Community colleges are institutions that provide postsecondary education. The degrees offered by a community college are different from those offered by other universities. Instead of bachelor’s and master’s degrees, community colleges usually offer diplomas, associate degrees, apprenticeship certificates, and more. They offer two years of courses, after which you can transfer to a university to complete your bachelor’s degree.
Community colleges in Canada require international students to have completed senior secondary schooling in their hometown.
Here are the top community colleges in Canada for international students:
Centennial College
For more than 50 years, Centennial College has provided innovative and high-quality education. With more than 13,000 international students, they learn skills in a supportive learning environment, ensuring career success.
The college has five campuses: Morningside Campus, Ashtonbee Campus, Downsview Campus, Progress Campus, and Story Arts Campus. In addition, the college also has learning sites located in Eglington and Pickering.
Being Ontario’s first community college, Centennial boasts a rich educational experience for international students. The college is committed to offering international students services, academic pathways, and placement opportunities to make their academic journey memorable.
Centennial offers programs in more than 100 fields of study, including Arts, Communication, Applied Computing, Music, Theatre, Film, and Design.
Humber College
Humber College is known for its polytechnic way of teaching that provides students with a work-integrated learning environment, helping them to become industry-ready. The college emphasizes putting theory into practice through experiential teaching methods, simulation labs, and work placements, bridging the classroom with the workplace.
With career-focused learning at Humber College, students can develop the skills they need for gainful employment. Humber College has over 6,000 international students from almost 138 countries, making it one of Canada’s most diverse colleges.
With over 200 full-time programs, Humber College is a leader in post-secondary education. Humber College is also committed to becoming the healthiest campus in Canada, ensuring the well-being of its students, the environment, and the community. An international student looking for a multicultural environment and skill-based learning can find Humber College to be a promising choice.
Red River College
With around 22,000 students annually, Red River College is one of the leading institutions in Western Canada for applied learning and research. With 24% of international students from over 60 countries, the college campuses are culturally diverse and provide students with the opportunity to build valuable intercultural skills.
Among the over 200 full-time and part-time courses offered by the college are certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, and degrees. Programs include Health Sciences, Business, Intensive English, Hospitality, Community Service, and Transportation Technology.
By combining classroom learning with apprenticeships, industry placements, and paid work terms, Red River College’s programs prepare students to meet changing industry demands successfully and become leaders.
As a result of the college’s industry-relevant programs, around 95% of students are employed following graduation, earning an average wage of CAD 24,960 – 90,000. Red River College encourages applications throughout the year.
Seneca College
Founded in 1967, Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology is a public college located in Toronto. Over 30,000 full-time students are enrolled at multiple Seneca College campuses. The Seneca College Strategic Plan monitors the college’s academic quality, student satisfaction, employee engagement, and financial sustainability.
The college campuses are located in the Greater Toronto area, students learn various programs at Markham, King, Peterborough, Yorkgate, and Seneca Downton campuses. Seneca is home to more than 7,000 international students from 150 countries. Courses include Creative Arts, Education, Hospitality & Tourism, Science, Liberal Arts, and more.
Students can participate in a wide range of sports and cultural activities at Seneca College campuses in addition to their academic studies. Facilities include accommodation, food services, a medical center, a bookstore, and more.
George Brown
George Brown College is one of the finest research colleges in Toronto. It offers 35 diploma programs, 31 advanced diploma programs, and 6 degree programs. The college has three campuses including St. James Campus, Waterfront Campus, and Casa Loma Campus.
Among the top Canadian colleges for its research activity, George Brown College’s rankings reflect its commitment to high-quality academics. Several companies and organizations have collaborated with the college to provide on-field experience and employment opportunities to students.
In addition, George Brown is surrounded by many industries, making it convenient for students to get practical experience. The college is home to more than 30,000 students, international students comprise 30% of total enrollments.
Students at George Brown College can enjoy student residences, The George, a conference center, cafes, and sports facilities. All three campuses are close to restaurants, shops, and stores.
Vanier College
Named after General Georges P. Vanier, Vanier College is a public English language CEGEP located in Montreal. Vanier was a Canadian soldier, diplomat, and former Governor General of Canada.
On September 8, 1970, Vanier College welcomed almost 1,400 students in its first cohort. With a multitude of student services, resource centers, and social and cultural activities, Vanier College enhances its academic life.
One of Vanier College’s hallmarks has always been its diverse student body, with students from every continent and every cultural background joining the College community.
Vanier College’s financial aid office handles international scholarships, grants, and scholarships offered to students who live outside the country where the university is located.
Bow Valley College
Bow Valley College is a higher education institution that offers students from around the world the chance to access hands-on education and highly employable skills. In addition to offering an excellent value education, the college boasts an 88 percent employment rate for its graduates.
Nearly 300 bursaries, scholarships, and awards are given to meritorious students, as well as bursaries to students facing economic hardship. College campuses include Calgary, Okotoks, Cochrane, High River, and Strathmore. Two branches of the college are located in Banff and Airdrie.
Over 500 women have already benefited from Bow Valley College’s “1000 Women Rising Fund,” which was established with more than $880,000 in donations. The program empowers women to finish their higher education, regardless of their ability to pay.
Nova Scotia Community College
A total of nearly 20,000 students attend Nova Scotia Community College each year, taking more than 100 courses and 100 programs. Programs are developed in collaboration with industry and lead to thousands of career opportunities in creative industries, technology, human services, trades, transportation, technology, health, and the environment.
With education and innovation, the college is committed to building Nova Scotia’s economy and quality of life. An annual survey of College graduates shows that 82% are employed a year after graduation, with 94% of them employed living and working in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia College’s goal is to grow the economy, build communities, and produce skilled workers by providing career-oriented education, maintaining close links with the industries, and inviting talented people to join their team.
