Territorial Overview

Postsecondary education in Nunavut is delivered primarily through Nunavut Arctic College.

The college has three campuses: the Nunatta Campus in Iqaluit, the Kitikmeot Campus in Cambridge Bay, and the Kivalliq Campus in Rankin Inlet, as well as a network of 24 community learning centres.

In addition to providing university-level transfer, certificate, and diploma programs, the colleges provide adult education and literacy programs, skills development programs, trades training, educational assessment, and counselling.

The territorial Department of Education, with headquarters in Iqaluit and Arviat has responsibility for postsecondary education.

History

Before the creation of Nunavut in 1999, the eastern area of the Canadian Arctic was part of the Northwest Territories. There, the responsibility for education was transferred from the federal government to the NWT's new Department of Education in 1969. In the mid-1980s, a decentralized system of regional campuses was established as Arctic College. In 1995, Arctic College was divided into two colleges - Aurora College serving the western part of the territories and Nunavut Arctic College serving the east. With the creation of Nunavut in 1999, Nunavut Arctic College became the means of delivering postsecondary education in the new territory.

Programs and Credentials Offered

Nunavut Arctic College offers a variety of certificate, diploma, trades, and university transfer programs in areas such as teacher education, health careers, career development, and community administration.

Programs vary in length from eight weeks (trades programs) to two years, but, generally speaking, certificate and university transfer programs involve one year of full-time studies and diploma programs, two years. In addition, the college provides adult basic education, skills development courses, trades training, and contract training on behalf of local employers. The college has an established process to allow students to apply for course credits for previous learning and work experience.

Nunavut Arctic College has transfer and cooperative arrangements with a number of institutions in the south, including the University of Regina, Dalhousie University, Saint Francis Xavier University, University of Prince Edward Island, University of Alberta, University of Lethbridge, Athabasca University, Royal Roads University, University of Manitoba, and the Council for Advancement of Native Development Officers.icers.

Admission Requirements

All students must be 17 years of age or older. High school graduation is normally required for most university-level programs at the college, but, since admission requirements vary from program to program, it is best to consult the college calendar for details. Special consideration is given to mature applicants who are 17 or older and who have been out of school for a least a year. The college has an open admissions policy for students pursuing adult basic education and skills development courses.

Tuition and Financial Assistance

In 2007-08, full-time tuition fees for certificate and diploma programs at the college were $2,500 per year. Tuition fees for individual courses reflect the actual costs of the course. There are no differential fees for foreign students, although this policy is under review.

The government of Nunavut administers a student financial assistance program for territorial residents. Students may be able to access grants for travel, living allowances, and tuition and books provided they meet certain eligibility criteria while loans may also be available.

Revision: July 2008