Overview
Northern Lights College is a public community college serving the northern third of British Columbia, Canada.
First opened in 1975, it operates campuses in Dawson Creek (also home to its administrative office), Fort St. John, Chetwynd, Fort Nelson, and Tumbler Ridge, along with access centres in Atlin and Dease Lake.
The college focuses on accessible, applied, and academic learning across business, education, health and human services, university arts and science, trades and apprenticeships, information technology, and academic upgrading. Credentials range from short foundation and apprenticeship training through certificates, diplomas, post-degree diplomas, and two-year associate degrees, with several programs delivered online or in blended formats.
Trades and apprenticeship training is a particular strength, reflecting the region's energy and resource economy.
Domestic tuition is set per credit or per contact hour and is among the lower rates in the province, while international students pay separate per-credit rates and are supported by a dedicated international education office. On-campus student housing is available at the Dawson Creek and Fort St.
John campuses, with priority given to first-year students, Indigenous students, and current or former youth in care. An economic impact study cited by the college estimates that one in every fifteen jobs in its service region is supported by NLC and its students.
Location & Contact
Where to find Northern Lights College, plus its phone, email, website, and social media links.
Academic Details
Northern Lights College's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are below.
Academic Structures
The academic units through which Northern Lights College delivers teaching are listed below.
Unit 7 items
- Business
- Education
- Health & Human Services
- Information Technology
- Trades & Apprenticeships
- University Arts & Science
- Upgrading
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes Northern Lights College offers is searchable and grouped by level below.
74 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada
Bachelor's Degree 1 programme
Associate's Degree 7 programmes
Certificate 25 programmes
Showing 10 of 25.
Diploma 15 programmes
Showing 10 of 15.
Foundation 12 programmes
Showing 10 of 12.
Postgraduate Diploma 5 programmes
Trades - Apprenticeship 9 programmes
How to apply to Northern Lights College
The application path for Northern Lights College, in five steps.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Northern Lights College offers 74 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
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Each programme at Northern Lights 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
Get your documents ready
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
Apply through the official channel
Apply directly via Northern Lights College's online portal at www.nlc.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
Reach out and track your application
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at info@nlc.bc.ca or by phone at +1-866-463-6652. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Northern Lights College
Quick answers to common questions about Northern Lights College.
How old is Northern Lights College?
The institution opened in 1975 (approximately 51 years ago).
In which city is Northern Lights College?
Northern Lights College is based in Dawson Creek, Canada.
Is Northern Lights College public or private?
Northern Lights College is a public institution.
How many students study at Northern Lights College?
Northern Lights College has approximately 3,304 students.
What is Northern Lights College's academic structure?
Northern Lights College has 7 academic units.
How do I find Northern Lights College online?
Northern Lights College's official website is www.nlc.bc.ca.
Top-Ranked Universities in Canada
Selectivity at the top Canada universities sets admissions baseline expectations for students applying to Northern Lights College. The selectivity gap between Northern Lights College and the leaders below tells you about admissions context.
Faculties at nearby universities
The institutions below are geographically close to Northern Lights College.
Where Else to Study Trades
Below: other Canada universities that offer Trades programmes.
Universities Compared with Northern Lights College
Below are universities sometimes compared with Northern Lights College.
Studying in Canada: guides and resources
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