International students
NPC College of Arts & Design is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in British Columbia and welcomes international students to its full-time diploma programs. You need proof of English proficiency, translated transcripts and a study permit.

- DLI number
- O272070464932
The first character is the letter O, not a zero. - International tuition
- $32,400 per year (CAD)
- Minimum age
- 19, with a high school diploma
- Study permit
- Required for all diploma programs
Diploma program requirements
These apply to all three programs.
- A copy of your academic transcripts, officially translated into English, with a minimum of 70% in English class
- Transcripts from a post-secondary institution, if applicable
- Proof of English language proficiency
Documents required
- Copy of passport
- Copy of valid study permit, if applicable
All documents must be in English or a notarized translation.
English language requirements
Concept Design and Computer Art
Applicants whose first language is not English must submit the results of one of the following English proficiency tests, or provide proof of completion of a secondary or post-secondary program taught in English.
| IELTS Academic | Overall score of 5.5 |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Score of 60 |
| Duolingo English Test | Score of 85 to 90 |
Entertainment Concept Design
International students with English as their second language must demonstrate a good level of oral and written English. A telephone call, video conference or in-person interview with NPC Admissions is required to verify this. Applicants who are unable to demonstrate appropriate English proficiency this way must take a supplementary Duolingo English Test. Other options include a current IELTS score (within three years) of 6.0 or higher, or a TOEFL score of 70 or higher. NPC reserves the right to request a Duolingo English Test result if there is any concern about a prospective student’s ability to succeed in the program based on their English proficiency. Duolingo results are correlated to TOEFL and IELTS to determine pass or fail.
| Interview | Phone, video or in person with NPC Admissions |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 or higher, within three years |
| TOEFL | 70 or higher |
| Duolingo English Test | Correlated to IELTS and TOEFL |
Study permit
NPC College of Arts & Design diploma programs require international students to obtain a study permit. You must apply for your study permit at the Canadian consulate or embassy for your area, or online, before your program starts.
What is a study permit?
In Canada, foreign nationals planning to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) for more than six months are required to obtain a study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). NPC College of Arts & Design is a DLI with the identification number O272070464932 (the first character is the letter O), which is shown on all letters issued by the college.
A study permit grants permission to study in Canada for the duration specified in the document. A study permit is not an entry visa: an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) may also be required to enter Canada, depending on your nationality. When you apply for an initial study permit from outside Canada, IRCC typically issues the study permit approval and any necessary visa together, unless you already have a valid entry visa.
To get a study permit you must provide
- The NPC acceptance letter
- You will need to present the original acceptance letter from NPC College of Arts & Design and proof of deposit.
- A valid passport
- Your passport must be valid for the duration of your program.
- NPC’s DLI number
- Include NPC’s Designated Learning Institution number on your study permit application: O272070464932. The first character is the letter O, not a zero. Since November 8, 2024, you must be enrolled at the DLI listed on your study permit. If you plan to change DLIs, you need to get a new study permit by applying to extend your current one. Details may change as IRCC makes new announcements, so check IRCC’s website for the most up-to-date information.
- A letter of explanation
- You may also need to provide a letter of explanation. This letter helps the visa officer understand you and your goals. Write it entirely yourself, in your own voice. Because the letter should reflect your current English proficiency, you should not feel the need to use a translator or other service to fix spelling or grammar.
- Why you want to study in Canada
- That you understand your responsibilities as a student
- How the program you have enrolled in at NPC College of Arts & Design will help you achieve your desired career outcome
- If you hold a degree in an unrelated field, be honest about your desire to make a career change and explain your reasoning in full. Changing your career path is a perfectly acceptable decision.
- A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
- Since January 22, 2024, most study permit applications made from outside Canada must include a Provincial Attestation Letter from the province where you plan to study. For NPC students, that is British Columbia. If you apply without a PAL when one is required, your application is returned. After you accept your offer, contact NPC Admissions about your PAL. Check whether you are exempt (canada.ca)
How to apply for a study permit
International students can apply for a study permit from inside Canada, if eligible, or from outside Canada. Usually you must apply for your first study permit before coming to Canada. Make sure you have the right documents, including proof of financial support, and allow enough time for processing before your program starts.
You can apply from outside Canada online through an IRCC Secure Account (recommended), or on paper through a Visa Application Centre.
- Apply for a study permit
- Documents you need, including proof of financial support
- Check processing times
- IRCC Secure Account
- Find a Visa Application Centre
- Guide 5269: applying for a study permit outside Canada
- Designated learning institutions list
Immigration rules change. This page is general information, not immigration advice. Always confirm requirements with IRCC.
Arriving in British Columbia
BC medical insurance is required for all students through the Medical Services Plan of B.C. Apply once you arrive and have a BC address. Medical insurance requirement
The application lets you request a student hotel or homestay arrangement, airport pickup and temporary medical insurance.
Start your application
Applications for the September 2027 intake are open. The early admission deadline is March 1, 2027 and the regular deadline is July 1, 2027.