Government colleges, also known as public colleges, are fully funded by the government.
Generally, Colleges offer diploma programs that serve as a preparatory ground for degree programs at universities. However, most of the listed government colleges in Canada in this article offer degree programs and Joint degree programs.
Also, the 20 best government colleges in Canada we will be listing out shortly, are among the best government colleges for international students. These colleges warmly welcomes international students from different countries of the world.
Page Contents
- Why study at Government Colleges in Canada?
- Requirements needed to study in the Best Government Colleges in Canada for International Students
- List of the 20 Best Government Colleges in Canada
- 1. New Brunswick Community College
- 2. Sheridan College
- 3. Humber College
- 4. Centennial College
- 5. Conestoga College
- 6. Seneca College
- 7. George Brown College
- 8. Okanagan College
- 9. Durham College
- 10. Algonquin College
- 11. Mohawk College
- 12. Douglas College
- 13. Vancouver Community College
- 14. Niagara College Canada
- 15. Fanshawe College
- 16. Bow Valley College
- 17. Georgian College
- 18. Langara College
- 19. Cambrian College
- 20. St. Lawrence College
- Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Government Colleges in Canada
- How much does it cost to study in Canadian Colleges?
- Are the Government Colleges in Canada accredited?
- Do I need a study permit to study in the best government colleges in Canada?
- What is the cost of living while studying in Canada?
Why study at Government Colleges in Canada?
Canada attracts a notable amount of international students, making it the third study abroad destinations in the World. The Northern American country attracts students from different countries because of her top quality education. Canadian Institutions are frequently ranked among the best Institutions in the World.
Apart from receiving top quality education, you should enroll in some of the top Canadian government colleges because of the following reasons.
- High quality of life
Canada frequently rank among the countries with high quality of life. You get earn a degree or diploma in a country with high quality of life.
- Safe to study
Canada has a low crime rate, making it one of the safest place to study in the World.
- Easy Immigration Process
Canada have a easy visa policy compared to top study destination like US.
- Scholarship opportunities
Canadian colleges provides both international and domestic students with a variety of scholarship programs and other financial aid options.
- Co-op Education
Most of the 20 best government colleges provide students with co-op programs. Co-op education is a program where students get the chance to work in an industry related to their field. With Co-op programs, you gain valuable experience in a career you are interested in while earning your degree.
- Post-graduation work permit
Students who want to live in Canada after their studies can work in Canada by applying for post-graduation work permit.
Requirements needed to study in the Best Government Colleges in Canada for International Students
International Students who have already completed a secondary school education will require the following documents
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of english language proficiency
- Study permit
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds.
More documents maybe required depending on choice of college and your program of study.
List of the 20 Best Government Colleges in Canada
Here is the list of the 20 best government colleges in Canada:
- New Brunswick Community College
- Sheridan College
- Humber College
- Centennial College
- Conestoga College
- Seneca College
- George Brown College
- Okanagan College
- Durham College
- Algonquin College
- Mohawk College
- Douglas College
- Vancouver Community College
- Niagara College Canada
- Fanshawe College
- Bow Valley College
- Georgian College
- Langara College
- Cambrian College
- St. Lawrence College.
1. New Brunswick Community College
Founded 1974, New Brunswick Community College is among the best government colleges in Canada, offering specialized programs, post-graduate, apprenticeship and microcredentials.
NBCC has six campuses located in New Brunswick. The college offers a variety of programs in these areas of study:
- Administrative Professional
- Applied and Media Arts
- Building and Construction
- Business Administration
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology
- Environment and Marine Systems
- Health
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Information Technology
- Mechanical and Industrial
- Metal Processing
- Mobile Equipment Repair
- Social Sciences.
2. Sheridan College
Founded in 1967, Sheridan College is one of the best government colleges in Canada. Sheridan College is located in Ontario, with it’s largest campus in Brampton.
The College offer a variety of programs at degree, certificate, diploma, and graduate certificate level.
Sheridan College offer both full-time and part-time studies in the following areas of study:
- Animation and Game Design
- Applied Computing
- Applied Health
- Architectural Studies
- Business
- Chemical and Environmental Sciences
- Community Studies
- Design, Illustration and Photography
- Education
- Engineering Sciences
- Film, TV and Journalism
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Material Art and Design
- Nursing
- Public Safety
- Skilled Trades
- Technology Fundamentals
- Visual and Performing Arts.
3. Humber College
Humber College is a top government college in Canada, with three locations in Toronto.
The College provide different range of credentials including bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, certificates, and postgraduate certificates.
Humber college offer a variety of programs in the following areas of study
- Applied Technology & Engineering
- Business
- Accounting & Management
- Children & Youth
- Community & Social Services
- Creative Arts & Design
- Emergency Services
- Fashion & Beauty
- Foundations & Language Training
- Health & Wellness
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Information, Computer & Digital Technology
- International Development
- Justice & Legal Studies
- Marketing & Advertising
- Media & Public Relations
- Performing Arts & Music
- Skilled Trades & Apprenticeships.
4. Centennial College
Established in 1966, Centennial College, Ontario’s first community college is among the best Canadian government colleges, with five campuses located in Toronto, Ontario.
Full-time, part-time, and online programs are provided by Centennial college.
Centennial college provides a variety of programs in these categories: Apprenticeship, College & University preparation, Co-op Education, Degree, Dual Credit, Fast-track, Graduate Certificate, Joint programs, and microcredentials.
A wide variety of programs are available in these areas of study:
- Academic, Arts and Science Preparation
- Advanced Manufacturing and Systems Automation
- Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations
- Aerospace and Aviation
- Arts, Animation and Design
- Automotive and Motorcycle
- Biological Environmental and Food Sciences
- Business
- Community and Child Services
- Emergency, Law and Court Services
- Food and Tourism
- Health and Wellness
- Heavy Duty, Truck and Coach
- Hospitality Management
- Media, Communications and Writing
- Sustainable Design and Renewable Energy.
5. Conestoga College
Conestoga College is an Ontario Community College, offering programs at diploma, advanced diploma, graduate certificate, certificate, and degree level.
At Conestoga College, programs are available in these areas of study:
- Applied Computer Science & IT
- Business
- Community Services
- Creative Industries
- Culinary Arts
- Engineering & Technology
- Food Processing
- Health & Life Sciences
- Hospitality
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Trades.
6. Seneca College
Established in 1967, Seneca College is a multi-campus college located in Toronto.
Seneca College offers degree, diploma and certificate programs in the following areas of study:
- Health & Wellness
- Engineering Technology
- Business
- Creative Arts, Animation & Design
- Education, Community and Social Services
- Science
- Aviation
- Fashion & Esthetics
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Information Technology
- Law, Administration & Public Safety
- Liberal Arts & University Transfers
- Media & Communication.
7. George Brown College
Established in 1967, George Brown College is one of the best Canadian government college, located in downtown Toronto.
Students can earn bachelor’s degrees, diplomas and certificates at Gorge Brown College.
Programs are available in the following areas of study
- Arts, Design & Information Technology
- Preparatory & Liberal Studies
- Business
- Community Services & Early Childhood
- Construction & Engineering Technology
- Health Sciences
- Hospitality & Culinary Arts.
8. Okanagan College
Okanagan College is a college that frequently rank among the best government colleges in Canada, with it’s largest campus in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Established in 1963 as B.C Vocational School, Okanagan College offer degree, diploma and certificate programs.
Okanagan College provide programs in these areas of study:
- Art
- Science
- Business
- Food, Wine and Tourism
- Health and Social development
- Technologies
- Trades and Apprenticeship
- English as Second Language
- Adult Special Training
- Upgrading/Adult Basic Education
- Corporate Training and Professional Development.
9. Durham College
Established in 1967, Durham College made it to the list of the highly rated government colleges in Canada, located in Ontario.
Durham College offer a variety of diploma, to graduate certificate, certificate, advanced diploma and degree programs.
Programs at Durham College are available in the following areas of study:
- Health & Wellness
- Construction
- Science
- Engineering Technology, and Automotive
- Sports, Fitness, and Recreation
- Creative, Design & Gaming
- Law, Court, and Emergency
- Business & Office Administration
- Computers, Web & Internet
- Culinary, Hospitality & Tourism
- Media & Communications
- Horticulture & Farming
- Community & Wellness.
10. Algonquin College
Established, Algonquin College is a public college located in Ottawa.
Algonquin College offer a variety of degrees, diplomas, advanced diplomas, and joint programs with Canadian universities. The College collaborates with Canadian universities like Carleton University, and University of Ottawa.
Algonquin College offer programs in these areas of study:
- Advanced Technology
- Arts and Design
- Business
- Community and Social Services
- Construction and Skilled Trades
- Environmental and Applied Sciences
- General
- Health Sciences
- Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness
- Media, Communications, and Languages
- Public Safety and Legal Studies
- Sport and Recreation
- Transportation and Automotive.
11. Mohawk College
Mohawk College is a government colleges in Canada, located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
The College offer degree, certificate, advanced diploma, microcredentials, and graduate certificate.
Mohawk College offer programs in these areas of study:
- Business
- Communication Arts
- Community Services
- Health
- Technology
- Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship
- Preparatory Studies.
12. Douglas College
Douglas College is one of the public colleges in British Columbia, located in Greater Vancouver, founded in 1970.
The College offer programs in these categories: Advanced Certificate, Associate Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Diploma, Graduate Diploma, Minor, Post Baccalaureate Diploma, and Post-degree Diploma.
Douglas College provide programs in these areas of study:
- Applied Community Services
- Commerce & Business Administration
- Health Sciences
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Language, Literature & Performing Arts
- Science & Technology.
13. Vancouver Community College
Vancouver Community College is a publicly funded college in operation since 1965, located in the heart of Vancouver, British Columbia.
The College provide a variety of programs from Apprenticeship, to Diploma, Certificate, Post-degree diploma, dual certificates and degree.
Vancouver Community College offer programs in these areas of study:
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Culinary Arts
- Business
- Design
- Early Childhood Care and Education
- Hair Design and Esthetics
- Health Sciences
- Hospitality Management
- Music and Dance
- Technology
- Sign Language
- Transportation Trade.
14. Niagara College Canada
Niagara College Canada is located in Niagara Region, Canada, offering bachelor’s degrees, diploma, and graduate certificates.
At Niagara College, programs are available in different areas of study:
- Academic, Liberal and Access Studies
- Allied Health
- Business and Management
- Canadian Food and Wine Institute
- Community Services
- English language studies
- Environment and Horticulture
- Hospitality, Tourism & Sport
- Justice
- Media
- Nursing and Personal support worker
- Technology
- Trades.
15. Fanshawe College
Established in 1967, Fanshawe College is Ontario’s largest colleges.
Fanshawe College offer degree, diploma, certificate, and apprenticeship programs, in the following areas of study:
- Agriculture, Animal & Related Practices
- Arts & Culture
- Business, Finance & Administration
- Career & Preparation
- Communication & Languages
- Computer & Telecommunications
- Culinary, Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism
- Education, Environmental & Natural Resources
- Engineering & Technology
- Fire, Justice & Security
- Health, Food & Medical
- Media
- Professions & Trades
- Transportation & Logistics.
16. Bow Valley College
Established in 1965, Bow Valley College is a public college located in Calgary, Alberta, offering diploma, certificate, post-diploma certificate, and continuing learning certificate programs.
Bow Valley College provide programs in different study areas:
- Business
- Technology
- Community Studies
- Health and Wellness
- English Language
- Entertainment Arts.
17. Georgian College
Georgian College is a multi-campus government college that was established in 1967. This Canadian government college offers degree, graduate certificate, apprenticeship, diploma, certificate, combined degree-diploma programs with Lakehead University.
At Georgian College, programs are available in the following areas of study:
- Automotive
- Business and Management
- Community Safety
- Computer Studies
- Design and Visual Arts
- Engineering and Environmental Technologies
- Health, Wellness and Sciences
- Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation
- Human Services
- Indigenous Studies
- Liberal Arts
- Marine Studies
- Skilled Trades.
18. Langara College
Established in 1994, Langara College is a public college located in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Langara College provides Certificates, Diploma, Associate of Science Degree, Associate of Arts Degree, Baccalaureate Degree, and Post-degree programs, in the following areas of study:
- Arts
- Business
- Science & Technology
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Health.
19. Cambrian College
Cambrian College is a public college located in Northern Ontario, offering microcredentials, diploma, certificate, and graduate certificate programs.
At Cambrian College, programs are available in the following areas of study:
- Business and Information Technology
- Creative Arts, Music & Design
- Skilled Trades
- Environmental Studies & Occupational Safety
- Health Sciences, Nursing, and Emergency Services
- Engineering Technology
- Community Services
- Law and Justice
- General Studies.
20. St. Lawrence College
Established in 1966, St. Lawrence College is the last on the list of the 20 best government colleges in Canada, located in Ontario.
St. Lawrence College offer a variety of programs, including Fast-track, delivery, graduate certificates, certificates, microcredentials, apprenticeships, diplomas, and four-year degrees.
At St. Lawrence College, programs are available in different study areas:
- Applied Arts
- Business
- Community Services
- Health Sciences
- Hospitality & Culinary
- Justice Studies
- Science & Computing
- Skilled Trades.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Government Colleges in Canada
How much does it cost to study in Canadian Colleges?
Generally, the cost of studying in Canada is affordable. Tuition fees for post-secondary education are lower than colleges and universities in Australia, UK and US.
College tuition costs approximately CAD 2,000 per year to CAD 18,000 per year or even more depending on the college and your program of study.
Are the Government Colleges in Canada accredited?
Most of the colleges, if not all, are recognized, accredited and permitted by the right agencies. International Students should check the list of designated learning institutions in Canada before applying for any of the colleges. However, most of the colleges are among the designated learning institutions in Canada.
Do I need a study permit to study in the best government colleges in Canada?
Generally, you will need a study permit to study in Canada for more than six months
What is the cost of living while studying in Canada?
Students need to have access to CAD 12,000 per year to cover the cost of living expenses such as accommodation, food or meal plan, transportation, and health insurance.