12 Best Colleges in Canada for International Students in 2024

Canada is home to more than 213 public Colleges and Institutions. But of those schools, which are the best for international students? And how do you choose one? Don’t worry — we’ve narrowed it down to 12 fantastic options.

The best colleges in Canada for international students provide a great place to study Business, Health, Engineering, and more. Additionally, they help students gain the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to get hired. International students can earn Certificates and Diplomas that can impress Canadian employers. 

In this post, discover the best schools for international students looking to live and work in Canada. After all, your education isn’t just about work — it’s about building your life. By earning a Canadian education, you can create the life you want, starting with an in-demand career. 

Read on for the schools that can get you there.

The 12 Best Colleges in Canada for International Students 

1. Robertson College 
2. Red Deer Polytechnic 
3. Centennial College 
4. Algonquin College
5. Bow Valley College
6. George Brown College
7. Red River College
8. Fanshawe College
9. Seneca College
10. Mohawk College
11. Humber College
12. Northern Lights College

Thousands of international students come to Canada every year to study. If you aspire to be one of these learners, we can offer you some great choices. Our list highlights the Canadian Colleges that deliver:

• Quality education programs
• Welcoming and diverse communities
• Career-focused learning
• Opportunities for international students

 

Let’s take a look at the top Canadian Colleges that are waiting for you.

1. Robertson College 

Best Career-Focused Education

Founded in 1911, Robertson College has been educating students in Canada for over 100 years. Students take programs designed for them to find meaningful work in growing industries. Graduates can earn a recognized Certificate or Diploma that Canada’s top employers trust.

Robertson has campuses in Winnipeg, Calgary, and Edmonton. Communities are welcoming and diverse, and you’re never far from Canada’s natural beauty. For living accommodations, Robertson has a partnership with the Canada Homestay Network. International students can enjoy furnished accommodations, meals, and a supportive home environment. This can be a great way to practice English in a relaxed setting.

Students can also take a flexible approach to study with in-person, hybrid, and online programs. No matter where they study, students have the support of Robertson College’s workforce team. They help students and graduates search for jobs, build resumes, and connect with industry partners.

Need a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)? Robertson Global helps international students find meaningful work opportunities in Canada. Graduates from the Robertson + Red Deer Polytechnic partnership are eligible for a PGWP. The Robertson + ACC partnership also lets graduating students work anywhere in Manitoba. Visit the International Student Resources page for information on programs, study permits, accommodations, and more.

Average Tuition: $

Best Features: 

• Career-focused Diploma programs
• Workforce team support
• Programs for PGWP eligibility

2. Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP)

Best Machine Learning and Technology Programs

Located in beautiful Alberta, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) was established in 1964. Their campuses are near many natural spaces, meaning students can enjoy outdoor activities and nature walks. Students who live in residence have many housing options in the city.

RDP offers Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees. They cover a range of subjects in Business, Justice Studies, Social Work, and more. Tech-savvy students should check out their Technology Diplomas. Subjects include Machine Learning, Mechanical Engineering Technology, and Instrumentation and Automation Engineering Technology.

International students can access high-demand RDP programs through the Robertson College partnership. After earning their Diploma, graduates will be eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Available high-demand programs include:

• Business Diploma
• Computer Programming Diploma
• Early Learning and Child Care Diploma

Average Tuition: $$$

Best Features: 

• Outdoor activities
• Machine Learning Program
• Robertson College Partnership

3. Centennial College

Best Advanced Diplomas

Centennial College’s motto is “Transforming lives and communities through learning”. They have multiple campuses in the diverse city of Toronto.

Centennial offers various Certificate, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma Programs. International students can study Business, Media, Health, and Engineering. They also provide unique programs for Dance, Aerospace Technology, and more.

It’s a great school for students with a College or University background. Advanced courses such as the Biomedical Engineering Technology Advanced Diploma Program can level up your existing education.

Average Tuition: $$$$$

Best Features:

• Advanced Diploma programs
• Aerospace programs
• Dance programs

4. Algonquin College

Best Media Programs 

Located in the nation’s capital, Algonquin College was established in 1967. The school’s motto is “Your goals, your career, your college.” Students in Ottawa enjoy easy access to the Parliament Buildings downtown, so it’s no surprise they have excellent options for studying media.

They have multiple campuses located in Ottawa, Perth, and Pembroke. International students can find accommodations off campus, on campus in Ottawa, and through the homestay programs in Ottawa and Perth.

Algonquin College offers Bachelor’s Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates. They have an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program and a wide range of media programs. International students can study Journalism, Photography for Content Creation, and more.

Average Tuition: $$$$$

Best Features:

• Journalism Diploma
• Broadcasting programs
• Photo for content creation

5. Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College has campuses across Alberta, with a main campus in downtown Calgary. Students can enjoy city life and beautiful national parks. The school was established in 1965, and its motto is “Open Doors – Open Minds.”

Students can find accommodations in the SAIT residence, private housing, or a homestay program. There are many public transportation options for students, and many people enjoy using bicycles. Driving to nearby Canadian national parks and enjoying the scenery is easy.

Bow Valley offers Diploma and Certificate programs for a variety of industries. Students can study things like Business, Health, and Community Services. They also have programs for Justice Studies and Game Development.

Average Tuition: $$$

Best Features:

• Access to National Parks
• Game Development programs
• Justice Studies programs

6. George Brown College

Best Chef School

George Brown College was established in 1966. They’ve grown since then and have three campuses in the heart of Toronto. Students in their downtown residences can study while enjoying this busy city.

George Brown is a great school for people who love to watch or play sports. Varsity programs are available for sports like basketball, soccer, and volleyball. They also have great fitness facilities that students can access during the day.

Diploma and Certificate programs can take one to three years to complete. Students can study various topics, including Computer Technology, Design, Fashion and Jewelry, Health, and more. Their Chef School educates students in Baking, Cooking, and Culinary Management.

Average Tuition: $$$$$

Best Features:

• Fitness Center and Sports
• Fashion and Jewelry Programs
• Chef School

7. Red River College

Best Transportation Technology Program

Red River College has campuses all over Manitoba, including three in the city of Winnipeg. International students can live in the student residence, a bus ride from the main campuses.

Established in 1938, this large College offers many Certificate and Diploma options. Red River is perfect for students interested in Construction Technology and Transportation Technology. Skilled Trades programs are available for Carpentry, Plumbing, and more.

Love animals? The Red River College is only a short drive from the Assiniboine Park Zoo. The Zoo is open 364 days a year and hosts rare and exotic animals.

Average Tuition: $

Best Features:

• Near the Assiniboine Park Zoo
• Transportation Technology Program
• Skilled Trades Programs

8. Fanshawe College

Best Fine Art Diploma

Established in 1967, Fanshawe College has campuses across Ontario. Their main campus is located in London, the beautiful southern area of the province. But international students can also study in Toronto, the exciting provincial capital.

Fanshawe offers Diplomas and Certificates for disciplines like Business, Creative Arts, and Health. Some unique Creative Art Diplomas include Fine Art and Fashion Design. Students with previous education can level up their skill sets with advanced Certificates. Programs cover varied topics like Legal Cannabis Applied Sciences and Doula Studies.

They have a dedicated International Centre that provides helpful services for students. The centre provides transportation between campuses, and its staff speaks multiple languages.

Average Tuition: $$$$$

Best Features:

• Fine Art Diploma
• Doula Studies Certificate
• The International Centre

9. Seneca College

Best Sustainability Programs

Located in Toronto, Seneca College was established in 1967. There are campuses throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This is great for students because they can use public transportation to access them all.

The Seneca International Academy is ready to support students arriving in Canada. They provide help and resources, including housing, counseling, and fitness. 

Environmentally conscious students will appreciate their Certificates and Diplomas. For example, the School of Environmental & Civil Engineering Technology offers programs focused on sustainability. Students can learn about Environmental Landscape Management, Environmental Technology, and Global Hospitality Sustainable Leadership.

Average Tuition: $$$$$

Best Features:

• Environmental Certificate and Diploma Programs
• Certificate Bundle Programs
• Dedicated International Academy

10. Mohawk College

Best International-Only Programs

Mississauga is a large and diverse city located near Toronto. Mohawk College was established there in 1966. The school has since grown to include five campuses across Ontario.

The student residence in Hamilton is available for those studying at the Fennel campus. Other accommodations are available off-campus and through homestay programs.

There are many programs available to international students. Mohawk offers Diplomas in General Arts, Technology, and Skilled Trades. They also offer programs exclusive to international students, such as Software Support, Network Systems, and Early Childhood Education.

Average Tuition: $$$$$

Best Features:

• Fitness and Recreation Facilities
• Programs exclusive to International Students
• The Language and Culture Centre (LCC)

11. Humber College

Best for Trained Professionals

Founded in 1967, Humber College is a popular school in downtown Toronto. They have three campuses located in the city, including the International Graduate School (IGS). Students can choose private residence accommodations, homestays, and off-campus living arrangements.

Humber offers many Certificate and Diploma programs for students. International students can study Culinary Skills, Funeral Direction, Hospitality, Nutrition, and more. They’re one of the few Colleges that offer a Comedy Writing and Performance Diploma.

Humber’s Bridge Program helps trained professionals continue their careers in Canada. Rather than restarting their careers, students can access training and networking opportunities. This is great for folks trained in Engineering, IT, Supply Chain Management, and other industries.

Average Tuition: $$$$$

Best Features:

• International Graduate School
• Bridge Program for trained professionals
• Comedy Writing and Performance Diploma

12. Northern Lights College

Best Energy Programs 

Northern Lights College (NLC) has seven campuses throughout beautiful British Columbia. Student housing is available in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John. BC is full of natural beauty, and students can enjoy many outdoor activities.

NLC offers Certificates and Diplomas. There are many options for studying Business and Trades. NLC is unique for its Energy programs, which focus on gas and renewable energy sources. Students can earn a Certificate in Oil and Gas Field Operations, Wind Turbine Maintenance, and more.

Apprenticeship Programs allow students to study underneath trained industry professionals. This includes Plumbing, Welding, Carpentry, and a range of Mechanical trades.

Average Tuition: $$$$

Best Features:

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Energy Programs
• Criminology Programs

FAQ

Canada is a great place to study, work, and live. We want to answer a few more popular questions so you can feel confident about coming here to study.

What Canadian College Is the Cheapest for International Students?

Newfoundland has some of the lowest tuition costs in Canada. So, the College of the North Atlantic is one of the cheapest colleges for international students.

To estimate a budget, students need to consider more than tuition costs and choose a College that provides affordability for the following: 

• Tuition and fees
• Accommodations
• Food
• Transportation

 

Affordable tuition is important, but so is a quality education. Your school of choice should set you up for a career that will provide you with long-term success. Look for a school that provides knowledge, skills, experience, and networking opportunities.

What is the #1 College in Canada?

The #1 College in Canada for enrollment is King’s University College at Western University, with 4,090 full-time students. The University of Toronto (UofT) is the #1 largest University with 97,066 students enrolled. 

Both schools are very good, but every student has different needs and a different life journey. If you are career-focused, consider Robertson College for an education that prepares learners for work — fast.

Which Canadian College Has the Most International Students?

With over 8,000 international students in the 2021-2022 school year, Conestoga College has the most international students among Canadian Colleges. 

International students can earn Diplomas and Degrees from many different schools in Canada. To know if you qualify for a Canadian College as an international student, speak with our International Student Admissions team.

Which City Is Best to Study for International Students in Canada?

No two learners are the same, so there’s no one best city for international students to study in Canada. Toronto, however, is a very popular city for good reason. It has a diverse population and many great schools, but it can be an expensive city, too.

Many students want to study, work, and start a family in Canada. Cities like Winnipeg and Edmonton can be great places to study and start a new life. Students should think about where they want to study, but they should also consider their long-term plans.

Your Canadian College Experience is Waiting

Canada is where people of all cultures can live and work together. It’s home to some of the best colleges for international students. It’s not just a great place to study. Canada is a great place to start a new life full of opportunities.

International students come from all over the globe to study here. We hope our list gives you the confidence to join them! Robertson College is proud of our programs for international students. We provide education that can lead to meaningful work, and are prepared to give you the best College experience possible.

Reach out to Robertson College today to learn more about our international programs!