105 – Nipissing University

Last updated: September 14, 2022

University program information changes regularly. Refer to the application and the university’s website for the most up-to-date details.

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About Nipissing University

A young, dynamic university, we are known for prioritizing student success and providing a top-notch student experience.

With approximately 4,000 full-time students, our average class size is around 29, and the faculty-to-student ratio is one of the best in Ontario. Small, interactive classes combined with supportive, accessible professors encourage self-expression, collaboration and participation. They also offer ample opportunity for personalized attention, where professors get to know you by name, care about your progress and help you find your voice.

As a primarily undergraduate university, we are one of the highest ranked in quality of teaching and learning, and offer programs within the Faculty of Arts and Science, and the Faculty of Education and Professional Studies. Our undergraduate areas of strength are:

  • Environmental Sciences,
  • Education,
  • Nursing,
  • Criminal Justice,
  • Physical and Health Education,
  • Business and
  • Arts.

Graduate studies include master’s programs in:

  • Education,
  • Math,
  • History,
  • Kinesiology,
  • Environmental Studies,
  • Environmental Science and
  • Sociology.

We also offer a PhD in Education with a focus on educational sustainability.

We are located in North Bay on a stunning 291 hectares of Canadian Shield forest. We are a 3.5-hour drive north of downtown Toronto and a 4-hour drive northwest of Ottawa.

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Admission Entry Points

Admission to studies at Nipissing is available at 3 entry points:

  • September: Full-time or part-time
  • January: Full-time or part-time
  • May: Part-time

For entry in January and May, you can apply directly to Nipissing.

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Postsecondary Applicants

Find application instructions for international students.

If you have attended, or are currently attending, a recognized Canadian postsecondary institution, you may be considered for admission and/or may be eligible for transfer credit. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended must be submitted directly to Nipissing University; high school transcripts may also be required. We will charge you a document evaluation fee.

If you have attended a postsecondary institution outside of North America (Canada and the US), you must have all your foreign transcripts assessed by World Education Services (WES). You must send a WES Credential Evaluation Report, including a course-by-course analysis, directly to Nipissing University.

Students from a recognized College of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) should refer to the college transfer website.

If you already possess an undergraduate degree, you may apply to complete a second degree.

Read more about deadlines.

Letter of Permission applicants and Special Student (non‑degree) applicants should apply directly to Nipissing University.

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Canadian High School Applicants

If you are a Canadian high school applicant, you are responsible for sending official transcripts from your school showing all final grades and midterm grades for courses in progress to Nipissing University by April 1, 2023.

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Home-schooled Applicants

We will consider applications for admission to undergraduate studies for those who have completed their high school education through a program of home-schooling. We may consider the type of program, measurable results (i.e., SAT/AP/ACT scores) and other factors (including letters of reference and personal interview) in the admission decision for such applicants. Email the Admissions Office for more information.

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Mature Student Applicants

If you do not qualify for undergraduate admission as a regularly qualified applicant (according to the Office of the Registrar), we may consider you for admission as a mature student if you:

  • will be 20 years of age or older by the end of the semester you wish to enroll in,
  • have been away from formal education (high school, community college, etc.) for at least the previous 2 years and
  • are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (landed immigrant).

Mature student applicants to Bachelor of Science degrees or Bachelor of Arts degrees in Computer Science, Economics or Mathematics must present the 4U (or equivalent) program-specific prerequisites as listed in the Admission Chart in the Academic Calendar.

Mature student applicants to a degree with Concurrent Education must present 4U English (or equivalent) with a minimum 70% and a 3U/M or 4U Math (or equivalent) with a minimum 60%. Mature student applicants to the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) must present 4U English (or equivalent) with a minimum 70%.

Mature student applicants to limited enrollment programs (Nursing, Orientation to a Master of Arts in History [OMAH] and Physical and Health Education) cannot apply for direct-entry admission consideration to these programs. Mature student applicants interested in these programs may be admitted to another program and apply for transfer consideration for the following year.

For transfer consideration, you will need to present the 4U (or equivalent) program‑specific prerequisites as listed in the Admission Chart in the Academic Calendar.

Mature student applicants are still required to provide transcripts of grades for previously completed studies.

If you qualify for admission, you can be admitted full-time on probation with a reduced course load to a maximum of 24 credits. Upon successfully completing the 24 credits and having cleared academic probation, you are eligible for a full 30 credit-load status.

Read more about deadlines.

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Applicants with International Credentials

Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (landed immigrant) who has completed or is currently completing studies outside of Canada, you must submit official transcripts directly to Nipissing University to be considered for admission. High school transcripts or certificates not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations.

If you have attended a postsecondary institution outside of North America, you must have all your foreign transcripts assessed by World Education Services (WES). You must arrange for a WES Credential Evaluation Report, including a course-by-course analysis, to be sent directly to Nipissing University.

We must receive applications and documentation by the appropriate deadline for the program you applied to.

Read more about deadlines.

International Applicants

If you are an international student studying in Canada (on a study permit) or studying in another country (no status in Canada), you should apply using the Nipissing International Application portal.

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Transcripts

Applicants must declare and provide all academic transcripts whether they are relevant to the program they have applied to or not. Official original academic transcripts indicating the subjects studied, grades achieved and diploma(s)/degree(s) granted must be sent directly to Nipissing University from all postsecondary institutions you attended or are currently attending.

You should order transcripts from Ontario universities through the OUAC. You must contact your university directly for all transcripts from outside Ontario. We will accept transcripts from the applicant only if they are still sealed in the envelope from the academic institution. We will accept faxed and emailed copies only when we can verify that they come directly to us from the issuing institutions. 

It is your responsibility to ensure that all completed and in-progress courses (if applicable) show on the transcript your institution sends.

If you have completed courses outside of North America (Canada and the US), you must have all your foreign transcripts evaluated and translated by WES. A WES Credential Evaluation Report, including a course-by-course analysis, must be sent directly to Nipissing University by the appropriate deadline for the program you applied to. Applicants are responsible for the costs associated with the WES evaluation and any translation required.

Note: It can take upwards of 6 weeks for WES to receive official transcripts from a foreign academic institution, after which point the WES evaluation can take a week or longer to complete. Applicants should begin the evaluation process as early as possible.

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Document Evaluation Fee

If you have attended a postsecondary institution (e.g., university, college, technical institute), you must submit a $60 non‑refundable document evaluation fee to the OUAC.

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Deadlines

We encourage you to apply early. Unless otherwise indicated, we should receive applications and documentation by April 1, 2023, to ensure consideration for fall admission. We will consider late applications on an individual basis.

Some programs have earlier deadlines. They include:

Refer to the appropriate sections for further information about deadline dates.

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Language Requirements

All applicants to Nipissing University undergraduate degree and post-baccalaureate programs (excluding the Bachelor of Education) from countries where the dominant language of instruction is not English will be required to achieve the required proficiency level on one of the following tests of English-language proficiency for admission consideration:

  • Cambridge English Qualifications: A C1 minimum overall score of 176 with a minimum score of 169.
  • Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL/CAEL Online): Applicants to all programs, except Nursing, require a minimum overall score of 60 with no band less than 60. Applicants to Nursing require a minimum overall score of 70 with no band less than 60.
  • International English Language Test Service (IELTS): Applicants to all programs, except Nursing, require a minimum overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum 6 in Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. Applicants to Nursing require a minimum overall band score of 7 with a minimum 6.5 in Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing.
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Applicants to all programs, except Nursing, require a minimum overall score of 58 with a minimum score of 56 in Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening. Applicants to Nursing require a minimum overall score of 63 with a minimum score of 60 in each section.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Applicants to all programs, except Nursing, require a minimum score of 83 (iBT) with a minimum score of 20 in Reading, Listening and Writing and a minimum score of 22 in Speaking. Applicants to Nursing require a minimum score of 93 with a minimum score of 20 in Reading and Listening and a minimum score of 22 in Writing and Speaking. The Nipissing University TOEFL institution code is #3614.

Permanent resident (landed immigrant) applicants whose first language is not English may be required to provide proof of proficiency in English. Permanent resident (landed immigrant) applicants whose first language is not English but who have lived at least 3 years in Canada, or in a country where English is the dominant language, may be exempt.

English-language Policy Exemptions

To be exempted from providing proof of English-language proficiency you must satisfy one of the following criteria:

  • Complete 3 or more consecutive years of full-time education in English within Canada immediately prior to attending Nipissing University.
  • Complete 3 or more consecutive years of full-time education in English in a country other than Canada where English is the dominant language. These years must be immediately prior to attending Nipissing University.
  • Complete an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma with a minimum score of 5 or better in Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL) English A: Literature or HL or SL English A: Language and Literature.
  • Graduate from a regionally accredited US high school and achieve a minimum score of 4 or better in Advanced Placement (AP) English Language & Composition or English Literature & Composition.
  • Achieve:
    • a minimum grade of B in General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) or General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level English Literature or English Language,
    • a minimum grade of C in GCE A Level or AS Level or Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) or Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) English or English Language or
    • a minimum score of M3 in Cambridge Pre-U English.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

If you enroll in an EAP program with one of Nipissing’s pathway partners, you will receive a conditional offer of admission. If you successfully complete the level indicated in the partner agreement, you can begin your studies at Nipissing without further testing.

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Concurrent Education

We offer Concurrent Education in the Primary/Junior, Junior/Intermediate and Intermediate/Senior divisions with all our honours undergraduate degrees (except OMAH, Nursing, Social Work and dual degrees).

A minimum 70% overall average on the best six 4U/M course combination (including prerequisites) is required for admission consideration. You must also have a minimum 70% in ENG4U and 60% in a 3U/M or 4U math or equivalent.

University and college transfer applicants are welcome to apply.

For more information, refer to our Academic Calendar or email the Admissions Office.

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)

For us to consider you for admission to the BScN, you must have successfully completed 4U Biology (SBI4U) and 4U Chemistry (SCH4U), or equivalent, in addition to meeting the minimum requirements for admission consideration for Nursing. We do not consider you to have met the Biology and Chemistry prerequisites upon successful completion of a Pre-Health or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) program.

Notes:

  • If you are a high school applicant, you must have completed or be registered in all six 4U/M, or equivalent, courses required for the program by April 1, 2023.
  • We must receive midterm/interim grades for any in-progress courses by April 27, 2023.
  • You must complete all in-progress courses and offer conditions by June 30, 2023.
  • You cannot complete summer school courses to meet the conditions of your offer unless you have received prior approval from us.
  • All other applicants must submit all transcripts and proof of registration in 4U Biology and 4U Chemistry by April 1, 2023.
  • We must receive midterm/interim grades for 4U Biology and 4U Chemistry by April 27, 2023.

This is a highly competitive limited enrollment program. The average required for admission may be higher than the stated minimum. The program has 1 intake per year (September). The application and document deadline is April 1, 2023.

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) – Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Bridging Program

We offer currently employed RPNs the opportunity to complete the BScN degree through a 5-year blended delivery part-time option.

To be considered for admission, you must:

  • have successfully completed a 2-year RPN diploma (not certificate) from an Ontario college with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 70%,
  • be a current registered member in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario as an RPN and
  • be an employee (with a letter of support) of one of our partner health care agencies.

This is a limited enrollment program. The minimum GPA required for admission consideration may be higher than the stated minimum. There are 2 intakes per year (January and September).

Apply to the part-time blended delivery RPN Bridging program using our internal application. Deadline dates are listed in the application.

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) – Scholar Practitioner Program (SPP)

In partnership with a health care institution consortium from Toronto, we offer a 2-year nursing degree program to students who completed a university degree in another discipline.

This program is offered in the health care institution consortium through a blended delivery model and is 6 semesters in length over 2 years.

Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing SPP is very limited. Admission consideration is based on these criteria:

  • A recognized undergraduate degree with a minimum overall average of 75% (calculated on the best 10 full course equivalents, not including transfer courses). If your final degree contains less than 10 full course equivalents, we will not consider you.
  • Successful completion of 1 course in anatomy and 1 course in physiology (or 1 course that is a combination of anatomy and physiology) and 1 course in general psychology at the university level from a recognized university. We must receive proof of completion or current registration in prerequisite courses by the document deadline. It is your responsibility to ensure that all completed and in-progress courses (if applicable) show on the transcript your institution sends.
  • Casper

You can find more information, including Casper dates, in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SPP) Supplemental Application Package.

You must apply by February 1, 2023, and we must receive all your supporting documentation by 4:30 pm on February 8, 2023.

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Orientation to a Master of Arts in History (OMAH)

Open to direct from high school applicants only.

The OMAH is a 5-year program that guarantees admission to the Master of Arts (MA) in History, provided you complete your degree, including the OMAH-specific courses, with a minimum 75% on your last 10 full-course equivalents. OMAH students receive a high-impact and exclusive degree in a small class setting.

You will have the opportunity to work closely with faculty while studying in all the major areas of the History program, participating in the History Society and taking part in the experiential learning course, community or international placement, or research assistantship. As a graduate of both a BA in History and an MA in History, you will be prepared for exciting careers or other graduate programs in:

  • transitional justice,
  • conflict studies and state violence,
  • history,
  • law,
  • politics,
  • gender and
  • environmental studies.

To be considered for admission to the OMAH, you must have a minimum 80% overall average on your best six 4U/M courses, or equivalent, in addition to meeting the requirements for a BA in History. The OMAH is a limited enrollment program. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission.

Applicants who are not admitted to a BA Honours Specialization in History with OMAH may still receive an offer of admission to a BA Honours Specialization in History. Applicants who do not receive admission out of high school may apply for upper-year admission to the OMAH during their first year at Nipissing. Application does not guarantee admission.

The application deadline is April 1, 2023.

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Social Work

Our 4-year BSW program provides a professional social work experience for students.

The program is grounded in principles of social justice, with a particular emphasis on the historical and contemporary position of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

The BSW features a 900-hour practicum at its core, designed to develop practical skills and the integration of theoretical knowledge with practice.

Notes:

  • The first 2 years of the program are general years.
  • In first and second year, you must take social work-specific courses, plus a variety of electives in other disciplines.
  • During the second year of the BSW program, you must apply for admission consideration to the professional years.
  • Admission to the first or second year of the BSW program does not guarantee acceptance into the professional years.
  • Third and fourth year are the professional years of the program.

Admission to the professional years (Years 3 and 4) of the BSW is limited. Admission consideration is based on these criteria:

  • successful completion of a minimum of 60 credits (10 full-course equivalents), including SWRK-1007 (or equivalent), SWRK-2006 (or equivalent), SWRK-2106 (or equivalent), SWLF-1006 (or equivalent), 6 credits (1 full-course equivalent) in Humanities and 6 credits (1 full-course equivalent) in Science;
  • a minimum grade of 70% in each of SWRK-1007 (or equivalent), SWRK-2006 (or equivalent), SWRK-2106 (or equivalent) and SWLF-1006 (or equivalent);
  • a minimum 70% overall average;
  • statement of interest;
  • analysis of a social issue;
  • resumé of volunteer, work and educational experience; and
  • 1 academic and 1 personal/professional reference.

If you are a current or former Nipissing University student, you must apply using the BSW Professional Years Application.

View a list of approved course equivalencies for Nipissing University’s SWRK-1007, SWLF-1006, SWRK-2006 and SWRK-2106 [PDF].

If you completed course(s) not listed and want us to evaluate them for equivalency, email the Admissions Office. We recommend that you send your request before you submit an application. We may ask you to provide detailed course outlines when you request the equivalency.

View examples of subject areas that can satisfy Humanities and Science requirements.

More information can be found in the Bachelor of Social Work Professional Years Supplemental Application Package.

You must apply by February 1, 2023, and we must receive applications and all your supporting documentation by 4:30 pm on February 8, 2023.

If we offer you admission to the BSW (Professional Years), you must provide a satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check prior to beginning the program.

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Foundations Pathway

If you have completed a minimum of six 4U/M courses, including ENG4U (or provincial equivalent), and your average falls 60% and 70%, you may apply for admission consideration to our BA Liberal Arts or BSc Liberal Science Foundation Pathway programs. If you wish to be considered for admission to the Liberal Science option, you must also present 2 of SCH4U, MCV4U, MHF4U or SPH4U (or provincial equivalents).

If you have completed or will have completed by fall 2023 a minimum of 1 year of college and/or a minimum of 18 credits (3 full-course equivalents or 6 semester courses), you are not eligible for admission consideration to this pathway.

The Foundations Pathway supports the transition from high school to university. You will have an opportunity to take unique courses that inspire curiosity and provide open dialogue for discovery. This pathway is intended for students who are determined to earn a university education but have faced challenges in the academic environment.

In first year, you will take a reduced full-time course load and receive support from a team focused on teaching the skills required to thrive in an Arts or Science degree. Upon successful completion of the Foundations Pathway, you will have earned up to 24 credits toward your Arts or Science degree. This strong foundation will provide tools and strategies that ensure continued academic success at Nipissing.

Read more about the Foundations Pathway.

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Student Accessibility Services

We actively promote an accessible and barrier-free learning environment. If you require student accessibility services, identify yourself as early as possible so that we can arrange accommodations and support systems prior to the beginning of classes.

For more information about the services available and the required documentation, visit Student Accessibility Services.

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Residence Accommodations

Our top-rated residences are some of the best in Ontario. Our modern, convenient and well‑maintained residences offer the choice of 6‑bedroom townhouses or 4-bedroom suite‑style living.

The facilities, staff support and program opportunities are ideal for making fast friends and learning to live independently.

Regardless of the building style, each fully furnished unit features private bedrooms, a kitchen with a fridge and stove, a living room and a full bathroom for every 2 or 3 students.

Current Canadian high school applicants and international student applicants will be guaranteed a place in residence if they receive a full-time offer of admission by May 29, 2023.

You must return the Guaranteed Residence Application Form and applicable deposit by June 1, 2023. Other applicants may apply to residence, but a place is not guaranteed.

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Financial Aid

We encourage you to contact the Financial Aid Administrator if you require information about the Ontario Student Assistance Program or our financial aid program.

All Canadian and international high school and college transfer applicants (eligible to receive a maximum of 18 credits in transfer credit) applying directly to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree program in North Bay for September admission will be considered automatically for guaranteed entrance scholarships – no application needed.

For information on how your scholarship average is calculated, email the Admissions Office.

Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships

  • 80-84% (IB 30-32): $4,000 ($1,000/year)
  • 85-89% (IB 33-35): $6,000 ($1,500/year)
  • 90-94% (IB 36-38): $10,000 ($2,500/year)
  • 95%+ (IB 39+): >$24,000 (free domestic tuition/year)

Information on additional scholarships, awards and bursaries can be found on our Student Financial Services website.

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Equity and Diversity

We welcome applications from persons of diverse backgrounds.

We use your responses to questions about equity and diversity in your application to better understand the makeup of our applicants. We do not use these responses to make admission decisions.

Read more about how we use information on equity and diversity.

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Campus Tours

Most students who come for a campus tour choose to call Nipissing home. We encourage you to visit and discover why Nipissing is right where you belong.

Campus tours are offered on a regular basis. You must register before attending a campus tour. To find the best date and time that will work for you, register for a campus tour on our Visit Us page.

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Contact Information

Nipissing University
Office of the Registrar
100 College Drive, Box 5002
North Bay ON  P1B 8L7

Telephone: 705‑474‑3461
Email: admissions@nipissingu.ca

Admissions: Ext. 4600
General Information, Campus Tours: Ext. 4200
Residence: Ext. 4855
Student Accessibility Services: Ext. 4362
Scholarships and Financial Aid: Ext. 4311

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