Conestoga College is a public college based in Kitchener-Waterloo, the tech corridor an hour west of Toronto, with its main Doon campus in Kitchener. It became one of Canada's largest destinations for international students, mostly through one-year graduate certificates. It also runs well-regarded engineering technology, trades and health programmes, and a few bachelor's degrees.
Kitchener, Canada
Official website: conestogac.on.ca
Public college of applied arts and technology in Ontario
Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario
Bachelor's degrees as well as diplomas and certificates
CA$17,000 – CA$22,000
International students, certificates, diplomas and degrees
CA$15,000 – CA$19,000
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.
Project Management (Graduate Certificate)
Postgraduate CertificateDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, May
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88
Computer Applications Development (Graduate Certificate)
Postgraduate CertificateDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, May
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88
Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma
DiplomaDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Systems)
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88
Waterloo Region's tech and manufacturing firms as neighbours.
Engineering technology labs at the Cambridge campus.
Graduate certificates with three intakes.
Graduates join manufacturers, tech firms and health employers in Waterloo Region.
Graduates of eligible programmes can work on a post-graduation work permit; check field-of-study rules.
Co-op options in many programmes.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Limited programmes
Postgrad
Rolling
The Doon campus sits on the south edge of Kitchener, with residence and buses into town.
Kitchener-Waterloo is a mid-sized region with two universities and a big tech scene. Rent rose sharply with student numbers, so arrange housing early.
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 accepts applications on a rolling basis, but popular programmes close early. Apply eight to ten months ahead.
Graduate certificates start in September, January and May; diplomas mostly in September and January.
You'll need a study permit. Conestoga College sends a letter of acceptance, and most students also need a provincial attestation letter. The permit application goes online to IRCC with proof of funds and biometrics.
Project management, computer applications development, mechanical engineering technology and the engineering degree are popular. Graduate certificates need a degree or diploma and IELTS 6.5.
Conestoga offers a small number of international entrance awards. Check the college's awards page.
