Conestoga College

Conestoga College has a multi-campus system across Southwestern Ontario. Each campus offers programs aligned with local industry needs and sector-specific training. Such perfect distribution allows students to access career-focused education in facilities equipped for practical application and applied research. Keep reading and find out about each campus in detail. 

Doon Campus (Kitchener)

Doon is Conestoga’s main and largest campus, serving as the administrative and academic hub. It offers a wide range of diploma, degree, and graduate certificate programs across fields like health sciences, engineering, IT, and business. This campus features:

• The Centre for Smart Manufacturing
• Simulation labs for nursing, paramedicine, and respiratory therapy
• The main library, residence, fitness center, and food services
• It’s also home to the Welcome Centre for international students, providing essential settlement support.

Cambridge – Fountain Street Campus

Focused on engineering, architecture, and skilled trades, this campus houses Conestoga’s School of Engineering & Technology and the Institute of Food Processing Technology (IFPT). Facilities include:

• Advanced labs and workshops for robotics, 3D printing, and mechatronics
• Ontario’s only hands-on food processing pilot plant
• Co-op and applied research opportunities in clean tech, automation, and infrastructure

Waterloo Campus

This campus specializes in health, community services, and life sciences. It’s home to Conestoga’s Living Classroom model in partnership with long-term care facilities, allowing students to train directly within senior care settings. Key highlights:

• Practical nursing and personal support worker (PSW) programs
• Collaborative health simulation environments
• Proximity to major healthcare employers in the region

You can find the rest of the campus details in the table below:

Conestoga’s campuses highlight its focus on hands-on learning and student success. But to truly understand its impact, it’s important to look at how the college ranks in Canada and beyond. Here's a look at Conestoga College’s rankings across key categories.

Conestoga is a publicly funded polytechnic college, and it has a very different mission: to provide career-oriented education to meet real industry needs. Conestoga thus prides itself on regrious training, excellent relationships with employers, and work-integrated learning, including co-op and apprenticeship programs. These credentials do not usually line up with the measures considered by worldwide university ranking measures, which are more aligned with measures of research and programs of academic reputational quality at the postgraduate level.

That said, the college has been recognized through earlier independent measures. For example, in Research Infosource's 2024 rankings, they stated that Conestoga College is #19 out of Canada's Top 50 Research Colleges based on criteria such as research income, student involvement in research, and number of paid student researchers. In addition, Conestoga's own press release stated:

• Secured the #1 position in Ontario for both research partnerships and the number of completed projects
• Engaged 7,197 students in applied research in 2024
• Recorded over $11.4 million in research income

So while Conestoga may not appear in global league tables, it delivers measurable value where it counts most—for students aiming to launch meaningful, workforce-ready careers in Canada and beyond. Know more about the ranking of Conestoga College, click here.

Conestoga College welcomes students from around the world. While admission requirements vary by program, international students generally need to meet both academic and English language proficiency standards. 

For most programs, students must have completed secondary or post-secondary education with relevant coursework, depending on the credential they are applying for. Below are the details of the documents required for Conestoga College admissions:

Ready to apply to Conestoga College? Explore the admission requirements to ensure you’re fully prepared. From academic criteria to English language scores, everything you need to get started is outlined clearly—take the next step toward your future today.

Conestoga College follows a rolling admissions process, accepting applications until program capacity is reached. The Equal Consideration Date is February 1, after which some programs may be unavailable.

Now, let’s explore some popular programs offered by Conestoga College.

Conestoga College stands out for its applied learning approach, industry-aligned curriculum, and focus on preparing students for real-world challenges. 

The institution offers a diverse selection of undergraduate and postgraduate programs that attract students from across the globe. Below are some of the finest courses, along with their respective details:

Top Undergraduate Programs for International Students (2025–2026)

Top Postgraduate Certificate Programs for International Students (2025–2026)

These are some of the many amazing courses Conestoga College offers to its national and international students. Know about all the details of each Conestoga College course here. 

Intakes in Conestoga College

Conestoga College runs three annual intakes within its September–August academic calendar:

What are the best courses offered by Conestoga College for international students?

Conestoga College offers a wide range of programs tailored for international students, focusing on practical skills and employability. Many programs include co-op or internship options, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in Canada. Popular courses span engineering, IT, business, and creative fields, providing multiple pathways for career growth. The table below highlights some of the best courses for international students.

Popular Courses for International Students: 

Conestoga College opens students to a variety of study pathways. The section below reflects course tuition estimates for international students, based on official data for the 2024–25 academic year. 

Cost of Living in Toronto 

Conestoga College provides a detailed guide for international students to help with budgeting for life in Canada. The figures below represent typical monthly costs and are based directly on official data. These estimates help students understand financial needs for housing, food, transport, and other expenses.

How does the cost of studying at Conestoga College compare to universities in Canada?

Conestoga College offers a more affordable education for international students compared to many Canadian universities. Tuition fees at Conestoga College typically range from CAD 15,800 to CAD 18,740 per year, depending on the program. In contrast, tuition fees at Canadian universities for international students can be significantly higher, often exceeding CAD 40,000 per year. This makes Conestoga College an attractive option for students seeking quality education at a lower cost.

Annual Tuition Fees: Conestoga College vs. Canadian Universities

Conestoga College provides a detailed guide for international students to help with budgeting for life in Canada. The figures below represent typical monthly costs and are based directly on official data. These estimates help students understand financial needs for housing, food, transport, and other expenses.

Conestoga College recognizes the financial commitment international students make when pursuing education abroad. To support academic achievement, leadership, and community engagement, the college offers a wide range of scholarships.  

All eligible international students are encouraged to apply for these scholarships through the General Awards Application available in the Student Portal at the beginning of each intake. Award decisions are primarily based on academic performance and program enrollment. 

Explore the key scholarships below, including their eligibility and how they support students across different levels and areas of study.

Skilled‑Trades & Program‑Specific Awards at Conestoga College

Conestoga College takes pride in its practical and career-ready focus, leading to highly effective employment outcomes. The 2023–24 July 2022 data reports 87% of graduates find employment within six months after completing their program.

Many programs provide co-operative education (co-op) options combined with internship or field placements. Students have access to a wide range of career service supports through a dedicated team often featuring resume building, mock interviews, job fairs, and employer matching using MyCareer.

Beyond the career services, Conestoga College collaborates with thousands of employers offering paid co-op and work placements - many subsidized through programs like the Co-operative Education Tax Credit and Career Launcher grants.

These initiatives allow students an opportunity to transition from college to career while achieving meaningful volumes of job placements in both Canadian and International labour markets. 

Conestoga College stands out among Canadian colleges, particularly in Ontario, for its emphasis on career-focused education, strong industry partnerships, and high graduate employment rates. While other colleges like Seneca Polytechnic and Georgian College also offer quality diploma programs, Conestoga's unique strengths make it a top choice for many students.

Comparison: Conestoga College vs Other Canadian Colleges

Life at Conestoga goes far beyond academics. Whether you're living on-campus or off, joining clubs, or accessing support services, the College fosters a vibrant and inclusive environment designed to support your growth.

Life in Canada offers a vibrant multicultural experience, excellent infrastructure, and a high standard of living. Still wondering if studying in Canada is right for you? Start a chat with upGrad today!

These distinguished alumni showcase the breadth of careers and industries Conestoga students excel in—from leadership roles in global corporations and media to public service and entrepreneurship.

Conestoga College sets program fees based on the type of program—diploma/certificate, graduate, or degree. A diploma costs CAD 14,588, while graduate certificate and degree programs are priced at CAD 15,844 and CAD 15,961, respectively.

Additionally, Conestoga offers a four-month English language studies program for CAD 5,500.

Here are the tuition fees for programs:

Note: Tuition fees vary by course. Please refer to your specific program for exact details.

Now, let’s examine the overall cost of studying at Conestoga College, including tuition and other expenses.