What Types of Programs and Courses Does Holland College Offer?

Updated

Holland College offers more than 60 programs and courses across several categories: full-time programs, post-graduate programs, credit and general interest courses, industry standard courses, academic upgrading, language training, specialized and customized training, microcredentials, and marine training. The right category depends on your goal — a diploma or degree pathway, a short credential, a licence or certification, or personal interest. Most listings are organized under "Academics & Training Programs" on hollandcollege.com.

Full-time and post-graduate programs

These are the main credential routes for students studying on Prince Edward Island.

  • Full-time programs — the core offering, described as hands-on and industry-focused. Browse them under Full-Time Programs.
  • Programs by Availability — a filtered view for seeing which programs are open in a given intake.
  • Post-graduate programs — advanced study for applicants who already hold a credential.
  • Degree pathways and transfers — Degree Pathways, Credit Transfer & PLAR, and Dual Credit for High School Students let you build on or carry credits into further study.

If you want a multi-year diploma or certificate and a campus-based experience, start with full-time programs. If you already have a post-secondary credential and want to specialize, look at post-graduate programs.

Courses: credit, general interest, and industry standard

Beyond full-time study, the college lists several course formats:

Course type Who it suits
Credit courses Learners who want recognized academic credit, often toward a program or transfer
General interest courses Personal or professional interest, without a full program commitment
Industry Standard Courses People who need a specific industry-recognized course
Microcredentials Short, focused credentials for a defined skill

The distinction matters: credit courses usually count toward a credential or transfer, while general interest courses are taken for the subject itself. Check each listing for whether credit applies.

Academic upgrading and adult education

For applicants who need to meet admission requirements or finish secondary-level study:

  • Academic Upgrading — the overview page for upgrading options.
  • Adult Education — for mature students returning to study.
  • Distance Learning Program — upgrading or study delivered remotely.

This route is commonly used to satisfy program prerequisites before applying to a full-time program.

Language training

Holland College provides several language options, including for newcomers to Canada:

  • English for Academic Purposes — English preparation for academic study.
  • Holland College English Proficiency Test — the college's own proficiency assessment.
  • IELTS Testing (LINC) — IELTS testing connected to LINC.
  • Language Instruction for Newcomers (LINC) — language training for newcomers.

If English is not your first language and you plan to enter a full-time program, the Language Requirements page under Admissions sets out what you need, and these services are where you prepare for it.

Specialized, customized, and marine training

  • Customized Training — training built for an employer or organization's specific needs.
  • Marine Training Courses — delivered through the Marine Training Centre.
  • Atlantic Police Academy — including In-Service Courses for working officers.
  • Red Seal Pathway — for trades certification.
  • Atlantic Trades Business Seal — a trades-related business credential.

These are aimed at employers, working professionals, and people entering regulated fields such as marine occupations and policing.

How to choose

  • Want a full credential and campus study → Full-Time Programs.
  • Already have a credential, want to specialize → Post-Graduate Programs.
  • Need prerequisites or secondary completion → Academic Upgrading or Adult Education.
  • Need English for study → English for Academic Purposes or LINC.
  • Need a short, targeted credential → Microcredentials or Industry Standard Courses.
  • Employer arranging staff training → Customized Training.

Verify before you apply

Program availability, intake dates, and admission requirements change by intake. Use Programs by Availability and the Admissions Process pages on hollandcollege.com to confirm the current status of any program, and check Language Requirements and International Applicants if you are applying from outside Canada.