In short
Kingston College is a publicly funded community college in Ontario, Canada, offering diploma and certificate programs. It provides an affordable pathway to Canadian employment or further study, with PGWP eligibility and credit transfer agreements.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1876
- Students
- 2,500
- International students
- 400
- Tuition (intl)
- €12–16k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Kingston, Canada
Kingston College is a publicly funded community college in Kingston, Ontario, founded in 1876. It offers diploma and certificate programmes in business, healthcare, information technology, early childhood education, and skilled trades. The college provides an accessible pathway to Canadian employment or further study at Ontario universities through credit transfer articulation agreements.
Why study here
- Affordable tuition compared to Canadian universities, with a direct path to the workforce.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility supports a pathway to Canadian permanent residency.
- Small-college environment with personalized student support and small class sizes.
- Credit transfer agreements allow progression to partner Ontario universities.
- Kingston is a safe, walkable city with a strong arts and outdoor recreation culture.
Student life
Kingston College students enjoy access to student clubs, athletics, and career services. Kingston's compact downtown, waterfront parks, historic Fort Henry, and Queens University add cultural richness to campus life. The city's active cycling and outdoor community suits active students.
Fees
InternationalInternational students pay approximately CAD 17,000–22,000 per year (EUR 12,000–16,000).
HomeDomestic students pay approximately CAD 3,500–5,000 per year.
LivingLiving costs in Kingston are approximately CAD 12,000–15,000 per year, making it one of Canada's more affordable mid-sized cities.
Fees vary by programme. Health and technology programmes may have additional material or lab fees.
Admissions
Secondary SchoolOntario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent.
Programme PrerequisitesSpecific grade requirements in relevant subjects depending on programme.
IELTS Academic6.0
TOEFL iBT79
Duolingo English Test105
Rankings
Ontario CollegesRegionally accredited public college
University scholarships
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)Up to CAD 10,000/year (domestic)
College International Student BursaryVaries
Accreditation
Publicly funded Ontario college under the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act
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 are the approximate annual fees for international students at Kingston College?
+
International students can expect to pay approximately CAD 17,000–22,000 per year in tuition fees. Additional costs may apply for specific health and technology programmes.
What are the estimated living costs for students in Kingston?
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Living costs in Kingston are estimated between CAD 12,000–15,000 per year, making it an affordable city for students.
What academic qualifications are required for international students?
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International applicants need to provide official transcripts translated into English and demonstrate English language proficiency. Specific programme prerequisites and a secondary school diploma or equivalent are also required.
Does Kingston College offer pathways for further study or employment in Canada?
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Yes, Kingston College offers an accessible pathway to Canadian employment and further study at Ontario universities through credit transfer agreements. Many programmes are also PGWP eligible, supporting a pathway to permanent residency.
What English proficiency tests are accepted by Kingston College?
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Kingston College accepts several English proficiency tests, including IELTS Academic with a score of 6.0, TOEFL iBT with a score of 79, and the Duolingo English Test with a score of 105.
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