Applying as an International applicant
Campus tours
Campus tours are one of the best ways to experience Conestoga. During this time, we are offering online guided tours to show you all Conestoga has to offer.
Book your tourVirtual tours
If you can't make an on-campus tour or attend one of our events, the virtual tour is a great way to visit us.
View our Virtual tourAdmissions - January 2026
Admission requirements
- A four-year bachelor's degree in nursing, with an overall average grade of B or above (as assessed, by country, to Ontario standards).
- Registration as a Registered Nurse in the applicant's country of nursing education.
- Applicants with transcripts from institutions where the language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency with a minimum test score on one of the following language proficiency tests or equivalent scores from another internationally recognized English language test:
- IELTS overall band of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0,
- TOEFL iBT 88 (effective January 2024, with no individual skill less than 22), CAEL 70, CAEL 70,
- no sub-test band score less than 60,
- PTE Academic 58,
- Conestoga English Language Test (CELT) Band 6
International admissions contact
Admission procedures
- Submit proof of Admission Requirements
- Final selection will be made following an assessment of Admission Requirements
Program requirements
- This program uses eTexts.
- Mandatory work-integrated learning (WIL) health and safety document requirements must be completed by students prior to student field/clinical WIL experiences. Successful WIL completion is required for students to progress to program completion. To qualify for field/clinical WIL learning experiences, students must present the following at the start of the program in accordance with pre-admission information provided by the College:
- A complete immunization record including MMR, Tdap, varicella, COVID-19, and hepatitis B. Seasonal flu vaccination is required during flu season (October – March) and COVID-19 as required.
- TB Testing: Evidence of current 2-step or previous 2-step + current 1-step if more than one year has passed since 2-step testing.
- Standard First Aid and CPR – BLS level (must be completed in Canada)
- An annual Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) to be completed in Canada. Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to participate in WIL experiences which will jeopardize progress in the program. Acceptance for WIL is at the discretion of the agency; some agencies may request students to provide a VSS completed within six months of WIL start date. Students with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counselling to determine program suitability.
- Students are responsible for costs associated with respirator fit testing required for clinical practice.
- Student is responsible to purchase mandatory lab kits upon arrival through the college bookstore.
- In preparation to pursuing a nursing career, we encourage all prospective nursing students to carefully consider the requisite skills and abilities for nursing practice in Ontario outlined by the College of Nurses of Ontario.
Credit transfer
You might be eligible to enter a program at an advanced level, or be exempt from a course, if you have formal post-secondary education. Learn more about
credit transfer opportunities.
Pathways
Some Conestoga programs have pathways for current students, including certificate-to-diploma, diploma-to-diploma and diploma-to-degree opportunities. Learn more about
pathways at Conestoga.
Articulation agreements
Conestoga partners with other post-secondary institutions, allowing students the opportunity to study elsewhere, usually in pursuit or an academic credential. Learn more about
articulation agreements.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Disclaimer
The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College. Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.