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 - May 2024
Admission requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older with mature student status (See Mature Student definition for details.)
- Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1251)
- For more information on preparatory programs, visit Academic Upgrading
Note re: admission requirements
- Applicants are strongly advised to ensure that they have a clear Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) if considering this program. Access to work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences requires a clear VSS, and students will not be allowed to complete the program without successful completion of practicum WIL.
International admissions contact
Admission procedures
- An academic strength is calculated by averaging the submitted marks of required subjects. If more than one mark is received for a required subject, the highest mark will be used in the calculation.
- Ten (10) additional marks are added for each Advanced Level, OAC, U, U/C, and post-secondary course used in the calculation of academic strength.
- A sound English background is important for success in this program and is considered during the admissions selection process. Minimum cutoffs may apply.
Program requirements
All PSW students are required to complete field placement in the form of work experience to graduate from the program. Work experience will be completed in the second half of the program. Additionally, there may be volunteer or field activity opportunities available for students to engage in within the first half of the program, though this is not required in the program. To qualify for participation in field experiences required in the program, students must be able to provide the appropriate documentation as needed. The following documentation may be required as a future PSW in the workforce, including documentation required for field experiences as a PSW student. Required documentation may vary according to individual employers.
- An annual Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) must 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 work experiences which will jeopardize progress in the program. Some agencies may request students to provide a VSS completed within six months of start date. Students with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counselling to determine program suitability.
- Current immunizations. Proof of immunization or laboratory blood test results including: Measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), Varicella/chickenpox, Hepatitis B, Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap), Polio, Seasonal Influenza vaccine
- Current TB Status. Evidence of 2-step testing.
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR - HCP or BLS level (must be completed in Canada).
- Travel within the program: Students are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from learning settings external to the College and for covering any costs incurred.
- Applicants are advised that accessibility to a car may be required for field experiences.
- Applicants must have a strong desire to work with older adults and/or clients with disabilities and/or long-term health problems.
- Applicants are advised that good oral and written communication skills are essential for the program.
- Applicants are advised that a latex-free environment in the College or field work setting is not guaranteed.
- Attendance in classroom skills lab and field work experiences is essential.
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.