Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology

Located in the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario, on the edge of Lake Superior, Confederation College is a multicultural post-secondary institution which celebrates diversity. Offering a full range of practical study programs, it empowers students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to reach their full potential and achieve their goals.

Established in 1967, the college is now home to 7,000 students every year, and has a global impact. Home to around 1,400 international students from over 39 countries, Confederation College fosters a warm and inclusive learning environment, and a student community that supports and uplifts one another.

At Confederation College, students can enrol to study full-time, part-time, and even online across more than 60 study programs, with subject areas including business, engineering, healthcare, hospitality, media, and technology. The college provides a range of cutting-edge teaching facilities, further augmenting students' learning experience.

Confederation College graduates are highly sought after by local and regional employers, and the institution consistently records positive employer feedback. A recent survey of employers of 2022/23 graduates from the college records a satisfaction rate of 82.5 percent, 5.7 percent higher than the provincial average.

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, ensuring 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 personalized 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.

Students can choose from more than 60 study programs 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. Postgraduate study options include accelerated diploma programs and postgraduate programs with a duration of one to two years.

Through its range of options for post-secondary learners, Confederation College has built 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

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.

International 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.

English language requirements

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

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

Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs (except healthcare and aviation programs):

• Academic IELTS: 6.0 (no band lower than 5.5)
• TOEFL iBT: 80 (no band less than 20)
• PTE-A: 54 (no communicative skill lower than 50)
• Duolingo: 105 (no band lower than 95)
• CAEL: 60 (no band lower than 60)

Aviation, healthcare, accelerated, and all postgraduate certificate programs:

• Academic IELTS: 6.5 (no band lower than 6.0)*
• TOEFL iBT: 88 (no band less than 22)
• PTE-A: 60 (no communicative skill lower than 54)
• Duolingo: 120 (no band lower than 105)*
• CAEL: 70 (no band lower than 70)

Note: Pharmacy Technician only accepts IELTS (6.5 overall, no band less than 6.0) or TOEFL iBT (91 overall, no band less than 22) for admission.

*Dental Hygiene, Practical Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN): minimum speaking band is 6.5 or Duolingo 120 in conversation and production.

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.

The 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

High graduate employment rate

Confederation College was recognized 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 graduates of 2022/23 achieved a graduate employment rate of 89.7 percent within six months of course completion, a figure 3.9 percent higher than the provincial average (Survey of employers who have hired 2022/2023 graduates).

Furthermore, the graduate satisfaction rate is 5.7 percent higher than the average for Ontario, at 82.5 percent (Survey of students who have hired 2022/2023 graduates).

Thunder Bay rated most affordable place to live in Ontario

Thunder Bay has recently been ranked the number one city to live in Canada for affordability in the Royal LePage Most Affordable Canadian Cities Report (2024), and is one of only two cities in Ontario to appear in the rankings. The prestigious rankings take note of other benefits of the city, including its large number of students, proximity to nature, and diversified economy.

One of Confederation College's greatest strengths is the success of its graduates. All curricula are delivered with a practical, hands-on approach. The dynamic learning environment is not only highly engaging, but also provides superb preparation for entry into the workplace.

The college enjoys a high graduate employment rate of 89.7 percent, which is 3.9 percent higher than the provincial average (Survey of employers who have hired 2022/23 graduates).

Additionally, the institution consistently records extremely positive employer feedback. The most recent graduate satisfaction rate is recorded at 82.5 percent, 5.7 percent higher than average for the state of Ontario, and indicates the success with which college graduates have integrated into their jobs after completing their course (Survey of students who have hired 2022/2023 graduates).

Thunder Bay is an affordable place to live and study, with one of the best ‘quality of life' ratings in Ontario. This rating considers not only health, education, and recreational metrics, but also employment opportunities, indicating the strength of the job market into which college graduates can search for meaningful and competitive employment.

Employment Resources

Confederation College's Student Career Services (SCS) provide a variety of support services and workshops related to job searching and employability. Students can seek one-on-one career coaching, resume and cover letter help, assistance in job searches, interview preparation, and much more. Students can also meet potential employers at regular job fairs.

Additionally, Northwest Employment Works (NEW) is a part of Confederation College, and helps students succeed in gaining employment in their field after graduation.