The College Pathway

Home/Students/Secondary School/Guide to Post-Secondary/The College Pathway/

What does this post-secondary pathway offer?

Flexible, innovative and supportive learning environment
Industry responsive programs and experiential, hands-on learning
The opportunity to earn a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma and/or degree

The college pathway may be a great fit for students who:

Are interested in career-specific training that combines both theory and hands-on practical learning; and
Have a specific career in mind that requires a college education.

Visit Ontario Colleges for additional reasons to consider college.

Download Ontario College and University
Research Worksheet

Post-Secondary Destination: College

Ontario colleges offer a large variety of programs designed to meet the needs of the evolving workplace. This video provides an overview of the different credentials Ontario colleges offer, the application process and requirements, financial planning, and pathway planning resources to support pursuit of the college pathway.

Program Requirements

Most college diploma programs will require completion of ENG 4C or ENG 4U as well as any specific courses required for various programs of interest such as math or sciences.
College degree programs will require ENG 4U as well as five other Grade 12 U or M credits with specific courses required for various programs of interest.
Admission requirements can vary widely depending on specific school and program.
Some highly competitive programs have differing admission requirements.
Note that programs may also have additional non-course requirements that could include auditions, interviews, tests, portfolios and supplementary Applications.

Program Duration

Durations vary depending on the program type. The usual duration is:
- Certificate programs: One academic year (two semesters)
- Diploma programs: Two academic years (four semesters)
- Advanced Diplomas: Three academic years (six semesters)
- Degree programs: Four academic years (eight semesters)

Research and Application Process

See the College Map to find a campus near you.
Browse the Find a Program tool to see all college programs offered in Ontario.
Visit college websites for more details about their programs and admission requirements.
Attend a college recruitment event to meet college representatives.
Create an account with ontariocolleges.ca and begin your college application (be sure to use a personal email address, NOT your HDSB account).
Learn the difference between a diploma, degree, and more: Credential Explanations.

Start Your Application- Ontario Colleges

Application Fees and Timeline

Explore the fee structure for applications to all programs.
Application timelines can change year to year so be sure to work with your school guidance office to ensure timeline accuracy.
Learn more about Ontario’s financial supports for apprentices.

Supports for Students

Identity affirming support through the application process:

Student support is key to all Ontario college programs. Explore each school’s approach and structure for individualized student support.

Next Steps Beyond this Pathway

Interested in exploring the skilled trades programs and careers in the skilled trades after college? Use this tool to explore more.
There are many different types of programs offered at Ontario colleges. Use this tool to get a better understanding of various programs.
Explore how your the credentials you have earned can help you connect to other career and education pathways, beyond college.