International
Students
With over 44 years of excellence in education, New Image College is proud to welcome students from around the globe into our vibrant community. Located in the heart of Vancouver, one of the most beautiful and welcoming cities in Canada, we specialize in programs for Acting, Makeup, and Esthetics that empower you to turn your passion into a thriving career.
At NIC, we believe in more than just education—we believe in fostering a balanced lifestyle that values health, positivity, and inner happiness as essential to your success. You’ll find a supportive and inclusive environment here at New Image College, with experienced instructors and resources dedicated to helping you thrive both personally and professionally.
When you join NIC, you become part of a passionate and driven community that’s here to help you achieve your goals. Together, let’s make your dreams a reality—both in Canada and beyond.
Programs
New Image College offers a variety of programs for international students designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge you need for a successful career. Taught by award-winning faculty, our programs focus on technical expertise, creativity, and hands-on experience.
Programs Available for International Students:
- Film Acting Conservatory (Diploma)
- Film Acting Intermediate (Diploma)
- Acting 101 (Diploma)
- Film Makeup Masters (Diploma)
- Professional Makeup Artist (Diploma)
- Esthetics (Diploma)
- Nail Technician (Diploma)
- Nail Studio (Certificate)
Programs with Co-Op Option Available:
- Film Acting Conservatory Co-Op (Diploma)
- Co-Op Film Acting 1 (Diploma)
- Film Makeup Masters Co-Op (Diploma)
- Professional Makeup Artist Co-Op (Diploma)
- Esthetics Co-Op (Diploma)
- Nail Technician Co-Op (Diploma)
Co-Op Work Experience Programs
New Image College, we offer an optional Co-Op Work Experience Program that combines your education with valuable industry experience.
New Image College is a fully accredited post-secondary institution, recognized by the government and registered with a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number. However, please note that graduates of private institutions like New Image College are not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). For more information on PGWP eligibility, visit the official Government of Canada website: CIC Work Permit Information.
Our Co-Op Work Experience Program provides international students with the opportunity to legally work in Canada during their studies, allowing them to gain practical experience in their chosen field.
Why Choose Co-Op?
Co-Op Education gives you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world work environments. This practical experience helps you gain insights into industry practices while strengthening your skills.
A Co-Op placement can also help you build professional connections and explore opportunities that align with your program focus. It’s a valuable way to prepare for your next steps, whether in Canada or beyond.
How Co-Op Works
The Co-Op segment is an extension of your program, designed to give you hands-on experience in a professional setting. After completing the academic portion of your program, you will move into a Co-Op placement that complements your studies.
Programs with Co-Op Option Available:
- Film Acting Conservatory Co-Op (2 years study period + 1 year Co-Op Work period)
- Co-Op Film Acting 1 (1 year study period + 1 year Co-Op Work period)
- Film Makeup Masters Co-Op (1 year study period + 1 year Co-Op Work period)
- Professional Makeup Artist Co-Op (22 weeks study period + 22 weeks Co-Op Work period)
- Esthetics Co-Op (1 year study period + 1 year Co-Op Work period)
- Nail Technician Co-Op (20 weeks study period + 20 weeks Co-Op Work period)
Requirements
International students will need a Canadian Co-Op Work Permit to participate. Our team is here to guide you through the application process and provide information about what to expect.
For more details about Co-Op opportunities and program start dates, please contact a New Image College Admissions Representative.
Admission Requirements
General Admission Requirements
Admissions requirements cannot be waived by either the College or the student.
- Complete the online (NIC Upload Centre) or paper application and student questionnaire form;
- Upload or submit a copy of government-issued photo identification;
- Upload or submit a copy of your passport (international students);
- Pay the application fee (non-refundable);
- Must be at least 19 years of age OR have a high school diploma.
- If under 19: Upload or submit copy of high school diploma + transcript;
- Submit Parental consent: Upon acceptance, a parent or legal guardian must co-sign the registration.
- Provide for approval a detailed financial plan to cover tuition expenses;
- Complete a financial assessment and various required documents if applying for a government student loan. The final approval for financial readiness will be determined by the result of the notice of assessment that is issued by Student Aid BC;
- Language proficiency: check details on the section below.
Language Proficiency
Domestic Students:
Must pass both the New Image Written English Assessment Test and the Domestic Verbal English Assessment Test.
Results must show zero “#1” marks and no more than one “#2” mark.
Language Proficenciy:
Must provide proof of English language and academic proficiency.
Results of one of the approved English language tests must be forwarded to the school before acceptance into the program. The minimum scores for each test are as follows:
- IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System): minimum overall score of 5.5
- TOEFL IBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language): minimum overall score of 46
- CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment): minimum overall score of 40
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program): Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, Writing 5
- DET (Duolingo English Test): minimum overall score of 95
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): minimum overall score of 43
- Cambridge English Qualifications – B2 First exam (FCE) Other Cambridge Qualifications at a higher level (i.e. CPE – C2 Profiency): minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
- Cambridge Linguaskill: minimum overall B2 level
- LANGUAGECERT Academic: minimum overall B2 level
- MET (The Michigan English Test): minimum overall B2 level
- ITEP Academic: minimum overall score of 3.5
- EIKEN: minimum placement of Grade Pre-1
Program specific requirements
- Film Acting Conservatory, Film Acting Conservatory Co-Op, Film Acting Intermediate and Co-Op Film Acting 1
Complete a successful audition in front of a panel of acting department personnel. - Film Acting Conservatory Year Two Program
Applicants seeking direct entry into Year 2 of the Film Acting Conservatory program must meet the following additional requirements:- Hold an Acting Diploma from New Image College or an equivalent qualification. Equivalency is defined as one of the following:
- A 1-year Performing Arts diploma/certificate from a recognized private postsecondary educational institution.
- A 1-year BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) from any accredited college or university.
- A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in the entertainment industry.
- Hold an Acting Diploma from New Image College or an equivalent qualification. Equivalency is defined as one of the following:
- Film Makeup Masters skipping Professional Makeup Artist portion (13 weeks)
- Professional Makeup Artist certificate from New Image College or equivalent*, AND
- A professional beauty makeup kit inspection conducted by the Senior Academic Officer. Beauty makeup kits will be evaluated based on Canadian hygiene standards, AND
- Successful completion and submission of a Sanitation Quiz
- *Equivalent is defined as one of the following:
- Certificate or Diploma from a private post-secondary educational institution, OR
- Certificate or Diploma from any college or university OR
- 2 years of professional experience in the makeup industry.
- Spa Technician skipping any specific module (nails, body, and/or skin):
- Nail Technician diploma from New Image College or equivalent*, AND
- Successful completion and submission of a Sanitation Quiz.
- *Equivalent is defined as one of the following:
- Certificate or Diploma from a private post-secondary educational institution, OR
- Certificate or Diploma from any college or university OR
- 2 years of professional experience in the industry.
Study and Work Permits
All international students enrolled in a program longer than 6 months must obtain a study permit prior to attending New Image College. In order to participate in any of the New Image College Co-op programs and be able to work in Canada (which is an essential part of graduating successfully from a co-op program) you must also apply for a work permit.
https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp
After completing the application and registration process with your advisor, New Image College will provide you with the following documents that you will need when applying for your study and or work permit:
- Letter of Acceptance for the study period.
- Letter of Acceptance for the co-op period.
- Proof of tuition payment.
- Student Enrolment Contract.
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
Check where you can get your biometrics and what offices are open.
https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/where-to-give-biometrics.asp
NIC Study Permit Guide
Click here and check out NIC Study Permit Guide for details on the application process.
For more details and information, check the Immigration section of our Student Guide and Resources page.
About Vancouver
Vancouver is a vibrant and diverse city located in the province of British Columbia on Canada’s west coast.
With a population of over 675,000 people, it is one of Canada’s largest cities and consistently ranks as one of the most livable cities in the world. Vancouver is known for its stunning natural beauty, world-class attractions, and thriving arts and cultural scene.
The city is surrounded by mountains, forests, and oceans, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
WEATHER
The weather in Vancouver can vary depending on the season.
In the summer, temperatures can range from 15°C to 25°C and the weather is generally sunny and warm. In the winter, temperatures average 7º, rarely dropping to below freezing and occasionally there may be snow, so be sure to bring appropriate clothing and footwear. It’s always a good idea to carry an umbrella as rain is common throughout the year.
TRANSIT AND TRANSPORTATION
Vancouver offers a diverse range of transportation method within and outbound the city, both private and public transportation. The public transportation includes the bus network, SkyTrain, ferries and seabus. Other ways of getting around is by car, bikes, ride sharing apps.
We will provide further information about getting around in Vancouver in an upcoming email.
METRO VANCOUVER
Vancouver is part of Metro Vancouver, which includes the following municipalities:
- Burnaby
- Coquitlam
- New Westminster
- North Vancouver (City and District)
- Richmond
- Surrey
- Vancouver
- West Vancouver
For more details and information, check the Practical Living section of our Student Guide and Resources page.
Accommodations
For details and information, check the Practical Living section of our Student Guide and Resources page.
Check out NICList.ca for New Image College’s housing partners.
If you want support from New Image College, please follow these instructions:
- Request the Accommodations Needs Form to complete and submit back to us at [email protected]
- Then email 2 options of dates with times to schedule a Zoom meeting.
- In our Zoom meeting, we will choose together the 2-3 best accommodation options
- Also, check niclist.ca to view current accommodation options.
Useful Websites
Most students search online for accommodations to rent. Here are some commonly used websites:
- NIC List
- Rentals.ca
- Rent faster
- Kijiji
- PadMapper
- Craigslist
- Roomies
Visit the Tenant Survival Guide by TRAC for information about rights and responsibilities as a tenant in BC.
Health
Please refer to the Health and Safety section of our Student Guide and Resources page for detailed information.
How is the health coverage BC
In British Columbia, basic health care coverage is provided by a provincial public health care plan.
This system makes it possible for all British Columbia residents to have access to necessary services such as hospital visits and doctor appointments without sacrificing personal funds to pay hefty medical bills. As a student with a study permit for at least one year, you are eligible to receive these benefits. e.
Before health-care coverage begins, there is a waiting period consisting of the balance of the month that residency is established, plus two months. International students should carry private insurance until this wait period ends and provincial coverage begins.
Because of this wait period, we suggest students to enroll in a Private Health Insurance plan for at least 90 months. The plan New Image College offers to its students is from Guard.me.
https://www.guard.me/
MSP
MSP is for for all B.C. residents who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Everyone living in British Columbia (BC) for more than 6 months is required to enroll in MSP, except for students with existing coverage from another Canadian province or territory.
Applying for MSP (Medical Services Plan)
Applying for MSP and BC Services Card You will need a BC Services Card to access health care services. Follow these steps to get your BC Services Card.
- APPLY FOR MSP
Complete and send the BC MSP enrolment form.
You can also apply online. Apply Online Here - VISIT AN ICBC DRIVER LICENSING OFFICE.
After you apply, you will receive a letter in the mail. Take the letter to an ICBC driver licensing office. You will also need to take 2 pieces of identification.
Find out what kind of identification you will need.
Find an ICBC office near you
Student Guide and Resources
NIC has compiled a detailed guide on student life, finances, health, and immigration. Access it online at Student Guide and Resources page or request a physical copy on campus.
