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Dawson College

Westmount, Canada • Founded 1969

Updated Sep 2026 · Source: dawsoncollege.qc.ca

Overview

English Name: Dawson College
Acronyms: CEGEP
Founded: 1969
Institution Type: College
Dawson College campus and surroundings
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Dawson College is an English-language public CEGEP in downtown Montreal, Quebec, chartered in 1968 and opened in 1969 as the first English CEGEP created under Quebec's reformed college system.

Its main campus, known as the Mother House, occupies a former Sisters of the Congregation of Notre-Dame motherhouse on a twelve-acre block along Sherbrooke Street West, one of Montreal's largest heritage buildings adapted for education. Dawson is now the largest CEGEP in the province, enrolling roughly 8,000 full-time day students alongside continuing-education learners, supported by over a thousand faculty and staff.

The college offers six pre-university Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC) programs, including Pure and Applied Science, Health and Life Sciences, Social Science, and Liberal Arts, that prepare students for university-level study, plus more than twenty technical DEC programs in fields such as Nursing, Computer Science Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Graphic Design, and Social Service that lead directly to careers. Beyond academics, Dawson runs professional theatre productions, an art gallery, and seventeen intercollegiate athletic teams, and has graduated more than 105,000 students since 1971.

The college has committed to sustainability through a Carbon Neutral Forever pledge, and its diverse, multicultural student body reflects the surrounding city.

Location & Contact

Address, phone, email, and online links for Dawson College are listed below.

Academic Details

The figures below cover Dawson College's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing.

Admission Requirements: Admission requires the Quebec Secondary School Diploma (DES) or equivalent, including Secondary V Language of Instruction, Secondary V Second Language, Secondary IV Science or Physical Science, Secondary IV Mathematics, and Secondary IV History. Out-of-province Canadian applicants need province-specific Grade 11 standing (e.g. Ontario: minimum 22 credits; Manitoba: minimum 13 credits) and, if they completed or are completing high school outside Quebec, must demonstrate French-language proficiency at B2 level (DELF, DALF, TEF/TEFAQ, TCF, or Bright Language Five Star). International applicants must submit transcripts for a non-refundable $50 foreign-credential evaluation, or an official equivalence attestation from Quebec's Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI). Applicants whose secondary schooling was not in English must meet minimum English-proficiency scores: TOEFL iBT 4 (as published), IELTS Academic 6.0, PTE Academic 50, or Duolingo 95-100, valid for two years from the test date. Application deadlines are March 1 for Fall and November 1 for Winter.
Total Students: 9,870

Programs Offered

Search and filter Dawson College's available programmes by degree level.

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

Diploma 43 programmes

Showing 10 of 43.

How to apply to Dawson College

Five steps that capture how applications to Dawson College flow.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Dawson College offers 43 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Each programme at Dawson College has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Apply directly via Dawson College's online portal at www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at 514-931-8731. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dawson College

Below are key facts about Dawson College, drawn directly from institutional records.

When did Dawson College open?

Dawson College traces its founding to 1969 (approximately 57 years ago).

Where is Dawson College located?

Dawson College is located in Westmount, Canada.

What is the student enrolment at Dawson College?

Student enrolment at Dawson College is around 9,870.

What is Dawson College's official website?

Dawson College's official website is www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca.

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