This blog post provides a wealth of information on the community colleges in Ontario. If you can’t commit to a four-year study and earn a bachelor’s degree then a two-year associate degree from a community college might be right for you.
Ontario is a province in Canada, one of the top destination hubs among international students, and houses some of the best universities and community colleges in the country. While there are many community colleges in Canada scattered across other provinces, this post concentrates on the community colleges in Ontario.
Most developed countries have community colleges designed to serve the educational and academic needs of that locality. In the US, for example, there are community colleges in California and there are also more in Texas.
What are Community Colleges in Ontario?
Community colleges in Ontario are post-secondary educational institutions designed to offer qualifications that take a few months to two years to complete. These community colleges offer certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees for those who cannot commit to a four-year degree program at a university.
Community colleges in Ontario are equally designed to serve the community and train and equip students, through its variety of program offerings, with hands-on skills that will get them straight to start working. Community colleges do a much lesser amount of theory and a huge chunk of practical to quickly prepare you for the workforce.
If you want to learn carpentry, masonry, and other vocational skill or become a medical assistant, a community college is the best place to get these skills. You will also be given an accredited qualification for any of the programs that you complete. A qualification will increase your chances of getting employment.
Do Community Colleges in Ontario Accept International Students
Yes, there are a few community colleges in Ontario that accept international students. Humber College is a community college in Ontario for international students. Other community colleges in Canada accept international students. Or you can check out the list of low-tuition community colleges in the US for international students maybe you will find a school that fits your academic needs.
Admission Requirements for Community Colleges in Ontario
The admission requirements for community colleges in Ontario vary from school to school and by the program as well. However, here is a list of the general requirements you must possess before you can start applying for one of the community colleges in Ontario.
These requirements are:
- Applicants must have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or its equivalent with the minimum academic requirements.
- Applicants who do not have an OSSD or its equivalent but are above 21 years or older may be eligible to apply as a mature applicant
- Letters of recommendation
- Prior experience may be required depending on the program
- Essay or writing sample
- Academic transcripts from previously attended institutions
- English language proficiency test scores
Remember, these admission requirements are basic and there might be more. To get the complete requirement list, visit the website of your preferred community college in Ontario and check for these requirements yourself, contact the Admission Office, or visit the school yourself if it is close to you.
Best Community Colleges in Ontario
There are about 25 community colleges in Ontario but which ones are ranked or recognized as the best? Keep reading to find out…
1. Conestoga College
On my first list of community colleges in Ontario is Conestoga College located in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. This community college is one of the fastest-growing colleges in Ontario and a leader in polytechnic education.
This can be believable from the operations of the school, the labs are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to inspire learning and they also have a unique online platform that offers courses and programs 100% online.
At Conestoga, you can find more than 200 full-time programs across various areas of study and offers more than 15 degrees. You can even find some 3 and 4-year bachelor’s degree programs at Conestoga.
You can undertake either a full-time or part-time program through Conestoga Online – the college’s online learning platform.
Finally, Conestoga accepts international students.
2. Centennial College
Centennial College is one of the top community colleges in Ontario with branches in countries like Soth Korea, China, India, and Brazil to serve as many students as possible and create an impact in the education sector.
The college offers industry-recognized programs in a wide range of disciplines in full and part-time study formats that you can decide to take online or on-campus.
With its world-class experiential teaching style and modern labs, students are equipped with hands-on skills and a real-world experience that leaves them prepared to enter the workforce and become successful no matter their career path. International students are welcome to apply and there are financial aid options for every student.
3. Algonquin College
Algonquin College is one of top best community colleges in Ontario with three campuses in Ottawa, Pembroke, and Perth, these are other locations in Ontario. The college is organized into 14 schools and institutes that offer a wide range of academic programs covering different fields. AC Online is its online learning platform that offers a wide range of full-time and part-time programs that you can complete online.
You can find programs such as bachelor of digital marketing communications, home inspection, project management studies, veterinary assistant, registered nurse, and so much more. There are more than 400 programs to apply for. Algonquin College also accepts international students and provides financial aid options for all students.
4. Fleming College
Fleming College is one of the community colleges in Ontario with four campuses: the Sutherland Campus in Peterborough, Frost Campus in Lindsay, Haliburton Campus, and Cobourg Campus. Fleming also offers a wide range of vocational programs that leads to certifications and diplomas as well as degree programs.
You can decide to go for the full-time or part-time study option either online or on-campus. International students are accepted and financial aid is available to qualified students. You will need to have outstanding academic performance to earn a scholarship at Fleming.
5. Durham College
Durham College is one of the best community colleges in Ontario with campuses in Oshawa and Whitby. These campuses are safe and vibrant learning environment that stimulates learning. The college has an extensive program offering online and on-campus options that you can complete as a full-time or part-time student.
DC is organized into nine schools through which her market-driven programs are offered. Students here are trained and equipped with in-demand skills to make them “hot cakes” in the workforce. International students are welcome to apply as long as they satisfy the admission requirements.
6. Seneca College
Seneca College isn’t just one of your typical community colleges in Ontario. This college offers innovative programs in aviation, IT, and health sciences, master’s degrees, graduate certificates for professionals, diplomas, certificates, micro-credentials, and other academic pathways.
At Seneca, students learn through real-world experience to better prepare them for a successful life after school.
Programs are offered in full-time and part-time study formats and international students are welcome to apply. Online courses aren’t offered at Seneca.
7. Humber College
If you are looking for a research-focused community college in Canada, Humber College is where you want to apply. Humber offers a wide range of academic programs that leads to Honours degree, diploma, graduate certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, and certificate. There is a program for everyone including international students.
You can take a virtual tour of the campus or visit the campus yourself on the visiting days to see the environment and confirm it is a good fit for you.
8. Georgian College
Georgian College is one of the best community colleges in Ontario. There are more than 130 full-time programs available at Georgian, as well as, continuing education programs for professionals. There are also programs for part-time students and an online learning platform for those who prefer to learn from the comfort of their home or have a busy lifestyle.
To apply for Georgian, you need to find your preferred program, meet the specific admission requirements for that program, submit your applications online, send your documents, and track your application.
You must send in your application early to increase your chances of getting accepted. International students are also welcome to apply for any of the programs of their choice and a learning option that fits them best.
9. Niagara College
Niagara College is located in Southern Ontario and was established in 1967 as a public college of applied arts and technology. The college has four campuses in Welland, Niagara-on-the-lake, Taif in Saudi Arabia, and Toronto. Here, you will find more than 130 academic degree programs, diplomas, and professional programs.
You can pursue any program of your choice either in part-time or full-time formats. International students are welcome to apply for any program of their choice at any of the campuses.
Visit Niagara College’s website
10. Loyalist College
Loyalist College is one of the best community colleges in Ontario. It is an English language college established in 1967 and located in Belleview, Ontario, Canada. If you are looking for a small college, then Loyalist College is for you. In small colleges, there are small class sizes and enough resources to go around for every student.
There are more than 100 programs at this small community college. Programs range from paralegal and nursing (BSc) to journalism and civil engineering technician. At Loyalists, there is a program for everyone. International students are welcome to apply.
11. Canadore College
Canadore College opened its doors in 1967 and have since been offering quality and innovative academic programs in a wide range of study areas. The college focuses on student success, program and service excellence, connection to community, sustainability, and innovation. Approximately 1,000 students graduate from Canadore every year.
Full-time and part-time programs are available that spread out to apprenticeships, dual credits, corporate training, and specialty offerings.
12. Confederation College
This is one of the best community colleges in Ontario where you can find practical, hands-on programs and courses offered across its 9 campuses to more than 7600 full-time and part-time students annually. Confederation offers diploma, certificate, and apprenticeship programs in aviation, health, natural resources, media arts, protective services, skilled trades, engineering technology, business, community service, and indigenous.
Confederation College also offers distance education programs for that outside of Ontario who want to enroll in the programs, as well as, continuing education programs. International students can also apply here.
13. Mohawk College
Mohawk College was established in 1966 as a public college of applied arts and technology in Hamilton. Due to its quality program offering and experiential teaching style, it is ranked among the best community colleges in Ontario.
The college has three main campuses in Fennell, Stoney Creek, and the Mohawk-McMaster Institute of Applied Health Sciences at McMaster University.
Mohawk College is organized into 5 faculties which altogether offer more than 130 post-secondary and apprenticeship programs. Continuing education and online programs are also available for professionals and students across the globe.
All programs lead to either a certificate, diploma, degree, or apprenticeship. International students are also accepted here.
14. Northern College
On my final list of best community colleges in Ontario is the Northern College. If you are looking for a large community college in Ontario then Northern College is for you. More than 1,500 full-time students have enrolled annually while part-time and continuing education enrolment is over 11,000 students.
The college also has four campuses in Timmins, Kirkland Lake, Moosonee, and Temiskaming Shores (Haileybury).
There are more than 50 programs offered at Northern College that you can take online, in in-person, or in hybrid formats. Continuing education and distance learning programs are also available. International students are also accepted in some selected programs.
This wraps up the list of best community colleges in Ontario and I hope they have been helpful. To learn more about the schools, visit the respective links and contact the admissions office if necessary.
Community Colleges in Ontario – FAQs
How many community colleges are in Ontario?
There are 24 community colleges in Ontario
Is community college free in Ontario?
Community colleges in Ontario are not free except you get a scholarship that will help fund your education.
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