In short
Nipissing University is a public university in North Bay, Ontario, Canada, known for its small class sizes and student-centred learning environment. It offers programs in various fields and provides a welcoming campus community with affordable living costs for domestic and international students.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1992
- Students
- 4,500
- International students
- 600
- Acceptance rate
- 72%
- Tuition (intl)
- €14–20k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- North Bay, Canada
Nipissing University is a public primarily undergraduate university in North Bay, Ontario, Canada, overlooking the scenic Lake Nipissing. Founded with roots in teacher education dating to 1909 and granted full university status in 1992, Nipissing is known for small class sizes, a student-centred learning environment, and a highly respected Faculty of Education. The university offers programmes in arts and science, business, education, nursing, criminal justice, and kinesiology to approximately 4,500 students.
Why study here
- Small class sizes ensure personalized instruction and close faculty relationships.
- Faculty of Education is one of the most respected teacher training programmes in Ontario.
- Beautiful campus perched on a hilltop overlooking Lake Nipissing, with easy access to nature.
- Strong student support services and a welcoming campus community atmosphere.
- Affordable tuition compared to larger Ontario universities, with on-campus residence options.
Student life
Life at Nipissing is shaped by its tight-knit community and stunning natural setting. Students enjoy residence life, a range of clubs and societies, and Lakers athletics teams competing in OUA and USports. North Bay offers affordable living, access to lakes and forests, skiing in winter, and a welcoming small-city atmosphere. Student services include counselling, academic support, Indigenous student services, and career development.
Fees
InternationalApproximately CAD 20,000–28,000 per year for international students depending on programme.
HomeApproximately CAD 7,000–9,000 per year for Ontario domestic students.
LivingNorth Bay is one of Ontario's most affordable cities; estimate CAD 10,000–14,000 per year for room, board, and personal expenses.
On-campus residence is available. Detailed tuition schedules are published by the Financial Services department each year.
Admissions
Undergraduate (Ontario High School)Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with 6 4U/4M courses including English 4U; specific prerequisites vary by programme.
Undergraduate (International)Equivalent of Ontario Grade 12 credentials; evidence of English proficiency required.
Postgraduate / GraduateRelevant bachelor's degree; Faculty of Education requires a degree plus additional qualifications.
IELTS Academic6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each band.
TOEFL iBT88 overall.
University scholarships
Nipissing University Entrance ScholarshipsCAD 500–3,000 for high-achieving incoming students based on final grade averages.
Indigenous Student AwardsVarious awards available for Indigenous students enrolled at Nipissing.
Accreditation
Nipissing University is a publicly funded university operating under the authority of the Nipissing University Act (Ontario). It is a member of the Ontario Council on Graduate Studies (OCGS) and Universities Canada.
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Programs
a selectionScholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated tuition fees for international students at Nipissing University?
+
International student tuition fees at Nipissing University range from approximately CAD 20,000 to CAD 28,000 per year, depending on the specific program of study. This is in addition to living expenses.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
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International applicants typically need to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like IELTS Academic, requiring a 6.5 overall score with a minimum of 6.0 in each band, or TOEFL iBT with an overall score of 88.
Does Nipissing University offer on-campus housing for students?
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Yes, Nipissing University offers on-campus residence options for students. Information regarding residence and meal plans is available to support student living.
What is the cost of living for students in North Bay?
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North Bay is known as one of Ontario's more affordable cities for living. Students can estimate annual expenses for room, board, and personal needs to be between CAD 10,000 and CAD 14,000.
What kind of student support services are available at Nipissing University?
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Nipissing University provides a range of student support services, including counselling, academic support, Indigenous student services, and career development to aid students throughout their academic journey.
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