Step 1

To become a student at NWCC an applicant needs to apply and be accepted to a program before registering in courses.

When to Apply
Applications are accepted during the 12-month period preceding the start date of any program. For some programs with limited class size early application increases the student’s chances of being accepted as most offers of admittance are made according to the "application date" (the date the complete application and all required documentation and transcripts are received.). Late applications to some programs may be considered subject to availability of spaces.

Applicants who are not accepted into a program of study must reapply to be considered for another entry date. Many programs and courses are restricted by space limitations and/or prerequisite requirements, therefore, students are advised to apply early.

Some programs (ie. Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing Program) have specific application dates. Students should carefully read specific program information on the College Web site to confirm dates.

Continuous Applications
Programs with "continuous application" (ie. Career and College Preparation) accept applications at any time throughout the year. Applicants are placed on a waitlist according to the date of application (provided the application is complete) and notified when a seat becomes available.

The length of time a student may have to wait for a seat may vary greatly, depending on the program. The student does not have to reapply if she/he does not get a seat for the preferred start date, but may occasionally be asked to confirm that he/she is still interested in the program.

How to Apply — Submitting REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
If unsure which program to pursue, an applicant is advised to consult an Educational Advisor.

Review this Web site for the program of interest to determine all the documents required for a complete application. Depending on what is required; order official transcripts, obtain any additional application forms from Admissions, update the résumé, arrange to get letters of reference, etc. Write any required placement tests as directed by the Admissions Office.

Only official transcripts are accepted. Official means the transcript is received by NWCC in a sealed envelope from the sending institution and it includes the official seal or signature of that institution.

Some institutions will only mail a transcript directly to the College. Students should order transcripts before applying to NWCC (so they arrive within two weeks of the college application) and include a note with the application stating the transcripts are being sent directly to NWCC.

Submission of High School Transcripts
Students currently in Grade 12 are encouraged to apply before graduation. Current Grade 12 high school applicants are required to submit an official transcript of any Grade 11 or 12 courses completed and interim grades for any courses in progress.

Applicants may obtain official transcripts directly from the high school currently being attended. Applicants currently in high school may arrange to have the final transcripts transmitted directly from the Ministry of Education upon graduation — the student should inquire at their high school to determine the process to follow.

If the applicant graduated in BC after 1974, the high school he or she attended can be contacted for a transcript. BC high school graduates can also contact the BC Ministry of Education for transcripts at:

Student Certification Branch
Ministry of Education
P.O. Box 9886 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, B.C.V8Y 9T6
Phone: (250) 356-2432
Fax: (250) 356-0171

If known, the Personal Education Number (PEN) should be included with the transcript request.

Students who graduated from a high school in another province or country should contact the Ministry, or Department, of Education in that province or country. In some areas the high school attended may have to be contacted directly.

If the student is accepted conditionally, pending completion of the specific course(s), an official transcript must be provided upon completion of the required courses.

Submission of Post Secondary Transcripts
Official transcripts of any other post-secondary institution attended should also be submitted to NWCC. If the student has courses in progress, an official transcript of all the courses completed, and proof of registration in the courses in progress should be submitted. If the student is accepted conditionally, pending completion of the specific course(s), an official transcript must be provided upon completion of the required courses.

Placement Guides/Tests
Some programs require that the student submit placement guide results when applying. Read the Admission Requirements section of specific programs on the NWCC Web site www.nwcc.bc.ca to determine if any of these tests are required.

Transfer Credit
Transfer credit may be useful if the student has taken courses elsewhere that might be equivalent to required courses in a program, or equivalent to prerequisites for other courses the applicant wishes to take.

Applicants, or continuing students who wish to have transfer credit evaluated, must submit a Transfer Credit Request Form with official transcripts from each institution attended. For further information about transferring credit, please contact an Educational Advisor. Transfer agreements in BC are detailed in the BC Transfer Guide at www.bctransferguide.ca.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Prior Learning Assessment is a process that may allow the student to earn credit for skills and knowledge already possessed, regardless of how and where the learning took place. For more details, contact an Educational Advisor or the coordinator of the appropriate program. Click here to see the detailed PLA policy.

Completing the Application for Admission Form
After gathering all the required documentation, apply online or download and complete and submit an Application for Admission form. The documentation required for the program should be attached and official transcripts should have been ordered.

Students who apply online are required to mail or bring the required documents to the Admissions Office at the campus closest to their home.

Within days of receiving the application, NWCC will mail the applicant an acknowledgement letter. The application will be checked for completeness and the student will be contacted via mail regarding any missing documents or information. If there are missing requirements in the application, the application date will be changed to the date all documentation has been received and the application is considered complete.

The complete application will be assessed and the applicant will be sent a letter informing her/him whether she/he has been accepted into the chosen program. Information regarding registration and fees will be included.

Permission of Instructor
Permission of Instructor may be used to gain acceptance into a course or program when the applicant can demonstrate to an instructor qualified in the discipline that the applicant is likely to succeed in the course or program. Permission of Instructor may only be used if the applicant does not meet the course or program prerequisites and/or does not attain the required threshold on the course entry assessment. The potential student wishing to be considered for admission under this policy should contact the appropriate program coordinator or academic head.

All usage of Permission of Instructor for entry into a College course or program will be documented by the instructor and forwarded to the admissions department before the applicant will be allowed to register for that course.