FAQ

Career colleges are private post-secondary institutions—both for-profit and not-for-profit—that deliver career-focused, outcome-based programs. Students graduate with a certificate or diploma and are prepared to meet Ontario’s workforce needs quickly and efficiently.

• Over 43,000 students enroll in Ontario’s career colleges each year.
• More than 30,000 career-ready graduates enter the workforce annually
• Minimal cost to taxpayers, as colleges operate without direct government funding

Career colleges are designed with flexibility and employability in mind. They stand out due to:

• Small class sizes for personalized learning
• Accelerated programs with short durations
  
• Multiple intakes year-round
  
• Flexible scheduling for working or mature students

A student demographic that is often older and more diverse than at traditional institutions

Career college students are a diverse group, many of whom bring prior education and life experience:

• The average student age is 34
• Over 50% are over the age of 30
  
• Only 9% enroll straight from High School
  

Students fund their studies through personal savings, OSAP, EI funds, WSIB

Today’s job market demands adaptability and specialized skills. Career colleges offer:

• Outcome-based training to ensure graduates are job-ready
  
• Fast, practical education to meet changing market needs
  
• Programs that align with real-time employer demands
  
• A dynamic environment suited to both students and employers 

Key distinctions include:

• Career-focused training that often takes months, not years
  
• Flexible schedules and year-round enrollment
• Smaller class sizes for individualized attention

With over 600 institutions in Ontario, career colleges offer more than 5,000 programs in:

• Trades & Apprenticeships
  
• Business & Management
  
• Healthcare & Human Services
  
• Information Technology & Computer Science
• And many more!

All career colleges must be registered with the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.

Check registration status here: Service Ontario, or contact us at: info@careercollegesontario.ca

There are many funding options available:

• OSAP (student loans)
  
• Second Career program
  
• WSIB sponsorship
  
• Employment Insurance (EI) funding
  
• Personal savings
  

Consult with a representative at your college to determine the best option for your specific situation.

Absolutely not! In fact:

• 57% of career college students are over 30
  
• Programs are tailored for mature learners, offering flexible scheduling and hands-on training.
  It’s never too late to upskill, reskill, or pursue a new path.

Email us directly at info@careercollegesontario.ca.