Overview of the General Education System

The education system in Nunavut is helmed from the territory’s exceptional cultural and linguistic identity. It is molded from Inuit heritage and adapted to Canada’s broader framework. The Nunavut Department of Education handles the K–12 system, early childhood education, adult learning, and literacy initiatives.

Nunavut has a distinctive feature of its curriculum as it integrates Inuit societal values and perspectives through four strands namely the Aulajaaqtut (health and physical education), Iqqaqqaukkaringniq (career and technology studies, math, and science), Nunavusiutit (Inuit culture, entrepreneurship, social studies, and tourism), and Uqausiliriniq (arts, English, French, and Inuktitut language arts). These four pillars ensure that Indigenous culture, language, and traditions are central to formal education are well-grounded while also preparing students for global opportunities.

Most students attend public schools, whereas private and faith-based institutions exist but are less common. Instruction is primarily in Inuktitut, English, and French, but still depends on the region and program. Hence, bilingual or trilingual education is encouraged to strengthen cultural identity.

Recent reforms were implemented for literacy, inclusive education, and the promotion of Inuktut. The Department of Education works collaboratively with elders and heritage advisors to ensure curricula reflect Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Inuit traditional knowledge).

Compulsory education in Nunavut covers children from ages six to 16, which spans from Kindergarten through Grade 10. Kindergarten is available for children as young as five, though it is not mandatory. As a matter of fact, the system follows a three-tier structure. Kindergarten to Grade 5 (elementary), Grades 6 to 8 (middle school), and Grades 9 to 12 (high school).

Students are encouraged to remain until Grade 12 to earn a secondary school diploma, but legal attendance requirements end at age 16. Transition points occur after Grade 5 (into middle school) and after Grade 8 (into high school). To develop a strong focus on bilingual and trilingual literacy in Inuktitut, English, and French, emphasis is placed on both academic achievement and cultural learning.

Nunavut’s higher education system is primarily offered by Nunavut Arctic College (NAC), the territory’s only higher education institution. The NAC operates three main campuses in Iqaluit, Cambridge Bay, and Rankin Inlet, along with 25 Community Learning Centres across the territory. The college also caters the Nunavut Research Institute in Iqaluit and the Nunavut Trades Training Centre in Rankin Inlet. Programs include adult education, literacy, vocational training, and university transfer pathways.

Moreover, NAC offers certificate, diploma, and university transfer programs, as well as specialized applied degrees delivered in partnership with southern universities. For example, the Bachelor of Science in Arctic Nursing is offered by Dalhousie University, while the Nunavut Teacher Education Program is run in collaboration with the University of Regina. Program lengths vary as certificates require one year, diplomas two years, and degree programs three to four years. NAC also supports credit transfer based on prior learning and work experience.

The NAC also expands its partnerships with institutions such as the University of Alberta, University of Prince Edward Island, University of Lethbridge, Athabasca University, Saint Francis Xavier University, Dalhousie University, and Royal Roads University. Aside from that, NAC is part of the University of the Arctic (UArctic), which is a circumpolar network of over 100 universities and colleges. By means of this membership, students can pursue Circumpolar Studies and exchange opportunities through the North2North program. These pogram allow Nunavut students to complete their education locally while earning credentials recognized across Canada and internationally.