North Island College
Surrounded by the beauty of B.C.’s West Coast, North Island College (NIC) offers a range of academic and trades programming, including certificate, diploma, degree and post-degree offerings, microcredentials and in-community programming. NIC has campuses in Campbell River, the Comox Valley, Port Alberni and the Mixalakwila campus in Port Hardy, as well as a learning centre in Ucluelet. Digital learning for regional and in-community program delivery is also an option. To improve accessibility, the college’s adult basic education program is set at a low cost of $25.
Other offerings include a dedicated applied research centre and unique international study abroad opportunities, including transfer opportunities with universities across Canada and the world. Projects at NIC’s Centre for Applied Research, Technology and Innovation include research in aquaculture, nursing education in Indigenous communities and Indigenous leadership. NIC offers courses in Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwak’wala, which are delivered with the help of fluent local Elders and knowledge keepers. In the fall of 2025, NIC’s first residence— named tul’al’txw, which means “house of learning” in the Pentl’ach language— is opening on its Comox Valley campus. The three-building, 217-bed commons will include nano, studio, quad and family-style suites.
Quick facts
School size:
Mid-sized
Tuition:
Degree $4,100-$5,200
Diploma $3,200-$11,700
Certificate $1,700-$10,900
Post-Grad $3,300-$4,400
Residence offerings:
Yes
Popular programs
Health Care Assistant
Bachelor of Science—Nursing
Carpentry Apprenticeship Harmonized
Electrician Apprenticeship Harmonized
Business Administration Post-graduate Diploma
Cool options
Furniture Design and Joinery: This certificate program teaches students how to design, construct, finish and repair high-quality wood products such as kitchen cabinets and furniture.
Seaweed Production and Processing: Students get an introduction to the seaweed industry. Students learn biology, site operations and seaweed’s potential in the cosmetic, food and biofuel industries.
Craft Brewing Operations: This 25-week program covers licensing, costing, financing, operations and the chemistry and biology of brewing.