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Northern College
Written by Chet Raj BhandariAbout Northern College
Applying to Northern College (official website) as an international student runs entirely through OCAS International, Ontario’s shared college application system. You’ll pick a program, submit notarized transcripts, a valid passport copy and your English proficiency test results, and pay a non-refundable CAD $100 application fee. Northern’s international team then reviews the file and, once everything checks out, issues a Letter of Acceptance through the same OCAS portal.
Admission requirements differ by credential level. Ontario College Diploma and Certificate programs generally ask for the equivalent of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or an Upper Secondary School Certificate with at least 6.5 in relevant subjects) plus IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT 79+, or PTE 58+. Graduate Certificate programs need a completed diploma or degree assessed as equivalent to Canadian standards, along with a somewhat higher English score – usually IELTS 6.0–6.5, TOEFL 79–88, or PTE 60+. A few programs, including Instrumentation & Control, Paramedic, Practical Nursing and Project Management, set the bar higher still, so it’s worth checking the specific program page before you apply.
Once you accept your offer and pay your deposit, your Letter of Acceptance outlines the fee structure and registration deadline. Payments from outside Canada typically go through Flywire; details are on the Tuition & Payments page. Northern runs two main intakes – Fall (September) and Winter (January) – with OCAS registration opening in July for Fall and December for Winter. Because study permit processing takes time, most students should plan to apply 9–12 months ahead of their intended start date.
Select international students starting in eligible intakes may also qualify for an entrance scholarship worth CAD $2,000. For questions about the process, Northern’s international office can be reached at international@northern.on.ca.
Northern College Admission FAQs
Northern College welcomes international students from around the world. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about applying and what to expect during the process.
Application Processing Time & How Admissions Works
Processing times vary by program and how busy the intake is, but Northern’s international office generally reviews complete OCAS applications within a few weeks. Applying early and submitting all required documents up front is the best way to avoid delays.
Northern College does not publish a numeric acceptance rate. Admission is based on meeting the academic and English-proficiency requirements listed on each specific program page, rather than on a competitive ranking against other applicants.
English Proficiency Test Requirements
For most Ontario College Diploma and Certificate programs, Northern asks for an overall IELTS band of 6.0 with no band below 5.5. Graduate Certificate programs typically require 6.0-6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0. A small number of programs (including Paramedic and Practical Nursing) set higher minimums.
Northern accepts TOEFL iBT 79+ for Diploma/Certificate programs (88+ for higher-requirement programs), and PTE Academic 58+ for Diploma/Certificate programs (60+ for Graduate Certificates). Duolingo English Test scores of 105+ to 125+ are also accepted for most programs, though not for health-related programs such as Practical Nursing and Paramedic.
Applicants from a number of countries where English is the primary language of instruction, including the UK, USA, Ireland, Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, Kenya and others, may be exempt from submitting a test score. Check the full exemption list on Northern’s International Applicants page.
Offer Letter Timing
Once your complete application and supporting documents are submitted through OCAS, Northern’s international office reviews the file and issues a Letter of Acceptance through the same portal. There’s no single guaranteed turnaround time, so it’s wise to apply 9-12 months ahead of your intended intake to leave room for review, a study permit application, and travel planning.
Location, Accessibility And Mode Of Transport
Northern College’s main campus is at 4715 Highway 101 East, South Porcupine, in Timmins, Ontario, with additional campuses in Haileybury, Kirkland Lake and Moosonee. Timmins is served by the Timmins Victor M. Power Airport, with connecting flights from Toronto Pearson; the campus itself is on the local transit route and a short drive from downtown Timmins.
Programs Available At Northern College
Northern College offers around 46 programs open to international students across Business & Office Administration, Engineering Technology & Trades, Health Sciences, Community Services, Emergency Services and Veterinary Sciences, plus mining and mineral exploration programs delivered through the Haileybury School of Mines. See the full list on the Programs for International Students page.
Documents Required To Apply
To apply through OCAS International, you will generally need:
- Notarized copies of academic transcripts
- Valid passport copy
- Official English proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL or PTE), dated within the last 24 months
- Credential assessment report (ICAS, WES or U of T CES) where the program requires one
- Certified English translations for any documents not issued in English
- Completed OCAS application and the CAD $100 non-refundable application fee
For general guidance on preparing these documents, see Goreto’s Resources for Abroad Study page.
Eligibility And Duration
Eligibility and program length vary by course. Check the specific program page on Northern’s website for exact admission requirements and duration.
Conclusion
Studying in Canada from Nepal opens up real opportunities for personal and academic growth, and Northern College’s hands-on, small-class approach in Northeastern Ontario is one solid option among many. When you’re weighing the best consultancy in Nepal for Canada, look for guidance that helps you apply accurately and settle in well once you arrive. With the right preparation, Nepalese students can build a strong start to their Canadian education at Northern.
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