Important Dates and FAQs.
Beginning your postsecondary student journey comes with a lot of questions. Thankfully we have compiled a list of some of the most common things individuals want to know before making such an important decision.
Application dates and deadlines
Non-Competitive Programs
Applications to OPEN programs are processed on a first-come, firstserved basis starting in November each year. NC Admissions will continue to issue acceptances to open programs until the capacity is met up to the start of the term.
Competitive Programs
Note that key dates can be subject to change with the most up-to-date information found on the NC website. niagaracollege.ca/dates
Last date to apply for equal consideration to a competitive program:
Last date to submit portfolio, test scores, and/or final grades in required courses for consideration to competitive programs:
Feb 1, 2026
Feb 27, 2026
Earliest admission offer date for competitive programs: Mid March JAN 2027
Last date to apply for equal consideration to a competitive program: Jun 5, 2026
Last date to submit portfolio, test scores, and/or final grades in required courses for consideration to competitive programs: Jul 10, 2026
Earliest admission offer date for competitive programs: Late July
Last date to apply for equal consideration to a competitive program: Oct 30, 2026
Last date to submit portfolio, test scores, and/or final grades in required courses for consideration to competitive programs:
Nov 20, 2026
Earliest admission offer date for competitive programs: Late November
How do I apply and is there an application fee? The application for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and convention refugees is available online at ontariocolleges.ca for a non-refundable application fee. You can apply to a total of five programs, with no more than three choices at any one Ontario college. For more information, please visit ontariocolleges.ca. International applicants see below:
I am an international (visa) applicant: Niagara College welcomes students from over 100 different countries. To apply as an international student, you must complete and submit the web application form for international students, along with your official transcripts, graduation documents from high school and/or university, and provide proof of English proficiency (if applicable). Upon receiving the information provided, we will assess your application. If you meet the eligibility criteria and the program remains available, you will receive an Offer of Admission, accompanied by a request to submit a deposit by a specified deadline. Upon timely submission of the deposit by the deadline, along with meeting the academic requirements, you will receive a Letter of Acceptance, and we will initiate the process of obtaining a Provincial Attestation Letter on your behalf. These documents are essential for your study permit application and cannot be transferred.
International applicants may apply online at: international.niagaracollege.ca/apply
For more information contact: Niagara College International 100 Niagara College Boulevard, Welland, Ontario, Canada, L3C 7L3
Phone: 905-988-2910, ext. 7151 Fax: 905-735-2413
Email: international@niagaracollege.ca
How will I know if the College has received my application? The Admissions Office will send an email and mail an acknowledgement brochure to you after your application has been received from ontariocolleges.ca. The mailing will indicate if there are specific pre-admission requirements for the programs for which you have applied and due dates for test scores, portfolio and transcript submissions. You can also find this information at: niagaracollege.ca/par
Are accommodations provided in the admissions process for students with disabilities?
If you wish to request accommodation for pre-admission testing, please contact the Accessibility Services office prior to the test date.
Phone: 905-735-2211, ext. 7778 or visit: niagaracollege.ca/hwas/services/accessibility/tests/
Do I need to provide my transcript(s)?
Please ensure that proof of all admission requirements is received by the Admissions Office within 3 weeks of submitting your application, or no later than the date noted in the chart under Important Dates.
If you are currently enrolled as a full-time high school student in Ontario, your school should forward transcript information directly to ontariocolleges.ca. If you are not currently enrolled in Ontario as a full-time high school student, you must request an official high school transcript be sent directly to ontariocolleges.ca For information on how to request Ontario high school and postsecondary transcripts, please visit niagaracollege.ca/transcriptrequirements
Does the College consider transcripts from outside of Ontario?
Applicants whose Canadian secondary school studies have been completed outside the province of Ontario must submit evidence of equivalent standing. Recognized equivalents to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) are: Alberta–grade 12, British Columbia–grade 12, Manitoba–grade 12, New Brunswick–grade 12, Newfoundland–grade 12, Nova Scotia–grade 12, Prince Edward Island–grade 12, Quebec–high school leaving certificate (secondary V), Saskatchewan–grade 12, Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut–grade 12. Applicants who have been educated outside of Canada are considered on an individual basis. International credential assessment services are available at icascanada.ca or wes.org/ca
Does the College consider alternatives to an Ontario secondary school diploma?
Applicants who provide documentation for Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) equivalency from any of the following sources will be considered on an individual basis.
› Academic and career entrance (ACE)
› Canadian adult education credential (CAEC)
› Home schooling (individual assessment is required) For further information, please contact the Admissions Office at Phone: 905-735-2211, ext. 7619 or Email: admissions@niagaracollege.ca.
Does the College consider transcripts from private career colleges?
Most private College courses and/or credentials are not acceptable as admission requirements for Niagara College programs. Please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@niagaracollege.ca for assistance with your particular program of interest.
Can I apply as a mature student?
If you are age 19 or older as of the first day of classes, and do not have an Ontario secondary school diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, you may be considered for admission as a mature student. You must meet all specific admission requirements (courses, portfolio, written statement, audition, pre-admission testing, etc.) For the program to which you are applying. Equivalency testing is available in mathematics and English for applicants age 19 or older. Testing is not available for biology, chemistry or physics. Test fees are payable at the time the test is written.
To review eligibility for admission, please contact the Admissions Office at Phone: 905-735-2211, ext. 7619 or Email: admissions@niagaracollege.ca.
What are English language proficiency requirements?
If you have earned the equivalent of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) from outside of Canada, you will be required to provide proof of one or more of the following:
› Grade 12 English at the (C)or(U) level (Ontario high school curriculum)
› Niagara College Mature Student Test for English
› ACE English (Academic Upgrading)
› International credential assessment for studies outside of Canada
If English is your subsequent language, the College (for the purposes of admission to standard non competitive programs) will also accept the following as proof of English proficiency:
English Language Score Requirements
TOEFL
TOEFL
All postsecondary (undergraduate) programs*
All degree & post-graduate programs
Paper Based: 500, Computer Based: 173, iBT: 80 Minimum: 20 Writing, 20 Speaking
Paper Based: 550, (TESL: 600)
Computer Based: 213 (TESL: 250) iBT: 85 Minimum: 22 Writing, 22 Speaking, (TESL: 101, 27 Speaking, 23 Listening, 27 Writing, 24 Reading)
IELTS All postsecondary (undergraduate) programs* 6.0–No individual band under 5.5
IELTS All degree & post-graduate programs 6.5–No band under 5.5
CAEL
EAP
EAP
PTE
PTE
Duolingo
All postsecondary (undergraduate), degree & post-graduate programs* 60–No individual band under 50
All undergraduate programs
All degree & post-graduate programs
Completion of Level 5 English for Academic Preparation program with 70% and no individual grade under 50%
Completion of Level 5 English for Academic Preparation program with 75% and no individual grade under 60%
All postsecondary (undergraduate) programs* 58+, with no individual skill under 53
All degree & post-graduate programs 60+, with no individual skill under 57
All postsecondary (undergraduate) programs* 105+, with no individual subscore below 95
Duolingo All degree & post-graduate programs 120+, with no individual subscore below 100
*Excluding Pharmacy Technician. For details visit niagaracollege.ca/pt
The College provides both short and long-term intensive English as a subsequent language programs for foreign trained students who plan to attend Niagara College, or a university, and need to improve their English language proficiency before starting their academic studies.
NOTE: Niagara College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. Academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure programs and courses remain relevant and meet all Ministry regulations. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.
Schedules: The college makes every attempt to maintain consistent schedules however, please note that timetables are subject to change. The scheduling of classes generally occurs from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday.
Please refer to our website at niagaracollege.ca for the most accurate and up-todate information.
On-Campus Residence
Looking to extend your educational experience beyond the classroom while meeting new people, forming life-long friendships, and getting involved in everything NC offers?
From student leadership opportunities to experiencing a global community that connects you to students from all over the world, living in residence enables you to explore self-growth and development in a social and supportive community. You will be surrounded by residence advisors committed to helping you transition into your new accommodations.
Residence Highlights
› Flexible payment options and only pay for the academic year instead of a typical 12-month lease
› Just steps from campus
› Furnished two bedroom suites featuring a kitchen (containing a fridge and microwave), three-piece bathroom, and Wi-Fi Internet (may vary).
› Students supply linens, cutlery and small, CSA-approved appliances (e.g. a toaster or a kettle).
› Controlled access and on-site management.
› 24 hour monitoring and visitors sign in.
› 24/7 access to a self-serve canteen or marketplace.
Contact Residence:
Welland T: 905-732-9700 ext 3800 email: info.welland@niagararesidence.ca
Apply to Residence
› Online applications Fall/Winter Academic Term open on February 1st (or next business day).
› Applications received on or before April 15th will be included in the acceptance lottery. After April 15th applicants are considered first-come, first-served if rooms available.
› Applicants will be notified by email within 3 business days of April 15th.
› Please see the Residence website for full details and dates for alternate terms.
niagararesidence.ca
Niagara-on-the-Lake T: 905-641-4435 ext 3900 email: info.notl@niagararesidence.ca
NOTE: Niagara College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Niagara’s programs and courses remain relevant and meet all Ministry regulations. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time. Schedules: The College makes every attempt to maintain consistent schedules however, please note that timetables are subject to change. The scheduling of classes generally occurs from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Some programs may have extended schedules.
Visit niagaracollege.ca for up-to-date information.
Niagara College
niagaracollege.ca/nclife
