Nipissing University

About Nipissing University

• Nipissing University is a public university located in North Bay, Ontario, Canada.

• The university emphasizes a student-centred environment, smaller class sizes, and a supportive community.

• Its campus is surrounded by scenic natural landscapes (lakes and Canadian Shield forest) in Northern Ontario.

• It offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, professional, Indigenous and continuing education programs.

Why Choose Nipissing University (for international students)

• Supportive community & international student services: The university has an International Student Support office offering orientation, mentorship, intercultural programming and resources to help international students adjust and succeed.

• Smaller class sizes & personalized learning: NU highlights its smaller size as a strength, allowing closer interactions with faculty and peers.

• Flexibility & program choices: There are programs offered fully online, blended or on-campus, enabling options for students who cannot relocate immediately or prefer remote study. For example, the Bachelor of Commerce distance program.

• Strong student experience & reputation in student services: NU was ranked No. 1 in Canada (in its category) for Student Services and high in student satisfaction in earlier years by the magazine Maclean’s.

• Attractive environment & lifestyle: North Bay offers a quieter, nature?surrounded setting with Canadian experience, which may be appealing for students seeking a safe, smaller community.

University Ranking

• According to EduRank, Nipissing University is ranked #66 among universities in Canada, and #2,803 globally in 2025.

• In the 2018 Maclean’s ranking (primarily undergraduate category) NU was ranked #1 in Student Services and #2 nationally in Student Satisfaction.

• While NU may not appear at the very top of large global research university rankings, its strength lies in teaching, student support and undergraduate experience rather than heavy research output.

Campus Location(s)

• The main campus is in North Bay, Ontario:
  Address: 100 College Drive, North Bay ON P1B 8L7, Canada.

• The North Bay campus is nestled between lakes and forests, offering a scenic environment.

• Note: Some programs are offered online or in partnership with other colleges, which means you may study remotely or partially on-campus depending on the program.

Types of Courses / Study Levels

NU offers a broad array of offerings:

• Undergraduate degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Education (Concurrent & Consecutive), Bachelor of Physical & Health Education, etc.

• Graduate programs: Master of Arts (History, Sociology), Master of Education (MEd), Master of Environmental Science/Studies (MESc/MES), Master of Science (Mathematics, Kinesiology), PhD in Education (Educational Sustainability).

• Post-Baccalaureate & diploma programs: For example, a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Applications.

• Certificates, micro-credentials & continuing education: Through Extended Learning & Professional Development, NU offers non-credit courses, digital badge certificates, professional development, etc.

Mode of Learning (On-site / E-learning / Blended)

• On-Campus: Traditional on-site delivery at the North Bay campus for many programs.

• Online / Distance: For instance, the Bachelor of Commerce (Distance Learning) program allows students to study fully online or synchronously (evening live online sessions) from anywhere.

• Blended / Hybrid: Some programs use blended methods. The College Partnership Program and nursing programs include a mix of online, synchronous and in-class / lab components.

• Important note for international students: If you study fully online from abroad, check whether that program qualifies for a Canadian study permit & therefore eligibility for the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) if you later want to stay/work in Canada. The website cautions that online programs may impact PGWP eligibility.

Number of Programs Offered

• While an exact total number is not clearly published, one document states: “We have a variety of options to structure and customize your degree.” The “International Student Guide” lists many undergraduate majors (Business, Computer Science, Psychology, etc) across “over 60 areas of study.”

• The “All Programs” page lists multiple faculties and degree types (undergraduate, graduate, professional) with dozens of program titles.

• So: expect several dozen programs across levels (undergrad, grad, diplomas) rather than hundreds; good enough variety especially if you have a clear field of interest.

Highlights

• Ranked #1 in Canada (in its category) for Student Services (2018 Maclean’s) – strong support infrastructure.

• Small class sizes and personalized teaching environment.

• Flexible delivery options: Online, blended, on-campus – good for international students seeking remote/hybrid options.

• Programs in professional and emerging fields (e.g., Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in AI & Machine Learning) that connect to workforce needs.

• Scholarships and financial support opportunities for international students and strong emphasis on student success and employment outcomes. (e.g., NU markets “96.8% graduates get jobs within six months” on its international page).

Important Considerations for International Students

• Visa & work eligibility: If you enrol in a program that is fully online (especially from your home country), it may affect eligibility for a Canadian study permit or a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). NU itself mentions this caution for its fully online BComm.

• Accommodation & living in North Bay: Since NU is in a smaller city, plan ahead for housing, cost of living, commuting or on-campus residence availability.

• English language proficiency: International applicants will need to meet English language requirements (check specific program pages for details).

• Program delivery mode: If choosing distance/online/hybrid, check whether courses are synchronous (scheduled live lectures) or asynchronous (on-your-own pace) and whether any in-person labs/practica are required.

• Scholarship criteria: Automatic scholarships vary by grade average and renewal criteria; make sure you meet minimum requirements (e.g., full-time enrolment, minimum credits).

Scholarship

1. What funding is available for international students

NU offers several types of financial support for international students (though it is important to note that the range is more limited compared to domestic students). Key categories include:

• Entrance (merit) scholarships for undergraduate direct-entry students (high school to first year) — international students are eligible.

• Bursaries & awards for upper-year students (undergraduate) including international students who demonstrate financial need.

• Graduate-level funding for master’s/PhD students (including international students in some cases), though the university notes that “limited funding opportunities” are available for international grad students.

• Work-study opportunities (on-campus employment) for international students in upper years, to help supplement finances (not a scholarship, but a helpful support).

2. Key scholarship / award programs & what you can aim for

Here are the prominent scholarship types with details that apply to international students.

2.1 Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships (Undergraduate)

• For international students entering first year of an undergraduate degree, full-time, either in the Fall (Sept) or Winter (Jan) intake.

• No separate application required for many of these — eligibility is automatic if admission is by certain date and you meet academic criteria.

• Important eligibility details:

  • Students must enrol full-time and for renewal must take a minimum number of credits (24 credits annually) to retain eligibility.

  • Free tuition award is calculated using the domestic tuition rate, even though you're an international student. (So you still benefit significantly.)

  • Students beginning in January (Winter intake) are eligible, but the award payment is deferred until the following September.

2.2 International Student Bursary (Upper-Year Undergraduate)

• For international students already in their second year or higher of an undergraduate degree at NU.

• Value: Variable (depends on donor/award)

• Requirement: Full-time enrolment; must demonstrate financial need. Application via the Web Bursary application (posted in October) by deadline (e.g., November 1).

2.3 Graduate Scholarships & Funding

• The university notes international graduate students may have access to internal scholarships or assistantships (especially thesis-based) but funding is limited.

• Example: The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) – value up to CAD $15,000. Eligibility includes international students on a study permit.

2.4 Other Awards, Bursaries & Donor-Funds

• There is a large list of smaller awards and bursaries (for both domestic and international students) with varying criteria (leadership, volunteerism, minority status, program of study, etc.).

• For example: “Aamil Mohammed Ferhath Award” for an international student in business degree with min 75% average and volunteer work.

3. Eligibility & requirements — what you need to qualify

Here are key requirements & conditions you’ll want to check carefully:

Undergraduate entrance scholarships

• Must apply for admission by the entrance scholarship deadline (for many scholarships, around April 1 for first-year international students).

• Final grades must meet or exceed the thresholds (80 %+, 85 %+, 90 %+, or 95%+ depending on award level) based on best six final grade courses (4U/4M or equivalent) or IB score.

• Full-time enrolment: Students must register for at least 24 credits annually to maintain renewal eligibility.

• Renewal: Awards are renewable for up to 4 years (first four years of undergraduate study). Students in “professional years” (e.g., later years of some education or professional programs) may not be eligible for renewal.

• For international students, the “free tuition” award is calculated using domestic tuition rate (so it's a partial measure of cost-saving, since international tuition is higher).

Upper-year bursaries/awards

• For second year or higher: must be full-time, demonstrate financial need, and apply via bursary application window (October – November).

• Application deadlines must be strictly followed.

Graduate funding

• Check program-specific criteria. For OGS: international students on study permits are eligible. Academic average requirements apply (roughly A- or equivalent).

• Funding pool is more limited; proof of self-support (tuition + living expenses) is still required for visa purposes.

4. Application steps & timeline for international students

Here’s how to navigate the process in a student-friendly step-by-step way:

Step 1: Submit your application for admission

• Choose your program at NU (undergraduate or graduate).

• International applicants must meet admission requirements (including English proficiency if needed).

• For entrance scholarships: Apply by April 1 (or earlier) for first-year intake (for many awards) so you are considered.

Step 2: Admission offer and conditional scholarship offer

• For many of the entrance scholarships, NU will include a conditional scholarship offer along with your admission offer if you meet (or are likely to meet) the criteria.

• You need to accept your offer of admission and register full-time.

Step 3: Confirm final grades and enrolment

• Once your final grades are available, NU will assess eligibility (especially for renewals). For example, the scholarship average is based on best six final high-school grade courses.

• After starting at NU, you must enrol full-time and meet credit minimums (24 credits annually) to maintain the award.

Step 4: For bursaries & upper-year awards

• Keep an eye on the bursary/award application window (October 1 → November 1 is common).

• Submit the standard Web Bursary application, including required supporting documents (transcripts, proof of need, etc).

• Maintain full-time status and meet any GPA/credit requirements specified.

Step 5: For graduate funding

• If you’re a master’s or PhD applicant: Look at program-specific funding, internal scholarships, assistantships. Contact the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) for details.

• Prepare transcripts, research proposals (if applicable), and have your English proficiency and other credential evaluation in place.

5. Things to watch & key conditions (for international students)

• Tuition costs for international students are higher than domestic; even with scholarships the net cost may still be significant. (For example: international graduate tuition for 2025-26 is listed at CAD $28,000 + fees.)

• Some awards apply the domestic tuition rate for calculation of “free tuition” for entrance scholarships — this means you save significantly, but there may still be a difference to international tuition.

• Full-time enrolment and credit minimums are strict (often 24 credits annually) to keep awards valid

• Some programs (professional years, education programs, etc) may be excluded from renewal eligibility. For example: Concurrent BEd years 5 & 6 and Consecutive BEd program excluded from renewal.

• International students must still demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition + living expenses for visa purposes, even if you get a scholarship. NU emphasises this.

• Funding opportunities for international students at graduate level are explicitly described as “limited” — so if you are planning grad studies ask early and explore assistantships.

• Deadlines are critical. Entrance applications may need to be completed as early as April 1 for first-year, and bursary applications often open in October.

6. Practical example: What you could realistically expect

• If you're an international student applying for first year, with outstanding high school results (95%+), you could receive “free tuition (domestic rate)” for four years (under the Guaranteed Entrance Scholarship). This is a major saving.

• If your grades are in the 90-94% range you might expect something like CAD $2,500 per year for up to four years (total ~$10,000).

• If your grades are in the 80-84% range maybe CAD $1,000 per year (total ~$4,000) under same scheme.

• As an upper-year student, you could apply for the International Student Bursary (variable amount), if you demonstrate need.

• As a graduate international student, you should anticipate limited scholarship funding; you should budget for costs (tuition + living) and explore other funding (assistantship, external scholarships) concurrently.