Centennial College: Leadership and Innovation in Education
Life and study in Toronto, real-world experience, and leadership training – the college offers a unique opportunity for international students.
Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology is Ontario's oldest public college, located in Toronto.
Founded in 1966, the college has undergone significant changes over the past 55 years, evolving from a local institution into an international educational organization with a unique global position. The college's main goal is to prepare graduates for professional careers and success on a global scale.
Centennial College is proud of its achievements and gladly shares them with students and partners:
- Ontario's first public college;
- Ranked #1 for student satisfaction with learning outcomes among Greater Toronto Area colleges;
- 91.6% of employers express satisfaction with graduate preparation;
- Over 1,500 industry-leading partners involved in shaping educational programs;
- Opportunity to work with leading corporations such as Google and Procter & Gamble;
- 24 student winners and the college's 5th consecutive "Coveted Title" award at Skills Ontario 2023;
- Partnerships with 138 educational institutions;
- Ranked #1 among Canadian colleges for providing paid student internships in applied research;
- Winner of the 2022 Colleges and Institutes Canada Gold Award for Excellence in Sustainability.
Studying at Centennial College means being ready for leadership, creativity, and success, speaking up, exploring the world, and finding your purpose. "Be ready for it all" is the college's manifesto.
Why Centennial College?
Centennial College attracts both Canadian and international students from around the world. There are many reasons for this, ranging from the college's location to professional prospects.
Quality of Education in Canada
Canada has long held top positions in world rankings. It currently ranks fourth globally in education, third in quality of life, and second in the overall ranking of best countries. Canada is recognized as the most attractive destination for studying, and its multicultural environment is ideal for international students, offering affordable education, a business-oriented environment, and career development opportunities.
Work Opportunities
International students in Canada enrolled in full-time programs at officially recognized institutions are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week (increasing to 24 hours from fall 2024) during academic semesters and full-time during breaks. After successfully completing their program, they can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Obtaining a PGWP opens doors for further employment and immigration opportunities in Canada.
Life in Toronto
While most Canadian universities are located in small cities, Centennial College is situated in Toronto. It's Canada's largest city, offering students incredible opportunities.
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Toronto stands out on the global stage due to its leading position in business, finance, entertainment, and culture. The city ranks 2nd among 60 world cities for safety. Toronto is also known as the most multicultural city in North America, highlighting its diverse nature.
The college is located in Scarborough, one of Toronto's most diverse districts, where housing costs are significantly lower than in the city center.
International students coming to study at Centennial College can quickly integrate into the city's multicultural atmosphere and easily find work and entertainment opportunities.
International Atmosphere and Personalized Support for International Students
Centennial College offers a unique learning environment for international students. Here, you can join students from 142 countries worldwide and immerse yourself in an atmosphere that fosters academic growth, develops global citizenship skills, and prepares you for an international career.
Centennial provides extensive support for international students. The Student Support Center offers various services, including academic counseling, assistance in overcoming difficulties, and organizing individual sessions.
Centennial College has an excellent career center. Here, students can receive career counseling, help with resume writing, interview preparation, and assistance in finding internships and post-graduation employment. Career counselors help students develop job search skills, career planning, and find opportunities for professional growth.
Additionally, the specially designed "headSTART" program provides online modules, webinars, and regular information newsletters to prepare students for successful adaptation and their first week of classes at the college.
Study Programs
The diversity of study programs can be considered a distinct advantage when choosing Centennial College.
At Centennial College, you can obtain certificates, diplomas, bachelor's degrees, or graduate certificates. In total, the college offers over 250 programs across 16 fields:
- Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Systems;
- Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations;
- Aerospace and Aviation;
- Arts, Animation, and Design;
- Automotive and Motorcycle;
- Biological, Environmental, and Food Sciences;
- Business;
- Community and Social Services;
- Emergency Services, Law, and Legal;
- Culinary, Tourism;
- Healthcare;
- Heavy Duty Equipment, Truck and Coach;
- Hospitality;
- Information Technology, Networking, and Software Development;
- Media, Communications, and Writing;
- Sustainable Design and Renewable Energy.
Studying at Centennial College can also be a pathway to obtaining a university degree. The college collaborates with York University, University of Toronto, Nipissing University, and others. After completing a 2-year diploma program, you can transfer to partner universities where, after studying for two more years, you'll earn a bachelor's degree.
Additionally, Centennial College assists prospective students who wish to study at the college but are unsure about their specialization. For this purpose, the college has developed a special questionnaire that helps choose a professional field and suggests suitable programs and courses.
Fast Track Programs
Centennial College is implementing innovative changes that significantly enhance applied learning opportunities for students. The college recognizes that many students prefer short-term, relevant programs that complement their existing education and experience. This is why Centennial College developed special "Fast Track" programs.
Fast Track programs at Centennial College are accelerated programs designed to provide students with a quick path to completing their education and entering the job market. These programs offer a more intensive curriculum that covers the same content as regular programs, but in a shorter timeframe. A diploma program that typically takes 2 academic years can be completed in 1 year through the accelerated format. These programs are ideal for those who already have a college diploma or bachelor's degree.
Integration of Study and Work
All Centennial College programs focus on developing professional skills. The college emphasizes that during their studies, students will frequently hear the term WIL, which stands for Work-Integrated Learning.
This form of experiential learning combines academic knowledge with practical application in a work or professional environment. This approach has dual benefits: students apply their new skills in practice and become familiar with the industry and Canadian job market. As a result, graduates are fully prepared for work and able to make significant contributions to their professional field.
The college uses the following types of work-integrated learning:
- Co-op, where students alternate between academic semesters and full-time work.
- Internships provide students with industry experience. Unlike co-op, regular internships are unpaid and involve part-time work.
- Placements can be paid or unpaid and offer opportunities to gain experience in a specific industry.
- Capstones allow students to apply their knowledge to solve real business or industrial challenges.
Student activities take place in conditions that closely reflect the realities of future work. For example, culinary students prepare food for the student cafeteria, some aviation program students train at Oshawa Airport, and healthcare students practice in a real clinic environment where they can apply their knowledge and gain valuable experience working with patients and healthcare professionals.
Student Life
All six college campuses are located in Toronto. These are modern buildings equipped with workshops, studios, and laboratories that meet the requirements of the programs offered there.
- Progress Campus, which houses the School of Business and the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts. Programs in advanced manufacturing technologies and automation are also offered here.
- Morningside Campus. This environmentally friendly building is home to the School of Community and Health Studies, as well as select programs in engineering technology and applied sciences. The Morningside Campus is surrounded by a scenic natural area.
- Ashtonbee Campus is one of the largest automotive training centers in Canada, where students of the School of Transportation study. Additionally, community and health studies programs are conducted here.
- Story Arts Centre concentrates creative energy in the School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design. Here you'll find fully equipped laboratories and studio spaces designed for hands-on learning and creative experimentation.
- Downsview Campus trains students to service and repair aircraft. It offers aviation technician programs as well as new courses in aerospace manufacturing. The campus is equipped with aircraft and equipment for practical training.
- Centre for Performing Arts was specifically designed for practical training and education of students in music, dance, theater, and performing arts fundamentals.
Each Centennial College campus has libraries, gyms, and support centers. Students can also spend their free time in various clubs where they share common interests with other college students. The college invites the most ambitious students to the Centennial Leadership Academy, where students can hone their leadership skills necessary for professional and personal development.
Cost of Tuition and Living
The cost of tuition at Centennial College depends on the program of study. On average, a year of study at Centennial College for diploma and certificate programs costs about $16,000 CAD. Studying in bachelor's programs is more expensive: from $19,500 CAD to $32,800 CAD.
Living expenses are largely individual. Centennial College provides the following average monthly figures:
Dormitory room | $1,080 — $1,200 CAD |
Apartment rental | $1,950 — $2,800 CAD |
Food | $150 — $300 CAD |
Transportation | $128.15 CAD |
Mobile communication | $45 — $70 CAD |
Clothing | $100 — $200 CAD |
Entertainment | $50 — $100 CAD |
Personal expenses | $40 — $60 CAD |
Admission Requirements
To enroll in certificate, diploma, and bachelor's programs, applicants must provide the college with a high school diploma. Some creative programs require a portfolio. It's also necessary to demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting results from an international language exam.
To enroll in postgraduate programs, you need to provide proof of higher education in the field related to the program you're interested in. Demonstrating English proficiency is also required.
Language test requirements:
Test | Certificate and Diploma Programs | Fast-track Diploma Programs | Bachelor's Degree and Post-Graduate Certificate Programs |
IELTS Academic | Overall 6.0 (no band below 5.5) | Overall 6.5 (no band below 6.0) | Overall 6.5 (no band below 6.0) |
TOEFL iBT | 80 (no section below 20) | 84 (no section below 21) | 88 (no section below 22) |
TOEFL PBT | 550 | 570 | 580 |
PTE Academic | 51 | 58 | 60 |
Cambridge English Exam (CPE, CAE, FCE) | 167 — 169 | 170 —179 | 180 |
CAEL — CE and CAEL — Online | 60 | 60 (minimum 60 in writing) | 70 (minimum 60 in writing) |
Keep in mind that programs may have specific admission requirements. Always carefully review the applicant requirements section on the official college website's program page.
Although Canadian universities typically require an English language test like IELTS, you can still enroll in many institutions without test results. One way to do this is by completing the University Pathway program from ILAC. This program prepares you for studying in English in Canada, and upon completion, you'll receive a certificate that you can submit to Centennial College for admission.
We're here to help
We are official agents of Centennial College and partner with dozens of Canadian educational institutions. If you're considering studying in Canada, we'd be happy to assist you. We can help you choose a school and program based on your preferences, capabilities, and needs. We can also help with collecting documents for university applications and student visas, communicate with the institution on your behalf, and advocate for your interests. By working with us, you'll have the support of an entire team of professionals led by a licensed immigration consultant. To start your journey towards Canadian education and make it as smooth as possible, sign up for an education consultation.