College Programs
Colleges offer programs for career-specific areas that give students the knowledge required by blending the practical and the academic. There are co-op, internship and work placement opportunities for many programs. The following types of programs can be accessed at colleges:
- Certificate (1 year/2 semesters)
- Diploma (2 year/4 semesters)
- Advanced Diploma (3 year/6 semesters)
- Co-op (varies in duration)
- Apprenticeship (75-90% of training is on-the-job and the remaining time is classroom instruction – varies by program)
- Bachelor's degrees in applied areas of study (4 years/8 semesters)
- Graduate certificate (1 year/2 semesters)
- Joint college-university programs (vary in duration)
- 19 years of age or older with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Students who do not have an OSSD or GED but are able to complete course prerequisites
- Admission requirements vary between specific colleges and from program to program. Specific high school courses may be needed. Please contact the college directly regarding program specific requirement details.
- Highly competitive programs will have more rigorous requirements (check with the college)
- If applying to a program taught in English, and if English is not your mother
tongue, proof of English proficiency is required. The following language tests
are accepted by the colleges:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International English Language Testing Service (IELTS)
- Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)
- International students must have a study permit
- Proof of residency status required for immigrants
- Applicants whose credentials were earned outside Canada may need a credential assessment report. Confirm with the program if both high school and postsecondary credential evaluations are needed. (Credential Assessment Reports can be obtained from WES or ICAS.
- Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition – Many colleges have developed their own recognition of prior learning process, which helps individuals with extensive work experience and knowledge have their skills evaluated and possibly applied toward academic credit.
- Students who have successfully completed certain postsecondary studies may apply for transfer credits for equivalent courses in their program of study.
Mature Students:
Mature Students are individuals who are over 19 by the first day of college and do
not have a high school diploma or GED, and are often required to write admission
assessments to determine if they have the basic academic skills and aptitude to
be successful in the program the wish to pursue. The admission department will
assess the current academic strengths of mature student applicants and may
recommend direct entry into a program or academic upgrading or other means of
fulfilling academic and additional requirements.
Application Process:
Applicants for full-time college programs must apply online at
www.ontariocolleges.ca. Applications received and paid for before February 1st
will be given equal consideration by the colleges for programs beginning in
September. Applicants for January intake programs are advised to apply well in
advance (by August for competitive programs).To know if a specific program and
term is still “open” for application, check www.ontariocolleges.ca. All applicants
are responsible for ensuring that all transcripts and supporting documents are
received by ontariocollages.ca. Depending on the program to which you apply,
a Credential Assessment Report may be required. Contact the college(s) to which
you applied, to confirm if both the high school and post-secondary evaluations
are required. Applicants whose credentials were earned outside Canada may
need a credential assessment report. Confirm with the program if both high school
and postsecondary credential evaluations are needed. (Credential Assessment
Reports can be obtained from WES or ICAS.
Application fee: $95
Colleges in Toronto and York Region:The above colleges have several campus locations. Please check online for the various campuses and program/course offerings.
Distance Education / Online Learning through
www.OntarioLearn.com
OntarioLearn is a partnership of 24 Ontario community colleges that have pooled
their resources to increase online college learning options. The course inventory
allows individuals to search and find a course that they need, and makes it possible
to register with any partner college offering that course.
Online learning is a form of instructor-led independent study for those who require an alternative to attending on-campus classes on a regular basis. This flexibility allows learners to complete a course or program at a time and place of their choosing. Learning is facilitated by an instructor who is available to answer questions, encourage discussion on course topics, and provide feedback.
Every term, partner colleges select courses from an inventory of more than 1,100 distinct courses that will complement their existing distance education offerings. While one college may have designed and developed a course (the host college), any other college may offer that course (the registering college).
Registration Process for OntarioLearn courses:- Access the OntarioLearn website at www.ontariolearn.com
- Have a look at the OntarioLearn course inventory to see what courses are available for the upcoming term.
- Register with your OntarioLearn college before the course start date.
Those wishing to register for online courses must have access to a computer with email and Internet capabilities. Check the OntarioLearn website for further details on technical considerations.