Northern Lights College

Introduction

Founded in 1975, Northern Lights College (NLC) is a public post-secondary institution located in northeastern British Columbia, Canada. Known for its strong focus on applied education, skilled trades, and workforce-ready programs, NLC plays a critical role in supporting regional industries and community development across northern BC.

The college is especially recognized for Trades, Engineering Technologies, Health Sciences, Business, Oil & Gas, Clean Energy, and Aviation-related training. With small class sizes, hands-on learning, and close ties to employers, Northern Lights College offers international students a practical, career-oriented education with strong employment outcomes in Canada.

To learn more about Northern Lights College or begin your application, book a free consultation with LCI Group today.

Northern Lights College Key Statistics

• International Students: Approximately 900 international students
• Student-Faculty Ratio: Approximately 19:1
• Acceptance Rate: 32% on average

Northern Lights College Accreditation and Affiliations

• Public post-secondary institution under the Government of British Columbia
• Member of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan)
• Programs aligned with Industry Training Authority (ITA), BC
• Strong partnerships with regional employers in energy, trades, healthcare, and business sectors
• Industry-aligned certifications and apprenticeship pathways

Academic Information

Northern Lights College Programs Offered

Northern Lights College delivers certificate, diploma, apprenticeship, and post-degree programs designed to meet regional and national workforce needs.

Certificate & Diploma Programs

• Business Management
• Accounting & Financial Management
• Early Childhood Education
• Health Care Assistant
• Human Service Worker
• Information Technology & Office Administration

Trades & Technical Programs

• Automotive Service Technician
• Welding
• Electrical
• Heavy Mechanical Trades
• Carpentry
• Pipefitting & Steamfitting
• Power Engineering

Specialized & Industry-Focused Programs

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME)
• Oil & Gas Field Operations
• Clean Energy & Environmental Studies
• Apprenticeship and workforce training programs

Northern Lights College Top Program Areas

Skilled Trades, Engineering Technologies, Business, Health Sciences, Early Childhood Education, Aviation Maintenance, Oil & Gas, and Workforce Training.

Northern Lights College Tuition Fees

• International Students: Approximately CAD $14,000 to $18,000 per year (program-dependent) on average

Note: Trades and technical programs may have additional equipment or lab fees.

Northern Lights College Admission Requirements

Certificate & Diploma Programs

• Completion of high school or equivalent
• Subject-specific requirements for Trades and Technical programs (Math, Physics preferred)

English Proficiency:

• IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5)
• TOEFL iBT 80+
• Duolingo 105+

Post-Diploma & Specialized Programs

• Relevant diploma or work experience (program-dependent)
• English requirements may vary by program

Northern Lights College Rankings

• QS World University Rankings 2026: N/A
• THE World University Rankings 2026: N/A

Northern Lights College Campuses

Northern Lights College Campus Descriptions

Dawson Creek Campus

The Dawson Creek campus is Northern Lights College’s largest and primary campus. It hosts a wide range of academic, technical, and trades programs, including Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Power Engineering. The campus features modern workshops, hangar facilities, laboratories, and student support services.

Students benefit from strong industry exposure, hands-on training, and close interaction with faculty. Dawson Creek offers affordable living, a safe environment, and strong employment prospects for graduates.

Fort St. John Campus

Located in one of Canada’s key energy hubs, the Fort St. John campus focuses on Trades, Apprenticeship, and workforce development programs. Its close ties to oil, gas, construction, and infrastructure industries provide students with strong practical training and job placement opportunities.

Regional Campuses

Campuses in Fort Nelson, Chetwynd, and Tumbler Ridge support community-based education, trades training, and regional workforce needs. These locations offer smaller class sizes and personalized academic support.

Northern Lights College Support Services

International Student Support

• Pre-arrival guidance and orientation
• Visa and study permit support
• Housing assistance and settlement guidance
• Academic advising and language support
• Health, wellness, and student services

Career Services

• Industry-linked training and applied learning
• Apprenticeship and co-op-style pathways
• Career advising and employment readiness support
• Strong employer connections across northern British Columbia

Northern Lights College Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Limited entrance awards for international students
• Program-based bursaries and financial assistance
• External scholarships through Canadian organizations
• Employer-sponsored training opportunities (program-dependent)

Study at Northern Lights College

Northern Lights College offers a practical, career-driven education ideal for students seeking hands-on training and strong employment outcomes in Canada. With industry-aligned programs, affordable tuition, and small class sizes, NLC provides an excellent pathway into skilled trades, technical careers, and applied professions.

To explore your study options at Northern Lights College, book a free consultation with LCI Group today and begin your application for upcoming intakes.