Overview

Confederation College is a culturally diverse post-secondary institution, located in Thunder Bay, Ontario. It offers practical, hands-on programs which empower students with the skills and confidence to achieve their fullest potential.

　　Established in 1967, the college community has steadily grown in number and impact and is now home to around 7,000 full- and part-time students in attendance each year. Confederation College also has a large population of international students, numbering around 1,400 and representing more than 39 countries worldwide. The college fosters an inclusive and welcoming learning environment where students look out for each other and treat each other with respect.

　　Students benefit from a range of state-of-the-art teaching facilities and more than 65 programs spanning areas of study including engineering, technology, healthcare, business, hospitality, and media. Programs are designed for future employment and students receive fantastic preparation for launching their career.

　　Confederation College graduates are highly sought after by local and regional employers, and the institution consistently records positive employer feedback - the most recent satisfaction rate is 83.5 per cent.

　　

What's new

Confederation College places second for provincial graduate employment rate

Confederation College was recognised for the success of its graduate employment statistics in a recent key performance indicator by Colleges Ontario, the association which represents the 24 public colleges in the province.

　　Confederation College achieved a graduate employment rate of 91.1 per cent within six months of course completion, which placed the college second overall, and improved on the provincial average by 8.9 per cent.

　　Additionally, the college was ranked the third best in Ontario for graduate satisfaction rates, indicating not only the success of its graduates, but the quality of experience and service they felt they received. These high results continue the success of recent years and set a precedent for future students and graduates of the college.

　　

Thunder Bay rated most affordable place to live in Ontario

Thunder Bay has recently been ranked the number one place to live in Ontario for affordability by Moving Waldo, using data from Statistics Canada, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), and Zumper.

　　The city also came first for quality of life, which covers health, pollution, green space and recreation, climate, education, and employment opportunities.

　　

Teaching quality

Confederation College has offered students empowering education for more than 50 years, and in this time, has consistently delivered superb graduate satisfaction rates and student success.

　　The college's teaching faculty are central to its program delivery and comprise a team of highly qualified and experienced professionals who teach in dynamic environments to ensure student engagement with a variety of teaching methods and modes of learning.

　　Class sizes remain small, which results in more individual contact time with faculty and a more personalised learning experience. This approach helps to build confidence and gives students the tools to apply the things they learn during their college program in the real world.

　　Staff are enthusiastic about the success of their students and encourage them to reach their highest potential, both in terms of their program, and in their personal growth.

　　

Department structure

There are more than 65 programs to choose from at Confederation College, spanning a number of different subject areas and preparing students for a variety of career options.

　　Programs are generally one to three years in duration and offer credentials ranging from Ontario College Certificate to Advanced Diplomas, as well as a bachelor's degree in nursing, available as a four-year program. There are also postgraduate study options, which include accelerated diploma programs and postgraduate programs with a duration of one to two years.

　　With such a range of options for post-secondary learners, it's easy to see why Confederation College has built such a solid reputation for producing career-ready graduates.

　　Courses are distributed across the college's three academic schools:

　　School of Aviation, Engineering Technology & Trades School of Business, Hospitality & Media Arts School of Health & Community Services

　　

Entry requirements

Applications for Confederation College are made online through OCAS, and prospective students are asked to submit their prior academic records, high school transcripts, grades and evidence of English proficiency. Applications are considered on an individual basis by the college's International Admissions Team, who are also available to answer any questions about the application process.

　　Programs are delivered in English, and so each student must show solid English comprehension, speaking, and writing abilities.

　　Accepted forms of English language proof include the following assessment systems and minimum standards:

　　

Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma Programs (Except Health Care and Aviation Programs):

Academic IELTS: 6.0 (no band lower than 5.5, except for students from India who must have no band lower than 6.0 to meet SDS requirements) TOEFL iBT: 79 PTE-A: 54 (no communicative skill lower than 54) Duolingo: 105 (no band lower than 85) CAEL: 60 (no band lower than 60)

Aviation, Health Care, Accelerated and All Post-Graduate Certificate Programs:

Academic IELTS: 6.5 (no band lower than 6.0)* TOEFL iBT: 88 PTE-A: 60 (no communicative skill lower than 54) Duolingo: 125 (no band lower than 105)* CAEL: 70 (no band lower than 70)* Dental Hygiene, Practical Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN): Minimum speaking band is 6.5 or Duolingo 125 in Conversation and Production.

　　Applicants from India can only proceed with the Academic IELTS, TOEFL iBt, or PTE-A, due to visa processing requirements. Duolingo is not accepted. Full information about English proficiency requirements is available on the Confederation College website.

　　

Facilities

Confederation College is home to an excellent range of subject-specific resources and facilities, such as classrooms, laboratories, studios, workshops and many more.

　　Additionally, the campus provides:

　　

On-campus Accommodations

The Spruce and Cedar Residence offers four-bedroom apartment units, with laundry facilities and a fully equipped common kitchen. Students enjoy apartment style living right on campus.

　　Sibley Hall – Open Concept Residence offers a choice of fully furnished personal rooms or shared room options, each with an attached private bathroom. All rooms include a small fridge and a microwave.

　　Sibley Hall – Dorm Style Residence is an affordable option for students. There are fully furnished individual rooms and shared room options. Each room includes a small fridge and a microwave. Bathroom facilities are shared.

　　

Student Union (SUCCI)

The Student Union of Confederation College (SUCCI) is committed to advocating for students and enhancing their overall college experience. It organizes social, wellness and recreation events throughout the school year, manages on-campus employment, and offers a variety of athletic and sport teams.

　　

Health Centre

The Confederation College Health Centre is dedicated to the health and wellness of students. It offers a broad range of medical services and is staffed by a nurse practitioner.

　　

Student Success Centre

The student success centre helps students succeed in their educational goals. Students can access a wide variety of services including crisis intervention, tutoring, writing support, personal counselling, confidential consultations, and academic advising.

　　

Employment Resources

Student Career Services (SCS) provides a variety of support services and workshops related to job search. Students can seek one-on-one career coaching, resume, and cover letter help, assistance in job search, interview preparation, and much more. They also have regular job fairs where students can meet potential employers.

　　

Scholarships & funding

Financial awards are available to domestic and international students alike, including entrance scholarships, which vary on a country-of-origin basis, and a range of in-program scholarships and bursaries which are awarded to students each year.

　　Eligibility criteria and award value can vary, so students are encouraged to check the details of funding they are interested in on the college's website.

　　There is a new entry-level scholarship available to students of all countries who are completing certain engineering programs. The award is valued at CAD 1,000 and is applied towards tuition payments automatically. Students entering in January 2024 or September 2024 are eligible. Eligible programs include:

　　Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering Technician and Technology Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance Civil Engineering Technician Electrical Engineering Technology Electronics Engineering Technician – Computers Instrumentation Engineering Tech – Process Automation Mechanical Engineering TechnicianThe following list includes financial awards which are exclusively available to international students. Additionally, there are many other scholarships and bursaries which are open to all students, including international students:

　　International Education Centre Excellence Awards International Education Centre Merit Awards International Education Centre Academic Awards International Education Centre Awards Raag-Rung Music Circle Bursary StudyInsured Bursaries