Algonquin College

Overview

At a Glance

Visit Website (Opens In A New Tab)

Urban Centre Size
Major (over 500K)
Number of Students
40,000
DLI Number
O19358971022
Main Campus Region
East
Summary

Algonquin College, located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, offers personalized learning and industry-ready skills through field-work, work placement and co-op. With more than 300 programs offered, including degrees, diplomas and graduate certificates, we have the right program for you.

Being the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario, Algonquin College welcomes more than 40,000 full- and part-time students to its Ottawa, Perth, Pembroke and Online campuses.

Located in the nation’s capital, Algonquin College’s main campus is 15 minutes away from everything. National parks, museums and galleries, Canada’s largest high-tech community and the Rideau Canal are all minutes from one of the most well-equipped and largest college campuses in the country.

Algonquin College students come from around the world to make a global impact. Explore our programs and discover the advantages of studying at Algonquin College today!

Profile

Located in the nation’s capital, Algonquin College’s main campus is 15 minutes away from everything. National parks, museums and galleries, Canada’s largest high-tech community and the Rideau Canal are all minutes from one of the most well-equipped and largest college campuses in the country.

Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology was established in 1967 and is located on the unceded territory of the Algonquin People, after whom the College was named.

The College has served over 50 years as a leader in post-secondary education and has undergone significant growth since its establishment. Algonquin College Campuses have completed major expansion projects. The Ottawa Campus features an innovative award-winning trades building (Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence), a first-of-its-kind Student Commons building, the recently completed DARE (Discovery, Applied Research, and Entrepreneurship) District which includes the College’s library and learning centre, an Indigenous Commons and a MakerSpace that allows students to get their hands on the latest technology. Both the Perth and Pembroke Campuses are all-new facilities. Most recently on the Ottawa Campus, The Algonquin Students’ Association completed construction of the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre. This building provides students with the space they need to meet and exceed their fitness and recreation goals, as well as offer new challenges and experiences. The centre features gyms, a restaurant, rock climbing, bowling, an inside track, billiards, a golf simulator and more.

Take a virtual tour of our Ottawa, Perth and Pembroke campuses!

Requirements and Admissions

Admissions by Country

View the full list of admissions requirements by country. (Opens In A New Tab)

Requirements for International Students

If your first language is not English, you will need to complete a language assessment or provide IELTS documentation or another English proficiency testing. Each program has published minimum scores for program eligibility. Review the program eligibility (Opens In A New Tab) for your selected program.

If you will be studying in Canada on a study permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, you must complete the International Student Application. (Opens In A New Tab)

Steps to Apply

To ensure your application to Algonquin College has the best chance of success, follow our simple 9-step process.

  1. Confirm your program is open – you may confirm your program availability using the following link (Opens In A New Tab).
  2. Review Admissions Requirements – review the admissions requirement per country (Opens In A New Tab) and English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores (Opens In A New Tab).
  3. Review Visa/Study Permit/Work Requirements – find out more using the following link (Opens In A New Tab).
  4. Start the online application process – Create a password for the online Application Portal (Opens In A New Tab) and upload your documents and pay your application fee.
  5. Receive Letter of Acceptance – via the online Application Portal.
  6. Pay your fees – find out how to make a payment using the following link (Opens In A New Tab).
  7. Apply for Visa/Study/Work Permit – find our more using the following link (Opens In A New Tab).
  8. Register and attend International Student Orientation 
  9. Arrange for travel/airport pick up

Programs

  • Accounting and related services
  • Architectural sciences and technology
  • Biochemical engineering
  • Building/construction finishing, management and inspection
  • Business, management, marketing and related support services, other
  • Communication and media studies
  • Computer programming
  • Computer systems analysis/analyst
  • Construction management
  • Construction trades, general
  • Cosmetology and related personal grooming services
  • Culinary arts and related services
  • Engineering technology, general
  • Entrepreneurial and small business operations
  • Finance and Financial Management Services
  • Fishing and fisheries sciences and management
  • Forestry
  • Graphic communications
  • Health aides/attendants/orderlies
  • Health and physical education/fitness
  • Heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician
  • Human Resources Management and Services
  • Legal support services
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Outdoor education
  • Parks, recreation and leisure facilities management
  • Parks, recreation and leisure studies
  • Public relations, advertising and applied communication
  • Science Technologies/Technicians, General
  • Science technologies/technicians, other
  • Teaching English or French as a second or foreign language
  • Veterinary medicine (DVM)
  • Woodworking

Student Experience

The International Education Centre

The International Education Centre (IEC) provides special support to international students to help them adapt to the College. Special advisory services include health insurance, airport pick up, homestay/residence, orientation, academic advising, visa inquiries and special tutoring during the first days of classes. Staff at the IEC are also able to help international students use the wide variety of other services available to all Algonquin students including Internet accounts, health services and peer tutoring.

The International Education Centre hosts special events throughout the year such as skiing, skating and tours of the many tourist attractions that Ottawa, the nation’s capital, has to offer.

For more information, please visit: https://www.algonquincollege.com/international/ (Opens In A New Tab)

Algonquin College Students’ Association (SA)

Students should connect with the Algonquin College Students’ Association (SA) (Opens In A New Tab) for more information on the clubs and events on campus. Algonquin’s many clubs can open the door to student life by giving you the chance to collaborate and create a unique community experience. From sports and politics to gaming and culture, there is often a club that can meet your needs.

As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is the perfect place to experience some of the country’s best attractions, celebrations and flavours. You can tour Parliament Hill, visit many of the country’s national museums and paddle, cruise or skate on the Rideau Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lively neighbourhoods beckon you with tasty craft beer, fresh local food and unique shopping experiences while outdoor spaces offer a wide range of activities including cycling, rafting, hiking and skiing. And no matter the season, events like Winterlude, the Canadian Tulip Festival and Bluesfest fill the city with excitement.

Co-Curricular and Student Events

Get involved and meet new people! The Co-Curricular Record (CCR) (Opens In A New Tab) is a great resource for you to track, record and print a record of your college-affiliated volunteer and leadership involvement. A Co-Curricular Record is an official non-academic record used to chronicle the volunteer activities that you engaged in throughout the academic year.

Events are a great way to meet people and try new things. There are lots of events from Student Support Services taking place each week. We encourage you to tune in to as many as you can!

The Volunteer Centre

Visit the Volunteer Centre (Opens In A New Tab) for everything you need to know about volunteer opportunities at Algonquin (and beyond!). Our goal is to foster a culture of continuous learning by providing leadership and real-world experiences that complement students’ programs of study, as well as personal interests. At the Volunteer Centre, you are encouraged to explore volunteer opportunities within Algonquin College, as well as in your local and global communities. Programming includes Community Projects, Global Projects and an online Volunteer Database.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries

Students have a variety of awards and scholarships available from across Algonquin College and external supporters.

 

Housing

Residence, homestay or places to rent: there are accommodations options to suit your lifestyle and needs. To make the most of your time at Algonquin College, choose living arrangements that fit your lifestyle, comfort level and budget. We recommend that you confirm your living arrangements before arriving in Ottawa to start your program.

On-Campus Residence

Residence offers everything you need to make your College experience the best it can be. From convenience to events and all-inclusive fees, the Residence environment is conducive to student success. By living in Residence, you are able to experience what a true community has to offer. Hone in on your leadership skills by joining Residence Council or kick back and relax at one of our Residence Life events. Your experience is what you make it!

The Residence (Opens In A New Tab) on the Ottawa Campus (Opens In A New Tab) houses 1,036 students in two-bedroom suites. Each suite features two separate, fully-furnished bedrooms, a shared bathroom and a shared kitchenette.

Residence fees include the following:

  • Telephone service
  • Utilities
  • Internet service
  • Cable television
  • Access to lounge spaces (sports lounge, movie lounge and study rooms)
  • Fitness facilities
  • Light housekeeping
  • 24-hour security services and controlled-access entry
  • Laundry facilities

For more information, please contact us by email at info@algonquincollege.com or phone at +1 613-727-7698.

Homestay

You may prefer to live with a Canadian family in a homestay situation in order to learn about Canadian culture first-hand. You’ll be provided with your own private room, internet access and your choice of meal plan. It’s a great way to improve your English skills in a supportive environment. Algonquin’s homestay program is managed in partnership with Canada Homestay Network.

Tips for Living Off Campus

You may choose to get your own place, either on your own or with roommates. On average, apartments in Ottawa tend to cost $1,200-$1,400 per month plus utilities, food and living expenses. If you share a house with multiple roommates, those costs will be lower. You can make your own arrangements by visiting the Students’ Association Housing Board.

If you’d prefer to live off campus, the College has a directory listing of apartments and shared accommodations available for rent in Ottawa (Opens In A New Tab).

Contact Information

Location

Student Testimonials

Read about the experiences of past international students.

  1. Algonquin College has helped me understand Canadian cultural, the student and multicultural lifestyles in Ottawa and what is expected from me as a new AC student. The student specialist and the ESL conversation club are some great services that every international student should participate in.

    Carol Rincon, Interactive Media

Have questions about admissions?

To learn more about the admissions criteria for each of our programs please contact the admissions office.

An overhead view of students sitting at tables.

Contact Admissions