Conestoga is a leader in polytechnic education and one of Ontario’s fastest growing colleges, delivering a full range of career-focused education, training and applied research programs to prepare students for success in the new knowledge economy and promote economic prosperity throughout our region and across Ontario.
Established in 1967, Conestoga now serves approximately 23,000 registered students through campuses and training centres in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Ingersoll and Brantford, and is a provincial leader in apprenticeship training. Continuing education programs attract approximately 30,000 enrolments each year.
Student Outcomes
86.2%Average job placement rate
*within 6 months of graduation
79.4%Graduate Satisfaction
92.9%Employer Satisfaction
68.2%Graduation Rate
Funding Options
Canadian students loans and grant programs are usually offered at the provincial level, such as the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). Eligibility will depend on factors such as family income, dependents and whether you have a disability. While student loans have to be repaid with interest after graduation, grants don’t.
Beyond offering educational funding based on merit, some schools and organizations provide scholarship opportunities to assist those who identify as women, under represented minorities (URM) and members of the military such as the Canadian Armed Forces. Scholarships may cover full or partial costs of a particular course or bootcamp.
Tuition and other expenses can be more manageable by paying in monthly installments, though some come with restrictions or high eligibility criteria. Ask about whether you can pay by check or direct deposit, if you’re expected to pay in full by end of term and, of course, interest rates.
Schools may help students find full-time salaried positions, apprenticeships, internships or unpaid positions, and offer a tuition refund if they can’t within a set timeframe (usually within six months of graduation). Make sure to clarify terms and conditions around what you have to do, such as sending out applications or taking interviews, before committing.
An agreement that allows tuition to be paid through a portion of a graduate’s future income. Though ISAs usually don’t require a down payment, confirm what you’ll need to pay back each month and over what time period. ISAs may increase the cost of education over the long term versus paying upfront.
Student Reviews (8)
Conestoga College
Best in Ontario
Kristen Chan
Kitchener-Waterloo •April 12, 2022
Graduated From
Bachelor of Early Learning Program Development (Honours)
Overall:
5 out of 5
Instructors:
5 stars
Curriculum:
5 stars
Job Assistance:
5 stars
Lots of work-integrated (WIL) learning and amazing community feel to this program at Conestoga. Invaluable experience in a kindergarten classroom topped off excellent classroom training by first-rate professors in this bachelor's degree program. Highly...
Lots of work-integrated (WIL) learning and amazing community feel to this program at Conestoga. Invaluable experience in a kindergarten classroom topped off excellent classroom training by first-rate professors in this bachelor's degree program. Highly recommended.
Conestoga College
Great applied program
Tyler M.
Kitchener-Waterloo •January 13, 2022
Graduated From
Software Engineering Technology (Optional Co-Op)
Overall:
5 out of 5
Instructors:
5 stars
Curriculum:
5 stars
Job Assistance:
5 stars
I'm in my second year of the Software Engineering Technology program and have only great things to say about my experience. Good faculty and curriculum, nice campus, and a lot of focus on career support and practical training. Glad I chose it over comp...
I'm in my second year of the Software Engineering Technology program and have only great things to say about my experience. Good faculty and curriculum, nice campus, and a lot of focus on career support and practical training. Glad I chose it over computer science in the end.
I learned about WIST (Women in the Skilled Trades) Electrical Technician program through a high school career fair in 2018, "Jill of All Trades." There must have been 100 women there to introduce girls like me to the skilled trades. I was always intere...
I learned about WIST (Women in the Skilled Trades) Electrical Technician program through a high school career fair in 2018, "Jill of All Trades." There must have been 100 women there to introduce girls like me to the skilled trades. I was always interested in engineering, but I loved to take things apart and study them, which is why working as an electrical technician made so much sense. I didn't realize it then, but that day is when I decided to be an electrician. I couldn't have done it without the WIST program and Conestoga. I hope more girls and women will consider taking the leap.