North Island College is a publicly funded college supported by the province of British Columbia where quality is assured through legislation, affiliation, credit transfer and articulation, and external and internal review. We are located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.

Close to snow capped mountains, pristine lakes and streams, and the Pacific Ocean, most international students study at our Comox Valley Campus. Our location provides a lifestyle sought after by nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, and those just wanting a slower pace of life. The Comox Valley has a global reputation welcoming people into our community and making them feel at home.

Learn in a completely English speaking environment, with NIC’s expert faculty who put student success as their first priority.

At NIC, we specialize in small; small student teacher ratio, small campus, and small numbers of students, which translates into a truly supportive and exciting learning experience for each student. And we also have smaller tuitions! We are committed to making your time at our College successful by giving you the academic education and emotional support you need to reach your learning and experiential goals.

Among the many unique quality programs that are available, these five are worthy of your attention:

1. Fine Arts undergraduate degree program that is offered in collaboration with Emily Carr University of Art and Design.

2. Business Administration with its three degree options in Accounting, Management and Marketing, its three Post Degree diploma options and exchange programs in Europe.

3. Tourism and Hospitality Management which offers a fabulous opportunity to learn the skills and practice them in a five month paid work term.

4. University Studies with transfer options to University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and University of Victoria.

5. Interactive Media and Graphic Design with four certifications focusing on Web marketing and communication, and including internships.

Check out our unique programs on the website. If you choose NIC, you not only get excellent instruction at some of the most beautiful campuses in British Columbia, you’ll live in a world class recreational area.

Search the North Island College off-campus housing listing for more information: http://www.nic.bc.ca/services/campusinfo/transportationhousing.aspx

Orientation, counselling, and advising services are provided for all students as is medical insurance and information. All students have access to a language partner program.

Our buildings are constructed in the West Coast style with comfortable furniture for each learning space. Computer, science, and fine arts laboratories are continually upgraded to ensure access to excellent equipment. Our library includes an online catalogue with access to British Columbia university collections. Bookstore and cafeteria are located in our newest building.

Counsellors are available to assist you with career or educational goals, or reconsidering your program choice.

An active lifestyle is important to the members of our community. The climate and environment here support swimming, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. There are many ways for students to get involved. The Comox Valley Aquatic Centre is located right on NIC’s Courtenay Campus and the Comox Valley Sports & Social Club offers intramural leagues in everything from beach volleyball to soccer.

NIC employs two Cultural Assistants who assist international students to integrate into the College and community life. They plan and organize a wide range of applied learning activities including weekend trips to Vancouver, bowling, skiing and nights out for dinner or a movie. The Cultural Assistants also help students become involved with volunteer opportunities.

Students at NIC are welcome to participate in the North Island Student Association. There are also many clubs in the community, which welcome students to join.

North Island College provides students with access to computers. Students in courses requiring computer access are given priority through scheduling of computer time. There is also a general use computer lab for e-mailing home. The Comox Campus has wireless access.

The Comox Valley has a very active cultural life. We are home to several art galleries, aviation and paleontological museums, and performing arts companies. Each year there are hundreds of cultural events to attend and participate in.

NIC is publicly funded and part of a network of public educational institutions in British Columbia. We have an extensive course and program transfer system. Our agreement with Vancouver Island University allows NIC students to complete a degree in Liberal Arts and Nursing. Our agreement with Emily Carr allows NIC to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts. All this on our Comox Valley Campus.

NIC has exchange programs for business students with schools in Mexico, France, Germany, and Poland. We also have agreements with educational institutions in Japan, Vietnam, and India.

Please check out the flash tour on the College website.

We would be pleased to provide a tour for any international student and their family. Just e-mail us by clicking on the “?” on the website.