Durham College

Overview

At a Glance

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Urban Centre Size
Medium (150-500K)
Number of Students
Over 14,000 full-time students
DLI Number
O19361081012
Main Campus Region
Central
Summary

Since 1967, Durham College has been leading the way for the next generation of qualified graduates with its focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities. What began as a small institution with 200 students has grown to a premier Canadian institution, made up of nine academic schools offering over 140 full-time programs to more than 14,000 full-time students, including 2,000 international students from 74 countries.

Profile

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 11,400 full-time students access to more than 140 post-secondary programs, including four honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

At the Oshawa campus, the Centre for Collaborative Education brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, featuring the Durham College Spa, Global Classroom and interprofessional simulation and anatomy labs. The campus is also home to four of the college’s applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Mixed Reality Capture Studio and Social Impact Hub. Additionally, the flexible, fully automated and industrial-grade Integrated Manufacturing Centre serves as a model of the new standards in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and engineering education.

At DC’s Whitby campus, the new 60,000 sq. ft. Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology shines a spotlight on industrial skilled trades training, innovation and education, and includes a double-height shop lab, new classrooms and student touchdown spaces, among other features. The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which is home to the award-winning full-service restaurant, Bistro ’67; retail store, Pantry, featuring food grown and prepared by students; and the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture and its community-inspired urban farm.

Requirements and Admissions

The minimum requirement for admission (Opens In A New Tab) to post-secondary programs at Durham College is one of the following:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD);
  • Equivalent secondary school diploma from another province or territory in Canada; or
  • Equivalent secondary school diploma from outside Canada, including a course-by-course breakdown. Applicants who have been educated outside of Canada must have their documents evaluated by a credential assessment service (ICAS) and submit proof of educational qualifications in order to determine if their level of achievement is equivalent to an OSSD.

Some programs require additional admissions criteria, which vary by program. Additional criteria can be found in the program pages located on the Durham College website.

International Applicants

International students can apply online (Opens In A New Tab), directly through the Durham College International (Opens In A New Tab) webpage. Applicants can apply to up to two programs at Durham College, and a fee of $100 must accompany all applications.

Additional information on how to apply (Opens In A New Tab), the admission process (Opens In A New Tab), and admissions requirements (Opens In A New Tab) can be found on the Durham College (Opens In A New Tab) website.

Programs

  • Accounting and related services
  • Business administration, management and operations
  • Business operations support and assistant services
  • Business, management, marketing and related support services, other
  • Chemical engineering
  • Civil engineering
  • Construction management
  • Construction trades, general
  • Dental support services and allied professions
  • Entrepreneurial and small business operations
  • Finance and Financial Management Services
  • Food science and technology
  • Health and medical administrative services
  • Heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician
  • Hospitality administration/management
  • Human Resources Management and Services
  • Journalism
  • Marketing
  • Practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants
  • Radio, television and digital communication

Student Experience

While learning and studying are important, the memories and friendships made outside of the classroom are just as rewarding. Life on campus plays an important role in a student’s success and overall college experience. At Durham College, we strive to create a community that fosters collaboration, acceptance and inclusivity. To support students, Durham College offers a wide range of services and amenities.

Campus Services

Academic Services

Scholarships and Bursaries

Durham College students have access to bursaries and scholarships (Opens In A New Tab) that can help offset the cost of their studies. Eligibility requirements vary.

Bursaries

Bursaries are awarded to students based on financial need, and students must be in good academic standing to receive a bursary.

Scholarships

In-Course Scholarship

The In-course Scholarship is awarded to the top two students registered in each 2-year and 3-year full-time post-secondary diploma program at Durham College. Scholarships are based on grades from years 1 and 2, and the student must be returning to the same program for year 2 or 3. No application is required.

Donor Awards

Donor awards are available through donations made by generous individuals, organizations and corporations.

Bachelor’s Degree Entrance Scholarships

Applicants entering a Bachelor’s degree program at Durham College may be eligible for a Bachelor’s Degree Entrance Scholarship.

English Proficiency Entrance Scholarships

International students commencing programs at Durham College may be eligible for the English Language Proficiency Scholarship (Opens In A New Tab) if they satisfy the eligibility requirements. No application is required.

Housing

There are a number of on- and off-campus housing options (Opens In A New Tab) available to Durham College students that suit a variety of budgets and lifestyles.

On-Campus Housing

On-campus residence (Opens In A New Tab) provides students with an opportunity to experience campus life, build lasting friendships and easily access college amenities.

South Village Residence

The South Village residence (Opens In A New Tab) is located on the Oshawa campus and offers a cafeteria, as well as study and recreation areas. Private suites are fully furnished and include a kitchenette, two bedrooms and a three-piece bathroom.

Simcoe Village Residence

The Simcoe Village residence (Opens In A New Tab) offers students a choice between fully furnished double rooms, which are semi-divided for privacy, or fully furnished suites with private bedrooms.

West Village Residence

The West Village Residence (Opens In A New Tab) is designed for upper-year students and features apartment-style suites. Students have access to on-site management, laundry facilities and many social areas.

Whitby Campus Residence

The Whitby Campus residence (Opens In A New Tab) includes two common kitchen spaces, on-site laundry and a lounge space. A resident advisor is on-site to assist students.

Off-Campus Housing

There are a number of options available to students who prefer to live-off campus, such as:

  • Off-campus residences
  • Shared housing accommodations
  • Home-stays

Contact Information

Location

Student Testimonials

Read about the experiences of past international students.

  1. I would like to thank you for all the opportunities which you are providing to international students. I am really blessed to be the part of DC community. From on-campus jobs to stage performances, I am almost living my dreams in DC.

    Nikhil Bajaj, Durham College Graduate
  2. One thing that makes Durham College different is the commitment to ensuring that every student meets their full potential. Durham College gives you everything that you could possibly need to be successful.

    Jennifer Beckett, Durham College Graduate

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