If you’re thinking about post-secondary education and unsure whether to choose college or university, you’re not alone. It’s completely normal to ask: what type of education will benefit me most? Which path will open the most doors? What kind of education gives me flexibility if my goals change?
Good news: You don’t have to choose just one. At New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), you can begin your post-secondary journey with practical, hands-on learning that prepares you for real-world success. And thanks to our formal pathway and transfer agreements with universities in New Brunswick, across Canada, and internationally (hello, Australia and Ireland!), you can apply to transfer your NBCC credits and continue your education toward a degree.
Gain Experience. Enjoy Affordable Tuition. Have Options.
When you’re uncertain about your future, making a long-term commitment to post-secondary education can feel overwhelming. At NBCC, you can earn a diploma or certificate that opens multiple paths forward.
In just two years or less, you can complete one of our 90+ programs and enjoy the benefits of an NBCC education, including:
- Hands-on, career-focused learning
- Smaller class sizes and supportive instructors
- Affordable tuition
Through our signature experiential learning, you’ll graduate with real experience and insight into your future career. This gives you a competitive edge in the job market. And if life takes you in a different direction—maybe you get a great job offer, want to travel, or decide to save up before heading to university—your NBCC education will move you forward.
Alumni Story: Start Small, Dream Big.
Jennifer Murray, an Early Childhood Education (ECE) graduate, began her journey at NBCC with a one-year certificate and later completed her diploma part-time and online in 2023—all while raising five children and running a licensed and designated Early Learning and Childcare Home. NBCC’s flexible learning options allowed her to pursue education on her terms. Although university wasn’t part of her original plan, NBCC shared a pathway opportunity with a local institution that Jennifer felt was too good to pass up!
“I learned so much during my courses at NBCC, and I knew I wanted to take this learning, and my career, to the next level,” Jennifer says.
By following this pathway, Jennifer was able to apply directly to a Bachelors of Education in Early Childhood Education, becoming a licensed teacher in only four years. She recently completed her degree with a 4.1 GPA and is now applying to a Master of Education program.
Pathways Mean Possibilities
At NBCC, you get the best of both worlds: a hands-on, career-focused education that prepares you for the workforce, along with the option to continue your studies. NBCC’s multiple pathway agreements with universities make it easy to build on the education you start here. These agreements, combined with your NBCC credits, can make it easy to earn up to two full years of university credit, depending on your program and the partner institution.
Pathways mean:
- Real-world experience under your belt
- A smooth transition to partnered universities
- Lower overall tuition costs
So, whether your goal is to enter the workforce quickly or eventually earn a degree, NBCC moves you forward with flexibility.
Applying to NBCC is simple, whether you plan to enter the workforce right after graduation or continue your studies at university.
If you choose one of our partner universities, our formal agreements help ensure your credits transfer easily. As long as you meet academic requirements, your transition can be smooth and stress-free.
Looking at a university that’s not yet a partner? You may still be able to transfer your credits, though it might take a little extra coordination. We recommend connecting early with both NBCC’s and the university’s admissions teams to explore your options.
You don’t need to have your whole life mapped out right now. But choosing NBCC means gaining valuable skills, meaningful experience, and options. You’ll walk away ready to succeed in the workforce, with opportunities to grow and transform lives—yours and others.
Have questions? We’re here to help. Reach out to our admissions team to find the path that fits you.
For more information on which NBCC programs have transfer agreements, visit our website.