Education at Mohawk College - Preparing 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 faculty work, 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 practical activities, including co-op courses, lab work, and simulator training.

Why do students choose Mohawk College?

• The college's educational 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 spaces reflect the college's core values of high achievement and innovation;
• The college recognizes and respects the Indigenous territories where 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 institution better and receive assistance even before enrollment.

• Connect with real 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 in special chats. 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 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 fields and 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" also helps with career assessments and provides 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 apprenticeship — 2-5 years. Apprenticeship is a process of learning a skilled trade 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 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 usually cover various fields of knowledge, helping students choose their path for further higher education — serving as a starting point for subsequent admission to college or university.

Aiming to consider 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 submit one application for two educational programs, each lasting 1 year. This option is excellent for maximally developing skills in complementary courses, which will provide a stronger foundation for future career prospects. Moreover, applying for the 1 plus 1 combination requires only one student visa application, as the study will be continuous.

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

Enrollment in the college usually takes place 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 job duties immediately after graduation without needing additional on-the-job training. The college also recognizes that practical skills are important to every employer when hiring graduates. That's why, regardless of the chosen program or level of study, every student will apply their knowledge in practice.

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

The college pays special attention to helping international students find employment, as the staff understands they need extra support. Mohawk's Career Services helps students and graduates find permanent, 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 gain opportunities to achieve their career goals.

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

• International students demonstrate a strong work ethic
• They have additional knowledge and skills gained from their cultural background
• They can fill skill gaps not met by Canadian graduates
• 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 partners with leading employers in Hamilton. This collaboration led to the Future Ready Premium Employer Program, aimed at engaging industry and community in preparing work-ready college graduates.

Student Life

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

The college has many clubs and organizations that help students develop their personal potential. Here are just a few examples:

• Co-Curricular Record. Beyond academics, at Mohawk you can participate in various activities, 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 leadership skills and knowledge to become successful leaders both in college and beyond.
• First Year Experience Program. This program helps you meet other students in your year. It keeps you updated on current events, 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. Student-athletes strive to excel both in academics and sports.

Mohawk Campuses

The college's main 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 a calm atmosphere with green parks and scenic neighborhoods. The city's population is 569,353, a quarter of which are people from different countries around the world.

Hamilton is known for its cultural diversity: it has over 60 galleries and hundreds of diverse restaurants offering cuisines from around the world.

You can also enjoy the magnificent nature, as Hamilton is surrounded by beautiful natural attractions such as Niagara Falls, numerous parks and hiking trails. The city has over 100 waterfalls — no wonder it's unofficially called the "Waterfall Capital of the World".

From Hamilton, you can easily and quickly get to other major Ontario cities like London, Windsor, and even Canada's largest metropolis — Toronto. At the same time, 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 get an excellent education but also enjoy life in one of Canada's most interesting and welcoming cities.

Tuition Costs at Mohawk and Financial Support

Mohawk College offers education at very affordable prices. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the average tuition cost for international students is $14,818 CAD per year for most programs. Some specialized programs cost more: aviation programs are $19,278 CAD per year, and deregulated programs are $15,878 CAD.

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

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

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

• The college offers over 900 scholarships and awards. Students can apply for these financial aid opportunities 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 eligible to work up to 24 hours per week on or off campus, and Mohawk readily shares available job opportunities within the college.

Admission Requirements

International students applying to Mohawk College must prove that their academic level is equivalent to an Ontario high school diploma. Required documents vary by country. For example, a high school diploma may be considered equivalent. In some cases, additional courses at Mohawk may be required before starting a higher education program.

Proof of English language proficiency is mandatory for international students. Applicants for certificate, diploma, and bachelor's programs should have an IELTS score of 6.0 (with no band below 5.5), while advanced diploma or post-graduate certificate candidates need an IELTS score of 6.5 (with no band below 6.0). Besides IELTS, the college also accepts TOEFL, CAEL, and PTE test results.

There's also an alternative admission option without taking a language exam. You can complete special English language preparation courses for international university admission, such as the University Pathway program from the Canadian English language school ILAC. A certificate 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 advisor about other admission options. 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.