Confederation College is a public college in Thunder Bay on the north shore of Lake Superior, with smaller campuses across north-western Ontario. It's known for aviation (including a flight programme), natural resources, health and business. For international students, it offers Ontario college credentials at lower living costs than the south.
Thunder Bay, Canada
Official website: confederationcollege.ca
Public college of applied arts and technology in Ontario
Aviation centre at Thunder Bay International Airport
Thunder Bay, on Lake Superior
CA$16,000 – CA$20,000
International students, diplomas and graduate certificates
CA$11,000 – CA$14,000
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 confederationcollege.ca before you apply.
Business Management (Graduate Certificate)
Postgraduate CertificateDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88
Aviation Flight Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Practical Nursing Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88
Forestry Technician Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Aviation training at the Thunder Bay airport.
Natural resources programmes in the boreal forest.
Lake Superior on the doorstep.
Graduates work in health, aviation, mining and forestry across northern Ontario.
Eligible graduates can apply for a post-graduation work permit; check field-of-study rules.
Rural and northern immigration pilots can lead to permanent residence.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Limited programmes
Postgrad
Rolling
The main campus has residence, labs and a gym on the city's south side.
Thunder Bay is a city of about 110,000 with low rent, very cold winters and great hiking and skiing nearby.
Letter of acceptance from Confederation 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
Confederation reviews applications on a rolling basis. Apply six to eight months ahead, especially for aviation.
Most programmes start in September; some graduate certificates also start in January.
You'll need a study permit. Confederation 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.
Business management, aviation flight, practical nursing and forestry are popular. Graduate certificates need a degree or diploma and IELTS 6.5.
There are some international entrance awards. Check the college's awards page.
