Guelph is a university town on the Speed River, and Conestoga College's campus here is best known for skilled trades and apprenticeship training. International students mostly come for one-year business graduate certificates in areas such as business analytics and financial technology. The campus is smaller than Conestoga's main Doon site in Kitchener. Class groups are more manageable, and the city is quieter.
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Official website: conestogac.on.ca
Conestoga College
Public college campus in Ontario
Skilled trades and business certificates
CA$15,000 – CA$20,000
International students, certificates and diplomas
CA$14,000 – CA$18,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on conestogac.on.ca before you apply.
Business Analytics (Graduate Certificate)
Postgraduate CertificateDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, May
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88
Financial Technology (Graduate Certificate)
Postgraduate CertificateDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88
Welding and Fabrication Technician Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Business Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Skilled trades training and apprenticeships.
One-year business analytics and fintech certificates.
A quieter city with a big university next door.
Analytics and fintech graduates start as junior analysts in finance and insurance.
Trades graduates find work in manufacturing and construction around Guelph.
Check field-of-study rules for post-graduation work permit eligibility.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Limited programmes
Postgrad
Limited programmes
Guelph has a compact old downtown built from local limestone, with the Church of Our Lady above it. The Speed and Eramosa rivers have trails along both banks.
The city is known for agriculture and food research, and manufacturers such as Linamar are big employers. GO trains run to Toronto in about 90 minutes.
Letter of acceptance from Conestoga College
Ontario provincial attestation letter
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
Conestoga takes applications on a rolling basis while places last. Apply six to eight months before your start for the study permit, and earlier for September.
Guelph programmes start in September, January or May, depending on the programme. Conestoga has paused some intakes since 2024, so check the current list.
A Canadian study permit. Start with the letter of acceptance from Conestoga College and, where required, the provincial attestation letter, then apply to IRCC online. Allow a few months, as processing times vary by country.
Business analytics and financial technology certificates are the usual choices for international students. They need a diploma or degree and IELTS 6.5. Trades diplomas need secondary school with maths and IELTS 6.0.
Conestoga has a few modest entrance awards for international students. Most students pay full tuition, so budget for it.
