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Last updated on 14 Nov '25Conestoga CollegeWhat's new?
- As per a report by the Times of India, international student enrollment at Conestoga has decreased sharply from the past year, as a result of the stricter immigration policies brought forward by the Canadian government. Only 540 study permits were issued for admission at Conestoga in the first half of the year, as compared to 17,600 which were issued during 2023
- The application deadline for most Conestoga courses is Feb 1, 2026
About Conestoga College
Established in 1967, Conestoga College is a public college based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. It is the only polytechnic institute in the Kitchener region and is popular among students for its high acceptance rates and affordable tuition costs. The Conestoga Courses are accredited by different provincial government bodies in Canada, including the Council for Interior Design and the NCMA. The Conestoga College Campus is present across eight different locations, which include Brantford, Guelph, Cambridge, Milton, Stratford, Kitchener, Ingersoll, and Waterloo.
The college ranks among the best polytechnics in Ontario, ranking as the #1 college, as per an official media release by the institute. As a member of Polytechnics Canada, it maintains very strong ties within the industry and leverages these to provide placement and career opportunities to both its domestic and international students.
College Information
|
Fact |
Validation |
|---|---|
|
Location |
299 Doon Valley Dr, Kitchener, ON N2G 4M4, Canada |
|
Founded by |
Government of Ontario |
|
Acceptance Rate |
85% |
|
Popular Courses |
Biotechnology, Engineering, and Commerce |
|
Total Students in Applied Research |
7,197 |
|
Co-Op Programs |
85+ |
|
Active Alumni Members |
225,000+ |
|
Notable Alumni |
Elizabeth Wettlaufer, Mark Hebscher, Brenda Irving, Vidhya Venugopal, and Brenda Halloran |
|
Sporting Affiliation |
CCAA |
Conestoga College History
The college began in 1967 as the Conestoga College of Applied Arts and Technology, which granted diplomas and certificates in career upskilling. By 2007, it attained the right to offer full-time degree courses.
It got popular among international students around the COVID-19 period, for offering short-term courses at affordable costs. Today, it stands as one of the leading research institutes in Canada.
Check out the videos below to know more about Conestoga:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Conestoga College recognizes how significant it is to obtain a job for many students once they pass out or are about to finish their courses. Hence, as to enable them to obtain suitable employment as per their liking, the college organizes many job fests during the academic year. Counsellors available in college are very approachable and students can reach out to them and get help regarding building their resumes, practising for job interviews, personality assessments, etc. Students can also connect with their faculty, who might help them find a job in their field of expertise.
In the summer, temperatures range between 7-26 degrees. Winters, though, tend to be very cold with heavy snowfall. The temperature comes down to an average of -11 to 1 degrees Celsius.
Given below is a list of items for you to carry and buy as per the season:
| Time | To Carry | To Buy |
|---|---|---|
| June–August | T-shirt, Shorts, Cap, and Light hoodie | Light Jacket and Raincoat |
| April–May and Sept–Oct | Long-sleeve shirts, Jeans, and a Sweater | Raincoat |
| November-March | Light thermals | Heavy Jackets, Boots, Gloves, and Thermals |
Conestoga College has been consistently ranked among the best Ontario’s Colleges for graduate employment as well as student, graduate and employer satisfaction. Over 230 Certificate, Diploma, Degree and Post-Graduate programs, with many co-op options are available for international students. According to a student review over an unofficial source, Conestoga College is an excellent choice for international students seeking quality education in Canada. The teachers at the college are knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects and make sure that students understand their subjects.
- A thing that sets Conestoga College apart from other institutes is the level of support provided to international students
- The most significant benefit of studying at Conestoga College is the emphasis on preparing students for the work-force
- The college provides a range of programs that provide practical, hands-on experience in real-world settings
Also Check: Conestoga College Reviews
Conestoga College Ranking 2026
Conestoga has a reputation for being a reliable option for pursuing short-term upskilling courses. While it is unranked by some of the popular university ranking publications, certain unofficial sources consider it the best college in Ontario. Per an official media release, it ranks #1 among all polytechnic colleges in the region, and #1 among all trade schools in Canada..
The college also received the following rankings for some popular categories by an unofficial source:
| Category | Rank in Canada |
|---|---|
| Cybersecurity | #2 |
| Co-op programs | #3 |
| Massage Therapy programs | #1 |
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
To be eligible for a PWGP in Canada, students must satisfy the requirements listed below:
- Must not be a past recipient of a PWGP, as it can only be attained once
- Submit an application for a PWGP within 180 days after receiving confirmation of completion of studies
- Must possess a valid study permit during this period
- Must have graduated in a eligible course with a minimum duration of 8 months
- Must have been a full time student during each semester of the studies
- Must possess a completion letter & transcripts from Conestoga
- Must have a legal status, if you're filing respective application from within Canada
Conestoga College Programs
The college maintains a diverse course catalog which includes around 15 Undergraduate degrees, 23 advanced diplomas, 56 graduate certificates, & 35 certification courses for students to choose from.
Courses at Conestoga College can be pursued across several prominent streams, including Business Management, Project Management, Supply Chain, Web Development, AI & Machine Learning, Healthcare, Nursing, and Finance, among others.
The courses have been designed in a way to provide students with a more hands-on learning experience on modern technology.
Conestoga College Popular Courses
While the college offers more than 300 full-time options, specializations such as Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, IT, Data Analytics, Pharmacy, and Business Administration are more popular among Indian students.
Conestoga College Online Courses
The college offers more than 900 programs in the online format, of which 250 can be pursued full-time, 65 for career upskilling, and 60 programs part-time.
3.7(10)12 months - 2 years
TABISH + 30 others got admitted through us.
3.9(2)16 months - 3 years
We can fast-track your application in a week.
31 students got admitted to this university
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Conestoga College is one of the best universities in Canada and students across the globe desire to study here. It offers exceptional academic programs for their students. Also, the faculty of the university is very qualified and have an expertise in their fields. When it comes to the applied manufacturing management course, the Conestoga College is one of the top picks of international students. Additionally, the small class sizes help students interact one-on-one with their professors, who have hands on experience in the area of teaching.
According to multiple unofficial sources, the Conestoga College acceptance rate is around 85%. It can be said that the institute is somewhat selective in admitting students.
However, students with a solid academic background have very good chances of admission, provided they follow the university's admission process as specified and submit respective university applications on time.
Yes, Shiksha counselling assists students in Canada visa interview/process, that too 100% free of cost. Students must note that Shiksha free counselling has the highest visa success rate. Shiksha free counselling with help candidates apply for Conestoga College admissions, edit SOP/LOR/Resume according to the college's needs, help in find housing near the university, and availing financial aid and education loan, and more.
Conestoga College Admission 2026
To get admission to Conestoga College, Indian students should apply through Official Application Portal. Conestoga College admission requirements, which comprise previous scores, required GPA, standardised test scores, essays, resumes, SOPs and LORs must be submitted to complete the application process by all Indian applicants. Also, Indian students also have to submit scores of entrance or English language proficiency exams, such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and Duolingo, must also be submitted by students.
- Application fees :CAD 89 - 100
- Type of deadline :Regular
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
According to the ratio of admissions to applications, the Conestoga College acceptance rate stands at 85%. Since, the stats are on the higher end, we can conclude that Conestoga is a not a very competitive university to get in, as it admits more than half of the applicants. Once an applicant fulfills the Conestoga College entry requirements, ie; competitive grades, academic qualifications, English language requirements, as well as relevant documents, they are most likely to secure an admission in the college. However, students must not take this lightly and apply to Conestoga College within the deadlines in order to get enrolled as a student.
Note: The data has been derived from unofficial sources and is subjected to changes.
International students can apply for Entrance or Regional Scholarships at the institute.
Entrance Scholarships: Funds around CAD 1,500 are awarded in each intake to students with solid academics. The applicants are ranked on the basis of past academic performance (the highest academic average) and awards shall be distributed across all countries of origin
Regional Scholarships: Diploma students / degree students / graduate programme scholarships are offered to students starting their studies at Conestoga College. The reward amount is worth CAD 1,500 - CAD 3,000
Eligibility for the above-mentioned Scholarships
Regional and Entrance Scholarships are open to new students only
The applicants are ranked based on the previous the highest academic performance
The applicants must be full-time students in order to receive any of these scholarships
Also Read: Top Canada Scholarships for Indian Students
Follow the steps below to apply to Conestoga:
- Register on Ocas.ca
- Choose a course as per your interest
- Check its entry requirements and make sure you satisfy them
- Pay the standard Conestoga College application fee worth CAD 100 (INR 6.3 K) via Flywire
- Apply for review
- Upload all additional documents, such as academic transcripts and a study permit.
- Track the status of your application
- Take a print of the Letters of Acceptance
- Confirm the acceptance of the offer
- Update your personal information
Conestoga CollegeConestoga College Scholarships
The college offers a number of scholarships and financial aid options to students based on merit. Conestoga College Scholarships consist of three entrance-level and three regional scholarships, with a financial reward worth CAD 1,500 (INR 91 K).
Some popular financial aids at Conestoga are given below:
| Scholarship Type | Scholarship | Financial Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Merit Based | Entrance Excellence Scholarship | CAD 1,500 (INR 91 K) |
| Merit Based | General Arts & Science Scholarship | CAD 1,500 (INR 91 K) |
| Merit Based | 2nd Program Scholarship | CAD 1,500 (INR 91 K) |
| Merit Based | Degree Entrance Scholarship | CAD 3,000 (INR 1.8 L) |
| Merit Based | Diploma Entrance Scholarship | CAD 1,500 (INR 91 K) |
| Merit Based | Graduate Program Entrance Scholarship | CAD 1,500 (INR 91 K) |
How to get a Scholarship at Conestoga College
- Only new students are eligible for entrance and regional scholarships
- Aid is provided mostly based on merit, with good scores in past or current academics needed
- The Degree Entrance Scholarship carries the best financial reward, among the aids offered by the college
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
The Entrance Excellence Scholarship is a financial aid for new international students that offers CAD 1,500 (INR 93.8 K) in reward for displaying excellence in academics. The college aims to reduce the financial burden of academically sound students. To be eligible, one must have attained a high GPA or CGPA in school level academics.
The Degree Entrance Scholarship comes with a financial aid worth CAD 3,000 (INR 1.87 L), which is almost twice the reward given to students as part of the other scholarships.
To be eligible for the same, one must meet the conditions listed below:
- Must be starting studies at Conestoga in the Winter, Fall, or Spring term
- Must attain the the highest GPA among applicants of their respective countries of origin
The General Arts and Science Scholarship at Conestoga is offered to students entering a degree, diploma, or graduate certificate course at the college.
As part of the program, eligible applicants are awarded a financial aid worth CAD 1,500 (INR 91 K).
To be eligible, one must attain the highest academic average in Level 4 of the General Arts & Science: English Language Studies course at Conestoga.
Conestoga College Popular Courses
1 yearConestoga CollegeStudents Ratings & Reviews
14 Verified Reviews
- 57% students never faced discrimination in this university
Conestoga College Placements
Graduates of the college are in very high demand across industries such as Operations, Engineering, Business Development, Sales, and IT. The college's strong connections help students land jobs at some of the best companies in Canada and globally.
Conestoga College Placement Rate
The Conestoga placement rate is 87%, according to the official university website. Most college graduates are known to be working in important roles such as Project Management, Time Management, Sales & Problem Solving, among others.
ROI after Education at Conestoga College
Conestoga offers good value for money, as the average salary for graduates stands at CAD 53,000 (INR 33.27 L) per year.
Given below is how the average salary after graduation compares to the initial investment in tuition fees:
| Course | Annual Fee | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, IT, and Data Analytics | INR 5.85 L-INR 6.4 L | INR 33.27 L |
Commonly asked questions On Placements
A leader in Polytechnic education, Conestoga College delivers a full range of career-focused education, training, and applied research programs to prepare students for success. Conestoga is consistently ranked among the very best of Ontario’s colleges for graduate employment, as well as employer satisfaction. It offers more than 230 Certificate, Diploma, Degree and Postgraduate programs, many with co-op options for international students. When it comes to part-time job options, then Conestoga College students can do part-time work with studies and may work 20 hours per week or full-time during regular breaks.
Yes, the biggest retail manufacturer in the world by revenue, Walmart, is known to recurit graduates from Conestoga College.
However, it is not the only top organisation that hires from the Ontario based institute, with the likes of Linamar, TD & Manulife all hiring from the institute.
Around 4.33% of all Conestoga graduates are currently employed as part of the IT sector, per the official LinkedIn page of the college. Most of the graduates are employed as part of the Operations industry, while Engineering and Business Development employ 5% of graduates each.
Given below is an industry-wise breakdown of Conestoga graduates:
Industry | Percentage of Graduates Employed |
|---|---|
Operations | 14.6% |
Engineering | 5.2% |
Business Development | 5% |
Sales | 4.97% |
Information Technology | 4.33% |
Conestoga College Fees
The tuition fees at Conestoga College vary for different courses and specializations; however, the average cost of studies per year ranges between CAD 9,230-10,045 (INR 5.86 L-INR 6.38 L). This includes some other administrative costs. Check out the table below to know more about Conestoga College Fees for Indian Students.
Cost of Living
The Cost of Living at Conestoga depends on the standard of living one opts for. Given below is a breakdown of the estimated living costs at the college:
| Component | Monthly Cost (in CAD) | Monthly Cost (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | CAD 770 | INR 48.9 K |
| Utilities | Varies | - |
| Groceries | CAD 300 | INR 19 K |
| Phone or Internet | CAD 50-100 | INR 3.1 K-INR 6.3 K |
| Transport | Varies | - |
| Personal | CAD 200 | INR 12.7 K |
| Academic Materials | CAD 500 | INR 31.7 K |
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
PG Certificate(55 courses) | INR 5 L - 16 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 12 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 88 - 93, PTE: 58 - 63, Duolingo: 115 & Above |
UG Diploma(74 courses) | INR 7 L - 13 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 16 months-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 - 6.5, PTE: 51 - 58, Duolingo: 105 & Above, TOEFL: 80 - 88 |
B.Sc.(2 courses) | INR 11 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo, TOEFL: 88 & Above |
B.E. / B.Tech(6 courses) | INR 10 L - 11 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 88 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo |
PG Diploma(2 courses) | INR 10 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 88 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo |
BBA(3 courses) | INR 11 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 88 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo |
B.Des(2 courses) | INR 11 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 88 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo |
UG certificate(3 courses) | INR 5 L - 11 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 53 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above |
B.Arch(1 course) | INR 11 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 88 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo |
LL.B.(1 course) | INR 11 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 88 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Conestoga College requirements for international students for the PG Diploma Biotechnology Technician Fast Track are given below:
- A degree in a Biology or Chemistry related discipline or equivalent from an accredited college or university is required
- TOEFL iBT score of 88 / IELTS with 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 / PTE Academic score of 58
As per data curated from the official university website, the Conestoga College charges a mandatory fee of CAD 2,500 (INR 1.5 L) as international student deposit from students.
The fee is non-refundable, & must be paid by all new & returning students as part of the application process. A withholding fee of CAD 2,500 (INR 1.5 L), will be charged to any student who withdraws after the start of the term.
The tuition fee at Conestoga can be paid via Mastercard, Visa, or debit card on the Student Portal. The step-by-step process is as follows:
- Log in to the Student Portal using your seven-digit student number
- Visit the 'Financial' section and click on 'Program Fees Pay'
- Enter your fees
- Click on 'Continue' and follow the specified instructions
Conestoga College Notable Alumni
The college has educated several business executives, engineers, medical professionals, and industry leaders over its history. Tech Professional Rohan Nandakumar and Entrepreneur Megan Walker are among those to have studied here.
Mentioned below are other Notable Alumni at Conestoga College:
|
Name |
Profession |
Alumni |
|---|---|---|
|
George Vezza |
Global Business Manager European Head of Sales at Nestlé |
|
|
Rohan Nandakumar |
Tech Professional Runs WSIB Innovation Lab |
 |
|
Megan Walker |
Practical Nurse and Entrepreneur Received the King Charles III Coronation Medal |
 |
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
Barry Greenwald is a notable alumnus of the college. Barry came into the limelight for directing the short film 'Metamorphosis', which went on to win the 'Best Short Film Award' as part of the Cannes Film Festival. Some of his other notable works include the High Risk Offender and Taxi. He has also received 3 Silver Circle Awards.
College comparison
Compare Conestoga College with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 4.94 L - 15.71 L | -/- | |
| INR 4.66 L - 12.81 L | -/- | |
| INR 10.82 L - 15.32 L | -/- | |
| INR 10.07 L - 17.77 L | -/- | |
| INR 11.41 L - 22.07 L | -/- | |
| INR 9.63 L - 16.7 L | -/- |
CompareConestoga CollegeStudying in Canada
Key Facts About Canada
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Conestoga College Campus
There's more to student life at Conestoga than what seems from the outside. The college makes great effort in offering students a vibrant and healthy study environment, taking care of all essential services including academic support, counseling services, financial aid, athletics and recreation, accommodation, food, and more.
Campus Location
The college has its presence across eight different locations. However, the main Conestoga campus happens to be the one based just off the Highway 401 at the Homer Watson Boulevard interchange in Kitchener-Doon.
Conestoga College Campus Life
- Students have the option to either spend a semester or a summer abroad or go on a study trip with the experienced faculty at the university.
- Students get dedicated academic support with free course materials and recorded lectures, research services, and test prep support.
- The Health and Wellness department provides medical services, insurance facilities, career and mental health counseling, and health support to all
- The college also maintains on-campus and off-campus housing services in the form of residence halls as well as dining services on campus.
- Students can choose to engage with others as part of clubs and organizations that offer the chance to lead your fellow peers in team-based activities
Commonly asked questions On Additional Details 1
Per the latest student reviews curated from Shiksha Study Abroad, Conestoga College attains a safety rating of 4.4 out of a possible 5. This suggests the institute is safe to a decent extent.
Further, 57% of the students to have shared their experience with Shiksha, have claimed to never have faced any sort of discrimination at the university.
The public transportation near the college campus is also given a rating of 4.1 on a 5.0 scale.
The Conestoga College campus offers all the essential services associated with student life at the institute, including:
- Food Services: The campus houses a number of cafes, & dining places offering the perfect place for students to unwind, chat & hangout while they are not busy with their classes
- Safety & Security: The institute is committed to creating a peaceful study environment & as a result offers 24/7 security with CCTV surveillance & access card based entrances. Students can also use the Conestoga Mobile Safety App in case of any emergencies
- Lockers: All registered students, can take up an free locker to keep their belongings at. The lockers are available at all campuses of the College
The Kitchener - Doon campus is Conestoga's first & the largest campus.
The campus is home to all the main administrative offices & offers a majority of full-time & part-time courses available as part of the Conestoga College course catalog.
Conestoga College
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 months ago
International candidates coming from different countries must demonstrate their English language proficiency by submitting the scores of IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL. Students who are aiming for Conestoga must submit a minimum PTE score of 58 or above. Students can check the Conestoga College English langu
N
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 months ago
Renowned for its academic excellence, and practical opportunities, Conestoga College is popular among Indian students. Some of the crucial reasons why you should choose Conestoga are listed below:
Diverse programs and opportunities: Conestoga offers over 300 programs at the UG and PG levels. They off
G
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 months ago
Conestoga College give an offer letter to Indian students within 6 weeks after they submit their applications. If students are taking admission in peak intakes like January, May, and September, they may receive the offer letter a bit late. But students who apply early and submit all the required doc
T
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, Conestoga College offers alumni benefits such as discounts on attractions and college services and access to the Talent Hub for career support. The college alumni can also visit the library, though borrowing study materials may be limited.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
Conestoga College's alumni network and events are a great way to reconnect. You can also find them on LinkedIn and reach out. Other than this, social groups and official Facebook pages there which will help you find them easily.
Y
Contributor-Level 7
About the author
Conestoga College
Main Building
Campus Building
Campus Building
Conestoga CollegeLocation
| University City | Kitchener, Ontario, Canada |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 2,33,222 |
Conestoga CollegeCampuses
274 Colborne Street Brantford, ON N3T 2H5
Visit official siteConestoga CollegeContact Information
299 Doon Valley Drive
Kitchener, ON N2G 4M4
Kitchener ( Ontario)
(For general query)
(For admission query)
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