About the university
Conestoga College was founded in 1967 as part of Ontario's network of public colleges of applied arts and technology. It has grown into one of Ontario's largest colleges, with campuses across the Waterloo Region and nearby cities, and offers diplomas, graduate certificates and four-year bachelor's degrees in fields such as computing, engineering, business, health and skilled trades.
Conestoga is a college, not a university, and its focus is applied, job-oriented learning: smaller classes, labs, and co-op work terms with employers in the Kitchener–Waterloo technology and manufacturing corridor. Its bachelor's degrees in computer science, data science and artificial intelligence, engineering and business are approved by the Ontario government and carry the same degree titles as university degrees.
Until 2024 Conestoga had one of the largest international student intakes in Canada, much of it from India. Since then, federal caps on study permits and changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit rules for college programmes have led Conestoga to suspend or close many international intakes, especially for graduate certificates. Always check that your intake is open and that your programme meets the latest PGWP rules before you apply.
Degree tuition for international students is much lower than at most Ontario universities: CAD 16,933.20 a year in 2026-27, plus ancillary fees. Living costs in Kitchener–Waterloo are lower than in Toronto, though housing near campus is in high demand.
- Founded
- 1967, as one of Ontario's public Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology
- Type
- Public college of applied arts and technology; awards diplomas, graduate certificates and bachelor's degrees
- Campuses
- Kitchener (Doon and downtown), Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford and Milton
- Degree tuition (international, 2026-27)
- CAD 8,466.60 per term (CAD 16,933.20 a year) plus ancillary fees
- Co-op
- Most bachelor's degrees include paid co-op work terms (placement not guaranteed)
- Intakes
- January, May and September depending on the programme; several international intakes are currently suspended
Rankings
QS / THE World University Rankings 2027
Not ranked (colleges are not included in global university rankings)
Popular courses with Indian students
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)
- Fee / year
- C$16,933
- Duration
- 4 years, with two paid co-op terms
- Intakes
- January 2027 and September 2027 (Waterloo campus)
- English
- Check the programme page; Conestoga sets English test scores by credential
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Honours)
- Fee / year
- C$16,933
- Duration
- 4 years, with two co-op terms (hybrid delivery)
- Intakes
- January 2027 and September 2027 (Waterloo campus)
- English
- Check the programme page; Conestoga sets English test scores by credential
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Engineering – Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Fee / year
- C$16,933
- Duration
- 4 years (hybrid delivery)
- Intakes
- August 2027 (Cambridge – Fountain Street)
- English
- Check the programme page; Conestoga sets English test scores by credential
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) – Accounting, Audit and Information Technology
- Fee / year
- C$16,933
- Duration
- 4 years, with three paid co-op terms
- Intakes
- September 2027 (Kitchener – Doon)
- English
- Check the programme page; Conestoga sets English test scores by credential
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Digital Technology Solutions (Honours)
- Fee / year
- C$16,933
- Duration
- 4-year honours degree
- Intakes
- Check the programme page for open intakes
- English
- Check the programme page; Conestoga sets English test scores by credential
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- C$16,933
- Duration
- Degree programme; check length on the programme page
- Intakes
- Check the programme page for open intakes
- English
- Check the programme page; Conestoga sets English test scores by credential
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) – International Business Management
- Fee / year
- C$16,933
- Duration
- 4-year honours degree with co-op
- Intakes
- Check the programme page for open intakes
- English
- Check the programme page; Conestoga sets English test scores by credential
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Engineering – Electronic Systems Engineering
- Fee / year
- C$16,933
- Duration
- 4-year degree
- Intakes
- Check the programme page for open intakes
- English
- Check the programme page; Conestoga sets English test scores by credential
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (CAD) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) | 4 years, with two paid co-op terms | C$16,933 | ≈ ₹11.3 lakh |
| Bachelor of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Honours) | 4 years, with two co-op terms (hybrid delivery) | C$16,933 | ≈ ₹11.3 lakh |
| Bachelor of Engineering – Mechanical Systems Engineering | 4 years (hybrid delivery) | C$16,933 | ≈ ₹11.3 lakh |
| Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) – Accounting, Audit and Information Technology | 4 years, with three paid co-op terms | C$16,933 | ≈ ₹11.3 lakh |
| Bachelor of Digital Technology Solutions (Honours) | 4-year honours degree | C$16,933 | ≈ ₹11.3 lakh |
| Bachelor of Data Analytics | Degree programme; check length on the programme page | C$16,933 | ≈ ₹11.3 lakh |
| Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) – International Business Management | 4-year honours degree with co-op | C$16,933 | ≈ ₹11.3 lakh |
| Bachelor of Engineering – Electronic Systems Engineering | 4-year degree | C$16,933 | ≈ ₹11.3 lakh |
Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at Conestoga College with similar universities in Canada.
Scholarships
- Diploma, certificate and degree students
Conestoga international entrance and in-programme awards
Value: Values set each year; usually modest one-time awards
Eligibility: Awarded on academic merit or need; apply through Conestoga's awards portal once enrolled. Check the international scholarships page for current awards.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Bachelor's degrees
Paid co-op work terms
Value: Wages paid by the employer during co-op terms
Eligibility: Built into most degree programmes; Conestoga does not guarantee a placement, and students who do not find one take an online alternative course.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- Class 12 (Standard XII) from CBSE, CISCE or a state board, with the subjects listed on the programme page (for example Mathematics for computing, data and engineering degrees).
- Check that your chosen intake is open for international applicants: several Conestoga intakes have been suspended since 2024 because of federal study permit caps.
- Apply through Ontario Colleges (ontariocolleges.ca) or Conestoga's international application route; the international application fee is CAD 101.01.
- You will need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for your study permit unless IRCC exempts you; Conestoga issues it within its allocation.
Postgraduate
- Ontario College Graduate Certificates (one- or two-year postgraduate programmes) need a recognised degree or diploma. Many international intakes are currently suspended or closed; check each programme page.
- Since November 2024, college graduates need a programme in an eligible field of study to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (degree programmes are treated differently). Confirm eligibility before applying.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets (degrees); degree or diploma transcripts (graduate certificates)
- English test score meeting the programme's requirement
- Provincial Attestation Letter (issued by the college) for the study permit
- Proof of funds: tuition plus at least CAD 22,895 a year for living costs for a single student (IRCC)
Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.
English language requirements
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Accepted. Conestoga sets the minimum by credential; degrees usually ask for more than diplomas. Check the programme page. |
| Other tests | Conestoga also lists TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo and CAEL equivalents. |
| Language pathway | Conestoga's English Language Studies programme can lead to admission if your score is below the requirement. |
Accommodation and living costs
Conestoga has limited residence space (mainly near the Doon and Waterloo campuses); most international students rent shared rooms in Kitchener, Waterloo or Cambridge. Start your housing search early and avoid paying deposits before seeing a contract. Ancillary fees, charged on top of tuition, differ by programme.
| Item | In CAD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Ancillary fees (degree programmes)2026-27 examples: Computer Science $3,243; BBA Accounting $4,802 | C$3,243–4,802per year | ≈ ₹2.2 lakh – ₹3.2 lakh |
| International application feeIncludes HST | C$101one-off | ≈ ₹6,768 |
| Visa refusal feeKept from your refund if your study permit is refused | C$200one-off | ≈ ₹13,400 |
| Living-cost funds needed for a study permitIRCC minimum for a single student outside Quebec | C$22,895per year | ≈ ₹15.3 lakh |
Campus and location
Conestoga's main Doon campus is in south Kitchener; the Waterloo campus hosts many computing and data programmes, and engineering is at Cambridge. Kitchener–Waterloo is a technology hub about 1 hour 15 minutes from Toronto.
- Grand River Transit buses and the ION light rail link the Kitchener and Waterloo campuses.
- Cambridge – Fountain Street is a purpose-built engineering and technology campus.
- Kitchener–Waterloo has a large Indian community with temples, gurdwaras and Indian grocery stores.
- Toronto Pearson Airport is about an hour away by road.
Careers and graduate outcomes
Conestoga's degrees include co-op terms that help students gain Canadian work experience. PGWP rules changed in November 2024: college programmes other than bachelor's degrees must be in an eligible field of study, and language test results are required. Check IRCC's current rules for your exact programme before you apply.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Co-op terms in BBA (Accounting, Audit and IT) | Three paid terms, up to 12 months of work experience | Conestoga programme page |
| Off-campus work allowed during term | Up to 24 hours a week | IRCC |
| PGWP language requirement for college non-degree programmes | CLB 5 in all four skills | IRCC |
| PGWP language requirement for bachelor's degree graduates | CLB 7 in all four skills | IRCC |
Studying in Canada
Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in Canada. Our country guide covers them in detail:
Other universities in Canada
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Montreal, CanadaOften chosen for Life Sciences, Engineering, Law
Photo: WinterforceMedia WinterE229, Public domain PublicUniversity of Alberta (official website, opens in a new tab)
Edmonton, CanadaOften chosen for Engineering, Data Science & AI, Life Sciences
FAQs
Is Conestoga a university?
No. Conestoga is a public college. It offers diplomas, graduate certificates and Ontario-approved bachelor's degrees, with a practical, job-focused approach.
How much is a Conestoga degree for an Indian student?
In 2026-27 international degree tuition is CAD 16,933.20 a year (CAD 8,466.60 per term), plus ancillary fees of roughly CAD 3,200–4,800. Fees for September 2027 are published in spring 2027.
Why are some Conestoga intakes closed?
Since 2024 the federal government has capped study permits, and Conestoga has suspended or closed many international intakes, especially for graduate certificates. Check that your intake is open before preparing your application.
Will I get a PGWP after a Conestoga programme?
That depends on the programme and IRCC's current rules. Non-degree college programmes must be in an eligible field of study, and all PGWP applicants need language test results. Confirm before you apply.
Is co-op guaranteed?
No. Conestoga helps you find co-op placements but does not guarantee them; if you do not find one, you take an online alternative course and leave the co-op stream.
Sources
- Conestoga: Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) (opens in a new tab)
- Conestoga: Bachelor of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Honours) (opens in a new tab)
- Conestoga: Bachelor of Engineering – Mechanical Systems Engineering (opens in a new tab)
- Conestoga: BBA (Honours) – Accounting, Audit and Information Technology (opens in a new tab)
- Conestoga: tuition and fees (opens in a new tab)
- Conestoga: full-time programmes (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Post-Graduation Work Permit (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: work off campus as a student (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.conestogac.on.ca (opens in a new tab)
Check the latest details