r/OntarioColleges

Just wondering if anyone has been able to get a public college to accept a private school diploma for a grad certificate?

I took the paralegal program from trIOS, it's accredited and courses are mandated by the Law Society of Ontario. It's the exact same program as both public and private colleges. I'm also a licensed paralegal and have worked in law for the past 3 1/2 yrs.

I want to go back to school for a grad certificate (addictions and mental health or autism and behavioural science, both of which you deal with daily in law), cannot afford to do a two year program , and part time isn't an option as these courses are night based and that's just not doable as a single mom with no help.

I've spoken with front line admissions who aren't helpful and directed me to PLAR, which is not what I'm looking for (I don't want course credits, I want my diploma which is identical to public college diploma to be recognised).

Is there an avenue I'm missing or am I out of luck?

Hello everyone! Is it possible to go to college with workplace English and math? I wanted to go to college. I graduated high school.

Hi, wondering what college is set up better for out of province students.

I was looking into the practice nursing programs at both colleges but in pembroke campus through Algonquin.

Also anyone have experience requesting two bedroom dorm with certain friends or people in pembroke? Is specific residency hard to get in pembroke?

Is it ideal to go back to college for the coop since it’s impossible to get a job specifically as a software developer having the skill the experience but no credentials

I come from a Computer Science background and hold a master's degree from a University in Canada. I am looking for an Artificial Intelligence program that offers a co-op option (I understand that co-op placements are not guaranteed).

I have shortlisted the following programs:

- Seneca College – Artificial Intelligence (Co-op Option)

- George Brown College – Applied AI Solutions (Co-op Option)

- Centennial College – Software Engineering Technology – Artificial Intelligence (Co-op Option)

Could you please provide your assessment of these programs? Specifically, I would appreciate your insights on the following:

- Are these programs worthwhile for someone with my academic background?

- Which program would you recommend, and why?

- Which college has the strongest reputation for helping students secure co-op placements?

- Based on graduate outcomes and industry connections, which program offers the best career prospects in the AI field?

Thank you for your guidance.

I’m trying to decide between OVS and TVO ILC for Grade 12 science courses.

I’ve seen really mixed reviews about OVS—some people say the exams don’t match the course content and are harder than expected, while others recommend it.

My main priorities are getting high grades, fair exams, fast marking/transcripts, and being able to finish 4 Grade 12 courses by December.
For those who’ve done either, which would you recommend?

OVS or TVO ILC? I need to complete Grade 11 Physics and Grade 12 Physics, Biology, and Chemistry by January

so I can apply in February. Which is better for getting high marks (85–90%+), better teacher support, faster marking, and getting final grades submitted on time? It’s been 6–7 years since I graduated, so I’d love to hear from anyone who’s used either one. Which would you choose and why?

For Ontario college admissions, does it matter if you upgrade Grade 12 courses through TVO ILC or Ontario Virtual School (OVS)? Are they treated the same for competitive programs like Nursing, Radiography, or Sonography, or is one viewed more favourably?

Hi everyone...
I’m having a hard time deciding what to do. I’m waitlisted for the Practical Nursing (Winter 2027) program at the Ottawa campus, but I’ve received an offer for the Pembroke campus.
My biggest concern is transportation. I don’t have a car, and when I spoke with the clinical placement coordinator, I was told that clinical placements could be in Renfrew, Ottawa, or other nearby areas, which would make commuting very difficult. I’m willing to move to Pembroke for my studies, but I was hoping to complete my clinical placements in the same city rather than having to travel long distances.

I also received an offer for the Dental Hygiene program at the Ottawa campus, but lately I’ve been leaning more toward nursing.
Has anyone attended the Pembroke PN program without a car? How manageable was it, especially during clinical placements? Were you able to complete your placements in Pembroke, or did you have to travel to other cities?

I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience before I make my decision. Thank you....

Hi everyone,
I’m planning to apply to Mohawk’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program for the February application cycle, so I need to complete my prerequisites by January.
I need to upgrade these four courses:
● SPH3U (Grade 11 Physics)
● SPH4U (Grade 12 Physics)
● SBI4U (Grade 12 Biology)
● SCH4U (Grade 12 Chemistry)
I’m trying to decide between TVO ILC and Ontario Virtual School (OVS).
For anyone who has used either (or both), I’d really appreciate your advice:
● Which one is better if I’m aiming for the highest grades possible (hopefully 85–90%+)?
● Which has better teachers and support?
● Which is easier to learn from if it’s been several years since high school?
● Which returns assignments/tests faster?
● Is it realistic to finish all four courses by January if I start this summer?
● Did your final marks get sent to OUAC/OCAS on time for college or university applications?
● If you were applying to a competitive health program, which would you choose and why?
Thanks so much!

I am a 17-year-old who is about to be in grade 12 soon and graduate from high school. I plan to move out with my sister and go to university or college. I still don't know what exactly I want to be in the future, but I think I want to become either a construction project manager, civil engineer, or structural engineer (but idrk, as long as the job is design, math, physics, management, or construction related).

However, I have a big problem. My parents told me that they won't financially support me at all after grade 12. They said that I will have to rely on my own and OSAP for tuition, housing, transportation, and other basic living costs.

Am I cooked?

OSAP can only cover so much, I don't have any other family members that would help me, and I currently have a part-time job ($17.30/hr, earning around $1000 per month), and have only $5400 saved up. This summer, I will be getting more shifts, so I will earn around $1200-$1500.

I plan to get another job or two with higher pay (hopefully one overnight and the other morning-afternoon/evening), but with my experience (working at fast-food stores, co-op as an assistant to a medical receptionist at a walk-in clinic, and volunteering at summer camps as an assistant), I doubt that I will get what I want--hopefully I do though.

With my current situation, I don't know which pathway I should take, which university or college, which program, or housing option (residency or renting an apartment with my sister).

Can you guys help me decide?

I originally planned on going to University of Waterloo for the architectural engineering or civil engineering program, but it is very competitive. I don't think I will get in since my average grade is only around the low 90s. Moreover, this option is expensive, so idk if I should even consider it.

My other option was to go to Conestoga College to either take the Architecture - Construction Engineering Technology Co-op, Bachelor of Applied Technology (Honors) - Architecture - Project and Facility Management Co-op, Bachelor Engineeg - Building Systems Engineering Co-op, Banchelor of Engineering - Sustainable Design Engineering, Civil Engineering Technician Co-op, or Civil Engineering Technology Co-op (then possibly go to either Construction Management Co-op or Construction Project Management).

This would be a much cheaper and safer option compared to going to University of Waterloo.

However, I don't know if I should get a degree right away or a diploma first, then either get a degree right away or wait a year, then get the degree.

In addition, I don't know if Conestoga should be my only other option. The reason why I chose Conestoga College for my other option in the first place is that one of my teachers recommended me to go to it and become a project manager, as they used to be a project coordinator and a project manager after attending the Bachelor of Applied Technology (Honors) - Architecture - Project and Facility Management Co-op program from Conestoga College.

I am aware that there are other colleges and universities, as well as programs and pathways, but considering my situation, can you guys please help me decide (and whether to go to residence or rent an apartment with my sister)?

I am applying to online Addictions Worker programs through Ontario Colleges. The ones that are open for Sep 2026 start date AND approved by CACCF are: Algonquin, Fanshawe, Cambrian, and St. Lawrence.

Assuming I get into each program and the costs/fees are similar, does anyone have any advice on which college to choose?

I've done plenty of my own research, but I am from the states and not that familiar with the colleges here.

What I want out of the institution:
-Prepare me for the CACCF exam
-Help me with placement for the 300 required hours by CACCF
-Generally respected as an institution as to bolster my resume

I welcome any comments :) Thank you!

Hi everyone,
My college has requested an ICAS evaluation for my Grade 12 Maths and English. They specifically asked for a course-by-course evaluation, and they also mentioned they prefer ICAS over WES since WES doesn’t properly support course-by-course assessments for their requirement.

I wanted to ask if anyone here has done an ICAS evaluation before:

How does the ICAS process actually work?

Does it really provide a course-by-course breakdown (like individual subjects with grades)?

How long does it usually take to get the report?

What does the final ICAS report look like?

Any issues or delays I should be aware of?

Would really appreciate any real experiences or advice.
Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,
I’ll be starting the Pre-Health Sciences program at Georgian College this fall and I’m hoping to use it as a pathway into bscn program later on.

For anyone who has taken Pre-Health at Georgian, what should I expect in terms of workload, difficulty, and course content? Did you find the program manageable?

Also, for those who used Pre-Health as a pathway into Nursing, what GPA or grades did you need to be competitive for admission to the bscn or pn program?
Any tips for someone starting this September would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!