Public College

Centennial College

📍 Toronto, Ontario

Toronto's first public college, known for hands-on, career-focused programs in aerospace, communications, health, business and technology.

Acceptance Rate
Not published
Not published in Canada
Total Students
about 30,000
about 28,000 undergraduate
Avg Starting Salary
Not published
Graduates, CA$
Graduation Rate
about 70 percent
Completion rate
Endowment
about CA$50 million
CA$
ⓘ Figures beginning with “about” are estimates. Canadian schools do not publish an acceptance rate.
🏛️
About Centennial College

Centennial College is a public college in Toronto, Ontario, and was the first college established under the province's college system. It offers certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, graduate certificates and a limited number of applied degrees, with a strong emphasis on practical learning and industry connections.

The college serves a large and diverse student population, including many newcomers and international students. Programs combine classroom learning with labs, simulations, placements and co-operative education, so graduates enter the workforce with applied experience.

Centennial is especially recognized for its aerospace programs, its School of Communications, Media and Design, and its health sciences offerings. Several campuses across Toronto give students flexible options close to home or transit.

💰
Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition in CA$, 2026-2027

In-Province Tuition
about CA$2,800
Per year, from the school’s fees
Out-of-Province Tuition
Same as in-province
Per year, from the school’s fees
International Tuition
about CA$18,000
Per year, from the school’s fees
Room & Board
about CA$12,000
Residence and meal plan, estimate
Avg Financial Aid
about CA$2,000
Per student receiving aid, estimate
Students receiving financial aidabout 40 percent

Students who live in Ontario apply for student aid through OSAP (the Ontario Student Assistance Program); students from other provinces apply through their own province’s program. A provincial application also covers the federal Canada Student Grants and Loans.

The college offers entrance awards and need-based bursaries funded by donors and the institution.

Tuition for 2026-27 from the school’s own published fees, for a typical two-semester diploma, rounded. Ancillary fees, books and housing are extra. Confirm the current figure on Centennial College’s fee page.

🎓
Available Scholarships
Entrance Scholarships · Varies
Awards for new students based on academic achievement.
Centennial College Bursaries · Varies
Need-based support for students facing financial barriers.

Scholarship names and amounts are estimates and change every year; confirm them with Centennial College.

📋
Admissions
Apply Through
Admission Average
about 65 to 75 percent
Regular Deadline
about early February

Applications to Centennial College go through ontariocolleges.ca, the application service for Ontario’s public colleges.

Most diploma programs require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent with specific prerequisite courses such as English and sometimes mathematics or sciences. Some programs have additional requirements like portfolios, interviews or tests.

Apply through ontariocolleges.ca, the application service for Ontario's public colleges, by selecting Centennial College and your program choices. Many programs continue to accept applications after the main deadline if space remains.

The admission average and deadline are estimates; confirm them with Centennial College and ontariocolleges.ca.

🎓
Top Programs
#1
Aerospace and Aviation
Hands-on training in aircraft maintenance, avionics and aviation management with strong industry ties.
#2
Communications, Media and Design
Programs in journalism, animation, game design, advertising and broadcasting with industry-standard studios.
#3
Health Sciences
Nursing, paramedic, pharmacy technician and other health programs with clinical placements.
#4
Business
Accounting, marketing, supply chain and international business programs with co-op options.
#5
Engineering Technology
Applied programs in mechanical, electrical, software and civil technology.
🏫
Campus Life

Centennial is based in Toronto, Canada's largest city, with its main campus at Progress in Scarborough in the city's east end. The city offers extensive public transit, a diverse economy and many employer partners.

Progress Campus · Toronto (Scarborough)
The largest and original campus, home to many business, communications, health and technology programs and the student residence.
Story Arts Centre · Toronto
A downtown campus housing the School of Communications, Media and Design programs such as animation and game art.
Ashtonbee Campus · Toronto (Scarborough)
Home to the School of Transportation, including automotive and aviation programs.
Morningside Campus · Toronto (Scarborough)
A campus offering a mix of health, community and general programs near the University of Toronto Scarborough.
Downsview Campus · Toronto (North York)
A campus focused on aerospace and aviation training near the historic Downsview airport.

Student life at Centennial is centred on a diverse, commuter-oriented community with clubs, events and services across its campuses. Students can join associations, take part in cultural activities and use career and wellness supports.

Student clubs and cultural events across campuses
Residence available at Progress Campus
Career services and employer networking events
Athletics
CCAA
Teams
Centennial Colts
Campuses
5

The Colts compete in college varsity sports through the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association.

⚖️
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
Practical, job-focused programs with industry connections
Several campuses across Toronto with transit access
Wide range of diploma, certificate and degree options
✗ Cons
Large student numbers can mean busy classes at some campuses
Campuses are spread out, so travel between sites can take time
Residence space is limited compared with demand

Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the school’s official website.