Conestoga College is a public polytechnic institution in Ontario, Canada, with eight campuses across the Waterloo Region and surrounding area. International students can choose from 250+ diploma, graduate certificate, and degree programs across three intakes per year: January, May, and September. Many programs include a co-op option, and Conestoga is consistently ranked among Ontario's top colleges for graduate employment, with 87% of graduates employed within six months of completing their program.
About Conestoga College
Established in 1967, Conestoga College enrolls over 32,000 students across campuses in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Ingersoll, Brantford, and Milton. The main campus is at Kitchener–Doon, located approximately 100 kilometres west of Toronto. The Waterloo Region is one of Canada's fastest-growing technology and innovation corridors, making Conestoga a well-positioned choice for students targeting careers in technology, business, and engineering.
Conestoga is a leader in polytechnic education in Ontario, delivering career-focused programs developed in close partnership with industry. The college is consistently ranked among Ontario's best colleges for graduate employment and satisfaction by students, graduates, and employers.
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Conestoga College Fees for International Students
International tuition at Conestoga College ranges from approximately CAD $15,844 to $28,697 per year, depending on the program. The internal briefing estimates are approximately CAD $18,000–$19,000 for undergraduate programs and CAD $20,000–$21,000 for graduate certificate programs. Use the Conestoga tuition estimator to get an accurate figure for your specific program before applying.
Note: Tuition at Conestoga College is billed per session and set annually by the Board of Governors. Fees vary by program and are listed on individual program pages. The figures shown here are estimates only. Always confirm the exact cost for your program before applying.
How to Pay Tuition
Conestoga College accepts international tuition payments through multiple methods. Payments through the Student Portal are processed via Flywire. You can also pay using Convera to convert your home currency to Canadian dollars, through web banking with most Canadian banks, or via bank draft, certified cheque, or international money order. Full payment information is available on your Letter of Acceptance.
Degree Entrance Scholarship
International students admitted to eligible degree programs at Conestoga College are automatically considered for a Degree Entrance Scholarship based on their admission average. No separate application is required for the entrance scholarship. Continuing scholarships are available to students who maintain a Program Weighted Average of at least 70%.
Note: The Degree Entrance Scholarship applies to eligible degree programs only, not to diploma or graduate certificate programs. Additional entrance and regional scholarships are also available. Check the Conestoga awards page for a full list of available scholarships and eligibility criteria. To be considered, students must pay their tuition deposit and fees by the deadlines listed on their acceptance letter.
Programs at Conestoga College
Conestoga College offers over 250 programs at the certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, graduate certificate, and bachelor's degree level. The college has eight academic schools, with particular strengths in technology, business, engineering, health sciences, and hospitality. Many programs include a co-op component, giving students direct work experience with Ontario employers.
Applied Computer Science and Information Technology
Diplomas and graduate certificates in software development, cybersecurity, IT business analysis, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. One of the most popular areas for international students.
Business
Programs in business administration, accounting, supply chain management, global business, human resources, and project management at diploma, advanced diploma, and graduate certificate levels.
Engineering and Technology
Programs in civil, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering technology, as well as architectural technology and industrial design. Many programs include co-op placements with employers in the Waterloo Region innovation corridor.
Health and Life Sciences
Programs in practical nursing, personal support work, dental hygiene, pharmacy technician, and health informatics.
Hospitality and Culinary Arts
Programs in hospitality management, culinary management, and tourism — with hands-on learning facilities and co-op placements across Ontario's hospitality sector.
Creative Industries
Programs in graphic design, interactive media, animation, game development, and interior design. Conestoga was ranked among Canada's best design schools by the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD).
Note: Check the ApplyBoard platform for currently available programs, intakes, and campus options for Conestoga College.
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements at Conestoga College vary by program level. The general minimums below are a guide — always confirm specific requirements for your chosen program before applying.
- Diploma and degree programs (undergraduate): A minimum of 65% in your Grade 12 (or equivalent 12th standard). Some programs have higher or additional subject-specific requirements.
- Graduate certificate programs (postgraduate): A minimum of 55% in a completed undergraduate degree or relevant diploma. Some programs require a degree in a related field.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions are required.
- Passport: A valid passport is required.
English Language Requirements
Most international applicants must submit proof of English language proficiency. Accepted tests include IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Duolingo English Test. Minimum scores vary by program — confirm the requirement for your specific program on the Conestoga program page or the ApplyBoard platform before applying.
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How to Apply to Conestoga College Through ApplyBoard
You apply to Conestoga College through the ApplyBoard platform. The application fee is CAD $100 at the time of submission. Conestoga College issues only a Final Letter of Acceptance (FLOA) — there is no pre-offer or conditional offer stage. Processing begins once Conestoga has received a complete application.
Note: Submission processing timelines are optimized for rapid turnaround. For applications from India and Nigeria, ApplyBoard typically reviews, verifies, and completes the submission pipeline within 3 hours of receipt. For all other countries, the standard submission turnaround time is 24 hours. Once successfully submitted to the institution, standard college evaluation steps apply. If additional post-submission clarifications are required, the overall decision timeline can extend to 7–10 working days.
Before you apply, prepare the following documents:
- Valid passport (biographical page)
- Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions (with certified English translations if not already in English)
- English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo)
- For graduate certificate programs: degree or diploma certificate showing a minimum 55% average
Submit your application through the ApplyBoard platform. Choose your program, preferred campus, and intake (January, May, or September). Apply as early as possible — popular programs fill up and late applicants may not be considered for their preferred intake.
Conestoga College issues only a Final Letter of Acceptance — there is no pre-offer stage. Your FLOA confirms your place and lists your tuition deposit deadline and any remaining conditions. Review it carefully as soon as you receive it.
Pay the CAD $2,500 tuition deposit by the deadline listed on your FLOA to confirm your admission. Tuition must be paid in full — payment extensions are not available. You can pay using Flywire (via the Student Portal), Convera, web banking, or bank draft/certified cheque.
Warning! If you miss the tuition deposit deadline, your offer may be withdrawn. The deposit deadline is listed on your FLOA — check it carefully and set a reminder.
A PAL Request Form is included in your Letter of Acceptance. Once you have paid your tuition deposit, complete and submit the form. Conestoga College will then issue your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). You will need both your FLOA and your PAL to apply for a Canadian study permit.
Use your FLOA and PAL to apply for a Canadian study permit. Apply as early as possible after receiving both documents. You must have a valid study permit before you can begin classes at Conestoga College. Conestoga's International Student Immigration Advisors (ISIA) can provide guidance on study permits and visa applications once you are admitted.
Travel to your campus city in Ontario and attend orientation. On-campus housing is available at the Brantford, Kitchener/Cambridge, Milton, and Waterloo campuses. Confirm accommodation availability and apply early, as spaces are limited.
Note: International students at Conestoga are covered by mandatory health insurance through Cowan Insurance Group. This is automatically included in your fees for full-time programs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Conestoga College
Conestoga College has eight campuses across Ontario: Kitchener (Doon — the main campus), Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Ingersoll, Brantford, and Milton. The Kitchener–Doon campus is the largest and is located approximately 100 kilometres west of Toronto. The campuses are spread across the Waterloo Region and surrounding communities in southwestern Ontario.
No. Conestoga College only issues a Final Letter of Acceptance (FLOA). There is no pre-offer or conditional offer stage. Once Conestoga has reviewed your complete application and made a decision, you receive either a Final Letter of Acceptance or a rejection.
Our team reviews and completes the pipeline submission process within 3 hours for applications from India and Nigeria. For all other countries, the submission turnaround time is 24 hours. Once submitted to the college, standard institutional evaluation begins, which can take 7–10 working days if additional steps are necessary.
Your Letter of Acceptance includes a PAL Request Form. Once you pay your CAD $2,500 tuition deposit, complete and submit the form and Conestoga College will issue your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). You need your FLOA and PAL to apply for a Canadian study permit. Do not apply for your study permit until you have received both documents.
If your Canadian study permit is refused, you can request a refund of your tuition deposit minus a CAD $200 administrative fee, provided you withdraw before the non-refundable deposit due date and supply proof of your visa refusal. Refunds are processed by Conestoga College directly and take a minimum of 8–10 weeks from the date your request and all required documentation are received.
Yes. Many programs at Conestoga College include a co-op option, which gives you paid work experience in your field alongside your studies. Co-op placements are organized through the college and are available to international students on a valid study permit. Check the specific program page on the ApplyBoard platform to confirm whether your chosen program has a co-op stream.
Yes. International students with a valid Canadian study permit are generally permitted to work up to 24 hours per week off campus during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks, subject to their individual permit conditions. Always verify your work permissions on your study permit before taking any employment.
Conestoga College offers international students a career-focused education in the heart of Ontario's innovation economy, with strong co-op pathways, a fast submission process, and scholarship support for degree program students. If you are ready to explore programs and apply, your ApplyBoard counsellor can guide you through every step.
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