Universities & Colleges
Many students leave high school and go on to post-secondary education at a university or college of applied arts and technology.
- Universities offer a wide range of arts and science programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels that can lead to bachelor, master's and doctoral degrees. Universities also offer professional programs such as medicine and law.
- Colleges prepare students for careers in business, technology, health and applied arts. They also offer apprenticeships and skills training programs. Some colleges also offer courses that lead to bachelor degrees.
Some universities and colleges offer co-operative education programs (Co-ops) that alternate periods of academic study with periods of work experience in a student's preferred field.
Students who attend college and university must pay tuition fees and meet admission requirements for their specific program. Tuition and admission requirements vary according to the school and program.
Most universities and colleges accept international students into their programs. Full time students require a Student Visa (Study Permit). A language assessment of English reading, writing and speaking skills may be necessary.
Kingston is home to two universities — Queen's University and Royal Military College — and a community college — St. Lawrence College — that welcome students from countries all over the world.
For More Information
Study in OntarioInformation for international and other students about applying to colleges and universities in Ontario, including tuition, cost of living, choosing a college, private career colleges.
Study in Ontario — About Postsecondary Education in OntarioAn overview of Ontario’s universities and community colleges, diplomas, certificate programs, diploma programs, apprenticeship and certification programs and admission requirements. Also provides tips on how to choose the right school or program. Also available in Chinese Simplified.
About Co-op ProgramsAn overview of co-operative education, including information on how it works, benefits, supervision and tax credits.
Queen’s University School of EnglishOffers a wide variety of English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for non-native English speakers. Our full-time programs include 12-week English for Academic Purposes, a 13-week Business Internship Program, and short-term Canadian English Experience (Winter) and Canadian English Experience (Summer) programs. In addition, the School offers tailored programs for groups and institutions. Some information is available in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Arabic.
Students: Welcome!Section of City of Kingston website with specific and seasonal information for postsecondary students making or planning to make Kingston their home.
KIP “Call Kingston Home” Movie — College StudentThis video profiles a young student who chose to study accounting at St. Lawrence College in Kingston. She discusses her experiences living in Kingston—what she loves, what she has had to adapt to, and why she thinks it is a great home for immigrants in Canada. This Kingston Immigration Partnership (KIP) video is in Mandarin (Chinese) with English subtitles.
KIP “Call Kingston Home” Movie — Real Estate AgentThis video profiles a local real estate agent discussing what makes Kingston special and why she chose it as the home for her and her family. She talks about taking an intensive English-language program at Queen’s University and studying real estate at St. Lawrence college, local community groups, and what it means to her to call Kingston home. This Kingston Immigration Partnership (KIP) video is in Spanish with English subtitles.
KIP “Call Kingston Home” Movie — University ProfessorThis video profiles an Indian immigrant who came to Kingston to do post-doctoral research in cancer drug discovery at Queen’s University. Now a professor in the Department of Biochemistry, he discusses why he chose Kingston as the new home for him and his young family. This Kingston Immigration Partnership (KIP) video is in English with no subtitles.
Shad Valley Scholarship ProgramThis is a 4 week summer enrichment scholarship program for secondary school (high school) students currently completing grade 10, 11, or 12 or the international equivalent. Students spend a month living in universities across Canada (including Kingston!). The programs focus on the sciences, engineering, technology and entrepreneurship.
Post-Graduation Work Permit ProgramThis program allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain work in Canada and gain valuable Canadian work experience. Criteria, requirements, and how to apply are addressed. Includes a
video on the Canadian Experience Class immigration stream for students.
Frequently Asked Questions: Studying in CanadaA FAQ with details on study permits and work permits for students. What is required to study in Canada, the process to obtain the required permits, and what are some study and immigration options available to students.
Before you arrive
After you arrive