Northern Regional College

• Location: Ballymena, Northern Ireland,
• Age of students: from 16 years old,
• Type: mixed,
• Language of instruction: English.

Northern Regional College (NRC) is a prestigious institution located in the northern part of Ireland. NRC is known for its quality education, innovative approaches to learning, and support for students at every stage of the learning process.

NRC offers a variety of study programs, from technical specialties to arts and humanities: students can choose a direction that suits their interests and career goals, gaining relevant knowledge and skills.

Northern Regional College offers a variety of study programs that include both academic and practical approaches to education. The college emphasizes practical skills, which play an important role in students' successful careers, but great importance is also placed on the development of soft skills, including communication, leadership, creative thinking and collaboration.

The educational process at NRC is based on the latest scientific and pedagogical achievements. The college is constantly updating its programs and teaching methods to meet modern trends and requirements of the labor market.

Northern Regional College cares about its international students, supports special services that help students find suitable accommodation according to their preferences and budget. Residential experts advise students on rent, security and other aspects related to the choice of housing - this approach makes the adaptation process smoother and more comfortable.

Students at Northern Regional College choose a variety of accommodation options depending on their preferences and abilities. Some prefer to live in residences near the college to be closer to their studies and other students, others prefer to rent apartments or rooms in private homes to enjoy greater independence and comfort. There are students who choose to live together with classmates to save money and create a friendly atmosphere.

At NRC, every student has the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich world of knowledge and at the same time enjoy their free time and show their talents. Any student will be able to find something to their liking thanks to the wide range of cultural and sports activities that the college offers. 

For lovers of outdoor activities and sports, Northern Regional College provides many opportunities: students can work out in the gym, visit the gym or take part in competitions in football, basketball, volleyball and other sports. Team games create a friendly atmosphere among students and contribute to the development of team spirit.

For those who prefer intellectual recreation, the college has many cultural activities. Students can attend lectures, seminars and master classes on topics of interest to them, can independently visit exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances and film screenings to expand their horizons.

NRC has a variety of clubs and organizations: it can be an interest club where you can connect with like-minded people and share your ideas, or student entrepreneurship to develop your skills and gain practical experience.

The college has six campuses in the north-east of Northern Ireland (County Antrim and East County Londonderry): Ballymena (Trostan Avenue and Farm Lodge), Ballymoney, Coleraine, Magherafelt and Newtownabbey. Each Northern Regional College campus is designed for a different teaching and administrative purpose: they include state-of-the-art classrooms with state-of-the-art equipment, laboratories, computer labs, arts studios, gymnasiums, and more. Students have access to computers with Internet access, laboratory equipment, multimedia equipment and other teaching aids.

Optimal conditions for successful learning have been created in the premises of the college. The campuses are equipped with neat classrooms that provide a comfortable environment for students, and there are spacious libraries with extensive catalogs of books and electronic resources where students can explore and dive deeper into their subject areas.

The college also provides recreation and leisure areas for students - these are places where they can relax and meet friends after class, cafeterias and restaurants with a varied menu.

At Northern Regional College, the academic year is divided into three trimesters: Fall, Spring, and Summer. The educational process begins in September and ends in June (in some cases, the first days of July). The longest holidays are summer (two months).

Additional costs include: registration fee, visa, flight, accommodation, meals, transportation, accident insurance, medical insurance, study materials and stationery, exams, activities and excursions, personal expenses.

Before applying to study at NRC, an applicant needs to research the range of courses offered. The admission process itself may differ depending on which course the candidate plans to get into — for example, for creative specialties, in addition to the entrance requirements, it will be necessary to pass an audition.

Stages of enrollment:

• Find the course you are interested in,
• Fill out the online registration form,
• Pass an interview or audition,
• Accept the offer of a place,

Northern Regional College has more than 10,000 students each year, of which more than 50% are students aged 16 and over, 10% are undergraduate students, and 10% are intern students.

Northern Regional College actively works with local and international employers to ensure the best employment opportunities for its students. The college has a good reputation among employers, which has a positive effect on the success of graduates.

Academic knowledge:

• School leaving certificate,
• Diploma of higher education,
• English language proficiency: English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider, IELTS by UKVI, LanguageCert International ESOL SELT or PTE Academic UKVI. The minimum level of English language proficiency is CEFR level B2 for undergraduate courses and B2-C1 for postgraduate courses.

Northern Regional College offers the following areas of financial aid to its students:

• Gallaher Trust Tuition Scholarship,
• All Ireland Scholarship,
• Ulster University Community Scholarship,
• Scholarship to pay for higher education.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision