| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Type:
Public university college (degree- and diploma-granting)
Established:
2004 (formerly Keewatin Community College)
Main Campuses:
The Pas, Manitoba
Thompson, Manitoba
Regional Centres:
12 regional centres throughout northern Manitoba, many in Indigenous communities
UCN provides a wide range of certificates, diplomas, and degree programs, including:
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor of Education (BEd)
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Bachelor of Nursing (BN)
Bachelor of Technology (BTech)
Business Administration
Early Childhood Education
Practical Nursing
Carpentry, Electrical, Welding
Health Care Aide
Information Technology
Aboriginal and Northern Studies
Focus on Indigenous Education: UCN integrates Indigenous knowledge, languages, and culture across its programs. Many regional centres are located in First Nations communities.
Smaller Class Sizes: Students benefit from personalized instruction and strong academic support.
Career-Ready Training: Many programs include co-op, practicum, or hands-on components, especially in trades and health.
Affordable Education: Lower tuition and cost of living compared to urban centers in Canada.
UCN is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), so international students can apply for a study permit.
Select programs may be open to international applicants—mainly nursing, business, and trades.
Graduates from eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Program |
Credential |
Duration |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Arts (BA) |
Degree |
3 – 4 years |
|
Bachelor of Education (BEd) |
Degree |
4 – 5 years |
|
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) |
Degree |
4 years |
|
Bachelor of Nursing (BN) |
Degree (in partnership) |
4 years |
|
Bachelor of Technology (BTech) |
Degree (post-diploma) |
2 years |
Program |
Credential |
Duration |
|---|---|---|
|
Business Administration |
Diploma |
2 years |
|
Early Childhood Education |
Diploma |
2 years |
|
Computer Technology |
Diploma |
2 years |
|
Natural Resources Management |
Diploma |
2 years |
|
Practical Nursing |
Diploma |
2 years |
|
Law Enforcement |
Diploma |
2 years |
Program |
Credential |
Duration |
|---|---|---|
|
Health Care Aide |
Certificate |
1 year |
|
Educational Assistant |
Certificate |
1 year |
|
Introduction to Trades |
Certificate |
1 year or less |
|
Heavy Equipment Operator |
Certificate |
~4 months |
|
Carpentry, Welding, or Electrical |
Certificate |
1 year |
UCN incorporates Indigenous content into many programs and offers:
Aboriginal and Northern Studies (BA or courses)
Community-based education and adult upgrading in Indigenous communities
Programs are offered at the The Pas and Thompson campuses, and some are available at regional centres across northern Manitoba.
Delivery formats may include in-person, blended, or online learning.
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Arts (BA) |
3 – 4 years |
~$9,000 – $10,000 |
|
Bachelor of Education (BEd) |
4 – 5 years |
~$10,000 – $11,000 |
|
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) |
4 years |
~$9,500 – $10,500 |
|
Bachelor of Nursing (BN) |
4 years |
~$11,000 – $12,000 |
|
Bachelor of Technology (BTech – post-diploma) |
2 years |
~$9,000 – $10,000 |
University College of the North (UCN), Canada offers a supportive and inclusive environment for international students, particularly those interested in accessible, community-focused education in a smaller and culturally rich setting. Located in northern Manitoba, UCN has campuses in The Pas and Thompson, along with regional centres that serve rural and Indigenous communities.
UCN is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), which means international students can apply for a Canadian study permit to enroll in eligible programs. The institution offers bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates in areas such as business administration, education, nursing, arts, technology, trades, and Indigenous studies.
The college emphasizes smaller class sizes, affordable tuition, and personalized support, which makes it ideal for students looking for a close-knit academic experience away from large urban centres. UCN is also deeply committed to Indigenous knowledge, culture, and reconciliation, integrating these values across many of its programs.
While UCN does not currently offer master’s or PhD programs, it provides strong undergraduate preparation for further study. Students completing eligible programs may qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing them to stay and work in Canada.
Student support services include academic advising, tutoring, mental health counselling, cultural programming, and employment readiness workshops. Although on-campus housing is limited, the cost of living in northern Manitoba is generally lower than in major cities like Toronto or Vancouver.
Start by selecting an eligible program. UCN offers bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates in fields such as:
Business Administration
Education
Nursing (limited availability for international students)
Technology and Trades
Arts and Indigenous Studies
Check that your program is available to international applicants and approved under UCN’s Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number.
Academic Requirements:
High school diploma (Grade 12 or equivalent) for diplomas and bachelor’s programs
Postsecondary transcripts for advanced or post-diploma programs
Country-specific admission standards may apply
English Language Proficiency:
If your first language is not English, you’ll need to submit one of the following:
IELTS: 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5)
TOEFL iBT: 80+
Duolingo English Test: 105+
Other equivalencies may be considered
Apply directly through the UCN International Admissions Office via email or online application form (usually downloadable from their website)
Submit the following documents:
Completed application form
Transcripts (translated into English if necessary)
Proof of English proficiency
Copy of valid passport
Application fee (typically around CAD $150)
If accepted, UCN will issue a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) or a conditional offer if any documents are pending
Use this letter to proceed with your Canadian study permit application
Apply through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
Required documents include:
Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
Passport
Financial proof (tuition + living expenses)
Biometrics, medical exam (if required)
Upon receiving your visa approval, pay your tuition deposit (varies by program, often the first semester)
Arrange accommodation (on-campus housing may be limited)
Book flights to The Pas or Thompson, Manitoba
Attend UCN's international orientation and register for your classes
UCN typically offers two main intakes per year, depending on the program:
Fall Intake – September (Primary intake for most programs)
Winter Intake – January (Available for select programs only)
Some certificate and trades programs may have limited or rolling intakes, so it’s important to confirm availability with UCN’s admissions office.
High School Diploma (Grade 12 or equivalent) for entry into diploma and most bachelor’s degree programs
Post-secondary diploma or degree for advanced standing or post-diploma programs (e.g., BTech)
All transcripts must be official and in English (or translated)
If English is not your first language, you must provide proof of proficiency:
Test |
Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
|
IELTS |
6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) |
|
TOEFL iBT |
80+ |
|
Duolingo |
105+ |
|
PTE Academic |
53+ |
UCN may also consider applicants who completed prior education in English-speaking institutions.
Minimum age: 17 years at the time of program start
UCN is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), so international students are eligible to apply for a Canadian study permit upon receiving a Letter of Acceptance.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Value (USD Equivalent) |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
|
UCN Entrance Scholarships |
New students with strong academic performance |
~$500 – $1,000 |
May be available to international students entering diploma/degree programs |
|
Continuing Student Awards |
Current students with high GPA and full-time enrollment |
~$500 – $1,500 |
Based on academic merit; offered annually |
|
Indigenous Student Awards |
Indigenous students from Canada (Status, Métis, Inuit) |
N/A |
Not applicable to most international students |
|
External & Donor-Funded Awards |
Program-specific and merit-based awards from industry donors |
~$500 – $2,000 |
May require application, essay, or faculty nomination |
|
Bursaries (Needs-Based) |
Students with documented financial need |
~$300 – $1,000 |
Limited availability for international students; varies by program |
Facility/Option |
Details |
Approx. Cost (USD/Year) |
|---|---|---|
|
Main Campuses |
The Pas and Thompson, Manitoba |
N/A |
|
On-Campus Housing – The Pas |
Shared apartments and dorm-style residence halls; furnished with Wi-Fi and laundry facilities |
~$3,500 – $4,500 |
|
On-Campus Housing – Thompson |
Limited residence options; contact campus housing for availability |
~$3,500 – $4,500 |
|
Meal Plans |
Not mandatory; students cook independently or eat at local restaurants |
~$2,000 – $3,000 |
|
Off-Campus Housing |
Rentals in The Pas or Thompson (apartments or shared houses) |
~$4,000 – $6,000 |
|
Temporary Housing |
Hotels, motels, or short-term rentals during arrival or transition |
$60 – $100 per night |
|
Campus Facilities |
Classrooms, computer labs, library, Indigenous cultural spaces, gym, cafeteria |
Included in tuition/fees |
|
Transportation |
Local public transit limited; most students walk or use bikes |
Minimal costs |
Student life at the University College of the North (UCN), Canada is centered around small communities, cultural inclusivity, and strong personal support—offering a unique experience, especially for students in rural or northern environments.
UCN’s campuses in The Pas and Thompson offer a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere. With smaller class sizes, students build strong relationships with peers, faculty, and staff. There’s a real sense of community, and it's easy to get involved in campus life.
UCN is a leader in Indigenous education. Students of all backgrounds are encouraged to learn about and engage with Indigenous traditions, language, and culture through:
Smudging ceremonies and Elders-in-residence
Indigenous language classes and cultural workshops
Student gatherings and seasonal feasts
UCN offers extensive support for student success, including:
Academic advising and tutoring
Mental health counselling and wellness services
Career development support (résumé building, job search, mock interviews)
Accessibility services
While UCN is smaller than urban universities, there are opportunities for:
Student government and leadership roles
Volunteerism and peer mentorship programs
Recreational activities, movie nights, and seasonal events
Sports and fitness facilities available on campus
Life in northern Manitoba is quieter and more affordable than big cities. Students enjoy access to nature, including:
Outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, snowshoeing, and Northern Lights viewing
Community events, farmers' markets, and small local cafes
A safe environment ideal for focused study and balanced living
International students can work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) during academic sessions. While job options are more limited than in large cities, UCN provides help with finding local employment.
University College of the North (UCN) does not offer traditional placement services like large universities or colleges with co-op programs. However, it emphasizes career readiness through practical training, community partnerships, and hands-on learning, especially in high-demand sectors like health care, education, business, and trades.
1. Work-Integrated Learning (WIL):
Many UCN programs include practicums, internships, clinical placements, or apprenticeships, which provide real-world experience:
Education: In-school teaching placements
Nursing: Clinical placements in hospitals or care facilities
Trades: Apprenticeships and shop-based training
Business and IT: Applied projects or case studies
2. Career Services Office:
UCN offers career support, including:
Resume and cover letter writing help
Interview preparation
Job search assistance
Career fairs and employer networking events (mostly local/regional)
3. Local and Regional Employment:
Graduates are often employed in:
Northern Manitoba school divisions
Manitoba health regions
Government and First Nations administrations
Local businesses and nonprofits
4. Graduate Outcomes:
Many UCN graduates find employment within Manitoba, especially in northern and Indigenous communities, where demand for skilled professionals in nursing, teaching, and trades is strong.
5. PGWP Eligibility:
As a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), UCN’s eligible programs allow international students to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), enabling up to 3 years of work in Canada after graduation.
The acceptance rate of University College of the North (UCN), Canada is generally high, estimated to be around 85% to 95%, particularly for international students who meet the basic admission criteria.
Open and Accessible Admission Philosophy
UCN was established to increase access to post-secondary education in rural and northern Manitoba, especially for Indigenous and underrepresented communities. It maintains a non-selective or moderately selective admissions approach.
Program Capacity
Many programs have small class sizes and community-based delivery, allowing the college to accommodate a larger percentage of qualified applicants, especially in fields like business, education, and trades.
Reasonable Academic and English Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent
English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80+)
International applicants who meet these and submit complete documentation are highly likely to be admitted.
Focus on Regional Needs
UCN prioritizes education for workforce development in northern and Indigenous communities, which encourages broader access rather than competitive exclusion.
