In short
Lambton College, founded in 1969 in Sarnia, Ontario, offers applied learning in business, technology, health, and community services. It provides a supportive environment and affordable costs for its approximately 13,000 students, including a significant international population.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1969
- Students
- 13,000
- International students
- 6,500
- Tuition (intl)
- €7–8k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Sarnia, Canada
Lambton College is a public Ontario college located in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, founded in 1969. It offers diploma, certificate, and graduate certificate programmes across business, technology, health sciences, engineering, and community services, with a strong focus on applied learning and career readiness. The college serves approximately 13,000 students, including a significant international population drawn by its supportive environment and affordable cost of living relative to Toronto.
Why study here
- Receive personalized attention and career-focused education in diploma and graduate certificate programmes.
- Benefit from significantly lower tuition and living costs compared to major Canadian cities.
- Access Ontario's college system for pathways to university degree completion in Canada.
- Join the award-winning Enactus team and develop real-world business and leadership skills.
- Receive dedicated support services for international students, including immigration and settlement assistance.
Student life
Lambton College offers a vibrant student life with a focus on community and personal growth. Students can join the award-winning Enactus team, which provides opportunities to develop presentation, organizational, and people skills while working on projects that benefit communities locally and globally. The college also prioritizes student well-being through its Health and Wellness Centre and counselling services. On-campus residence facilities promote a strong sense of community and provide essential support systems for academic success. International and Indigenous students receive specialized support to ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Fees
InternationalAnnual international tuition fees typically range from CAD 9,000–12,000 (approximately €6,800–€9,000) depending on the programme. Diploma and certificate programmes are at the lower end; graduate certificate programmes are slightly higher.
HomeDomestic tuition fees are set by the Ontario government and are typically CAD 2,500–4,500 per year for diploma programmes.
LivingOn-campus residence fees for a double occupancy room range from $9,290.00 to $12,735.00 for the 2026-2027 academic year, depending on the term and payment option. Single occupancy options are also available, with one academic year installment totaling $12,535.00. These fees include utilities, high-speed internet, a furnished suite, and a base meal plan.
Entrance scholarships of $1,000–$4,000 are available for qualifying international applicants. Students should also budget for books, supplies, and health insurance.
Admissions
Application Portalontariocolleges.ca (Canadian students); International Applicants tab for international students
TranscriptsOfficial secondary and post-secondary transcripts required
Programme LimitMaximum of five programmes, no more than three from Lambton College
IELTS Academic6.0 overall, no band below 6.0 (Diploma/Certificate); 6.5 for Graduate Certificate
TOEFL iBT78 overall, no band below 18 (Diploma/Certificate); 88 for Graduate Certificate
PTE Academic60 overall (Diploma/Certificate and Graduate Certificate)
CELPIP7 (Diploma/Certificate); 8 (Graduate Certificate)
University scholarships
International Entrance ScholarshipCAD $1,000–$4,000 applied to first-year tuition for qualifying international applicants.
Accreditation
Lambton College is a publicly funded Ontario college operating under the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act. Its programmes are recognized by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities of Ontario.
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
Programs
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Abnormal Psychology
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Abuse and Family Violence
Certificate
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Academic & Career Entrance (ACE)
The Academic & Career Entrance (ACE) program at Lambton College offers a pathway to achieving Grade 12 equivalency. This program is recognized by 24 public colleges in Ontario and is accepted for admission into certificate and diploma programs at Ontario's public colleges, for apprenticeship registration, and for hiring purposes by numerous employers. The ACE Certificate is considered equivalent to an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (O.S.S.D.).
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
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Duration
Lambton College · Canada
Academic Upgrading Program
The Academic Upgrading Program at Lambton College is designed to help you build essential skills for your career, further education, or personal development. The program offers flexible learning tailored to your individual needs, whether you're aiming to complete specific skill development courses or ACE (Adult Continuing Education) courses. This program is an excellent opportunity to enhance your academic foundation.
Certificate
Level
Free
Tuition
—
Duration
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 estimated tuition fees for international students at Lambton College?
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International tuition fees at Lambton College typically range from CAD 9,000–12,000 annually, depending on the program. Diploma and certificate programs are at the lower end of this range, while graduate certificate programs are slightly higher.
What are the living costs for students at Lambton College?
+
On-campus residence fees for a double occupancy room range from $9,290.00 to $12,735.00 for the 2026-2027 academic year, including utilities and a meal plan. Single occupancy options are also available.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
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Yes, Lambton College offers an International Entrance Scholarship for qualifying international applicants. This scholarship provides CAD $1,000–$4,000, which is applied to the first-year tuition.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
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For diploma and certificate programs, an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall with no band below 6.0 is required, or a TOEFL iBT score of 78 overall with no band below 18. Graduate certificate programs require a slightly higher score.
Where is Lambton College located?
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Lambton College has its main campus in Sarnia, Ontario, a mid-sized city on the border with Michigan, USA, located on Lake Huron. The college also offers programs in Ottawa, Canada's capital city.
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