The application process details the steps you’ll go through in order to apply to your program. Please note, you need to apply to, and be accepted, to an NIC program before you can register for an individual course or courses. For registration information see the registration page.
If you have questions Recruiters are available to help you through the application process. Call 1-800-715-0914 (toll-free in Canada), email futurestudents@nic.bc.ca.
Step 1: Check Admission Requirements
You can find the admission requirements for your program on the individual program page. You must also qualify for general admission:
General Admission
- An applicant must have graduated from secondary school, or equivalent, or be a minimum of 18 years of age or older within the calendar year in which they are applying to study and must also meet the program admission requirements.
- The Office of the Registrar will provide an alternative application process for students who are both under the age of 18 and not a secondary school graduate within the calendar year in which they are applying to study.
- An applicant must be a Canadian citizen or provide the following documentation, as applicable, as part of their application:
- Proof of permanent resident status
- Proof of convention refugee status
- Proof of permission to study in Canada as an international student
Step 2: Apply
You can apply to NIC online through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC).
Step 3: Activate your myNIC account
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email from NIC confirming your application has been received. This email will also contain instructions for accessing your myNIC account. myNIC allows you to register for courses and pay fees. You will also be sent your North Island College email address. All subsequent communication from NIC including admissions, registration, and financial aid will go to your NIC email, so be sure to check it regularly.
Visit Student Technical Services for help with setting your NIC email up on your phone.
Step 4: Submit your transcripts
You must submit your official transcripts to ensure you meet the prerequisites as listed for your course or program. Course prerequisites must be met by the first day of term. Program pre-requisites are met prior to invitation. Students submitting high school transcripts must request the Ministry of Education to submit final grades electronically.
If you don't have your high school transcripts you may be able to meet the prerequisites by doing an assessment. Details of the assessment process can be found on the Assessment page.
Step 5: Apply for Financial Support
Apply for financial aid and explore other funding opportunities. Learn about different kinds of financial supports available for NIC students.
Step 6: Qualify for your Program
NIC will review your application and determine if you are:
- Qualified – you meet the requirements to take the program
- Conditionally Qualified – you are registered in the prerequisite courses needed
- Not qualified – you do not meet the prerequisites. In this case, you can meet with an educational advisor to discuss upgrading options to help you meet the prerequisites for the program you want to take.
Step 7: Get invited
Qualified and conditionally qualified applicants will be invited to NIC. Normally, students are invited on a first-qualified, first-invited basis.
Waitlists
If the program you wish to take is full, you will be waitlisted. Admissions will contact you when a seat becomes available.
If the course you wish to register in is waitlisted you may add yourself to the waitlist in Timetable (see step 10) and when a seat becomes available you will be automatically registered and an email notification will be sent to your NIC email address as confirmation of enrollment.
Step 8: Request Academic Accommodation (students with a disabilities only)
If you identify as a student with a disability and require academic accommodations, please make an appointment with the Department of Accessible Learning Services (DALS) faculty.
Step 9: Pay your deposit
Pay your deposit through your myNIC account or at student services to secure your seat. Please note there may be a delay between when you pay your deposit and when it is applied to your NIC account. Please wait a minimum 24 hours so the payment can clear overnight.
Step 10: Timetable and Register for Courses
Register for the courses you want to take. See Registration for details on how to build your timetable and register for your courses. Note: for some programs students will be automatically registered into their courses you will be informed if that’s the case. Students who have questions about their course registration are encouraged to book an appointment with an Educational Advisor. It’s recommended that All Upgrading students meet with an NIC educational advisor to discuss your timetable and register for your courses.
Step 11: Criminal Record Check (Health and Human Services Students only)
Criminal record checks are required, by law, from applicants to program areas that involve working with children or other vulnerable persons. Admissions will provide access to the criminal record check process once you are invited to the program. Students may be asked for additional criminal records check prior to field placements or professional registration. The cost of any check is the responsibility of the applicant.
Criminal record checks are required for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Community Mental Health Worker, Early Childhood Care & Education, Human Services, Health Care Assistant, Practical Nursing and Social Service programs.
Step 12: Pay Your tuition
Tuition and fees are due by deadlines, as outlined in Academic Schedules and Deadlines (Key Dates).
Step 13: Welcome!
Get familiar with all the supports and services available to you as an NIC student. Explore NIC Student Life and check out the Current Students page for quick links to all the resources you need.
