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CANADA · TORONTO

Seneca College

public · Founded 1967 · Languages: en

In short

Seneca College is a large polytechnic institution in the Greater Toronto Area offering a wide range of programs with a focus on applied learning and career preparation. Most programs are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit, making it a strategic choice for international students aiming to work and potentially reside in Canada after graduation.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1967
Students: 35,000
International students: 14,000
Tuition (intl): €13–18k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Toronto, Canada

Seneca Polytechnic is one of Canada's largest polytechnic institutions, headquartered in the Greater Toronto Area with six campuses serving over 35,000 full-time students. Founded in 1967 and rebranded as Seneca Polytechnic in 2023, it offers certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, honours bachelor's degrees, and graduate certificates across business, technology, aviation, health sciences, and creative arts. Seneca's applied-learning model integrates hands-on projects, co-op placements, and industry partnerships into every programme. Most credentials are eligible for Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), making Seneca a strategic gateway for international students who want to transition to Canadian work and residency after graduation. With approximately 14,000 international students from over 150 countries, Seneca invests heavily in settlement services, academic bridging, and career development. Its location in Toronto, one of the world's most multicultural cities, provides a rich environment for personal and professional growth.

Why study here

PGWP-eligible programmes: most credentials qualify graduates to work in Canada for up to 3 years after graduation.
Career-focused curriculum with co-op placements, industry projects, and expert practitioners as faculty.
Six campuses in the Greater Toronto Area — Canada's largest job market and a global tech hub.
Comprehensive international student support: settlement services, English upgrading, and dedicated advising.
Affordable tuition compared to many Canadian universities, with millions in annual financial aid available.

Student life

Seneca Polytechnic fosters a community where all members are respected and supported, creating an environment that feels like a large family. Students have access to various services and resources, including health and wellness support, career preparation, and engagement with the Seneca Student Federation. The institution is committed to providing an accessible, barrier-free, and inclusive teaching, learning, living, and working community for all individuals. Campus life includes student clubs, athletics and recreation facilities, a food bank, and mental health resources. Toronto's cultural scene, transit network, and employment market extend the campus experience far beyond lecture halls, offering students internships, part-time work, and networking opportunities in one of North America's most dynamic cities.

Fees

International~CAD 16,000–22,000 per year (~EUR 13,000–18,000); varies by programme

Home~CAD 2,600–3,500 per year for domestic Ontario students

Living~CAD 14,000–18,000 per year in Toronto (rent, food, transport)

Millions of dollars in financial support and other resources are offered each year to help students manage tuition and expenses. Many programmes are PGWP-eligible, enabling post-graduation work in Canada.

Admissions

General AdmissionOntario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) equivalent or higher for most programmes. Mature student pathways available.

Academic TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended, translated into English if necessary.

English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0 or equivalent required for most programmes; some programmes require higher scores.

Programme-specific RequirementsAviation programmes require a medical certificate; health sciences may require vulnerable sector screening and immunisation records.

IELTS Academic6.0 overall (no band below 5.5)

TOEFL iBT80

Duolingo English Test105

Seneca English Language AssessmentAccepted in lieu of external tests

Rankings

Research Infosource — Canada's Top 50 Research Colleges12

Times Higher Education — Young Universities

University scholarships

Seneca International Entrance ScholarshipCAD 1,000–2,500 awarded at admission based on academic achievement

Seneca Alumni ScholarshipVaries; for students with a Seneca credential applying to a degree programme

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)Available to eligible domestic students; international students generally not eligible

Seneca BursariesUp to CAD 1,500; needs-based awards distributed each semester

Accreditation

Seneca Polytechnic is a publicly funded Ontario college established under the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act. Degree programmes are approved by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities. Aviation programmes are certified by Transport Canada. Specific professional programmes carry additional accreditations (e.g., CPA for accounting streams).

For international students

Canada

Student 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

a selection

View top programs →

Seneca College · Canada

Aviation Operations

This two-year Ontario College Diploma program provides a comprehensive education in aviation, equipping you with the technical and practical skills needed for various airside operations roles. You will study Canadian aviation regulations and gain knowledge that prepares you for Transport Canada Dispatcher license exams. The program focuses on developing essential skills such as understanding aviation standards, history and regulations, management, airside operations, flight planning, meteorology, and emergency planning.

Seneca College · Canada

Aviation Programs at Seneca College

Seneca College is a leading institution in aviation education in Canada, recognized internationally for producing highly skilled graduates and maintaining strong ties with the aviation industry. Whether your career aspirations lie in flight operations, airline management, safety, or quality assurance, Seneca provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to excel as a professional in the diverse field of aviation. The college offers a range of programs designed to meet the evolving demands of the global aviation sector.

Seneca College · Canada

Aviation Safety (ASE)

This three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma program provides a comprehensive education in aviation safety techniques. You will gain knowledge of Canadian aviation industry regulations, along with business, leadership, and technical skills necessary to implement safety policies and procedures. This program prepares you for a career in various aviation sectors, including commercial airlines, flight schools, insurance companies, and airports.

Seneca College · Canada

Flight Services – Operations & Cabin Management

This two-year Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for a career in the airline industry with a focus on both flight operations and cabin management. You will gain practical skills through hands-on learning experiences. The curriculum covers essential flight attendant responsibilities, including maintaining passenger safety and adhering to regulatory procedures. You will learn to handle challenging situations and become proficient with aircraft safety and emergency equipment. The program fosters a service-oriented attitude combined with a strong safety focus, preparing you for diverse duties on the ground and in the air.

Seneca College · Canada

Flight Services (FLS)

This eight-month certificate program provides a strong foundation for a career in the airline industry. You will develop essential skills in safety and emergency procedures, both on the ground and in-flight, preparing you to deliver exceptional passenger experiences. The program focuses on building knowledge, skills, and professionalism required for the service-driven aviation sector, fostering confidence and leadership qualities. Many courses are delivered online with opportunities for hands-on experience with safety equipment through a hybrid format, allowing flexibility in your learning. This program shares common courses with the Flight Services: Operations & Cabin Management diploma, offering a potential pathway to further studies. Students will wear a Seneca-branded uniform during on-campus classes, which is mandatory and incurs an additional cost, helping you prepare for professional industry standards from the outset.

Seneca College · Canada

Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology

This four-year Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology program is the only aviation technology degree program of its kind in Canada. Seneca has over 50 years of leadership in aviation education. The curriculum is designed to develop your theoretical and practical knowledge in aviation technology, preparing you to safely operate complex aircraft. Beyond flight, you will gain knowledge in business management, airport operations and planning, and air carrier administration, providing a broad understanding of the aviation industry and its diverse career paths.

Scholarships

for Canada

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

University 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.

University 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.

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.

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.

Canadian 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.

CIHR / 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.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated tuition fees for international students at Seneca College?

International student tuition fees at Seneca College range from approximately CAD 16,000 to CAD 22,000 per year. These fees can vary depending on the specific program of study. Millions of dollars in financial support are also available annually to assist students.

Can international students work in Canada after graduating from Seneca College?

Yes, most credentials from Seneca College are eligible for Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This allows graduates to gain valuable work experience in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?

For most programs, international students need an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, or a TOEFL iBT score of 80. Other tests like the Duolingo English Test (105) are also accepted, along with the Seneca English Language Assessment.

Does Seneca College offer financial assistance to international students?

Yes, Seneca College offers millions of dollars in financial support and resources annually. This includes scholarships like the Seneca International Entrance Scholarship, which ranges from CAD 1,000–2,500 based on academic achievement.

Where is Seneca College located and what is the surrounding environment like?

Seneca College has multiple campuses in the Greater Toronto Area, including in Markham and King City. Its Toronto location offers a vibrant urban experience with diverse cultural opportunities and strong industry connections.

Last updated 3 July 2026