As one of Canada’s leading global colleges and most enterprising postsecondary institutions, Niagara College (NC) has consistently earned numerous awards for its students, faculty, staff, and the College as a whole. These recognitions reflect NC’s mission to provide outstanding applied education and training for a changing world, as well as its dedication to offering academic excellence and world-class education.
8 Premier’s Awards
The Premier’s Awards for outstanding college graduates honour the important social and economic contribution that graduates make to Ontario and around the world. The annual awards were launched in 1992, are administered by Colleges Ontario and highlight graduates from Ontario’s colleges who contributed in significant ways to the country’s economic prosperity and success.
• Creative Arts and Design (2022)
• Recent Graduate (2022, 2012, 2008)
• Health Sciences (2014)
• Technology (2011)
• Health Sciences (2003)
• Community Services (1995)
Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) – National
This award recognizes students who show a clear understanding and application of the principles of Public Relations (PR) theory, demonstrates professionalism leadership in scholastic activities and is committed to pursuing a career in PR.
• Student Award of Excellence (2024,2023,2021)
Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Hamilton’s Pinnacle Awards
The awards recognize the talent of CPRS members and those of the wider community of professionals within the Public Relations industry. Niagara College’s graduates were recognized in the following categories:
• Student Award of Excellence (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017)
• Heather J. Pullen Memorial Award (2024, 2021)
Gold, Silver and Bronze - Skills Ontario Competition
The Skills Ontario Competition offers a unique opportunity for top students to demonstrate that they are the best of the best in their field.
• Hairstyling (Gold and Bronze in 2024, Silver in 2023)
• 3D Digital Game Art (Bronze in 2024, Gold in 2023)
place - Corvinus Undergraduate Business Experience (CUBE)
International business case competition held in Budapest, Hungary.
• Niagara College’s students from the School of Business and Management received the award in 2024.
7 winners - 2024 Applied Arts Student Awards
The Awards recognize creative excellence at the professional and student level in Canada and abroad.
• Seven Niagara College students were among the winners
1st place - Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA)
Student Case Competition
Hosted annually, the competition challenges Human Resources students to tackle real-life business situations.
• Niagara College’s students from the School of Business and Management received the award in 2025 and 2023..
2nd and 3rd places - Ontario Colleges Marketing Competition (OCMC)
Participants demonstrate their skills before industry professionals and are considered the best marketing students in Ontario. Niagara College’s students from the School of Business and Management won:
• 2nd place in 2024
• 3rd place in 2023
• 2nd place in 2022
• 2nd in 2021
Silver and Bronze - Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC)
SCNC is the only national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in the country.
• 3D Digital Game Art (Silver in 2023 and in 2022)
• Graphic Design (Bronze in 2023)
• Welding (Bronze in 2022)
10 medals - Ontario Wine Awards (2019, 2022, 2023)
The Ontario Wine Awards recognize the excellence and distinction of Ontario Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wines and pay homage to the dedication of small businesses, farmers, restaurateurs, and employees who contribute to the prosperity of Ontario. Here is a snapshot of Niagara College’s
• Esthetician (Bronze in 2024 and in 2023)
• Web Design and development (Bronze in 2024)
• Graphic Design – Studio Production (Gold in 2023)
• Game Development (Silver in 2023)
The U.S. Open College Beer Championship is for student brewers enrolled at schools, colleges and universities that teach brewing courses. It is the only competition of its kind focusing on student brewers.
Gold, Silver and Bronze - College and Institutes Canada (CICan) Awards of Excellence
The CICan Awards of Excellence recognize and promote excellence within Canadian colleges and institutes.
• The Leadership Excellence Award for Faculty (Gold in 2023 and in 2018)
• The Leadership Excellence Award for Managerial Staff (Silver in 2024 and Bronze in 2010)
Silver - World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) Awards
• Outstanding Educator Award (2023)
Minister’s Awards of Excellence
The Awards recognize exceptional performance of faculty, staff and graduate students from colleges, universities, private career colleges and Indigenous Institutes in Ontario who made a difference to the lives of students, to their communities and to the entire province.
• Equality of Opportunity (2022)
• Everyday Heroes (2022 and 2021)
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship (2021)
Silver - World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) Awards of Excellence
The awards recognize WFCP member institutions and celebrate their contributions to excellence in the global technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector.
• Applied Research and Innovation Award Category (2024)
Silver - Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Awards of Excellence
The CICan Awards of Excellence recognize and promote excellence within Canadian colleges and institutes.
• Global Engagement Excellence (2022, 2016)
• The Applied Research and Innovation Excellence Award (2018)
Bronze - World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) Awards of Excellence
The awards recognize WFCP member institutions and celebrate their contributions to excellence in the global technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector.
• Global Citizenship (2022, 2016)
Innovation and Excellence Community Connections Award
The award is offered by AdvantAge Ontario, the voice of not-forprofit seniors’ care in Ontario, and honours initiatives that build strong, positive relationships to better serve the local community and that profile the organization and its services. Niagara College was recognized for the project:
• A Senior’s Freshman Year: The Intergenerational College Experience (2024)
2024 Youth Science Canada
The awards annually recognize outstanding contributions through innovation, long service, or leadership, to the organization or its programs.
• Distinguished Service Award (2024)
Canadian Science Policy Centre Trailblazer Awards
The Awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated novelty and creativity through leadership, vision, courage, and commitment, and have positively and significantly impacted the Canadian science, technology and innovation ecosystem.
• Trailblazer Award in Innovation Policy (2024)
Perennial Plant Association
Each year, the Perennial Plant Association recognizes distinguished perennial professionals for their contributions to the industry.
• Educator Award (2023)
Gold Pinnacle Award - The International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA)
Each year, IFEA recognizes outstanding accomplishments and top-quality creative, promotional, operational and community outreach programs and materials produced by festivals and events around the world.
• Event Management Certification Program (2018, 2015, 2012)
* Ontario College Student Experience Survey (2022-2023)
*Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges Research Infosource