Admission Requirements for International Students

Confederation College uses academic information such as credentials, course completion, grades and English proficiency to determine an applicant’s eligibility for admission. Please refer to the “Admission Requirements” section of individual program pages or the international student program chart for program-specific requirements. You may also want to see what important documents are needed for international students.

Confederation College reserves the right to change admissions requirements at any time.

English Proficiency Requirements

Visit the English Proficiency Requirements section of our website for information about the minimum English proficiency requirements for entry into our post-secondary programs. Requirements vary by program.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be 18 years of age within their first semester of study to qualify for admission into Confederation College.

Backlog/Failure Allowances

Confederation College allows for up to 10 backlogs/failures on a high school, college or university transcript for entry into our programs.

Minimum Pass Marks

There is a minimum passing average required for entry into our programs. This average depends on your country of study and your program of interest. For more information, please Contact Us to connect with a Confederation College representative.

Admission Requirements – by country

India

Diploma/Certificate:

OSSD Equiv: Higher Secondary School Certificate (Class 12)
Minimum GPA: 50%

Postgraduate Certificate:

Bachelor’s Equiv: Bachelor’s Transcripts & Degree
Minimum GPA: 55%

About Us

At Confederation College, we are committed to providing our students with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to succeed in their chosen careers. We are more than just another postsecondary institution; we’re a culturally diverse, close-knit community of individuals, delivering exceptional education and training to an average of 4,853 combined full and part-time students per year.

We aim to transform lives and communities by providing high-quality education and training that meets the evolving needs of our students and the region we serve. We believe that education is the key to unlocking opportunities and creating a better future.

Mission

Confederation College inspires students to succeed in their lives and careers.

Vision

Confederation College enriches lives through learning.

Negahneewin Vision

Confederation College commits to realizing the Negahneewin Vision through reconciliation and renewed relationships with Indigenous peoples as partners for change in education. This is achieved by building common ground between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples through a mutual understanding of history, a shared vocabulary and rich dialogue.

Values

Courage: willing to take action or make decisions that may be difficult or challenging.
Equity: facilitating fair and just outcomes for all individuals to achieve their full potential.
Relationships: supporting teamwork and collaboration with the individuals and communities we serve.

Our Programs

We offer a wide range of programs to suit the needs of students at every stage of their academic journey. From certificates and diplomas to degree programs, we have options for students in fields such as health sciences, business, engineering technology, and more. Our programs are designed to be practical and relevant, with a focus on hands-on learning and real-world experience.

Our Campus

Our main campus is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, a vibrant and welcoming community that offers a great quality of life. Our main campus is situated on 173 acres of forested and green space, maintained pesticide-free, located right in the heart of the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario, with beautifully treed grounds, a shallow, twisting river and a network of walking paths.

Our facilities are modern and well-equipped, with state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and technology.

We also boast a state-of-the-art Aviation Centre of Excellence facility, located at the Thunder Bay International Airport. This 59,000 square feet facility is comprised of two large hangers, classrooms, shops and labs for three aviation programs.

We also have seven regional campus locations in Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, Kenora, Fort Frances, Longlac, and Marathon.

Our Faculty

Our faculty are experts in their fields, with years of experience and a passion for teaching. They are committed to helping students succeed, both in the classroom and beyond. Our small class sizes allow for personalized attention and support, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Our Connections

We have strong connections with industry partners and community organizations, providing our students with opportunities for internships, co-ops, and practical work experience. These connections also help us stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in our fields, ensuring that our programs are always relevant and cutting-edge.

At Confederation College, we are proud of our history, our community, and most of all, our students. We are committed to providing them with the best possible education and supporting them on their journey to success.

Why Our College?

7,153 students
Eight campuses located across northwestern Ontario
60+ full-time programs in 11 areas of study
Awards approximately $150,000-$200,000 in entrance awards to first-year students.
89.7% employment rate. 3.9% higher than the provincial average (Survey of employers who have hired 2022/2023 graduates)
82.5% graduate satisfaction rate. 5.7% higher than the provincial average (Survey of students who have hired 2022/2023 graduates)
$700.6 million in direct economic benefit to northwestern Ontario. (Economic Impact Survey 2024)
Significant Indigenous population with specialized services and programs geared toward Indigenous students

Confed Cares

Confederation College strives to create opportunities and to be a leader in our broader communities when it comes to citizenship, engagement, and caring. It is not about who we are but who we strive to be. Confed Cares about our People, our Partners, and our Planet.

This initiative seeks to:

Create a dialogue about caring, engagement as well as local and global citizenship
Collect and share successes within our college community
Engage our students and staff within the communities we serve

Thunder Bay Campus Overview

Our main campus is situated on 173 acres of park-like property located right in the heart of the city of Thunder Bay, Northwestern Ontario, Canada. Our beautifully treed grounds, shallow, twisting river and network of walking paths provide a unique, country-like setting for an educational institution. Ample parking is located close to all buildings and the campus is serviced frequently by city bus routes.

The campus buildings (as indicated on the campus map) consist of:

Shuniah Building – Business, Community Services, Health, Hospitality & Tourism, Indigenous, Media Arts, Protective Services and Preparatory Studies programs. This main building is also home to Student Services, Student Union, College Administration and Health Centre.
McIntyre Building & TEC Hub – Engineering Technology programs
Dorion Building – Skilled Trades programs
Sibley Hall – Northwest Employment Works
SUCCI Wellness Centre (Minowaadiziiwin)
Residence – 2 styles of on-campus living accommodation for students
Aviation Centre of Excellence (ACE): houses our Aviation programs, located at the Thunder Bay International Airport (a 10-minute drive south on the Thunder Bay Expressway).
The Thunder Bay Art Gallery is also situated right on campus.

Regional Campuses

Confederation College is proud to have seven regional campuses located throughout northwestern Ontario, in addition to our main campus in Thunder Bay. To learn more about each location and the specific programming available, please visit their respective pages using the navigation on this page.

We also have a Distance Education arm for individuals seeking online-only learning options.

Virtual Tour and Campus Map

Experience our campus from the comfort of your home! Click here to start your virtual tour. Need to find your way around?

Take a Virtual Campus Tour

Board of Governors

The Board of Governors is responsible for establishing and monitoring the overall direction of the College, providing strategic leadership and governance.

Welcome to the Board of Governors’ Website. Apply to be on the Confederation College Board of Governors: Applications are being accepted for the Confederation College Board of Governors. Preference will be given to:

applicants who have a career in a legal profession
applicants living within the geographic boundaries of our eastern campuses

The term for this vacancy will be from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2027, with eligibility for a second three-year term.

Applications will be accepted until Friday, January 5, 2024.

If you require any information, please contact Barbara Greer, Board Secretary at 807-475-6351 or Barbara.Greer@confederationcollege.ca

Board of Governors External Application Fillable.pdf (188.02 KB)

External Board Appointment Protocol.pdf (843.53 KB)

Kim Vares, Board Chair

As one of Ontario’s twenty-four public community colleges, Confederation College is governed by a Board that strives to provide learners with high quality education and training. Confederation College exists to ensure: diverse learners acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes for success; Indigenous learners experience success in their learning journeys; and diverse communities have access to a skilled and knowledgeable workforce.

The Board of Governors is composed of seventeen individuals: 12 external Governors who reflect the various sectors of the community served by the College; four internal Governors representing Students, Faculty, Support Staff and Administrative Staff plus the President. Two thirds of the members are Board-appointed, and one third of the members are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. The Board of Governors has all the powers and duties of a corporation under the Ontario Corporations Act, except where additions or modifications have been made through regulation under the Ministry of Colleges and Universities Act.

The Board is responsible for strategic leadership and good governance. The Board enhances the College’s public image and provides a link between the organization and the communities served. Governors play a vital role in shaping Confederation’s strategic direction and diversity of the community. The Board has a strong and heartfelt commitment to advance decolonization and reconciliation efforts at the College. Gender balance, geographic representation, and an ability to evolve relationships that will build and support Confederation College are also priorities of the Board.

Governors serve a three-year term (commencing September 1 through to August 31) with eligibility for consideration for a second three-year term. There is no honorarium for service; these are volunteer positions requiring regular attendance at morning or evening meetings and a commitment to service on one Board committee. From time to time, members may also be required to be involved in additional committees, projects, or events.

If you have expertise in effective governance of other organizations, possess relevant leadership at your place of employment or through community involvement and are interested in being considered for a future appointment to this voluntary position, please contact, Barbara Greer, Secretary to the Board at Barbara.Greer@confederationcollege.ca or (807) 475-6351.

Tuition fees for international students in Canada

All students should review tuition fees prior to applying at Confederation College. The mandatory deposit or first payment is part of your tuition fees. Payment is due on the date shown on the Letter of Acceptance (LoA). Payment holds a program seat until the final tuition fee deadline date. Failure to meet the payment deadline will result in the loss of your seat in the program. If you have any questions, please contact the International Education Centre.

Full Time Post-Secondary Tuition Fees

Please refer to the link below for full-time tuition fees. Fees include all tuition and mandatory ancillary fees such as health insurance and a bus pass. They exclude program-specific fees such as supplies, books, uniforms, and exam fees, all of which are estimated in the “Other Program Fees” section of the international student program chart.

For new students, please refer to your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for tuition fee deadlines.

For returning students, please refer to the Academic Dates Calendar for tuition fee deadlines.

PROGRAM FEE CHARTS 2024-25 and 2025-26

Ancillary Fees

All students MUST also pay ancillary or non-tuition fees, which are fees that students pay in addition to tuition fees. They comprise a number of service fees, including health insurance and a city-wide bus-pass. For a breakdown of these fees, please see International Ancillary Fees

Other Fees for International Students

Late Payment Fee	$ 150.00
Transfer Credit Fee (1 credit)	$ 25.00
Transfer Credit Fee (2 or more credits)	$ 50.00

Transfer Credits: Transfer credits are awarded on a course-by-course basis to students applying to or enrolled in Confederation College programs who have earned academic credits outside of Confederation College. For more information about the transfer credit process, please visit the “Transfer Credit” webpage.

Program Specific Supplies: These include items such as supplies, books, uniforms and exam fees. These fees are estimated in the “Other Program Fees” section of the international student program chart.

Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards for International Students

Confederation College has entry and in-program scholarships, bursaries and awards available for its international students to assist with their education costs. Applications are considered based on financial need, academics and/or community involvement. Students can apply for these scholarships while they are studying at the college.

Entry-level Scholarships for January 2026

Confederation College is excited to offer two entry scholarships for international students starting in January 2026. These scholarships support students enrolling in eligible programs and help ensure a successful transition to college life.

$1,000 CAD Entry Scholarship for Selected Two-Year Postgraduate Programs

Eligibility:

Available to international students registering in one of the following two-year postgraduate programs:
Students must apply and pay their tuition deposit before September 31, 2025.
Students must receive a valid study permit and register for their program.

Scholarship Details:

The $1,000 scholarship will be applied to the student’s account, after January 20, which is the last day to withdraw in January 2026.
It can be applied to future semester fees.
This scholarship is not distributed in cash.

For more information, email international@confederationcollege.ca.

Entry-level Scholarships for September 2025

Confederation College is excited to offer entry scholarships for international students starting in September 2025. These scholarships support students enrolling in eligible programs and help ensure a successful transition to college life.

On-Campus Residence Scholarship – Two Months Free Accommodation

Eligibility:

Available to international students registering in one of the following undergraduate programs:
Students must apply and pay their tuition deposit before May 31, 2025.
Students must also apply for Residence once they receive their study permit. A $100 residence application fee applies.

Scholarship Details:

Students will receive two months’ free accommodation at Confederation College’s on-campus residence, Sibley Hall.
Students must sign a rental agreement for a minimum one-semester stay and pay for the first two months of accommodation prior to arrival.
Upon arrival and registration for classes, Confederation College will cover the balance of the semester’s accommodation costs (i.e. the remaining two months).
The scholarship is not transferable.

Accommodation Features:

Double-occupancy dorm-style rooms with shared facilities.
Included amenities:
- Utilities
- Furnished suite (bedding not included)
- Internet access
- Laundry facilities
- 24-hour, on-call security and residence support
- Access to common area lounges, cooking facilities, and on-site resident activities

For more details on Residence, visit confederationresidence.ca.

Additional Information: Students who apply for an eligible program and pay the fee deposit on time are guaranteed a room. However, students must confirm their need for on-campus accommodation by August 1st, as we recognize that some may already have alternative housing arrangements. For more details, email international@confederationcollege.ca.

In-program Scholarships

The following is a list of scholarships, awards and bursaries that are specific to international students. Every year, the International Education Centre (IEC) awards over $150,000 in scholarships to its international students. This includes the prestigious International Student Excellence Award valued at $2,500.

Students can apply for these in-program scholarships while they are studying at the college.

International Education Centre – International Student Excellence Award
International Education Centre – Award of Merit
International Education Centre – Academic Award
International Education Centre – International Student Award

In addition to the scholarships, bursaries and awards specific to international students, there are additional scholarships, bursaries and awards that are open to all Confederation College students. Please visit the Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries webpage for more information and instructions on how to apply.

FAQs (Admissions)

Have questions? We’ll bet others have had the same ones, so we put answers to some of the most commonly asked questions all in one place for you…

Don’t see the question you need answered? Visit our Contact Us page to get in touch.

Responses:

1. How do I apply for college?

You need to apply online through OCAS at ontariocolleges.ca. There is a $150.00 application fee payable directly to the ontariocolleges.ca application site. Please note: your application will not be released to our College until your application fee has been received and processed by the application site.

2. I am not sure what program I want to take. Who can help?

You can contact one of our Recruitment Officers by calling (807) 475-6335 and making an appointment to discuss your options. We also have comprehensive program information available on each of our full-time programs. Visit each individual program page for detailed information.

3. How can I get my Confederation College transcripts?

If you have attended Confederation College in the past, we will automatically transfer your academic history to your new application. If you have attended another postsecondary institution in Ontario, you can request your transcripts through the ontariocolleges.ca application site at an additional cost. These transcripts would be sent electronically to the colleges you have applied to. If you have attended a post-secondary institution outside of Ontario, you would need to send an official transcript to our College for assessment.

4. How do I get a copy of my high school transcripts?

Students will need to contact their high school directly and request one. Most school’s charge a nominal transcript fee. Students who have graduated over 5 years ago or whose high school has since closed will possibly need to contact their local school board directly. (e.g. Lakehead Public School Board)

5. What is a Mature Student and what is a Mature Student Assessment (MSA)?

A mature student is an applicant who is 19 years of age or older (on or before a program begins) and who does not possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, or its equivalent.

The Mature Student Assessment is an internal College evaluation for individual applicants. The evaluation covers Reading Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Numerical Operations and Problem-Solving.

The MSA does have an associated fee payable at test time. For additional information regarding the current fee or the MSA process and bookings, please contact our Testing Centre at (807) 475-6476.

Please be advised that successful completion of the MSA does not guarantee admission into a program. For best admission consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply before our February 1st, equal consideration deadline to be considered for a first-round offer. If programs have specific admission requirements (i.e. Technical Math, Biology, Chemistry or Physics), these admission requirements would need to be met in addition to completing the MSA.

6. How do I find out if a course I took at another postsecondary institution is equivalent to one at Confederation College?

You will need to fill out a transfer credit form which can be obtained online. Attach the course outline as well as a transcript of marks to the application form. There is either a $25 or $50 fee that will be applied depending on the number of courses being submitted for review. Bring the transfer credit form into the Registrar’s Office where it will be assessed and you will be notified of the outcome by email.

7. Where and when do I pay tuition?

There are many options available to you for making tuition payments. Tuition due dates will be listed on your Offer of Admission. Please be advised, you do risk losing your seat in your confirmed program choice if you do not make the tuition payment by the deadline date indicated on your Offer of Admission.

8. My schooling was completed outside of Canada. How do I submit my transcripts?

All applicants applying to Confederation College who have completed education outside of Canada must have documents/credentials assessed to Canadian educational standards. We would require a complete course-by-course assessment of your high school and post-secondary transcripts. The applicant will need to send official copies of their documents to one of the assessment agencies listed below. Please be advised these assessments can take some time to come back.

www.icascanada.ca

www.wes.org

All applicants who are internationally trained and are not a resident of Canada – please contact our International Education Centre at (807) 475-6467 or internationaladmissions@confederationcollege.ca for assistance. Applicants may be directed to one of our International Agents depending on their location.

9. How do I apply to return to the College to complete a program?

If you are applying to be re-admitted or to transfer into the 2nd semester or the 2nd or 3rd year of a program, please complete our Application for Re-Admission.

Any applicants looking to enter the 1st semester of a program at Confederation College must apply online at ontariocolleges.ca.

10. Can I change my program selection after I have accepted an offer to another program?

You can make changes to your current application by simply logging into ontariocolleges.ca and adding or deleting program choices. This is dependent on program availability. Applicants can have up to three program choices at one college and five program choices in total. You may have to delete a program choice in order to accommodate the additional program. There is no additional charge to make these changes.

11. I have completed some dual credit courses. How does this affect my application?

These courses can possibly be used towards College credit exemptions, but will not provide applicants with preferential treatment in admission decisions.

12. I have previously been a student at Confederation College. Do I need to re-submit all of my transcripts?

We recommend that you contact the Admissions department directly. If you were recently a full-time student (less than 4 years ago) in a full-time post-secondary program, we likely have your high school and any other post-secondary transcripts you previously submitted entered in our system. If you have previously attended Confederation College, your academic history will be in our system and there is no need to submit your Confederation transcripts.

13. I have received a wait list letter for my program choice. Does this mean I will not get a seat?

A wait list letter means that we have exceeded the number of available program seats. There is a chance we may extend more offers, but this generally will not take place until after our May 1st confirmation deadline date. Wait list calls will depend on the number of confirmations for the program and if we have received any withdrawals.

14. Can I find out where I am on a wait list?

Wait lists are scored and ranked by the first week in March. You can call us to learn the approximate location of your name on the wait list. Please note: our waitlist’s are constantly changing as mid-term and final marks are submitted, and as we have more applicants become eligible for the program.

15. My offer says it is conditional. What does this mean?

A conditional offer means we are waiting for final admission requirements to be met. For: direct from high school applicants, this could mean that we are waiting for your final semester 2 marks or your Ontario Secondary School Diploma graduation date. For: current college or university students, we may be waiting for final course marks or program graduation information. Applicants will have a deadline date to submit any outstanding requirements. This date is generally set towards the end of July.

16. I do not have high enough marks or the prerequisites to get into my program of choice. Do I have options?

Confederation College offers programs that will assist you in achieving your goal, such as Pre-Health Sciences, Pre-Technology, College Access, General Arts and Science, and Academic Upgrading. Please contact one of our Recruitment Officers by calling (807) 475-6335 to make an appointment in which you can further discuss your options.

Confederation College