Admission Requirements

Before you apply, make sure you meet the admission requirements for your program. Requirements vary by program, applicant type, and pathway into the college.

General Admission Requirements

Most programs at Confederation College require:

An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
A Grade 12 English credit at the College (C), College/University (M), or University (U) level
At least two additional senior-level credits at the C, M, or U level

Some programs have specific prerequisites, such as Grade 11 or Grade 12 math, biology, chemistry, or physics. Check the individual program page for exact requirements.

If you’re still completing required courses when you apply, midterm or in-progress grades may be used for equal consideration.

If you don't have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), we also recognize Ontario Secondary School Diploma Equivalencies. See below for Admission Equivalencies.

Requirements for Competitive (Oversubscribed) Programs

Some programs accept more qualified applicants than available seats. These include:

For these programs:

Required courses must be completed or in progress by February 1.
Selection scores are based on the grades in required courses.
Additional bonus points may apply for previous postsecondary education.
Ontario residents are given priority for first-round offers.

Visit our Selection Statistics page for historical cut-off scores.

Admission Requirements for Mature Students

You may qualify as a Mature Student if:

You are 19 years of age or older on or before the first day of classes, and
You do not have an OSSD or equivalent.

Mature applicants can demonstrate readiness in several ways:

Mature Student Assessment (MSA)
Previous postsecondary education
Completion of Academic & Career Entrance (ACE) courses

Some programs require specific math or science courses even for mature applicants. Check your program page or contact Admissions for guidance.

Admission Equivalencies

Confederation College will recognize the following as equivalent to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma:

Secondary school graduation diploma issued by another Canadian province; or
Successful General Educational Development (GED) diploma; or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC); or
General Certificates of Education at the ordinary level (with credits in 5 appropriate courses) from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries; or
Senior Middle School with minimum grade average of 60% from China; or
Hong Kong English School Certificate with passes in six academic courses; or
Grade 12 diploma from the United States (with a minimum of 16 credit units including 4 English credits); or
All Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), All India Senior School Certificate; Pre-University Exam Certificate or Intermediate Exam Certificate from India; or
Academic & Career Entrance Certificate (ACE).

If you are unsure whether your education qualifies, email admissions@confederationcollege.ca.

Homeschool Applicants

Confederation College is developing a formal admissions policy for homeschool learners.

In the meantime, applications are reviewed individually.

Homeschool applicants should:

Apply through ontariocolleges.ca(opens in new window)
Submit any available transcripts, portfolios, or documentation
Provide assessment results if requested

Admissions may require additional testing or upgrading depending on the program.

Domestic or Permanent Resident applicants

Domestic or Permanent Resident applicants who have transcripts from outside of Canada must provide a course-by-course credential assessment from either ICAS (icascanada.ca) WES (wes.org), or through our International Department.

In addition, applicants must submit proof of English language proficiency and a copy of their citizenship or permanent resident card (both sides).

English Language Requirements (International Applicants)

International applicants must meet Confederation College’s English proficiency standards unless exempt.

Accepted tests and score requirements are listed on the International Education website.

If English is not your first language, visit the International Education Centre or email international@confederationcollege.ca for guidance.

Direct Entry Preparatory Programs

If you do not currently meet program requirements, you may qualify for direct entry into one of our preparatory studies programs:

These programs help you build the academic foundation needed for future postsecondary studies.