Confederation College

Overview

At a Glance

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Urban Centre Size
Small (under 150K)
Number of Students
7300+
DLI Number
O19376986752
Main Campus Region
North
Summary

Confederation College is a public post-secondary institution established in Thunder Bay in 1967. It is a culturally diverse, close-knit community of individuals, delivering exceptional education and training to an average of 7,300 combined full- and part-time students per year, including 1,200+ international students from 30 different countries.

With highly-trained instructors, smaller class sizes and a dynamic learning environment, we offer practical, hands-on programs and courses that will give you the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to succeed.

Profile

Learning at Confederation College is an exciting and rewarding experience with our smaller class sizes, state of the art facilities and cutting-edge classroom equipment and labs. We deliver more than 65 programs in over 11 program categories that meets industry requirements. Confederation College offers a range of graduate and post-graduate level programs that include engineering technology, healthcare, culinary, media development, skilled trades, business and management. We are committed to delivering quality education to our students and deliver the type of education that graduates and employers want.

Please view our international student program chart (Opens In A New Tab) for a more detailed program list.

We are proud to have a 100% employer satisfaction rate, and a graduate employment rate higher than the provincial average for all public colleges in Ontario (according to KPI Survey of 2019-2020 graduates).

Here is what our students had to say when we asked, “Why choose Confederation College?”:

  • Confederation College offers a wide range of high-quality programs which have a high demand in the industry, with many having work placement or co-op.
  • Affordable cost of the tuition fees, and affordable cost of living in Thunder Bay compared with other cities in Ontario. Bonus: Free travel on city transit buses when you are a full-time student.
  • Very fast and efficient admission process.
  • Many part-time jobs available for students, both on-campus and off-campus.

Thunder Bay is part of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) Program, a federal initiative to encourage new immigrants to settle in eleven smaller cities and communities across Canada. Thunder Bay has been the most successful community for the program and more than 60% of participants are Confederation College graduates, who are now settled in the city. College graduates already meet the language and education requirements and several programs directly match the skills list. Graduates from a two-year program are exempt from the work experience requirement.

Flip through our viewbook (Opens In A New Tab) to learn more about our programs, Confederation College and Thunder Bay.

Requirements and Admissions

Confederation College is known for its quick and efficient admission process and our support services. The International Admissions team works diligently to answer questions about admission requirements for student support, assess international transcripts in-house and issue Letters of Acceptance (LOAs). Confederation College also has representatives (Opens In A New Tab) in several countries available to directly answer questions and assist with the application process.

For information on any program and admissions processes, please email our International Admissions team. We would be happy to assist.

Confederation College uses academic information, such as credentials, course completion, grades and English proficiency, to determine an applicant’s eligibility for admission.

English Proficiency Requirements

All students must possess strong English writing, comprehension and speaking skills to be successful in their studies and in their careers. Applicants are required to demonstrate proof of English proficiency by submitting the recent results of an accepted English proficiency test.

Please visit the English Proficiency Requirements on our website (Opens In A New Tab) for information.

Age Requirement

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

Please refer to our individual program pages (Opens In A New Tab) or the international student program chart (Opens In A New Tab) for program-specific requirements.

Programs

  • Accounting and related services
  • Aerospace, aeronautical and astronautical/space engineering
  • Business administration, management and operations
  • Business, management, marketing and related support services, other
  • Business/commerce, general
  • Carpentry/carpenter
  • Civil engineering
  • Computer programming
  • Computer systems networking and telecommunications
  • Culinary arts and related services
  • Dental support services and allied professions
  • Education, other
  • Electrical and electronic engineering technologies/technicians
  • Electrical, electronics and communications engineering
  • Engineering technologies and engineering-related fields, other
  • Engineering, other
  • Environmental/environmental health engineering
  • Film/video and photographic arts
  • Forestry
  • Health and medical administrative services
  • Health services/allied health/health sciences, general
  • Health/medical preparatory programs
  • Heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies
  • Human Resources Management and Services
  • Industrial engineering
  • International business/trade/commerce
  • Marketing
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants
  • Quality control and safety technologies/technicians
  • Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions
  • Visual, digital and performing arts, general

Student Experience

From application through to graduation, Confederation College support services are here to help our students every step of the way. The mission here is to help educate and prepare all students for their chosen career. If you can dream it, you can do it!

Our student service (Opens In A New Tab) areas help students succeed in their educational goals and provide support academically and personally, at no additional cost. The International Education Centre (IEC) (Opens In A New Tab) provides academic and immigration advising, orientation, referrals and a range of other support services specifically for international students. Our students are enrolled for health insurance through StudyInsured, and this cost is included in their tuition.

The Student Union of Confederation College (Opens In A New Tab) (SUCCI) organizes events throughout the school year. There are multiple campus recreation events like dodge ball, 10-pin bowling, ping pong tournaments, soccer, volleyball and more. There are also talk shows, music sessions and movie screenings hosted in the Student Commons area during the semester. Students can join campus recreation sports tours, city tours and participate in the fun on- and off-campus events. SUCCI, also organizes winter events like skiing, tubing and the winter carnival.

Students have unlimited free access to our recently constructed Wellness Centre, located on campus. The Wellness Centre provides workout equipment, an indoor track, tennis courts, a basketball and volleyball court, squash courts, weight room and a stretching area. Many sports clubs are organized through the Wellness Centre and meet regularly.

Other student services include our on-campus health and dental clinic, counselling (personal and career), employment resources, tutoring services and much more.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Confederation College has many entry and in-program scholarships, bursaries and awards available for its international students to assist with their education costs. Students can apply for these scholarships while they are studying at the college.

Housing

Students have two accommodation options: on campus or off campus. Students should plan their stay well in advance of their arrival in Canada as all accommodation options fill up quickly. Each option has its distinct advantages.

On-Campus Accommodations

The Spruce and Cedar Residence offers fully furnished apartment style units. Complete with a four-bedroom apartment-style living, this residence option also provides students a fully equipped in-suite kitchen with dishwasher, two full-sized bathrooms, free campus Wi-Fi and laundry facilities.

Sibley Hall Residence is home to many students every year. The residence has recently been renovated and is a safe, community-oriented residence with five room style options. Prices vary based on the type of room. Each room includes a single bed, wardrobe, small fridge and microwave, and some have private en-suite baths. All students staying in Sibley Hall residence must also purchase a mandatory meal plan.

Visit the Confederation Residence website (Opens In A New Tab) to find out more information about on-campus housing.

Off-Campus Accommodations

Thunder Bay has a variety of off-campus rental housing options, including single homes, duplexes and apartments, that can be shared or rented individually. Students can also connect with other international students looking for off-campus accommodation through our Facebook page/group.

Please refer to our Off-Campus Housing Guide (Opens In A New Tab) for helpful information.

Short-term Accommodation

Students can book short-term accommodation at our on-campus residence. The cost is subsidized by the college.

Contact Information

Location

Student Testimonials

Read about the experiences of past international students.

  1. It’s been an amazing experience to be a student here. I had not only academic growth but also personal growth. The best part of being a Confederation College student is one gets to experience the beautiful city Thunder Bay! It’s a great place to pursue your dream!

    Vitasta Ganjoo, from India, Dental Hygiene program
  2. Confederation College has helped me adjust to international student life. The students, faculty and staff are all friendly and accommodating to any questions or concerns. It’s terrifying to start a new journey thousands of miles away from my family, but it was the best decision I ever made so far.

    Maricor Ballaret, from Philippines, Personal Support Worker program
  3. There is no need to be intimidated by the future, the AMET program has changed my life. I feel much more confident to approach my dreams and make them become true! I had the honor to cooperate with great instructors and classmates who I am so thankful for. They made my journey way easier and joyful!

    Julia Izidoro, from Brazil, Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering Technician program

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