Conestoga College is a leading polytechnic institution, delivering a full range of career-focused education, training and applied research programs. Established in 1967, the college has its campuses and training centers in 8 locations across Ontario, Canada. The Kitchener- Doon Campus is the oldest and largest among other Conestoga College campuses. This polytechnic college offers more than 250 certificate, diploma and degree programs, many with co-op options for international students. Diploma in Practical Nursing, Graduate Certificates in IT Business Analysis Operation, Global Hospitality Management include the popular programs among Indians.
The annual tuition fees for international students at Conestoga College range from 15,844 to 28,697 CAD (10.49 to 19.01 lakhs INR), depending on the program. For admissions to this college, Indian applicants must submit higher secondary school certificates for certificate, diploma, and degree programs. For graduate certificates, they need to submit diploma or degree certificates or mark sheets. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 is required, with most graduate certificates requiring 6.5. Conestoga College accepts applications on a rolling basis, until seats are full.
Inspite of being a polytechnic college, Conestoga offers several scholarships to assist international students. It offers Entrance scholarships (merit-based) for all its diploma, degree & certificate programs. Student reviews in community platforms (Reddit, YouTube) suggest that meritorious students actually get Entrance scholarships from Conestoga up to 1,000 CAD (66,261 INR).
See More: Conestoga College Reviews
Table of Contents
Conestoga College offers the following programs through its 9 academic schools:
Besides, Conestoga College also offers PGWP-aligned programs for students who want to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Read more about PGWP Canada to know more.
Here are the annual tuition fees of a few popular programs of Conestoga College, along with their entry requirements and tips for Indian students.
|
Program |
Program Duration | Annual Tuition Fees (CAD/ INR) |
Entry Requirements |
Key Notes & Tips for Indians |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 years | 23,482.88 CAD (15.56 lakhs) |
– Strong class 12 English, Math, Biology, Chemistry/ Physics (high grades needed) |
– Must complete Conestoga’s Pre-Health Sciences Pathway program first (direct entry not allowed) |
|
|
Graduate Certificate Information Technology Business Analysis – Operations |
2 years | 28,697.49 CAD (19.01 lakhs) |
– 2- or 3-year diploma/degree in business, IT, computer science, or related field |
– Good for IT/business background students |
| 1 year | 15,844 CAD (10.49 lakhs) |
– Any 2- or 3-year diploma or bachelor’s degree (hospitality/tourism/business preferred, but open to others) |
– Flexible entry for students from any background |
|
| 1 year | 20,371.60 CAD (13.49 lakhs) |
– Any 2- or 3-year diploma or bachelor’s degree (any field) |
– Almost any degree qualifies for admission (post evaluation) |
|
| – 1 year for non co-op option – 2 years for co-op option |
– Non co-op: 21,142.43 CAD (14 lakhs) |
– 3-year advanced diploma or bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, industrial automation, or related technical field |
– Needs a strong technical/engineering background |
|
| 1 year (2 academic terms) | 20,399.72 CAD (13.51 lakhs) |
– Any 2- or 3-year diploma or bachelor’s degree |
– One of the most accessible programs, open to graduates from any field |
|
| 1 year (2 academic terms) | 16,319 CAD (10.81 lakhs) |
– Diploma/advanced diploma/degree in computer science, software engineering, or related (with good grades) |
– Best for CS/IT graduates |
|
| 2 years | 16,319 CAD (10.81 lakhs) |
– 2- or 3-year diploma/degree in computer science, IT, programming |
– Submit resume/ references if using the experience route |
|
| 2 years | 18,917.66 CAD (12.53 lakhs) |
– Class 12 English (good marks) |
– Good option for students interested in medical administration |
Note: Conestoga College’s tuition fees are set using two elements: Tuition and Ancillary fees. Ancillary fees are mandatory non-tuition charges for services, activities, and materials supporting student life and academics. All the fees mentioned in the above table are including tuition + ancillary fees. Visit Conestoga College fees for detailed breakdown of fees.
Conestoga College Admissions
Admissions to Conestoga College are processed through the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS). OCAS has a standard application deadline of February 1 for Fall intake of the same year. However, there is no fixed deadline to apply for admissions to Conestoga as the college operates on a rolling basis, until seats are filled.
Conestoga College does not publish any official acceptance rate. Multiple source cite that, it has an estimated acceptance rate of around 85%.
To be eligible for Conestoga, applicants must be 19 years of age (for all the programs). Check the Conestoga College admissions requirements for international students mentioned below.
Application Portal: OCAS
Application Fee: 100 CAD (6,626 INR)
For Certificate/ Diploma and Degrees:
For Graduate Certificates:
English Language Requirements:
| Tests | Diploma/ Certificate | Degree | Graduate Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 80 | 88 | 88 |
| PTE | 53-57 | 58-60 | 58-60 |
International students living near Conestoga College should plan a monthly budget that covers housing, utilities, food, transport, and personal expenses. Accommodation is the largest cost, with shared private rooms averaging around 750 CAD (49,696 INR) per month, while full apartments range significantly higher depending on size and location.
An estimated breakdown (as given by Conestoga College itself) of the monthly cost of living in Canada is given below.
| Item | Average Monthly Cost (CAD/ INR) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Private room (shared house/apartment) | 750 (49,696 INR) | Private bedroom with shared bathroom, kitchen, and living area |
| 1-bedroom apartment | 1,425 (94,422 INR) | Private bathroom, kitchen, and living space |
| 2-bedroom apartment | 2,085 (1.38 lakhs) | Average rent for a two-bedroom unit |
| 3-bedroom apartment/house | 2,700 (1.78 lakhs) | Average rent for a three-bedroom unit |
| Utilities | Varies | Heating, electricity, water, AC, and Wi-Fi (may not be included in rent) |
| Groceries | 300 (19,878 INR) | Food costs vary by diet and shopping habits |
| Transit | Varies | Depends on city and student pass availability |
| Phone/Internet | 50-100 (3,313 to 6,626 INR) | Based on plan, data, and speed |
| Personal items | 200 (13,252 INR) | Clothing, toiletries, and daily essentials |
| Academic materials | 500 (33,130 INR) | Books and course supplies |
Conestoga College offers on-campus accommodation residences in its Kitchener-Doon campus. Students can choose between Open Culture style rooms and 2-bedroom flat rooms. Visit Conestoga College accommodation for more details on cost and application process.
Many Reddit users describe the Kitchener–Waterloo region as more affordable than major cities like Toronto or Vancouver. However, they also note that rental demand is high, especially near campuses, making housing competitive for international students.
Conestoga College’s Student Financial Services offers over 400 scholarships, bursaries, and awards each year, totaling more than 4.6 million CAD. These include degree entrance scholarships, achievement awards, and first-generation bursaries for eligible students. To apply for scholarships, follow the steps below:
Some of the popular scholarships offered by Conestoga College are tabulated below.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Award Details |
|---|---|---|
| Narhari Sharma Memorial Award | International students with academic success, and the qualities of wisdom, strength, vision, courage and selflessness | 1,000 CAD (66,261 INR) |
| #Educatetheworld President’s Honour Roll Award | A graduating student on the President’s Honour List who has shown positivity and perseverance in overcoming personal challenges. | 1,500 CAD (99,391 INR) |
Note: International students are not eligible for bursaries or awards which require financial need. Only merit-based scholarships are given to international applicants. Visit popular scholarships to study in Canada for external scholarship information.
Conestoga College stands out as a top choice for Indian students seeking career-focused education in Canada. With over 250 full-time and co-op programs, an impressive 85% acceptance rate, Conestoga College ranking lists it among the Top 10 design schools in Canada based on student awards. It has the highest employment rate among other colleges in Ontario, with 87% of its graduates employed within 6 months of program completion.
Note: As of February 7, 2026, 1 CAD= 66.26 INR is used across the article for currency conversion.
