Algonquin’s organizational philosophy is defined by its mission, vision and core values. The following are intended to serve as points of inspiration, carefully articulating our purpose
Mission
To transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success.
Vision
The premier destination for innovation through polytechnic leadership, driving prosperity and impact in the nation’s capital and beyond.
Our values
Caring, Learning, Integrity, Respect
Fast Facts
Focused on Student Success
Dedication to student success is Algonquin College’s guiding principle and is demonstrated through the quality of its programs, employees, the continual expansion of its facilities and by forging strategic partnerships. Every action since the College was established has been to ensure students have access to the education and skills training demanded by the marketplace to launch a rewarding career.
Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology was established in 1967 and was named after the First Nations people who lived in the area. Algonquin College was formed from the merger of the Eastern Ontario Institute of Technology, established 1957, and the Ontario Vocational Centre, established 1965. The College celebrates 51 years as a leader in post-secondary education and has undergone significant growth since its establishment and continues to grow today. All three physical Algonquin College campuses have recently completed major expansion projects. The Perth and Pembroke campuses have built all-new facilities and the Ottawa Campus now features a new and innovative DARE District and Library.
A college campus should be designed around student needs. It should include the facilities — from public busing to affordable, healthy food services — that make student life efficient, worry-free, and productive.
Students have varied interests and needs. That’s why the Ottawa campus of Algonquin accommodates a diverse range of requirements. A college campus should be setup to encourage discussion, with students enriching each other’s experience, providing friendship, support and offering a special way to learn.
Ottawa has all the advantages of a big city, while remaining safe, clean, and easy to navigate. From the federal government to high-tech companies, from the Byward Market to music festivals, Canada’s capital city offers you a unique combination of employment opportunities and pastimes. Algonquin College continues to be closely integrated with Ottawa culture and commerce.
Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley
Imagine a college where you can eat your lunch along the shores of the Ottawa River or stroll through parkland walkways between classes. It would be hard to find a college campus anywhere in Canada more beautifully situated than our Pembroke waterfront campus.
In November 2012, a new, $36-million campus officially opened, offering sixteen full-time programs, plus apprenticeship, academic upgrading and continuing education courses. With small classes and experienced instructors, the campus promises you outstanding learning opportunities.
Surrounded by the region’s rural and rugged natural terrain, the Pembroke campus is a natural fit for unique outdoor programs such as Outdoor Adventure, Outdoor Adventure Naturalist, Forestry Technician, and Environmental Technician programs.
Along with these unique programs, the Pembroke campus also offers a variety of business, trades, technology, health, and community studies programs.
Algonquin College Heritage Institute
Our Perth campus is special. There is the beautiful setting, the small-town charm, and the unique programs that can be found nowhere else in Ontario.
Beyond those attributes, there’s the special relationship with the Town of Perth. There is a lot of interaction with the local community. Everyone gets a strong sense of belonging.
Perth students quickly benefit with community involvement — from working on local buildings to using recreational facilities, such as hockey rinks and gymnasiums. Ultra-modern equipment stands side-by-side with centuries-old trade techniques.
Perth’s non-traditional approach to learning extends to the classroom environments – many of which follow an open concept, perfect for promoting the exchange of information and camaraderie.
Our instructors are nationally and internationally connected and come to us with outstanding experience and reputations—and are often called on to take leadership roles at conferences and seminars.
Algonquin College History
The Name
Algonquin College is named after the First Nations Peoples who first inhabited the Ottawa Valley. For more information, please watch this video.
Celebrating 50 Years of Student Success
Beginnings
The Ontario College system was founded as “a new level and type of education to serve those parts of the population whose needs were not met by the existing education system. Focused mainly on career-oriented education, colleges would create a system which would be a coherent whole”. (Ontario Dept. of Education, Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Basic Documents, 1967)
In 1957, the Eastern Ontario Institute of Technology in Ottawa was established with roughly 120 students and a staff of seven. Proudly known as “EOIT”, its first home was in the old Slater Street Public School.
1960’s
Growth in student enrolment soon necessitated an expansion in facilities, so in 1960, the Laurier Avenue Public School was acquired. In 1964, a new facility known as the Rideau Campus was acquired and welcomed more than 700 students that September.
The Ontario Vocational Centre (OVC) opened in 1965 on what is now the College’s Woodroffe Campus and it was in 1967 when the OVC and EOIT merged to create the new Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology in 1967.
Growth continued in the late 1960s, with “satellite” campuses in Pembroke, Hawkesbury, Perth and Renfrew.
In 1968, a 14,000 square-foot space was leased to accommodate retraining programs in Pembroke.
In order to accommodate the demand for career-oriented education, an additional 37,000 square feet was leased over the next two years.
When the Perth Campus opened, it served primarily as a retraining site with academic upgrading being its focus. Later, skill programs were added such as Stenography, Electronics, Welding, Carpentry and various programs relating to employment needs in Lanark County.
In 1969, a 13,000 square-foot building was constructed to house the Vanier School of Nursing, which became a part of the Woodroffe Campus when nursing programs began to be offered at the College.
Algonquin College was well set up to provide great service to students knocking at the College’s door in ever-greater numbers. Student-focused service became a theme for everything we did – a commitment that flourishes to this day.
1970’s
In the 1970s, the word was out – Algonquin was a great choice for post-secondary education. So many students thought that way, that the first of several building booms was needed to accommodate the growing population. Construction continued on the Rideau Campus – providing additional classroom and office space as well as an expanded Resource Centre. The B Building on the Woodroffe Campus was completed adding 200,000 square feet.
In 1973, the School of Prescott-Russell joined the Algonquin family and the Colonel By Campus was created through the acquisition of St. Patrick’s College. The Colonel By Campus boasted beautiful grounds created by its horticulture students, and offered many popular programs such as Architecture, Interior Design and Visual Arts.
The Pembroke Campus graduated its first 101 students in 1971 and continued to expand its programming throughout the 1970s. By the end of the decade, the Pembroke Campus was offering full-time programs such as Forestry, Business, Electronics, and Nursing, with specialized courses in subjects as diverse as Old-Time Fiddling, An Introduction to the Bible, and Self-Reliant Lifestyles for the Whole Person – a reflection of both traditional and Woodstock-generation values that were present in the community at that time.
New programs were launched on all Campuses. The Ambulance and Emergency Care (Paramedic) program was launched in 1976 and was one of many programs that began in the 1970s, such as Applied Museum Studies, Dental Assisting, Recreation Facilities Management and Film Production, to name just a few.
1980’s
By 1981, student and apprentice day-time enrolment at Algonquin had already passed the 10,000 mark. In addition, continuing education was attracting tens-of-thousands of course registrations each year.
Ground breaking for the construction of the new Hospitality Centre on the Woodroffe Campus began at the end of the 1980s to house the College’s growing selection of Hospitality programs, and provide space for the First Class Bookstore and the Campus Travel office.
Throughout the 1980s, the College’s infrastructure and course offerings were being transformed. With a focus on technology and workplace needs, it has always been imperative for Algonquin to stay ahead of emerging trends. The 1980s saw the introduction of many new programs, such as Hospitality Management – Hotel and Restaurant, Technical Writer, Florist and Public Relations to name a few – along with the labs, studios, and equipment needed to support them. The Journalism – Print program introduced the Algonquin Times, a publication that would go on to win numerous Ontario Community Newspaper Awards.
Growth and change continued on the Perth Campus in the 1980s with the introduction of the Carpentry and Millwork – Heritage and the Women In Trades and Technology programs. On the Pembroke Campus, the 1980s were years of optimism and growth that began with a 10 percent increase in enrolment, the subsequent purchase of the College facility, and the addition of new technology and community service programming.
Algonquin finished the decade as a bold and confident leader in Canadian post-secondary education, ready to take advantage of the technological opportunities that the 1990s would provide.
1990’s
Two words characterize the 1990s at Algonquin College: consolidation and expansion. Consolidation involved relocating the delivery of services in the Ottawa area to the Woodroffe and Rideau campuses. Expansion was required to accommodate additional students and to house new programs. 1990 marked the beginning of Algonquin as an English college with the creation of La Cité Collegiale.
The Early Learning Centre was built at the Woodroffe Campus to house the innovative Early Childhood Education program. It was followed by the construction of J Building, the Horticulture Centre, and significant renovations to the Woodroffe Campus to provide for accessibility. Fifteen portables at Rideau and Woodroffe were replaced with newly renovated classrooms. In 1995, an Integrated Media Centre designed to showcase the College’s programs in Media and Design Studies opened, featuring state-of-the-art Silicon Graphics computer equipment.
Expansion of programs continued on the Perth Campus with the launch of the renowned Masonry – Heritage and Traditional program.
The late 1990s saw the development of the new Outdoor Adventure programs to be delivered on the Pembroke Campus.
The Students’ Association (SA) doubled the size of the gymnasium and Algonquin began building its first College Residence on the Woodroffe Campus.
At the end of the decade – with full-time enrolment approaching 13,000 – the College embarked on a multi-million dollar IT infrastructure project with the SA. Throughout the College, computer hardware, software and networks were upgraded to prepare graduates for the knowledge-based society they would soon enter.
2000’s
In 2000, Algonquin entered the new millennium by continuing its progress on several fronts.
Construction boomed in this decade. Highlights include: the opening of the Police and Public Safety Institute in partnership with the Ottawa Police Service; the Transportation Technology Centre; the Simulation Centre for Health Studies; a soccer facility built by the SA; the Animal Health Care Facility; the state-of-the-art SA Fitness Zone; and the completion of the Advanced Technology Centre.
The Rideau Campus closed in August of 2002 and programs were moved to the Advanced Technology Centre on the Woodroffe Campus. By August 2003, two more residences had opened on the Woodroffe Campus, providing enough space to house 1,050 students.
Each year of this decade has seen the launch of many exciting new programs such as Photonics Engineering Technology, Sport Business Management, Game Development, and Green Architecture on the Woodroffe Campus, and the environmentally minded Construction Carpentry – Advanced Housing program on the Perth Campus.
Bachelor Degrees in Applied Studies were also introduced and full-time enrolment on all three campuses continues to grow – now standing at approximately 16,000.
The College moved to a hybrid model for program delivery where portions of programs and courses are provided in a technology-mediated (e-learning) format to complement traditional methods.
2010’s
So far, the 2010’s have seen the addition of two new buildings at the Ottawa campus – the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (2011) and the Robert C. Gillett Student Commons (2012) – along with fresh new campuses in Perth (2011) and Pembroke (2012). They have also brought with them the retirement of Algonquin College’s longest serving president, Robert C. Gillett, who handed over the reins to Dr. Kent MacDonald in August of 2012. The College has renewed its emphasis on applied, hands-on learning, and continues to develop strong online and hybrid learning environments.
Sustainability has also been given a greater profile at Algonquin College, which attained LEED Platinum certification for the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE Building) and LEED Gold certification for the Algonquin Heritage Institute, located in Perth. The Robert C. Gillett Student Commons and the Pembroke Waterfront campus have also both received their LEED certification.
Algonquin College’s tuition fees are competitive with other large colleges in Canada and more affordable than universities. You’ll find that postsecondary education is far more affordable in Canada than in other English-speaking countries such as the US or UK. Costs will vary depending on your choice of program, where you choose to live, and your lifestyle. Tuition fees include full-coverage health insurance.
Estimated Budget for International students
For an estimated full-time tuition and compulsory ancillary fees by program, use our Tuition Fees Estimator tool here.
Tuition & Books (1 Year)
Includes Tuition, Health Insurance, Upass (bus pass), Access to Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) and Student Access Fees (8-Month Academic Year)
$17,225 – $22,000
Learning Resources and School Supplies
$200 – $1,000
Optional Items
Clothing
$800
Miscellaneous
$1,150
Total Optional Items
$1,950
Homestay (Fees are for 1 Month)
Application fee
$385
Accommodations & Meals (3 meals/day)
$1165
Total Homestay
$1,220
Residence (8 Months)
Accommodations
$12,460
Meal Plan (Mandatory)
$4,397
Total Residence
$16,857
Off Campus Housing 1 Month
2 Bedroom Apartment (Average room rate in a shared house. Estimated cost only, prices will vary)
$1,200 – $1,500
Paying your Fees
Algonquin College has partnered with Flywire to provide an innovative payment solution that offers students a simplified payment experience, providing around-the-clock customer support, real-time tracking of payments and a reduction in additional costs such as bank fees.
Flywire has been providing international students at Algonquin College an option for payment methods originating outside of Canada since 2017. Starting April 22, 2024, Flywire payment options are being expanded to include Canada-sourced payments. International students will now be able to use Flywire for payments originating in Canada, in addition to payments from their home country.
International students will have access to multiple payment options through Flywire, including several no-fee choices.
Credit card payments through ACSIS will no longer be an option after April 21, 2024. Students will remain able to pay with their credit card with Flywire or through online banking (inside Canada) by setting the College as a payee.
Select the country where the payment will be coming from and the payment amount
Select your preferred payment method from the options provided. Options may include bank transfer, debit/credit card, electronic payment, or other local options.
Create your account or log into your existing Flywire account, then enter some basic information to initiate your payment booking.
Follow the instructions provided to send funds to Flywire. For bank transfers, follow the instructions provided to send your funds. Depending on your bank, payment may be made online, in person, or over the phone. For debit/ credit card payments, enter your card details online to complete your payment.
Track your payment by logging into your Flywire account at any time. Receive text and email status updates each step of the way, including a confirmation when your payment has been delivered to the College.
Note: In the event that a refund is required, Flywire payments made outside of Canada will be returned to the person making the payment. As a result, it is advisable that learners do not make payments through external parties, such as financial agents.
Supporting Documents for Flywire Payments
In some instances, banks in some countries are not familiar with Flywire and the formal payment arrangement that is established between Flywire and Algonquin College. Below are some letters that our students can take to their bank, if the bank questions the Flywire payment requirement.
We want to thank our amazing donors for their generous contributions to our awards, bursaries and scholarships, and for helping students realize their goals. Thanks to this support, Algonquin College is able to give out over $7M each year in awards, bursaries and scholarships.
We’ve created this new database to make it easier than ever to see the different funding options available to our students and to recognize our amazing donors. We all want to help you on your academic journey in any way we can.
How is a bursary different from a scholarship, award, or loan?
A bursary is awarded based on financial need, whereas a scholarship is generally awarded for academic achievement. Awards are issued based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, or other activities like volunteerism and leadership. Awards can take various forms, including a sum of money, a medal, a plaque, books, tools, or memberships. These types of awards are listed below as Merit-based. Unlike loans, funds that are given as a bursary, award, or scholarship do not need to be paid back.
Bursary Application
Each term in the academic year, we open up our bursary portal for students to apply for additional funding. We use an almost all-in-one portal to help students apply. If you are unsure how to apply for a bursary, visit our How to Apply for Bursaries page to learn more. In order to be considered for many of the awards below you MUST fill out a bursary application when it’s open, so don’t snooze on this!
The Fall bursary application period is generally open from late August to late September.
The Winter bursary window is usually late December to mid-January.
The spring bursary application window will usually be late April to mid-May.
If you are looking for specific dates, you can check the Academic Calendar or the How to Apply for Bursaries page. In fact, you should really bookmark both of those; they are extremely handy.
Separate Application Required
In some rare cases, awards require an external or separate application. These are listed below and are marked with a “Yes” under ‘Application Required’? Usually, there are additional requirements specific to the award. Make sure you meet the criteria and submit your application before the deadline.
Important Note: If a specific application form is not available, you MUST apply for a bursary through the centralized bursary application to be considered. Please visit How to Apply for a Bursary for details.
All Courses
1. When should I arrive in Ottawa?
We encourage you to arrive in Ottawa at least 1-2 weeks before the start of classes. This will allow you to settle your accommodations, set up your Canadian bank account, obtain your U-Pass, take a tour of the campus and prepare for your next steps.
3. What should I expect when I arrive at Customs and Immigration?
When you arrive in Canada you will be greeted by a Canada Border Services Agent and will be asked to present documents. Make sure they are not packed in your luggage and that you have them with you. More information can be found here.
4. How do I find housing/accommodations?
You have many options for accommodations and you are required to coordinate your own accommodation and related expenses. More information can be found here.
5. Where can I find my Algonquin College network account and student email info?
Log into ACSIS (which stands for “Algonquin College Student Information System” – your one-stop online student portal) to receive your Network Account Information, including your student email address.
The first time you log in, you will use your student number and birthdate, then create a new password once you’re logged in. If you don’t know your student number, or if the information is correct but you are receiving an error message, reach out to the Registrar’s Office at algonquincollege.com/ro/askus.
No, your timetable will be available on ACSIS. Information on how to locate your timetable is available here. The date most timetables will be released is published on the Academic Calendar. Visit the calendar here.
7. Where can I find information about my Health Insurance plan?
GuardMe is your health insurance provider. You will be sent an email from GuardMe at the beginning of the term with will contain your policy information. Please keep and read this email. More information about your health insurance policy can be found here.
8. Can I work on and off campus?
Please visit our Working in Canada website to learn more about your eligibility to work in Canada. More information can be found at the following links:
Study in Canada: Your Complete Guide to Universities, Courses, and Visas
Canada is a top destination for international students, offering world-class education, diverse cultures, and numerous career opportunities. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a master’s degree, MBA, or even MBBS, here’s everything you need to know about studying in Canada.
Top Universities for Higher Studies in Canada
Universities in Canada for Masters
Canada is home to several renowned institutions offering master’s programs across various fields. Students can find specialized courses tailored to their career aspirations.
Canada MS Universities
For those pursuing a Master of Science (MS) degree, Canada has a wide range of institutions like the University of Toronto, Simon Fraser University, and University of Calgary that are recognized for their advanced research facilities.
Best Universities for MBA in Canada
Canada is known for its excellent MBA programs. The top universities for MBA offer robust curricula and provide significant networking opportunities to kick-start your business career.
Universities in Toronto, Canada
Toronto, a vibrant multicultural city, is a popular choice among students. Institutions like the University of Toronto are globally recognized for their academic excellence.
Canadian University Canada
Canadian universities are known for their quality education and supportive environment for international students.
Popular Courses in Canada
Master’s Degree in Canada: Canada offers a variety of master’s programs in fields like engineering, business, healthcare, and more.
MBBS in Canada: Though limited, some Canadian universities do offer MBBS or equivalent medical programs. The MBBS degree in Canada can be costly but provides excellent training and career opportunities.
Courses in Canada for International Students: Canadian institutions offer a wide range of courses, from technology and arts to business and healthcare.
Visas and Study Permits for Canada
Canada Student Visa:
To study in Canada, you’ll need a student visa. The visa application process may vary depending on your home country, so it’s essential to check the specific requirements.
Study Visa Canada & Canada Education Visa:
The study visa, also known as the Canada education visa, allows international students to live and study in Canada for the duration of their course.
Processing Time for Canada Student Visa:
Visa processing times may vary. It’s advisable to apply well in advance to avoid delays. The typical study visa processing time ranges from a few weeks to several months.
SX1 Visa Canada:
The SX1 visa is designed for short-term courses in Canada, ideal for those enrolling in programs less than six months in duration.
Canada Student Visa Processing Time:
Processing times vary by country. Ensure you check the latest information and apply early to avoid any disruptions in your academic plans.
Life as an International Student in Canada
International Student in Canada:
Canada is highly welcoming to international students, offering an inclusive environment and a high quality of life. From student support services to international student networks, you’ll find a thriving community.
Canada for Indian Students:
Canada is a top choice for Indian students due to its affordable tuition, quality education, and post-graduation work opportunities. Programs like the PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) allow Indian students to gain valuable work experience in Canada.
Canada After 12th:
Canada also offers undergraduate courses, making it a great destination for students right after their 12th grade, with programs tailored for students looking to start their academic journey abroad.
Key Canadian Universities
Simon Fraser University Canada:
Known for its comprehensive range of programs and research opportunities, Simon Fraser University is a prominent choice among international students.
The University of Calgary:
This university offers a variety of courses and a vibrant campus life, making it a top choice for students seeking quality education in Canada.
Studying and Staying in Canada After Graduation
Degree in Canada:
Earning a degree from a Canadian university is a significant achievement that is highly regarded worldwide. Canada’s education system is recognized for its quality and commitment to research.
PGWP Canada:
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students to stay and work in Canada after completing their studies, making it easier to transition to the Canadian job market.
Cost of Studying in Canada
MBBS Cost in Canada:
Medical studies in Canada can be expensive, but the quality of education and the opportunities available make it worthwhile.
Whether you’re considering a master’s degree in Canada, an MBA, or other specialized programs, Canada offers a diverse range of options and a supportive environment for international students. Apply for your Canada student visa today, start planning, and take the first step towards an exciting educational journey in Canada!
