About Ontario Colleges


Ontario Colleges: Where Great Careers Begin!

Thinking about a college education? This is a great place to start.

How many colleges are there?

There are 24 colleges of applied arts and technology in Ontario. These colleges receive public funding from the Ontario government. Many colleges have more than one campus location. That means students can take full-time and part-time courses at more than 100 locations across the province.

How can a college education help me?

College programs will give you the skills you need to get started in a good career. College graduates may go into business, tourism and travel, journalism, computer programming, construction trades, health care, and many other fields.

What kinds of programs do colleges offer?

  • Certificate programs, which take 1 year or less
  • Diploma programs, which take 2 or 3 years
  • Apprenticeship and certification programs for skilled trades such as a carpenter, chef, or welder
  • Programs that lead to a bachelor degree.
  • Programs offered with universities that can give you a degree and a diploma.

How can I choose the right program?

Here are 3 good places to start:

  1. 1. Ask for a college calendar
    Every college has a course calendar. It tells you what programs the school offers. You may get a calendar from:
    • The admissions office of any Ontario college
    • Your local public library or high school
    • Most college websites.
  2. 2. Search for programs on the web
    The Program Locator lets you to pick the subjects you are interested in. Then, it shows you all of the colleges in Ontario that offer that kind of program.

  3. 3. Get help at your school
    If you are a high school student, remember that your guidance office can help you choose and apply for college programs.

How can I contact Ontario colleges?

You will find contact information on this website for Ontario Colleges.