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Centennial College institutional logo

Centennial College

Toronto, Canada • Founded 1966

Updated Sep 2026 · Source: centennialcollege.ca

Overview

English Name: Centennial College
Founded: 1966
Institution Type: Higher education institution
Centennial College institutional logo

Centennial College is a public college of applied arts and technology headquartered in Scarborough, in the eastern Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, and was the first community college to open in the province when it was established in 1966.

It operates across five campuses and several satellite locations and delivers about 160 programs spanning certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, honours bachelor's degrees, graduate certificates, and apprenticeship training. Programs are organized under faculties and schools including the Business School, the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Trades and Transportation (covering Information Technology and Apprenticeships), the Faculty of Global Business and Creative Industries, and the Faculty of Lifelong Learning and Industry Training.

Centennial is known for its aerospace and aviation training, including aircraft and avionics maintenance technician programs delivered at its Downsview campus (Bombardier Centre for Aerospace and Aviation) near Toronto's aerospace industry cluster, and an integrated airline transport pilot licence programme delivered at the Peterborough Airport facility operated by Toronto Airways. The college describes itself as one of the most culturally diverse post-secondary institutions in Canada, with close to 100 ethno-cultural groups and about 80 languages represented on campus, and draws a significant international student population.

On-campus housing is available through Centennial Place Residence, alongside homestay and off-campus housing support for international students.

Domestic tuition is subsidized by the Ontario government and priced well below international tuition, which varies substantially by program area, from standard diploma-level rates to markedly higher fees for programs such as nursing and pilot training.

Location & Contact

Centennial College's campus location, postal address, and admissions contact channels are below.

Academic Details

Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for Centennial College are listed below.

Academic Year: Trimester system: Fall (September), Winter (January), Summer (May) intakes; 14-week semesters
Admission Requirements: DOMESTIC APPLICANTS (Canadian citizens and permanent residents). Certificate, diploma and advanced diploma programs: an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or an OSSD equivalency, or mature-applicant status at 19 or older by the program start, plus the program's own Grade 11/12 prerequisite courses and grades. Centennial's own English Admission Test and Math Skills Assessment for Admission can stand in for the English and mathematics prerequisites. Bachelor degree programs: an OSSD with six Grade 12 U or M credits, with each required subject at the U or M level; the mature route is 21 or older by 31 December of the intake year plus at least two years away from full-time formal education. Fast-track programs and graduate certificates: a university degree or a three-year college diploma, or, at the College's discretion, a partial degree of at least two years, or a two-year diploma plus at least two years of related work experience; some ask for prior study in a named discipline. Apply through Ontario's central portal at ontariocolleges.ca, where one $150 fee covers up to five program choices, and for a September start apply before 1 February (1 February 2027 for Fall 2027 entry). Later applications are still assessed, but on a first-come, first-served basis. INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS. The same academic standard applies, with credentials earned outside Canada assessed for equivalency; several program pages name World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Assessment Services (ICAS) as the assessor. You apply directly to Centennial through the ApplyCentennial portal, not through ontariocolleges.ca, uploading transcripts and proof of identity and paying a non-refundable $125 CAD application fee. The College advises applying 4 to 6 months ahead of your intended start date so there is time for processing and a study permit. ENGLISH PROFICIENCY, TIERED BY CREDENTIAL. Check which of Centennial's three tiers your program sits in; the Program Outline tab on each program page shows whether it starts at COMM 160/161 or the higher COMM 170/171. - Ontario College Certificate and Diploma (starting at COMM 160): IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5; TOEFL iBT 67 with Reading at least 16 and Writing at least 23; PTE Academic 51 or above; Duolingo 105 to 114; CAEL (CE or Online) overall 60; iTEP 3.7 or above; Michigan English Test 56 to 57; Cambridge English (CPE, CAE, FCE) 167 to 169; LanguageCert Academic 65 to 69 with no skill below 60. - Fast-track programs and selected diplomas and advanced diplomas (starting at COMM 170): IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0; TOEFL iBT 81 with Reading at least 19 and Writing at least 23; PTE Academic 58 or above; Duolingo 125 or above; CAEL overall 60 with Writing 60; iTEP 3.9 or above; Michigan English Test 58 to 60; Cambridge English 170 to 179; LanguageCert Academic 70 to 74 with no skill below 65. - Degree programs and Ontario College Graduate Certificates: IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0; TOEFL iBT 81 with Reading at least 19 and Writing at least 23; PTE Academic 60 or above; Duolingo 125 or above; CAEL overall 70 with Writing 60; iTEP 4.1 or above; Michigan English Test 61 or above; Cambridge English 180 or above; LanguageCert Academic 70 to 74 with no skill below 65. A test is not the only route: two or more consecutive full years at a secondary or post-secondary school where English was the language of instruction is accepted, as are Centennial's own English Language Learning, English for Academic Preparation and Academic and Career Entrance pathways and its English Language Partnership schools, each at the grade set out on the language proficiency page. Centennial does not publish a French-language proficiency route. A few health programs set their own, stricter language rule, so read the program page as well: Medical Laboratory Technician asks for three or more consecutive full years of English-medium schooling, and Pharmacy Technician applies the standard set by NAPRA, the national association of pharmacy regulators (IELTS Academic, OET or TEF Canada).
Total Students: 34,000
Campus Setting: Urban

Academic Structures

The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up Centennial College are listed below.

Unit 4 items
  • Faculty of Applied Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Trades and Transportation
  • Faculty of Global Business and Creative Industries
  • Faculty of Lifelong Learning and Industry Training
  • The Business School

Programs Offered

Browse Centennial College's programmes by level, or filter by name.

187 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada

Bachelor's Degree 8 programmes

Honours Degree 2 programmes

Certificate 26 programmes

Showing 10 of 26.

Diploma 79 programmes

Showing 10 of 79.

Higher Diploma 36 programmes

Showing 10 of 36.

Postgraduate Certificate 23 programmes

Showing 10 of 23.

Trades - Apprenticeship 13 programmes

Showing 10 of 13.

Scholarships in Canada

Canada-wide scholarships, relevant to students considering Centennial College or other institutions there.

How to apply to Centennial College

Step-by-step guidance for applying to Centennial College, in five steps.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Centennial College runs 187 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Before applying to Centennial College, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Canada.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Centennial College's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.centennialcollege.ca). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at 416-289-5000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Centennial College

Frequently asked questions about Centennial College.

In what year was Centennial College established?

Centennial College was founded in 1966 (approximately 60 years ago).

In which city is Centennial College?

Centennial College is based in Toronto, Canada.

How many students study at Centennial College?

Centennial College has approximately 34,000 students.

How is Centennial College organised academically?

Centennial College has 4 academic units.

How do I find Centennial College online?

The institution's website is www.centennialcollege.ca.

Top-Ranked Universities in Canada

Faculty awards and national-leader status concentrate at the top Canada universities. Centennial College's faculty distinctions compared to leaders signal where the institution sits in academic networks.

Faculties at nearby universities

Universities located near Centennial College are listed below.

Where Else to Study Business Administration

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Universities Compared with Centennial College

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