Applying as a Canadian applicant
Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.
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 tourPlease note:
Classes for Waterloo students are held at Schlegel Villages - The Village at University Gates, on the lower level of the long-term care and retirement suites.
Program description - January 2026
Practical Nursing is a career-focused program where the student will gain the knowledge, skills and experience required to become a member of the nursing profession and health-care team. The foundational knowledge for practical nursing is based on scientific theory from nursing, the physical and psychosocial sciences and humanities. Person-centred care is learned in context through real-life experiences and career-related work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences. Seniors care is given special attention to meet the needs of an aging population.
Regulatory obligations
The Nursing Act
The Nursing Act requires that all graduate practical nurses wishing to work in Ontario must be registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario. The Nursing Act also states graduates must not have been convicted of a criminal offence or an offence under the Narcotic Control Act (Canada) or the Food and Drugs Act (Canada). In addition, the Nursing Act identifies a number of other abilities and requirements that must be met in order to practice nursing in the province of Ontario.
The College of Nurses of Ontario
Graduate practical nurses wishing to register with the College of Nurses of Ontario must sign a declaration of their status regarding: citizenship; permanent residence; immigration; convictions of a criminal offence under the Narcotic Control Act/Food and Drug Act; involvement with respect to professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity in Ontario in another health profession; any mental or physical disorder, which makes it desirable in the public interest that the person not practice nursing. These conditions also apply throughout the program. 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.
The Practical Nursing program at Conestoga College is approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Current graduates from this program are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario.
Note:
- This is a highly competitive program. Apply by February 1 (for September), July 15 (for January). See oversubscribed programs for more information.
- Canadian students living outside of Ontario are not eligible to apply.
- Admission requirements for this program may be met by completing a Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas Program.
- International students interested in studying in the Practical Nursing program are required to successfully complete the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas. Direct entry into the Practical Nursing program is not available. Admission to Practical Nursing after completion of the Pre-Health Pathway program is not guaranteed.
Program details
Tuition & fees
Tuition and fee details for the 2024-2025 academic year (September to August) are listed below. Books and supplies may be additional. Tuition and fee details for terms starting September 2025 and later will be available Spring 2025.
1 Term
Canadian
International
Canadian fee details
| Description | Winter 2025 |
|---|---|
| Full-time Program Tuition | $1685.00 |
| Administration Fee | $25.00 |
| Capital Development Fee | $84.22 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $8.00 |
| CSI Association Fee | $102.00 |
| CSI Extended Health & Dental Plan Fee | $221.10 |
| CSI Legal Care Fee | $20.10 |
| CSI UPass Fee | $118.97 |
| eText Fee | $1151.00 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $20.00 |
| HST | $8.84 |
| ONE Card Fee | $7.50 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 |
| Student Services | $86.00 |
| Supply Fee (Taxed) | $68.00 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $110.00 |
| Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Documentation Fee | $115.00 |
| CSI - Student Welcome Kit Fee (optional) | $70.00 |
| CSI Student Club & Society Fee (optional) | $4.00 |
| CSI Student Events Fee (optional) | $30.00 |
| Sustainability Fee (optional) | $5.00 |
| Term Total | $4010.23 |
Returning student tuition & fees
View all Canadian tuition & fee details for all levels
View all International tuition & fee details for all levels
International fee details
| Description | Winter 2025 |
|---|---|
| International Program Tuition | $7980.50 |
| Administration Fee | $25.00 |
| Capital Development Fee | $84.22 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $8.00 |
| CSI Association Fee | $102.00 |
| CSI College Int'l Health Insurance Plan (CIHIP) | $355.10 |
| CSI Extended Health & Dental Plan Fee | $221.10 |
| CSI Legal Care Fee | $20.10 |
| CSI UPass Fee | $118.97 |
| eText Fee | $1151.00 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $20.00 |
| HST | $8.84 |
| ISR (International Student Recovery) | $375.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $7.50 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 |
| Student Services | $86.00 |
| Supply Fee (Taxed) | $68.00 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $110.00 |
| Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Documentation Fee | $115.00 |
| CSI - Student Welcome Kit Fee (optional) | $70.00 |
| CSI Student Club & Society Fee (optional) | $4.00 |
| CSI Student Events Fee (optional) | $30.00 |
| Sustainability Fee (optional) | $5.00 |
| Term Total | $11035.83 |
Returning student tuition & fees
View all Canadian tuition & fee details for all levels
View all International tuition & fee details for all levels
Program device & software requirements
This program requires you to have a device that meets certain specifications. For most students, this cost is in addition to the tuition & fees listed above.
view device requirementsFinancial assistance
Awards & scholarships
Student Financial Services awarded more than 400 awards, scholarships and bursaries last year.
Delivery sequence - January 2026 - Kitchener – Doon
| FALL | WINTER | SPRING |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Break | |
| Class | Class | Break |
| Class |