UNBC’s Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program is a five-consecutive-semester BScN route for applicants with prior university study, offered in Prince George and Fort St. John. Admission considers academic preparation, application materials and an online Kira Talent interview; Casper is not required. The program combines nursing coursework with clinical, laboratory and simulation learning focused on northern and rural practice. UNBC is not accepting international applications until further notice.
- Program
- Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program
- Credential
- BScN
- Location
- Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
- Casper
- Not required
- Next deadline
- January 15, 2027 (Competitive-entry application and all required components, both campuses)
- Interview
- Online / recorded assessment
- Seats
- UNBC announced capacity for 48 students in Prince George; current intake counts and the Fort St. John count are not published.
- Length
- Five consecutive full-time semesters (Years 3 and 4 of the BScN).
Casper Requirement for University of Northern British Columbia Northern Baccalaureate Nursing
University of Northern British Columbia Northern Baccalaureate Nursing does not require Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Casper is no longer required for admission to the Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program.
University of Northern British Columbia Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- EducationPlannerBC
- Applications open
- First week of October 2026
- Application fee
- $37.87 domestic undergraduate application fee, non-refundable; UNBC also lists a $43.26 document-evaluation fee for out-of-province or out-of-country post-secondary documents.
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Competitive-entry application and all required components, both campuses | January 15, 2027upcoming |
All components must be complete by the competitive-entry deadline for full consideration. Later applications may be reviewed if space remains.
University of Northern British Columbia Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Admissions Statistics
Period: September 2023 Prince George expansion announcement
- Seats / class size: UNBC announced capacity for 48 students in Prince George; current intake counts and the Fort St. John count are not published.
Applications after the competitive-entry deadline may be reviewed if space remains.
Eligibility Requirements for University of Northern British Columbia Northern Baccalaureate Nursing
- Degree / credits
A baccalaureate degree or at least 60 university-transferable credits toward one, including or supplemented by 24 credits of required pre-admission coursework; at least 24 credits must be completed at UNBC or transferable there at the 200 level or above.
- Citizenship
UNBC is not accepting international applications to this program until further notice.
- Language proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency before admission through valid IELTS Academic or CELBAN results meeting BCCNM standards for the year of admission; UNBC lists a possible exemption for qualifying English-language post-secondary study and a university English course graded at least B.
Admission pathways
- Licensed Practical Nurse pathway: An NBNP pathway is available to eligible licensed practical nurses; pathway-specific requirements apply.
Pre-admission courses must normally have been completed within 10 years of entry.
Other requirements
- Rural Remote Suitability Index questionnaire: Submit with application materials.
- After acceptance: criminal record check, Basic Life Support and immunization proof: Successful applicants must complete these requirements before study or clinical practice as directed by UNBC.
Selection Factors University of Northern British Columbia Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| University-level Human Anatomy and Physiology, 6 credits | required Minimum B-; labs recommended. |
| University-level Microbiology, 3 credits | required Minimum B-; lab recommended. |
| University-level Statistics, 3 credits | required Minimum B-. |
| University-level Social Sciences with Peoples and Cultures content, 3 credits | required Minimum B-. |
| University-level English, 3 credits | required Minimum B-. |
| University-level Indigenous Studies, 3 credits | required Minimum B-. |
| University-level Psychology covering human development, behaviour or cognition, 3 credits | required Minimum B-. |
GPA
- How it is calculated
Most recent 60 credits of undergraduate coursework, regardless of whether the courses are recognized for transfer credit; UNBC confirms the calculation after application.
- Minimum
- 3.00 GPA (B average) across the most recent 60 credits, plus at least B- in each required pre-admission course.
The program prioritizes strong academic performance in prerequisites.
Admissions tests
- IELTS Academic (required for some applicants): For applicants whose first language is not English; valid results must meet BCCNM standards, unless exempt.
- CELBAN (required for some applicants): Alternative to IELTS Academic for applicants who must demonstrate English proficiency; valid results must meet BCCNM standards.
Experience and volunteer hours
Not required.
UNBC lists no minimum work or volunteer hours for the standard NBNP route. Applicants document relevant work and volunteer experience in their résumé.
Supplementary application
Submit a statement of interest, résumé, two reference letters (one academic and one professional), official transcripts and the Rural Remote Suitability Index questionnaire; complete the Kira Talent interview.
How applicants are ranked
Admission is competitive and criteria-weighted. Decisions consider academic standing and pre-admission courses, the Kira Talent interview, résumé and two references. Applicants with completed pre-admission courses or evidence of registration for outstanding courses receive priority; meeting minimums does not guarantee admission.
Interview Format at University of Northern British Columbia
Format: Online / recorded assessment
The required Kira Talent interview uses timed video and/or written responses to assess communication, critical thinking, professionalism and suitability for nursing in rural and remote northern settings.
- Who is invited
- Applicants completing the admissions process
- When
- Not published.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at University of Northern British Columbia Northern Baccalaureate Nursing
- Program length
- Five consecutive full-time semesters (Years 3 and 4 of the BScN).
- Structure
Blends contemporary nursing theory and practice with hands-on training in northern settings
- Campuses
- Prince George, Fort St. John
At least 68 credits of nursing courses; the NBNP section of UNBC’s academic calendar states a minimum of 128 credits for the BScN. Clinical placements may require travel at the student’s expense.
Campus and facilities
Offered in Prince George at the Wood Innovation and Design Centre and in Fort St. John at Northern Lights College. Teaching includes classroom or online content, simulation and laboratory practice, and clinical placements in hospital, clinic and community settings; students should budget for placement travel.
Tuition and Funding at University of Northern British Columbia
- Approximate first-year tuition, three semesters: $8,253
- Approximate second-year tuition, two semesters: $5,000
- Approximate student fees: $990
- Approximate books: $1,600
UNBC’s published program estimates are subject to change; tuition for the upcoming entry term has not been published.
What Applicants Are Saying
Matriculated students describe instructors with international-level research expertise enhancing classroom instruction. Students report strong research facilities supporting nursing education.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your University of Northern British Columbia Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Application
- Check that your university coursework includes all seven required pre-admission subject areas and 24 credits at the 200 level or above.
- Prepare the statement of interest, résumé, references, transcripts and Rural Remote Suitability Index questionnaire.
- Practise concise timed video and written responses for the Kira Talent interview.
- Review your most recent 60 credits when estimating your admission GPA.
- Complete every application component by the competitive-entry deadline.
More About University of Northern British Columbia Northern Baccalaureate Nursing
- Minimum BScN completion credits
128
- Minimum nursing course credits
68
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Northern British Columbia Northern Baccalaureate Nursing
Is Casper required for UNBC Northern Baccalaureate Nursing?
No. UNBC says Casper is no longer required; applicants complete a Kira Talent interview.
What is the minimum GPA?
A 3.00 GPA (B average) over the most recent 60 credits, plus at least B- in each required pre-admission course.
How many seats are available?
UNBC announced capacity for 48 students in Prince George; current intake counts are not published.
How long is the program?
Five consecutive full-time semesters.
Does NBNP have an interview?
Yes. The online Kira Talent interview uses timed video and/or written responses.
Can international students apply?
No. UNBC has paused international applications until further notice.
What are the Casper test dates?
There are no Casper dates to book for this program because Casper is no longer required.
How should I prepare for the admissions assessment?
Prepare for timed video and written responses in the Kira Talent interview.
Sources
- UNBC Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program
- UNBC Undergraduate Application Deadlines
- UNBC Nursing Academic Calendar
- UNBC Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- UNBC Undergraduate Fees
- UNBC Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Overview
- UNBC Prince George Nursing Expansion Announcement
Last updated: September 26, 2026