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In short
Collège Boréal is Ontario's French-language college offering over 80 applied arts and technology programs across multiple campuses. It provides hands-on learning with strong ties to the Northern Ontario labour market and a supportive Francophone community.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1995
- Students
- 3,500
- International students
- 400
- Acceptance rate
- 75%
- Tuition (intl)
- €8–14k/yr
- Languages
- EN, FR
- Location
- Canada
Collège Boréal is Ontario's only French-language college of applied arts and technology, founded in 1995 to serve Francophone communities in Northern and Central Southwestern Ontario. It offers over 80 programs in health, technology, business, trades, and social services, with most instruction delivered in French. The college operates from multiple campuses spread across the province, ensuring accessibility for Francophone learners in rural and urban settings alike.
Why study here
- Complete your post-secondary education entirely in French within Ontario's public college system.
- Programs tightly aligned with Northern Ontario labour market needs, ensuring strong graduate employability.
- Co-operative education and clinical practicums embedded in most programs for hands-on experience.
- Small class sizes and a supportive bilingual community foster close student-faculty relationships.
- Multiple campuses across Northern Ontario make the college accessible regardless of location.
Student life
Boréal campuses offer a warm, tight-knit Francophone community where cultural identity is celebrated. Student associations organise social events, cultural evenings, and sports activities. The college provides on-campus residences at its main Sudbury campus, along with libraries, computer labs, and student wellness services. Participation in Francophone cultural events and community service is encouraged as part of the broader college experience.
Fees
InternationalInternational students typically pay CAD 12,000–20,000 per year (approximately EUR 7,500–14,000) depending on program.
HomeDomestic Ontario students pay approximately CAD 3,000–5,000 per year under Ontario college fee structure.
LivingLiving costs in Northern Ontario are modest; expect CAD 10,000–14,000 per year for accommodation, food, and personal expenses.
Various bursaries and scholarships are available to Francophone students, including awards from the Government of Ontario and the college foundation.
Admissions
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalentGrade 12 diploma or equivalent secondary qualification
Program-specific prerequisitesVaries by program; health programs typically require Grade 12 Biology and Chemistry
French language proficiencyInstruction is primarily in French; applicants should demonstrate French proficiency
IELTS6.0 overall for English-taught components where applicable
TOEFL iBT80 overall where applicable
University scholarships
Bourse de la Fondation du Collège BoréalVaries by award
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)Need-based; up to full tuition coverage for eligible domestic students
Accreditation
Collège Boréal is one of the 24 Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT), governed by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities. Programs are accredited by relevant professional regulatory bodies where applicable.
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Scholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is Collège Boréal?
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Collège Boréal is Ontario's only French-language college of applied arts and technology, established in 1995 to serve Francophone communities. It offers over 80 programs in various fields with most instruction delivered in French across multiple campuses.
What are the estimated annual fees for international students?
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International students at Collège Boréal can expect to pay approximately CAD 12,000–20,000 per year, depending on the program of study.
What are the approximate living costs for students in Northern Ontario?
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Living costs in Northern Ontario are considered modest. Students should budget around CAD 10,000–14,000 per year for accommodation, food, and personal expenses.
What are the admission requirements for international students?
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Applicants need an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, and must meet program-specific prerequisites, which may include Grade 12 Biology and Chemistry for health programs. French language proficiency is essential as instruction is primarily in French.
Are there any scholarships available for students?
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Yes, bursaries and scholarships are available, including the Bourse de la Fondation du Collège Boréal. Some awards are specifically for Francophone students.
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