In short
St. Clair College is a public Ontario college offering career-focused diplomas, certificates, and degrees with strong employer partnerships. It serves a large international community and is located in Windsor, Ontario.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1967
- Students
- 13,000
- International students
- 4,000
- Acceptance rate
- 70%
- Tuition (intl)
- €10–14k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Windsor, Canada
St. Clair College is a public Ontario college of applied arts and technology founded in 1967, offering career-focused diplomas, certificates, graduate certificates and degrees. It is recognised for hands-on learning, strong employer partnerships and high graduate-employment rates. The college serves a large international community and provides extensive academic and settlement support for students studying in Canada.
Why study here
- Career-focused diplomas and degrees with co-op and work-placement opportunities.
- Strong graduate-employment outcomes and close ties to regional employers.
- Affordable tuition compared with many Canadian universities.
- Modern facilities including the SportsPlex and downtown media and performing-arts centres.
- Located in Windsor, across the border from Detroit, within a dynamic cross-border economy.
Student life
St. Clair College offers an active campus life with student clubs, varsity and recreational athletics through the Saints teams, the SportsPlex fitness and sports complex, and dedicated international-student services. The Windsor location combines an affordable Canadian city with easy access to the Detroit metropolitan area, giving students a lively social, cultural and sporting environment alongside their studies.
Fees
InternationalInternational tuition varies by program and is typically in the range of roughly CAD 15,000–22,000 per year for diploma and degree programs, plus mandatory ancillary and health-insurance fees. Refer to individual program pages for exact figures.
HomeDomestic Ontario students pay subsidised provincial tuition that varies by program; most one- and two-year diplomas fall in the range of roughly CAD 2,700–4,500 per year plus ancillary fees.
LivingStudents should budget for off-campus housing, food, transport and personal expenses in the Windsor area, generally around CAD 12,000–15,000 per year.
International students must show proof of funds for tuition and living costs as part of their Canadian study-permit application.
Admissions
Diploma and certificate programsOntario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, plus any program-specific prerequisites
Degree programsSecondary-school completion with required subject prerequisites and minimum grades
IELTS (Academic)Typically 6.0 overall for most diploma programs
TOEFL iBTTypically 80 for most diploma programs
University scholarships
International Entrance ScholarshipsVaries by intake and program
Accreditation
St. Clair College is a publicly funded college of applied arts and technology authorised by the Government of Ontario and recognised as a Designated Learning Institution for international students in Canada.
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 types of programs does St. Clair College offer?
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St. Clair College offers career-focused diplomas, certificates, graduate certificates, and degrees. These programs are designed with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and preparing students for the workforce.
What is the estimated cost of tuition for international students at St. Clair College?
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International tuition fees at St. Clair College typically range from CAD $15,000 to $22,000 per year for diploma and degree programs, plus mandatory ancillary and health-insurance fees. Exact figures vary by program.
What are the general admission requirements for international students?
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International applicants usually need to have completed secondary school and meet any program-specific prerequisites. English-language proficiency is also required, with options for pathway programs available if needed.
Does St. Clair College offer any scholarships for international students?
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Yes, St. Clair College offers International Entrance Scholarships for eligible incoming international students based on academic merit. Details on these scholarships can be found on the college's admissions pages.
What is the estimated cost of living for international students in Windsor?
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International students should budget approximately CAD $12,000–$15,000 per year for living expenses in Windsor, which covers off-campus housing, food, transportation, and personal costs.
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