14 Best Community Colleges In Canada For International Students

Here is a list of community colleges in Canada for international students that have existed for years with cheap tuition fees and are still standing tall. Over 6000 international students are enrolled in community colleges in Canada yearly and these statistics show that more international students are enrolled in these colleges compared with Canadian universities.

I hope you know the difference between a university and a community college in Canada. These community colleges are also sometimes referred to as institutes, institutes of technology, technical colleges, regional colleges, trade schools, vocational institutes, university colleges, and in its simplest form, colleges.

Canadian community colleges are like polytechnics in some countries, they offer 2-year diplomas, 3-year advanced diplomas, associate degrees, and a few bachelor’s degrees. These qualifications, associate degree, diploma, and bachelor’s degree, gotten from a community college in Canada can still be used to get employment and work and they are internationally recognized.

Community colleges are mostly seen as the training place for the ‘workforce’ as the graduates are seen as the qualified holders of Canadian major workforces. Some students prefer community colleges because their courses are practical-focused which equips you with the skill set to make you job-ready as soon as you graduate.

Another reason why students prefer Canadian community colleges is their cheap tuition fees and high acceptance rates. Unlike universities in Canada, it is very easy to gain admission into a community college in Canada even as an international student.

There are several community colleges in Canada, they are either publicly or privately funded but they are mostly all for-profit institutes. Some of the very competitive programs in Canadian colleges are normally closed out from international students, they are usually all taken up by Canadian students and so no seat is being reserved for international applicants.

That aside, there are several other programs in these colleges open to international students and at the end of the day, the same diploma is being given to every graduate. Anyway, if you are looking for community colleges in Canada for international students you should also be aware that there are major requirements expected from every international applicant. If you haven’t made up your mind on what to study, we have a guide on vocational courses in Canada for international students that you can look through to find your interest.

Though there are several requirements for community colleges in Canada for international students, I will try to list some of the basic ones among them here.
You should also know that different colleges require different application processes and requirements but be rest assured that you can apply for all of them online. It is always easy if you follow the given instructions.

Requirements for Community Colleges in Canada for International Students

  • High school (secondary school) transcript or diploma.
  • Post-secondary (college or university) transcript – if applicable.
  • secondary (college or university) degree – if applicable.
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency for international students from non-native English-speaking countries.
  • Passport.
  • Application fee of CAN$100 (non-refundable) -if required.
  • Relevant work experience
  • Essay or statement of purpose
  • Student Visa

If you are from West Africa, you need to provide your WAEC certificate alongside a valid scratch card.

The above are just the basic requirements for application to any community college in Canada. The requirements vary from course to course and school to school but you will meet the few mentioned above everywhere you go.

Below are the Canadian community colleges on my list. There was no approved ranking used to draft out these names but most of them were chosen on the grounds of the cheap tuition fees obtainable there and their openness to international students.

community colleges in Canada for international students

Best Community Colleges In Canada For International Students

  • Bow Valley College -Tuition fee: estimated $2,000 to $5000
  • Douglas College -Tuition fee: CAD 17,400
  • Georgian College -Tuition fee: CAD 5,500
  • Red River College -Tuition fee: $8,830 per year.
  • Seneca College -Tuition fee: estimated at CAD 13,000 yearly.
  • Southern Alberta Institute of Technology -Tuition fee: between $5,550 to $11,000 annually.
  • Herzing College -Tuition fee: Between $4,000 to $5,000 annually.
  • Vanier College -Tuition fee: $4,900 to $7,700 yearly.
  • New Brunswick Community College -Tuition fee: about CAD 6,300 annually.
  • Assiniboine Community College -Tuition fee: $7,052 to $10,520 yearly.
  • Lethbridge College – Tuition fee: 7,751.97 CAD
  • Loyalist College – Tuition fee: $16,908
  • NorQuest College – Tuition fee: $169 – $1,197 per credit hour
  • Coast Mountain College – Tuition fee: $7,800

1. Bow Valley College

Bow Valley is a public college established in 1965 and is one of the community colleges in Canada for international students. The college has up to 7 branch campuses located in Airdrie, Banff, Canmore, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks, and Strathmore.

Bow Valley College has seven specialized schools that offer academic programs in various areas including career training in business, pharmacy, technology, etc., adult upgrading, university transfer courses, and English language learning. These special schools are:

  • The Chui School of Business
  • The School of Continuing Learning
  • The School of Community Studies
  • The School of Creative Technologies
  • The School of Foundational Learning
  • The School of Global Access
  • The School of Health and Wellness

The college accepts international and domestic students into all of its programs which will help in developing students’ potential and reaching their educational and career goals.

Visit school website

2. Douglas College

Douglas College was established in 1970 and holds the record of the largest public degree-granting college institution in British Columbia, Canada, as well as being one of the community colleges in Canada for international students.

The college accepts both international and domestic students admitted into her bachelor’s degree program which spans general university art and science courses as well as career programs in healthcare, human services, business, and the creative arts.

Douglas College combines the academic foundations of a university with the career-ready skills of a college and provides students with multiple pathways to attain their academic goals.

Visit school website

3. Georgian College

Georgian College is one of the community colleges in Canada for international students, established in 1967 and located in Ontario. It is also a college of applied arts and technology offering a wide range of bachelor’s degree programs in business, interior design, nursing, computer science, policy studies, and more. There are also certificates, diplomas, apprenticeship and skill training, and graduate certificate programs available spanning across a wide range of disciplines.

Georgian College offers full-time and part-time programs to international and domestic students with seven campuses across Canada. Students are equipped with the skills and mindset to become innovative thinkers and change-makers who can transform their workplaces and communities.

Visit school website

4. Red River College

Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, established in 1938, and with over 200 full and part-time degree, diploma, and certificate programs, Red River College is the province’s largest institute of applied learning and applied research and also one of the community colleges in Canada for international students.

Some of Red River College’s programs are biotechnology, construction trades, digital multimedia, nursing, engineering, and more. Through hands-on experiential learning, students are developed to take charge of their respective fields and contribute to the economic growth of the nation at large.

Visit school website

5. Seneca College

Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology is one of the community colleges in Canada for international students established in 1967. The college offers over 145 full-time and 135 part-time programs with approximately 30,000 and 75,000 respectively enrolled at the baccalaureate, diploma, certificate, and graduate levels.

The college has six faculties, schools, and centers that go on to offer 14 bachelor’s degrees, 30 graduate certificates, and other experiential learning opportunities such as co-op, placements, internships, and community service options.

Seneca combines rigorous academics with practical training across a wide range of careers and professions.

Visit school website

6. Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology was founded in 1916, located in Calgary, and is recognized among the oldest colleges in Calgary. SAIT has over 40,000 students from many parts of the world making it one of the community colleges in Canada for international students.

These students come from all walks of life to enjoin in the quality education and experiential teaching style. There are over 100 career programs in technology, trades, and business offered by SAIT designed to help shape student’s future and reach their career and business goals.

Visit school website

7. Herzing College

Herzing College is one of the community colleges in Canada for international students offering diploma and certificate programs in a variety of in-demand industries. The programs offered at this institution are designed to suit students’ learning styles. Students can choose from the online learning option, on-campus, or both.

There are over 10 programs in technology, design, education, and business for students to explore available program options you are interested in. Students will receive cutting-edge training that meets industry demand in the available program options.

Visit school website

8. Vanier College

Vanier College was founded in 1970, located in Saint-Laurent borough of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and one of the community colleges in Canada for international students. There are over 25 programs of study in both two-year pre-university and three-year technical fields.

These programs cover a wide variety of courses including computer science technology, nursing, special care counseling, music, commerce, liberal arts, and more. These programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to become professionals in their respective fields.

Visit school website

9. New Brunswick Community College

Established in 1974 and admitting over 40,000 students from various countries, the New Brunswick Community College is one of the community colleges in Canada for international students. There are over 90 programs for students to choose from which are delivered at six campuses.

The programs are available in full-time, part-time, and online study options for students to choose their preferred learning style.

Visit school website

10. Assiniboine Community College (ACC)

Assiniboine Community College located in Manitoba was established in 1961 and recognized among the 10 community colleges in Canada for international students. There are over 30 programs in the fields of agriculture, environment, business, health and human services, trades, and technology.

These educational programs are offered through various approaches including face-to-face, distance and online, integrated programs, and blended learning. The programs at ACC are offered through the following faculties:

  • School of Business, Agriculture & Environment
  • School of Health & Human Services
  • School of Trades & Technology
  • Distance Education
  • Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts
  • Mature Student High School Diploma
  • English as an Additional Language

Through these faculties, students are developed to possess technical and critical thinking skills that will help them establish a career in life after school.

Visit school website

11. Lethbridge College

Lethbridge College is one of the best community colleges in Canada for international students with over 60 certificates, diplomas, applied degrees, and apprenticeship programs available for students to choose from. International students can apply for any of these academic programs which enables them to be eligible for immigration programs such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGPW) program.

International applicants are evaluated based on their grades, English language proficiency, and campus diversity. Applicants are also required to provide an equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma as part of the application requirements.

Visit school website

12. Loyalist College

Loyalist College offers a friendly and inclusive environment for international students seeking a community college in Canada. There are more than 50 programs for students to select from ranging from business and civil engineering to nursing and cybersecurity. The college offers courses in developing fields to put its students at the forefront of emerging technology.

Visit school website

13. NorQuest College

NorQuest College is one of the few community colleges in Canada that accept students from different parts of the world seeking world-class practical education. The college offers a vibrant and supportive environment that responds to the needs of students so that they can feel special and welcomed.

Visit school website

14. Coast Mountain College

Coast Mountain College offers international students the following packages:

  • High-quality education
  • Affordable tuition
  • Low cost of living in the region
  • Stunning natural beauty

To be admitted into Coast Mountain College, international applicants are required to provide English language requirements, apply to your program, submit supporting documents, apply for a study permit, receive an official acceptance letter, deposit tuition, receive an approval letter for a study permit, and register for courses in your program.

Visit school website

Conclusion

These are the community colleges in Canada for international students, domestic students are also admitted, you should follow the link in each of the college details to learn more about the university and your preferred program requirements.

Recommendations

6 comments

    1. Good morning Team

      Trust you’re doing fine and keep safe under this pandemic of covid, I’m erick registered physiotherapist based in South Africa
      Would like to continue my studies. Can you suggest me something

Comments are closed.