How to apply

Be sure to carefully read the admission requirements on each program page. You should also review our English language requirements for admission. If you don’t currently meet our language requirements, you can apply for dual admission to NIC and one of our language pathway partner institutions.

Depending on where you live, we may require you to work with an agent to apply for a program.

Admission deadlines

Applications open in October for the following academic year. We recommend applying at least 6 months before your start term.

Check deadlines

Step 2:

Apply online

Start by creating an account with EducationPlannerBC. Be sure to select “New international student” and use your most up-to-date contact information. You’ll need a credit card to pay the C$100 application fee.

Tip: Use an up-to-date version of Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Edge.

After submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation email from EducationPlannerBC. If you do not receive confirmation of your application, please consult EducationPlannerBC’s help page.

Submitting your documents

For quick processing, we recommend that you submit the following documents through EducationPlannerBC:

Copy of passport with signature page
High school transcripts and graduation certificate
Post-secondary transcripts and credential
Official English proficiency results
Any additional documents required by your program

Important: Original documents not in English must be accompanied by certified 3rd party translation.

If you didn't submit your documents online, please scan them in colour at 300dpi and email a single pdf file to iadmissions@nic.bc.ca.

If you're already in Canada, send us a copy of your valid study permit.
Scan and submit the back of your transcripts to show the grading scale.
Are you studying or plan to study at NIC’s language pathway school? Submit your admission letter or enrolment confirmation showing your anticipated completion date.
Submit required documents only once. If you send a second submission, we will review and compare your documents which may cause a delay.

Please wait a minimum of 10 business days before following up on your application.

Step 3:

Pay your program deposit

If your application has been successful, then congratulations! We’ll send you a formal letter of offer and you’ll be invited to pay your program deposit and secure your seat. Please read the letter of offer carefully, as we may request additional documentation or outline conditions as part of your application.

We'll send you a letter of acceptance when you've submitted your required documents and paid your non-refundable deposit. We'll apply your deposit to your tuition and fees when you on campus. The deposit is non-refundable.

If a math placement assessment is required as outlined in your Letter of Offer, the assessment is administered prior to Letter of Acceptance issued. The cost associated with the assessment is covered by NIC.

Starting January 22, 2024, all NIC applicants must accompany their study permit application with a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). For more information on a PAL, please see the information below.Important: please check your letter of offer carefully to ensure your personal information is entered correctly. If you notice a mistake, please let us know immediately by emailing iadmissions@nic.bc.ca.

Learn more about tuition and fees.

Step 4:

Apply for your study permit

After receiving and meeting all the conditions of your letter of offer, we will provide you with a letter of acceptance (LOA) and a provincial attestation letter (PAL), both of which are required apply for your study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Step 5:

Prepare to study and live in Canada

Once you receive your study permit, you’re ready to begin planning life as a student on beautiful Vancouver Island, BC. Check out our supports for international students page to learn more about housing, getting to campus and opportunities once you arrive.

Students outside Komoux Hall at international Orientation event

Applying to NIC?

We're here to answer your questions.

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Applying to NIC as an international student

Step 1:

Choose your program

Program finder