Algonquin College is launching three new programs that qualify students for post-graduation work permits
A college in Ottawa is expanding its enrollment of international students for the fall of 2027, and one of the programs will be offered for the first time.
Algonquin College, one of Ontario’s largest public colleges, has announced three new programs for international students, with classes beginning in the fall of 2027. All three programs qualify graduates for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which paves the way for Canadian work experience and eventual immigration.
Classes will be held at the college’s main campus in Ottawa. Applications for the fall semester of 2027 will open in October 2026. Applications submitted by February 1, 2027, will be considered on an equal basis; after that date, spots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until all spots are filled. All three programs are competitive: if there are more applicants than spots, the college selects the strongest candidates, so it’s best to prepare your application materials in advance.
Photonics Engineering Technology: 3-Year Advanced Diploma
Photonics is the science of generating and utilizing light, upon which fiber-optic communications, lasers, lidars, machine vision systems, and medical imaging are based. This three-year program combines optics, electronics, and programming. Students work with lasers, optical fibers, and smart sensors; study lidar, machine vision, and artificial intelligence; and assemble and test optical systems in the college’s laboratories. In the final year of the program, students undertake two major projects in collaboration with faculty and industry partners.
Graduates can work in telecommunications and optical networks, robotics and unmanned systems, medical technology, laser-processing manufacturing, environmental monitoring, and the defense and aerospace industries. Among the positions listed by the college are optical network technician, laser systems specialist, machine vision systems technician, and lidar and remote sensing specialist.
To apply, you need a high school transcript equivalent to an Ontario secondary school diploma, with Grade 12 English (ENG4C or equivalent) and Grade 12 math. If competition is high, the college will select applicants based on their grades in English and math.
English Language Requirements: IELTS Academic with an overall score of 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each skill, or Duolingo with an overall score of 110, no less than 110 in Literacy, and no less than 95 in the remaining categories, or an equivalent. For example, the new-format TOEFL iBT (for tests taken after January 21, 2026) with an overall score of 4 and no less than 4 on each section is acceptable. Textbooks and materials will cost approximately $1,200 CAD in the first year, $750 CAD in the second, and $400 CAD in the third.
Environmental, Health, and Safety Management: 1-Year Certificate
This is a post-secondary education program (Ontario College Graduate Certificate). It is designed for those who already hold a college diploma, an advanced diploma, or a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences, technology, engineering, or a related field. Over the course of two semesters, students study legislation and ethics in the fields of occupational safety and environmental protection, hazard identification and risk management, safety management systems, occupational hygiene, inspections and accident investigations, construction and industrial safety, and how to develop and deliver employee training. The program culminates in a capstone project addressing a real-world problem, which includes on-site practical training.
Graduates work as consultants and advisors on occupational safety and environmental protection, as well as inspectors, trainers, coordinators, and managers in the field of occupational safety. Such specialists are in demand in manufacturing, construction, and engineering firms; hospitals; government agencies; consulting firms; the energy sector; transportation and logistics; education; and IT companies. For people with engineering or technical degrees from other countries, this is a convenient way to quickly obtain a Canadian qualification in a high-demand field.
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English Language Requirements: IELTS Academic with an overall score of 6.5 and no less than 6.0 in each skill, or Duolingo with an overall score of 120, no less than 120 in reading and no less than 105 in the other sections, or an equivalent, such as the new-format TOEFL iBT with an overall score of 4.5 and no less than 4.5 on each section. A foreign diploma is accepted if the college recognizes it as meeting the requirements. Textbooks will cost approximately $900 CAD.
Bachelor of Applied Computing: A 3-Year Bachelor's Degree
This is a brand-new program: the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities has authorized Algonquin College to award this degree starting July 2, 2026, and the first intake will begin in September 2027. Over the course of three years, students will learn modern software development, including: programming, databases, networking, server— and client-side web application development, software architecture, cloud technologies, secure development, testing, artificial intelligence and machine learning, mobile development, and microservices. In their final year, students work in teams to complete a two-part capstone project and create a software solution for a real-world problem.
The program includes two paid practical semesters, each lasting four months. The first year consists of two academic semesters and a summer break; in the second year, the first internship follows two academic semesters; and the third year begins with the second internship, followed by the final two academic semesters. Students find their own internship placements with the support of the college’s career center, and employment is not guaranteed. Both internships are mandatory for graduation, and missing a scheduled internship may result in a break in studies, which can lead to problems with immigration status for international students.
Graduates can work as software developers, web developers, mobile app developers, cloud solution architects, business analysts, testers, technical consultants, game developers, and technical writers.
To apply, you must have grades in six 12th-grade courses at the university or combined level, with an average grade of at least 65%; these must include university-level English and mathematics, each with a grade of at least 65%. International applicants must provide proof of equivalent courses and grades in their high school transcript.
The English language requirements are the same as those for the occupational safety certificate: IELTS Academic 6.5 with no score below 6.0 in any section, or Duolingo 120 with no score below 120 in reading and no score below 105 in the other sections, or an equivalent, for example, the new-format TOEFL iBT with a score of 4.5 and no less than 4.5 on each section. Textbooks will cost approximately $1,000 CAD per year.
How much does it cost to study and live in Ottawa?
According to the college, the cost of one academic year (8 months) for an international student ranges from approximately $17,000 to $23,000 CAD, depending on the program. This amount already includes health insurance, a public transit pass, and access to the fitness center. You should also budget an additional $500 to $2,000 CAD per year for course materials.
Living in a college dormitory with mandatory meals will cost approximately $16,900 CAD for 8 months. Living with a Canadian host family, including three meals a day, costs about $1,200 CAD per month, and about $1,590 CAD for the first month, including the registration fee. A room in an apartment or house shared with other students will cost between $1,200 and $1,500 CAD per month. To obtain a study permit, you must also prove that you have sufficient funds to cover living expenses in the amount set by IRCC.
What Does the PGWP Offer, and How Does It Help With Immigration?
The duration of a post-graduation work permit depends on the length of the program. Graduates of three-year programs in photonics and applied computing can obtain a PGWP valid for up to 3 years, while graduates of a one-year occupational safety certificate program will receive a permit valid for a period approximately equal to the duration of their studies. Starting November 1, 2024, to obtain a PGWP, you must also demonstrate proficiency in English or French at the CLB 5 or CLB 7 level, depending on the type of program.
An additional rule applies to college certificates and diplomas: the program must be in a field associated with a long-term labor shortage in Canada. The college notes that its programs in photonics and occupational safety meet this requirement, while bachelor’s degree programs are exempt from it. The college emphasizes that eligibility for the PGWP is determined by current IRCC regulations, which are periodically revised; therefore, it is not advisable to delay applying.
Canadian work experience gained through the PGWP provides additional points in the Express Entry system and allows you to apply for permanent residence through the program for candidates with Canadian work experience or through Ontario’s provincial programs. In addition to these three new programs, Algonquin College offers dozens of other PGWP-eligible programs, including artificial intelligence software development, cybersecurity, practical nursing, and construction trades.
Are you interested in applying to Algonquin College or finding another program that offers work authorization after graduation? Schedule a consultation on studying in Canada: a licensed consultant will help you choose a program that fits your educational background and budget, prepare your application documents, and apply for a student visa.
For more information about the college, its campuses, and its academic programs, read our overview of Algonquin College.
