Conestoga College: A Successful Start to Your Career in Canada

Conestoga College is a public educational institution in Canada located in Ontario. Established in 1967, it has become one of the leading colleges in the country.

The scale of Conestoga College is impressive: over the years, the institution has expanded to 11 campuses and learning centers with more than 270 diverse programs. The student community is extensive and attracts a large number of students from both Canada and abroad. The college hosts 45,000 students, including 8,000 international students from over 80 countries who come to Canada for quality and promising education.

The college's unique approach is based on practical and project-oriented learning, conducted in small groups to ensure each student gains the maximum knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career.

Why International Students Choose Conestoga

Conestoga College attracts a large number of international students. But what makes it so appealing?

• The educational programs are designed for students to gain extensive practical experience and undertakes professional duties during their studies. Upon graduation, students are fully prepared to take on their professional responsibilities.
• The college assists students in finding jobs by offering CV writing consultations, interview preparation, and organizing job fairs. Career support ensures students feel confident about their future employment prospects.
• Special programs for cultural adaptation and support are available for international students. The college staff are always ready to help and provide guidance on any questions.
• Teaching at the college is of the highest standard: top-notch professionals and the latest technologies help students gain all necessary knowledge and skills.
• The college campuses provide everything students might need: study materials, cafes, gyms, and libraries — every aspect of student life is well taken care of.
• International students have the opportunity to work during their studies or choose programs with paid internships. Additionally, students can always apply for scholarships and awards.

Unique Features of Conestoga Campuses

Conestoga College campuses are located in the southwestern part of Ontario. They are all situated near each other in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, about 70 kilometers from the provincial capital, Toronto.

The one-hour route between the campuses and Toronto is known as the "innovation corridor" because it houses offices of leading companies like BlackBerry, Amazon, D2L, Shopify, Google, and Salesforce. The proximity to these major companies offers significant advantages for future graduates, as it provides excellent opportunities for internships and career building.

Conestoga College plays a crucial role in the region's development as the only polytechnic educational institution. After graduation, 65% of its alumni stay to work in the area, contributing over $2.3 billion CAD annually to the local economy.

• Doon Campus in Kitchener is the main and largest campus of Conestoga College. It houses the main administrative offices and offers various academic programs. Kitchener-Downtown Campus opened in January 2020 and currently offers programs from the School of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology, Workforce Development, and Creative Industries for over 4,000 students.
• Cambridge campuses are hubs for many educational programs. Cambridge – Fountain Street Campus hosts the School of Engineering & Technology and the Institute of Food Processing Technology. The Conestoga College campus in Cambridge for skilled trades, or Reuter Drive Campus, opened in fall 2022 to address the current shortage of qualified workers in the province. The campus includes a building with shops and labs over 150,000 square feet, specially adapted for education and training in skilled trades.
• Brantford Campus offers diploma and certificate programs in business, social services, interdisciplinary studies, and trades. Additionally, Conestoga College provides specific trade certificate training at the municipal airport in Brantford.
• Guelph Campus offers a variety of programs, including trades and apprenticeship, engineering and technology, business, health and life sciences, computer science and IT. This campus is a provincial leader in mechanical technology education and training, including automotive, truck, and commercial aviation.
• Ingersoll Skills Training Centre opened in 2010 and offers a highly specialized program in powerline technician training; it is one of the few centers in southwestern Ontario that provides such training.
• Conestoga College campuses in Milton offer programs in applied computer science and IT, business, community services, creative industries, engineering and technology, health and life sciences, and other fields. These are the newest college locations—Parkhill Street Campus welcomed students in January 2024, and Steeles Avenue Campus opened in spring 2024.
• Stratford Campus is located at the Stratford General Hospital and provides continuing education programs, career-focused courses, and additional learning opportunities.
• Waterloo Campus offers a wide range of programs in skilled trades, hospitality and culinary arts, information technology, professional development, and English language courses.

Hands-On Learning in Realistic Conditions

Each Conestoga campus has its own unique features and offers specialized programs and resources. The college is equipped with all the necessary facilities and equipment to ensure real-world conditions for students, whether it’s practicing in a carpentry workshop, conducting research in state-of-the-art computer labs, or developing innovative technologies in robotics laboratories. By enrolling in Conestoga College, you can be confident that any employer will value the level of preparation of the graduating specialist.

For example, health students at the Doon Campus have access to simulation labs where they can practice medical procedures in realistic settings. The campus also houses the Cowan Health Sciences Centre, where students in medical and scientific fields learn to work with equipment they will later use in their professional duties.

Media students have access to a TV studio where they can create multi-camera productions. The studio produces the award-winning show "Conestoga Connected," which airs on Rogers TV and received recognition from the Broadcast Educators Association of Canada (BEAC). Students in the Broadcasting-Radio program gain hands-on experience in a radio studio. Here, they can take on roles such as announcer, news anchor, music director, producer, and more. This studio also serves as a classroom where students learn through practical experience.

Students in aviation programs train at the Waterloo-Wellington Flight Centre, where they can learn on high-tech simulators that fully mimic cockpit conditions and practice on real aircraft, step by step mastering the art of piloting.

The Waterloo campus houses large workshops for students in hospitality and culinary arts programs, where they learn food preparation using the latest technologies. The workshops are fully equipped and accommodate a significant number of students.

The Cambridge campus is known for its robotics, engineering, and construction labs, where students create their projects using the latest technologies. This campus also features an innovative skilled trades training center, an extensive space with shops and labs specifically designed for training in trades.

Guelph campus students in the Personal Support Worker program, which is part of an interdisciplinary health program, receive training in theoretical classes before heading to Riverside Glen, a retirement home to gain practical experience and understand the specifics of their future work.

These are just a few examples of the learning spaces available at Conestoga College. Each campus has its own unique practices that impress with their approach to student education.

A Day in the Life of a Conestoga Student

Conestoga College has a vibrant student life with various activities: studying, relaxing, socializing with friends, team projects, sports events, and live concerts. Each area within the campus is designed to allow students to spend their day productively and in a balanced way.

Of course, students dedicate a significant amount of time to studying. However, student life isn’t just about academics. In their free time, students can pursue their hobbies right on campus. If you love sports, you have access to a gym with exercise equipment, a volleyball court, a tennis court, and a running track. If you want to make friends with similar interests, you can spend time in one of the many college clubs, whether it's a knitting club, board game club, travel club, or an ethnic community club.

There are also many spaces in the college where students can relax and unwind. You can find cozy corners to spend time alone or read a book, as well as spaces for large, lively gatherings. Campuses have rooms where you can play video games, billiards, or table football with friends.

For studying outside of class and doing homework, the college offers ample opportunities. The large library has quiet sections for thoughtful and calm study, as well as separate rooms for group projects and brainstorming sessions.

Tuition Fees at Conestoga College

The cost of studying at Conestoga College depends on the level of education and the specific program. The college provides approximate costs based on the type of diploma:

It's important to note that the listed price refers only to the tuition fees and does not include mandatory additional fees. These fees may cover medical insurance, student activities, graduation fees, sports services, e-texts, and more.

To reserve a spot in the chosen program, applicants need to pay a non-refundable deposit of $2,500 CAD.

How Can International Students Apply to Conestoga College?

Admission requirements vary significantly from program to program, but all international students must demonstrate their English language proficiency.

The college accepts results from recognized international exams like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo. The required scores depend on the level of education chosen.

As an alternative to a language test, the college also accepts a certificate of completion from a University Pathway program.

Assistance with Admission to Canadian Universities

If you want to apply to Conestoga College or are considering another educational institution in Canada, you may have many questions about programs, requirements, and the admission process. Our company, Immigrant.Today, collaborates with many Canadian universities, and our education specialists are glad to consult with you. We provide support for applicants, help with free enrollment in Canadian universities, and assist with obtaining a student visa. Book a consultation to get quality education in Canada and secure a successful future.