Just across the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill, Heritage College is the English-language CEGEP for western Quebec. It opened in 1988 in Gatineau's Hull sector. Students either take two-year pre-university programmes that lead to university, or three-year technical programmes that go straight to work. Classes are small and many students commute from Ottawa.
Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
Official website: cegep-heritage.qc.ca
Public English-language CEGEP
1988
Hull sector of Gatineau
CA$14,000 – CA$19,000
International students, DEC programmes
CA$12,000 – CA$15,000
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 cegep-heritage.qc.ca before you apply.
DEC Nursing
DiplomaDuration
36 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
DEC Computer Science Technology
DiplomaDuration
36 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
DEC Business Management
DiplomaDuration
36 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
DEC Early Childhood Education
DiplomaDuration
36 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
DEC Science (Pre-University)
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
An English-language college in Quebec.
Next door to Ottawa and the federal government.
Small classes and close teacher support.
Technical graduates work in health care, IT and business in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
Pre-university graduates move on to universities in Quebec and Ontario.
Eligible DEC graduates can apply for a post-graduation work permit.
Undergrad
Main intake
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Limited programmes
Postgrad
No PG intake
The campus is in the Hull sector, a short bus ride across the river to downtown Ottawa. Gatineau Park's trails are close by.
Rent in Gatineau is lower than in Ottawa, and both cities share a bus network. Winters are cold and snowy, so bring a proper coat.
Letter of acceptance from Heritage College
Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
For August entry, Quebec colleges usually expect applications by March 1. International students should apply early because the CAQ and study permit can take months.
Most programmes start in August. A few take students in January.
You need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and then a Canadian study permit, supported by the letter of acceptance from Heritage College. Apply online to IRCC with proof of funds and biometrics.
Nursing, computer science technology, business management and early childhood education are popular. Entry is based on secondary school results and English proficiency. Some programmes need maths or science prerequisites.
International scholarships are limited. Some students qualify for Quebec government exemptions from international fees. Ask the international office.
