About Fine Arts Diploma in North Island College

NIC’s fine arts program offers a career-focused education that fosters strong problem solving, critical thinking, research and studio practice skills. You will develop critical and theoretical skills in a broad range of mediums encompassing traditional, interdisciplinary and digital arts practice.

NIC’s well-equipped studios and unique setting has extensive resources, both physical and human, to inspire your imagination, allowing you to experiment with different mediums and express yourself individually.

Study in one of the best facilities in BC. NIC's studios are outfitted with up-to-date equipment and technology and many of the instructors maintain national and international practices. Trees, mountains and beautiful natural settings surround the Comox Valley campus and outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking are easily accessible as you learn to define who you are as an artist.

Beginning with fundamentals, for studio-based practice, you will build a comprehensive knowledge of materials, theory and exhibition for a contemporary visual culture. You will learn creative and critical thinking, as well as the hands-on techniques and skills necessary for artistic expression.

At NIC, you will have many opportunities to diversify your talents and explore a variety of mediums such as ceramics, printmaking, photography, sculpture, digital media, drawing and painting. Through a study of art history, you will explore the evolution of visual culture. NIC's creative environment will motivate you to experiment, explore and discover new methods of personal expression. You will be challenged to see the world around you from different perspectives and interpret those experiences originally and creatively.

If you are interested in taking a fine arts course, but do not wanting to apply to the fine arts program, there are often spaces available. Although course spaces are first allocated to program registrants, university studies program students are welcome to select fine arts courses and do not need to submit a portfolio of works to do so. Community members can also sign up to enjoy a fine arts course by registering as a part-time university studies student. For more information, contact an NIC educational advisor.

Your Fine Arts diploma will prepare you to launch your career or transfer to degrees at UVic, VIU or at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. 

Career Opportunities

After graduation, you will have conceptual and technical knowledge to apply your skills in a wide range of employment opportunities in the knowledge-based creative economy. You will have a strong contextual understanding of the visual arts across multiple disciplines to successfully pursue a career in painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, ceramics, curating, art education, art therapy, community arts programming, industrial design, exhibit design, fashion, interior design, illustration, theatre, set design, video, film and more.

Academic qualification equivalents

• Class 12 passed students from a recognized board including CBSE, CISCE or a state board
• All India Senior School Certificate or Higher Secondary Certificate/Standard 12 or Indian School Certificate (Year 12) as recognized qualifications

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: Academic IELTS overall score of 6.0 (no band lower than 5.5).
• TOEFL iBT: 80 overall with no subsection less than 19.
• PTE:  Academic 54 overall with no component less than 46.

North Island College Highlights

North Island College Cost of Attendance

Students can save over 10,000 CAD by taking admission for the first year in NIC and then transferring to another university. The fees for international students differ from that of domestic students, the breakdown of the estimated cost of fees is given below.