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Conestoga College

6.7(40)
VerifiedPublicEstd. 1967
Founded
1967
Type
Public
University Guide

About Conestoga College

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

Conestoga College is a leading polytechnic institution, delivering a full range of career-focused education, training and applied research programs. Established in 1967, the college has its campuses and training centers in 8 locations across Ontario, Canada. The Kitchener- Doon Campus is the oldest and largest among other Conestoga College campuses. This polytechnic college offers more than 250 certificate, diploma and degree programs, many with co-op options for international students. Diploma in Practical Nursing, Graduate Certificates in IT Business Analysis Operation, Global Hospitality Management include the popular programs among Indians. 

The annual tuition fees for international students at Conestoga College range from 15,844 to 28,697 CAD (10.49 to 19.01 lakhs INR), depending on the program. For admissions to this college, Indian applicants must submit higher secondary school certificates for certificate, diploma, and degree programs. For graduate certificates, they need to submit diploma or degree certificates or mark sheets. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 is required, with most graduate certificates requiring 6.5. Conestoga College accepts applications on a rolling basis, until seats are full. 

Inspite of being a polytechnic college, Conestoga offers several scholarships to assist international students. It offers Entrance scholarships (merit-based) for all its diploma, degree & certificate programs. Student reviews in community platforms (Reddit, YouTube) suggest that meritorious students actually get Entrance scholarships from Conestoga up to 1,000 CAD (66,261 INR).  

See More: Conestoga College Reviews

conestoga_college_photos
Conestoga College Kitchener- Doon Campus
Table of Contents
  1. Conestoga College Courses and Fees 2026
  2. Conestoga College Admissions
  3. Conestoga College Cost of Living
  4. Conestoga College Scholarships for International Students
  5. FAQs

Conestoga College Courses and Fees 2026

Conestoga College offers the following programs through its 9 academic schools:

  • Full-time programs
  • Online programs
  • Continuing education
  • Apprenticeship

Besides, Conestoga College also offers PGWP-aligned programs for students who want to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Read more about PGWP Canada to know more.

Here are the annual tuition fees of a few popular programs of Conestoga College, along with their entry requirements and tips for Indian students.  

Program

Program Duration  Annual Tuition Fees (CAD/ INR)

Entry Requirements

Key Notes & Tips for Indians

Diploma Practical Nursing

2 years 23,482.88 CAD (15.56 lakhs)

- Strong class 12 English, Math, Biology, Chemistry/ Physics (high grades needed)

- Must complete Conestoga's Pre-Health Sciences Pathway program first (direct entry not allowed)
- Very competitive

Graduate Certificate Information Technology Business Analysis - Operations

2 years 28,697.49 CAD (19.01 lakhs)

- 2- or 3-year diploma/degree in business, IT, computer science, or related field
- OR relevant work experience + post-secondary education

- Good for IT/business background students
- Submit a resume if applying through an experience route

Graduate Certificate Global Hospitality Management

1 year 15,844 CAD (10.49 lakhs)

- Any 2- or 3-year diploma or bachelor's degree (hospitality/tourism/business preferred, but open to others)

- Flexible entry for students from any background
- Popular program among Indian students

Graduate Certificate Human Resources Management

1 year 20,371.60 CAD (13.49 lakhs)

- Any 2- or 3-year diploma or bachelor's degree (any field)

- Almost any degree qualifies for admission (post evaluation)

Graduate Certificate Robotics and Industrial Automation

- 1 year for non co-op option
- 2 years for co-op option

- Non co-op: 21,142.43 CAD (14 lakhs)
- Co-op: 21,460.52 CAD (14.22 lakhs)

- 3-year advanced diploma or bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, industrial automation, or related technical field

- Needs a strong technical/engineering background
- Relevant experience also helps

Graduate Certificate Project Management

1 year (2 academic terms) 20,399.72 CAD (13.51 lakhs)

- Any 2- or 3-year diploma or bachelor's degree

- One of the most accessible programs, open to graduates from any field

Graduate Certificate Big Data Solution Architecture

1 year (2 academic terms) 16,319 CAD (10.81 lakhs)

- Diploma/advanced diploma/degree in computer science, software engineering, or related (with good grades)
- Programming knowledge is expected

- Best for CS/IT graduates
- Strong academics in tech required

Graduate Certificate Web Development

2 years 16,319 CAD (10.81 lakhs)

- 2- or 3-year diploma/degree in computer science, IT, programming
- OR 3+ years relevant industry experience

- Submit resume/ references if using the experience route

Diploma Health Office Administration

2 years 18,917.66 CAD (12.53 lakhs)

- Class 12 English (good marks)
- Must have biology in Class 12

- Good option for students interested in medical administration

Note: Conestoga College’s tuition fees are set using two elements: Tuition and Ancillary fees. Ancillary fees are mandatory non-tuition charges for services, activities, and materials supporting student life and academics. All the fees mentioned in the above table are including tuition + ancillary fees. Visit Conestoga College fees for detailed breakdown of fees. 

In this video, the speaker addresses four main student concerns when selecting a college: academic quality, student life, managing part-time jobs alongside studies, and overall value for money.


Conestoga College Admissions

Admissions to Conestoga College are processed through the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS). OCAS has a standard application deadline of February 1 for Fall intake of the same year. However, there is no fixed deadline to apply for admissions to Conestoga as the college operates on a rolling basis, until seats are filled. 

Conestoga College does not publish any official acceptance rate. Multiple source cite that, it has an estimated acceptance rate of around 85%. 

Conestoga College Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for Conestoga, applicants must be 19 years of age (for all the programs). Check the Conestoga College admissions requirements for international students mentioned below.

Application Portal: OCAS

Application Fee: 100 CAD (6,626 INR)

For Certificate/ Diploma and Degrees:

  • Higher Secondary Certificate / Intermediate Certificate
  • Pre-University Certificate Statement of Marks or
  • Transcript of Study

For Graduate Certificates:

  • Diploma / Degree certificate
  • Mark sheets / Transcript of Study

English Language Requirements:

Tests Diploma/ Certificate Degree Graduate Certificate
IELTS 6.0 6.5 6.5
TOEFL iBT 80 88 88
PTE 53-57 58-60 58-60

Reddit insights on overall students experience of Conestoga College:

Some graduates say their academic experience was good, especially in technical and degree programs. One recent graduate shared that classes were enjoyable and professors were “mostly knowledgeable industry professionals,” with strong co-op support.
Another user mentioned smaller class sizes and a more personal approach from instructors as advantages.

conestoga_college


Conestoga College Cost of Living

International students living near Conestoga College should plan a monthly budget that covers housing, utilities, food, transport, and personal expenses. Accommodation is the largest cost, with shared private rooms averaging around 750 CAD (49,696 INR) per month, while full apartments range significantly higher depending on size and location. 

An estimated breakdown (as given by Conestoga College itself) of the monthly cost of living in Canada is given below. 

Item Average Monthly Cost (CAD/ INR) Description
Private room (shared house/apartment) 750 (49,696 INR) Private bedroom with shared bathroom, kitchen, and living area
1-bedroom apartment 1,425 (94,422 INR) Private bathroom, kitchen, and living space
2-bedroom apartment 2,085 (1.38 lakhs) Average rent for a two-bedroom unit
3-bedroom apartment/house 2,700 (1.78 lakhs) Average rent for a three-bedroom unit
Utilities Varies Heating, electricity, water, AC, and Wi-Fi (may not be included in rent)
Groceries 300 (19,878 INR) Food costs vary by diet and shopping habits
Transit Varies Depends on city and student pass availability
Phone/Internet 50-100 (3,313 to 6,626 INR) Based on plan, data, and speed
Personal items 200 (13,252 INR) Clothing, toiletries, and daily essentials
Academic materials 500 (33,130 INR) Books and course supplies

Conestoga College offers on-campus accommodation residences in its Kitchener-Doon campus. Students can choose between Open Culture style rooms and 2-bedroom flat rooms. Visit Conestoga College accommodation for more details on cost and application process.

Many Reddit users describe the Kitchener–Waterloo region as more affordable than major cities like Toronto or Vancouver. However, they also note that rental demand is high, especially near campuses, making housing competitive for international students.


Conestoga College Scholarships for International Students

Conestoga College’s Student Financial Services offers over 400 scholarships, bursaries, and awards each year, totaling more than 4.6 million CAD. These include degree entrance scholarships, achievement awards, and first-generation bursaries for eligible students. To apply for scholarships, follow the steps below:

  • Log in to the Conestoga College Student Portal
  • Select the Services tab
  • Select My Forms
  • Select the General Awards Application
  • Complete all the information in each tab
  • Review your application and submit

Some of the popular scholarships offered by Conestoga College are tabulated below.

Scholarship Eligibility Award Details
Narhari Sharma Memorial Award International students with academic success, and the qualities of wisdom, strength, vision, courage and selflessness 1,000 CAD (66,261 INR)
#Educatetheworld President’s Honour Roll Award A graduating student on the President’s Honour List who has shown positivity and perseverance in overcoming personal challenges. 1,500 CAD (99,391 INR)

Note: International students are not eligible for bursaries or awards which require financial need. Only merit-based scholarships are given to international applicants. Visit popular scholarships to study in Canada for external scholarship information. 


Conestoga College stands out as a top choice for Indian students seeking career-focused education in Canada. With over 250 full-time and co-op programs, an impressive 85% acceptance rate, Conestoga College ranking lists it among the Top 10 design schools in Canada based on student awards. It has the highest employment rate among other colleges in Ontario, with 87% of its graduates employed within 6 months of program completion.

Note: As of February 7, 2026, 1 CAD= 66.26 INR is used across the article for currency conversion.


FAQs

Ques: Is Conestoga College government or private?

Ans: Conestoga College is a public polytechnic institution in Ontario, Canada. It is one of the leading government-funded colleges offering polytechnic education and applied research programs.

Ques: Is Conestoga College a good school?

Ans: Yes, Conestoga College is considered a very good school, especially for career-focused and hands-on education. It ranks among the top colleges in Ontario for graduate employment, with 87% of graduates employed within six months of completing their program.

Ques: What PTE score is required for Conestoga College?

Ans:The required PTE score for international students in Conestoga College is:

  • 53–57 for diploma or certificate programs
  • 58–60 for degree and graduate certificate programs

Ques: Which city is near Conestoga College?

Ans: Conestoga College has campuses across 8 locations in Ontario. The main campus is located in Kitchener, which is near major cities like Waterloo, Cambridge, and about 100 km west of Toronto.

Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

69

Fee from

₹10,69,315.98

Exams

IELTS · TOEFL

Showing 5 of 12 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 11.2 L/Yr
Native FeeCAD 16,440 /Yr
Estimated Total₹1325523
Fee trendTuition progression
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

Conestoga College admissions are conducted on a rolling basis, which means there is no fixed application deadline for most programs. Seats are offered until they are filled, making early application crucial for international students. Applicants must apply through the OCAS (Ontario College Application Service) portal. While OCAS suggests February 1 as the standard deadline for Fall intake, many programs at Conestoga College continue accepting applications beyond this date if seats remain available.

Conestoga offers more than 250 full-time and co-op programs, with diploma, degree, and graduate certificate options across multiple intakes. Most undergraduate-level programs require a higher secondary certificate with 65-75% marks, while graduate certificates need a relevant diploma or degree along with an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent. For some graduate certificate programs (e.g., Business Analytics), a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience can be considered in place of formal academic requirements. 


Conestoga College Admissions Deadlines

To apply to Conestoga, Indian students must apply through the OCAS (Ontario College Application Service) portal and pay an application fee of CAD 100 (about INR 6,621). OCAS sets a standard February 1 deadline for the Fall intake. While colleges like Conestoga may have their own timelines, students aiming for the Fall term should try to apply by this date to be safe. If the deadline has already passed, check the official Conestoga program page for seat availability. Late applications may still be considered, but admission is not guaranteed, so it’s best to confirm with the college’s recruitment team.

How to Check if the Program is Accepting Applications?

After visiting Conestoga’s program page and clicking on the ‘Apply Now’ button, you will see 2 options: Apply as a Canadian applicant and Apply as an International applicant. The programs allowing you to apply as an international student are open for applications, while others are closed. Refer to the screenshots below to get an idea. 

Option 1: Programs accepting applications

conestoga

Option 2: Programs not accepting applications

conestoga


Conestoga College Admissions Requirements 

Conestoga College has over 250 full-time and 75+ co-op programs on offer. The top 5 popular programs among Indian students are as follows:

  1. Diploma in Practical Nursing
  2. Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Business Analysis Operations
  3. Graduate Certificate in Global Hospitality Management 
  4. Graduate Certificate in Project Management
  5. Graduate Certificate in Web Development

To check the admission requirements and annual tuition fees of these programs, visit here. Otherwise, scroll through for general admission requirements for all the programs offered by Conestoga College


Conestoga College Undergraduate Certificate and Degree Program Requirements

Conestoga College offers 34 diplomas, 10 advanced diplomas, 14 degrees, and 22 certificate programs at the undergraduate level, through its Kitchener- Doon campus. The admission requirements for these programs are as follows.

Age Requirement:

  • Applicants must be 19 years of age (or have mature student status)

Academic Requirements:

  • For diploma programs: Higher secondary school certificate (no minimum score requirements).
  • For advanced diploma programs: Higher secondary school certificate with 70% marks.
  • For degree programs: Higher secondary certificate with 65-75% marks

English Language Requirements:

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall
  • TOEFL iBT: 80
  • PTE: 53–57

Conestoga College Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements

Conestoga College offers 53 graduate certificate programs at the postgraduate level through its Kitchener- Doon campus. The admission requirements for these programs are as follows.

Academic Requirements:

  • A 2-3 year diploma or a degree from an accredited college or university in a related field
  • A minimum of 3 to 5 years of related full-time formal work experience

English Language Requirements:

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall
  • TOEFL iBT: 88
  • PTE: 58–60

Refer to the table below to know about the admission requirements of a few graduate certificate programs. 

Programs Academic Requirement *Alternative Route
Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Degree, or equivalent with an overall average grade of B or above A minimum of 3 years of related industry/professional experience.
Graduate Certificate in Financial Technology Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university in Computer Technology, Finance, or related program. NA
Graduate Certificate in Project Management A 2-3 year diploma or a degree from an accredited college or university NA
Graduate Certificate in Web Design and Development A 2-3 year diploma or a degree in computer science, information technology, or computer programming A minimum of 3 years of related industry/ professional experience.
Graduate Certificate in Applied Network Infrastructure and System Administration A 2-3 year diploma or degree in Computer Science or Information Technology from an accredited college or university 3-5 years of full-time formal work experience in a networking or information technology infrastructure environment

*What is Alternative Route?

The Alternative Route at Conestoga College allows applicants to be considered based on relevant work experience instead of standard academic eligibility for select programs. This pathway enables students who do not meet the usual academic requirements to still be assessed for admission, provided their professional experience aligns with the program’s expectations.

Also read: English tests for Canada


Conestoga College International Student Application Process

Indian students must apply for Conestoga College admissions online via the Ontario Colleges Application Service (OCAS). Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Visit the OCAS International Portal.
  2. Create an account and fill in your personal and academic details.
  3. Select your preferred Conestoga College program.
  4. Upload the required documents (academic transcripts, English test scores, and passport).
  5. Pay the Conestoga College application fee of 100 CAD (approx 6,621 INR).
  6. Submit the application and monitor your email for updates.

Also read: Admissions in Canada


Conestoga College Application Processing Time

Conestoga College’s admissions office will only review the application after all required information is received. Incomplete applications will be kept open only while the program is available. Once the program closes, incomplete applications will also be closed. Discussions over platforms like Reddit & Quora state that, on average, Conestoga College notifies about their decision within 2-8 weeks.

You can view and confirm offers of admission online at ontariocolleges.ca. The offer acceptance deadline will be outlined in your acceptance letter. 

For more information, contact Conestoga’s International Admissions Team at [email protected]

Conestoga College Acceptance Rate

Conestoga College does not officially publish its acceptance rate. Some third-party sources cite that Conestoga’s acceptance rate is around 85%, portraying a relatively less competitive admission process. As per Conestoga’s official data, it currently serves over 20,000 students across eight cities in Ontario (has campuses and training centers in Brantford, Cambridge, Guelph, Ingersoll, Kitchener, Milton, Stratford, and Waterloo).

Students who are well-prepared academically or have relevant work experience should aim to apply as early as possible, ideally before February 1 for the Fall intake, to maximize their chances. If applying later, closely monitor program availability on Conestoga’s official website and proceed only if seats are open. Conestoga College remains a viable option for Indian students seeking career-focused, applied polytechnic education in Ontario.


FAQs

Ques: Is it hard to get admission in Conestoga?

Ans: No, Conestoga College has a relatively high acceptance rate of 85%, making it accessible for qualified international applicants.

Ques: How many days does Conestoga College take for an offer letter?

Ans: Once all required documents are submitted and the application is complete, Conestoga processes applications on time. While the exact number of days isn't specified, delays can occur if documents are missing.

Ques: What IELTS score is required for Conestoga College?

Ans: The IELTS scores required for Conestoga College are as follows:

  • For Diploma/Certificate programs: 6.0 overall
  • For Degree and Graduate Certificate programs: 6.5 overall

Ques: Does Conestoga accept PTE?

Ans: Yes, Conestoga College accepts PTE Academic scores:

  • Diploma/Certificate: 53–57
  • Degree and Graduate Certificate: 58–60
Placements & Recruiters

Conestoga College Placement Details

Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.

Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

N/A

Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Contact Information

299 Doon Valley Drive Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4M4

+1 519-748-5220

Student Reviews & Ratings

Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary

Overall score

6.7/10
Top Rated

Based on 40 ratings

Rating Breakdown

Visual summary of rating distribution and categories

Live Summary
Academic
7.9/10
Faculty
8.1/10
Infrastructure
8.6/10
Accommodation
7.3/10
Placement
6.6/10
Extracurricular
7.5/10