Overview
North Island College is a public community college serving the northern and central regions of Vancouver Island and the Central Coast of British Columbia, with campuses in Comox Valley (Courtenay), Campbell River, Port Alberni, and Mixalakwila.
The college offers certificate and diploma programs alongside academic university-transfer programs that let students complete early years of a degree before moving on to a partner university. Its programming spans applied and technical trades, health and human services, business, and academic upgrading, delivered alongside continuing education and community courses, work-integrated learning and co-op placements, dual-credit options for high school students, and study-abroad field schools.
Instruction is in English. Beyond credential programs, North Island College runs ElderCollege for older lifelong learners and a Youth Academy for younger students, maintains an Indigenous Education Council reflecting its commitment to the region's First Nations communities, and houses a Centre for Applied Research, Technology and Innovation.
The college serves a broad population, including recent high school graduates pursuing transfer or technical credentials, adult learners returning to upgrade skills, Indigenous students, international students, and local employers seeking trained workers, functioning as a community-oriented access point to postsecondary education across its service region.
Location & Contact
Where to find North Island College, plus its phone, email, website, and social media links.
Academic Details
Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for North Island College are listed below.
Programs Offered
North Island College's programme catalogue is grouped by level below.
73 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada
Bachelor's Degree 3 programmes
Associate's Degree 2 programmes
Certificate 25 programmes
Showing 10 of 25.
Diploma 9 programmes
Foundation 16 programmes
Showing 10 of 16.
Higher Diploma 1 programme
Micro-credential 4 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 1 programme
Trades - Apprenticeship 12 programmes
Showing 10 of 12.
How to apply to North Island College
Step-by-step guidance for applying to North Island College, in five steps.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. North Island College offers 73 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at North Island College has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Submit your application
Apply directly via North Island College's online portal at www.nic.bc.ca. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at 8007150914. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about North Island College
Concise answers to common questions about North Island College.
In what year was North Island College established?
North Island College was founded in 1975 (approximately 51 years ago).
What city is North Island College in?
North Island College operates from Courtenay, Canada.
How big is North Island College's student body?
North Island College serves approximately 6,084 students.
Where can I learn more about North Island College?
You can find North Island College online at www.nic.bc.ca.
Top-Ranked Universities in Canada
Top universities in Canada typically offer the most generous institutional scholarships. North Island College's scholarship range relative to these benchmarks reflects funding capacity.
Faculties at nearby universities
The institutions below are geographically close to North Island College.
Where Else to Study Trades
These universities in Canada also offer Trades programmes, alongside North Island College.
Universities Compared with North Island College
Below are universities sometimes compared with North Island College.
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