How to Apply to Conestoga College

Conestoga College accepts applications through Ontario's centralized college application service, and the exact route depends on whether you are a domestic or international applicant. Domestic applicants (Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and some others) apply through OCAS, while international students apply through Conestoga's own international application portal. Before applying, confirm that you meet the admission requirements for your specific program, and check the college's important dates so you don't miss a deadline.

Who this applies to

• Domestic applicants — apply via OCAS, Ontario's college application service.
• International applicants — apply through Conestoga's dedicated international application process.
• Full-time, Continuing Education, and Conestoga Online students — the college lists these as separate study streams, so confirm which one your program falls under before starting.

Step-by-step: domestic applicants (via OCAS)

1. Choose your program. Browse Conestoga's full-time programs, degrees, Continuing Education, and Conestoga Online offerings to find the credential and delivery mode you want.
2. Check the admission requirements. Each program sets its own requirements (for example, specific secondary school courses or grades). Confirm you meet them before applying.
3. Create an OCAS account and submit your application. OCAS is the application service for Ontario colleges; you select Conestoga and your program there.
4. Pay the application fee and submit transcripts. OCAS handles fee payment and transcript collection as part of the standard Ontario college process.
5. Watch for your offer and respond. Once Conestoga reviews your application, you'll receive an offer or a request for more information. Respond by the stated deadline to hold your spot.

Expected result: A submitted OCAS application routed to Conestoga, followed by an admission decision.

Step-by-step: international applicants

1. Choose your program from Conestoga's offerings.
2. Confirm you meet the program's admission requirements, including any English language or academic prerequisites.
3. Apply through Conestoga's international application process rather than OCAS.
4. Submit required documents (transcripts, identification, and any program-specific items) as directed.
5. Respond to your offer by the deadline if you're admitted.

Expected result: An international application submitted directly to Conestoga, with a decision returned through the same channel.

Key dates and deadlines to track

Conestoga publishes an "Important dates" section on its site. From the current listing:

Application-specific deadlines (for example, equal-consideration dates for fall, winter, and spring intakes) are set by OCAS and by Conestoga, and they change by intake. Check both the OCAS site and Conestoga's important dates page for the term you're targeting.

Common sticking points

• Applying through the wrong route. Domestic and international applicants use different systems. Using the wrong one delays your file.
• Missing program prerequisites. Requirements vary by program, so don't assume a general college requirement covers your specific choice.
• Missing the equal-consideration deadline. Applying after the deadline can mean your application is only reviewed if space remains.
• Ignoring the offer response deadline. An offer can lapse if you don't accept it in time.

Before you apply: a quick checklist

• [ ] Program and credential confirmed
• [ ] Admission requirements checked against your background
• [ ] Correct application route identified (OCAS vs. international)
• [ ] Transcripts and supporting documents ready
• [ ] Relevant intake deadline noted

Where to get help

Conestoga runs information sessions for specific pathways — for example, sessions for Community Integration Through Co-Operative Education (CICE) and Better Jobs Ontario — and a Fall Open House on November 7 at various campuses. These are useful if you want to ask questions before submitting an application.