 18,009.40

Financial Awards

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

• English Proficiency Award: starting at CAD 500 up to CAD 1500
• Language Pathway Student Awards: CAD 1000.