Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario, offers over 145 career-focused programmes for international students, with estimated annual tuition between CAD 15,000-20,000 and living costs around CAD 12,000-15,000. The college emphasizes hands-on learning and provides strong support for international students.
Durham College is a public college in Oshawa and Whitby, Ontario, Canada, established in 1967. It offers over 145 academic programmes including certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, graduate certificate, and six bachelor degree programmes, plus eleven apprenticeship streams. Known for its career-first philosophy and strong industry links, DC prepares graduates for immediate employment across health sciences, technology, business, skilled trades, and creative fields. Its partnership with Ontario Tech University enables smooth degree pathways for diploma graduates.
Campus life at Durham College is active and inclusive, with a Students Association running clubs, intramural sports, and campus events across both campuses. The college hosts a fitness centre, esports lab, student lounges, and a full-service library. International students benefit from the International Education Office, which provides orientation programmes, cultural events, and peer mentoring. Oshawa has affordable housing options and a growing urban scene, while Durham Region offers extensive outdoor recreation.
Tuition fees are reviewed annually. International students should also budget for health insurance (UHIP) and ancillary fees.
Durham College is a publicly funded Ontario college of applied arts and technology, operating under the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act. It is a member of Colleges Ontario.
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.
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.
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.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
The Building Construction Technician program provides students with foundational skills for the evolving construction industry, emphasizing knowledge of the Ontario Building Code. You will gain expertise in building energy-efficient, sustainable, and environmentally responsible homes using up-to-date materials and low-carbon footprint designs, including Net Ready and Net Zero concepts. This diploma program equips you with both practical carpentry abilities and the theoretical understanding needed to succeed in various construction environments. It's an excellent opportunity for students looking to join the booming construction industry, preparing them to meet the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Working at Heights training requirement. The program also offers opportunities for co-operative education or field placements to gain valuable hands-on work and industry experience.
The Carpentry and Renovation Technician program prepares you for a hands-on career in the construction and renovation industry. You will develop physical skills, precision, and creativity, opening doors to various rewarding career paths. This field is experiencing steady growth across Canada, with strong job prospects projected for the coming years. The program emphasizes practical learning through state-of-the-art workshops and a mandatory community field placement, ensuring graduates are well-equipped with the skills needed for success.
This two-year diploma program provides a strong foundation in business principles with specialized training in financial planning, investments, and insurance. You will develop practical skills to manage financial portfolios and assist clients with their financial goals. The program prepares you to work in various roles within the financial services sector.
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.
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.
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.
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.
full fundingOpen 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.
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.
International students at Durham College typically pay approximately CAD 15,000-20,000 per year in tuition. This range can vary depending on the specific programme, with health sciences and technology programmes potentially being at the higher end. Tuition fees are reviewed annually.
Living costs in Oshawa are considered moderate for students. It is estimated that students should budget around CAD 12,000-15,000 per year for living expenses, which includes housing, food, and transportation.
Durham College offers over 145 academic programmes. These include certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, graduate certificate, and six bachelor degree programmes, as well as eleven apprenticeship streams.
International students must demonstrate English language proficiency. Accepted tests include IELTS Academic with an overall score of 6.0 (no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 80, or the Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 105. Specific requirements may vary by programme.
International students can apply through Ontario Colleges (ontariocolleges.ca). It is recommended to apply at least four months before the intended start date. Some popular programmes may fill quickly, so early application is advised.