Education at Mohawk College - readiness for the future

Mohawk College is a public college in Hamilton, Ontario, founded in 1966.

Today, Mohawk has become one of the largest colleges in the province. It enrolls over 32,500 students annually across several campuses and partner locations. Mohawk warmly welcomes international students: over 5,000 students come from abroad, representing more than 90 different countries.

Thanks to the college's efforts and the work of its faculty, Mohawk College has ranked first among colleges in Greater Toronto and Hamilton for eight consecutive years. The college takes pride in creating a modern educational environment and developing curricula that offer numerous hands-on experiences, including co-op courses, lab work, and simulator training.

Why do students choose Mohawk College?

• The college's programs prepare students for the future.
• An inclusive environment helps everyone feel they belong.
• Dedicated faculty prepare students for successful careers.
• Mohawk is a leader in hands-on learning.
• Modern facilities reflect the college's core values of high achievement and innovation.
• The college recognizes and respects the Indigenous lands on which its campuses are located.
• Students are inspired to become tomorrow's leaders.
• The institution is committed to building a stronger community.

"Be Future Ready," Mohawk College tells its students.

Mohawk's Modern Technologies to Help International Students

Mohawk College is known for its openness and support for international students, as well as its use of technology in its administrative and academic environment. That's why the college has developed many services to help students get to know the school and receive assistance even before enrolling.

• Connect with current students. Mohawk College's partnership with Unibuddy allows students to make useful connections before enrolling. The Ask a Student feature on the college website allows applicants to chat with international students already studying at the college. These students willingly share their experiences of studying, working, and living in Canada. This gives applicants the opportunity to ask questions and get first-hand recommendations. International student ambassadors are carefully selected and are eager to help new students. Since July 2022, over 21,000 conversations about various programs have been held in different languages.

• Career guidance. For those applicants who are still unsure about their career path, the college staff has specially developed the Career Match test. A short questionnaire that can be completed in just 2-3 minutes will help identify important personal characteristics of the applicant, based on which the most suitable study programs will be suggested.

• Career growth. Another useful tool is Career Coach. With this feature, applicants can find information on salaries, employment, job openings, and required training for desired career development in an extensive database. Career Coach will also help you take a career assessment and get suggestions for career paths that match your interests.

Mohawk College Programs and Unique Offerings

Educational programs vary not only by field but also by duration and level, which will be reflected in one of the documents received upon completion:

• Certificate — 1 year. Certificate programs introduce students to a specific field and help them acquire basic knowledge and skills in the chosen area.
• Certificate with an apprenticeship program — 2-5 years. An apprenticeship is a process of learning a skilled profession directly on the job under the mentorship of an experienced professional.
• Diploma — 2 years. Diploma programs teach theory and practical skills, preparing students for a specific profession. Many diploma programs at Mohawk offer the opportunity for paid co-op work experience.
• Advanced Diploma — 3 years. Advanced diploma programs offer in-depth knowledge in the chosen field. Some of these at Mohawk include mandatory co-op work experience.
• Bachelor's Degree — 4 years. Bachelor's programs are available both directly at Mohawk and in collaboration with McMaster University. They combine practical training with theoretical knowledge and critical thinking, and they include internships.
• Graduate Certificate — 1 year. These programs develop professional skills or specializations, building on previously obtained higher education.

International students have access to over 100 study programs in 6 areas:

• Business
• Creative Industries
• Community Services
• Health
• Skilled Trades
• Technology

The college also organizes preparatory programs, such as the General Arts and Science certificate program. These programs typically cover various fields of knowledge, helping students choose their path for further higher education and serving as a starting point for subsequent enrollment in a college or university.

Considering the wishes and preferences of its students, Mohawk College has also launched a new learning option. The 1 plus 1 Graduate Certificate program allows students to apply once for two educational programs, each lasting one year. This option is ideal for maximally developing skills in complementary courses, which will provide a stronger foundation for future career prospects. Moreover, enrolling in the 1 plus 1 combination requires only one student visa application, as the education will be continuous.

The college also develops various retraining and professional development programs, workshops, and mini-courses for those who need to upgrade their professional level without taking time off work.

Intakes at the college are usually in September or January, depending on the program. Some intakes are also conducted in May.

Preparation for Work

Mohawk College aims to train professionals who can perform their duties immediately after graduation without additional on-the-job training. The college also recognizes that employers value practical skills in new graduates. That's why, regardless of the chosen program or level of study, every student will apply their knowledge through hands-on experience.

Mohawk is a leader in practical education. Students learn by completing hands-on tasks in real or realistically simulated conditions. Whether it's paid co-op placements, internships, lab experiments, projects, or simulations, students will learn to work while studying.

The college pays special attention to helping international students find employment, understanding that they need extra support. Mohawk's Student and Graduate Employment Services helps students find full-time, part-time, or seasonal work. Throughout the academic year, job fairs, workshops, and other events are held where students can learn job search techniques and strategies, as well as find opportunities to achieve their career goals.

As a result of the college's efforts and close collaboration with employers, those who hire Mohawk's international students and graduates benefit in many ways:

• International students demonstrate a strong work ethic.
• They possess additional knowledge and skills acquired from their cultural background.
• They can cover any skill gaps that Canadian graduates may not have.
• They adapt easily to new environments.
• They help attract a more diverse customer base.
• They contribute to cultural diversity within the organization and team.

Mohawk actively collaborates with leading employers in Hamilton, resulting in the Future Ready Premium Employer Program. This partnership aims to actively involve industry and the community in preparing work-ready college graduates.

Student Life

Mohawk College doesn't just provide knowledge; it creates an academic environment where students can make new friends, pursue their interests, and feel part of a larger community.

The college offers many clubs and organizations to help students develop their personal potential. Here are some examples:

• Co-Curricular Record. In addition to academic achievements, at Mohawk you can participate in various events, lead projects, manage teams, network, and volunteer. The Co-Curricular Record helps track this experience for use in job searches and financial aid applications.
• Student Leadership. Students can develop their leadership skills, gaining knowledge that will help them become successful leaders both in college and beyond.
• First Year Program. This program helps you meet other students in your year. It keeps you informed about current events, allows you to participate in weekly activities, and connect with experienced upper-year students.
• Campus to Community. This program partners with local organizations to create volunteer opportunities for Mohawk students. Participate in volunteer projects to meet other students and contribute to the local community.
• Sports and Athletics. Mohawk has nine varsity teams and regularly holds various sports events for students of all skill levels. The college's athletic program is based on three principles: competitive achievement, academic success, and active community involvement. Mohawk athletes strive to excel both in academics and sports.

Mohawk Campuses

The main college campus — Fennel Campus — is located in Hamilton. Three other campuses are also in Hamilton: the Aviation Technology Centre at Hamilton International Airport, the Institute for Applied Health Sciences at McMaster University, and Wentworth Heights — Schlegel.

Other campuses and partner locations are in Stoney Creek, Mississauga, Ohsweken (a special Skilled Trades Centre), Brantford, and Burlington.

Hamilton is a cozy and vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of dynamic urban life and quiet green spaces. The city's population is 569,353, with a quarter being immigrants from various countries.

Hamilton is known for its cultural diversity, with over 60 galleries and hundreds of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world.

You can also enjoy the beautiful nature, as Hamilton is surrounded by natural attractions like Niagara Falls, numerous parks, and hiking trails. The city boasts over 100 waterfalls, earning it the unofficial title of "Waterfall Capital of the World".

From Hamilton, you can easily and quickly reach other major Ontario cities like London, Windsor, and even Canada's largest metropolis, Toronto. The cost of living in Hamilton is significantly lower compared to many other cities in the province, which is an additional advantage for students.

By enrolling at Mohawk College, you'll not only receive an excellent education but also enjoy life in one of Canada's most interesting and welcoming cities.

Cost of Study at Mohawk and Financial Support

Mohawk College offers education at very affordable prices. The average cost of programs is $14,521 CAD per year. Of course, the price may vary depending on the specifics and complexity of the program. For example, the aviation program is more expensive at $19,271 CAD.

You should also consider the additional fees that students must pay for the academic year:

Additionally, applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of $100 CAD, which can be used to apply for two programs.

The college understands that students invest a significant amount in their future success, and Mohawk is ready to offer several financial aid options.

• The college offers over 900 scholarships and awards. Students can apply for these types of financial aid at the beginning of each semester.
• The Mo' Money, Financial Literacy Resource Centre, provides resources and events on budgeting, credit, and savings management.
• Co-op programs allow students to work and gain experience while studying. All students are also allowed to work up to 24 hours per week on or off campus, and Mohawk readily shares job openings available within the college.

Admission Requirements

International students who want to enroll in Mohawk College must prove that their academic level is equivalent to an Ontario high school diploma. The required documents depend on the country of origin. In some cases, students may need to complete additional courses at Mohawk before starting their higher education program.

A mandatory requirement for international students is proof of English language proficiency. Applicants for certificate, diploma, and bachelor's programs must have an IELTS score of 6.0 (with no band below 5.5), while candidates for advanced diplomas or post-graduate certificates must demonstrate a score of at least IELTS 6.5 (with no band below 6.0). In addition to IELTS, the college also accepts TOEFL, CAEL, and PTE test results.

There's also an alternative way to enroll without taking a language test. You can complete special English language preparation courses for admission to a foreign university, such as the University Pathway program from the Canadian English language school ILAC. A certificate of completion from such preparatory courses will serve as proof of sufficient language proficiency for studying at Mohawk College.

How to Apply to Mohawk College?

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If you're interested in studying in Canada, you can also consult with our immigration consultant about other enrollment options, and they can help you choose a suitable institution and educational program. Additionally, our specialists can assist you with obtaining a student visa, which is necessary to begin your studies in Canada.