Technical Colleges in Canada for International Students

Canadian higher education is renowned worldwide for being of high quality with particular emphasis on practical, hands-on learning, making it a popular choice among international students. Technical/Vocational courses allow students to gain specialized knowledge and practical experience in fields such as trades, technology, healthcare and hospitality.

Vocational colleges in Canada are gaining prominence among students from countries around the world as their programs equip applicants with the skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the workforce and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

When you decide to study at a Canadian technical college, you’re choosing a career-oriented experience that’s in tune with the changing global market, so we at Booklab24 will be assisting you with that career-defining choice by outlining the top rated colleges that are welcoming to international students.

Ontario Institute of Technology

Ontario Institute of Technology, also known as Ontario Tech University has its main campus in Oshawa and has been described as “most connected learning environments in the country.” The institute has an award-winning faculty, where students can enroll in undergraduate disciplines such as Public Health, Business and Information Technology, Sustainable Energy, Automotive Design and Engineering, and Computer Science. Ontario Institute of Technology is also renowned for its research programs in areas such as Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Energy and Environment, Information and Communication Technology and Computer Science.

British Columbia Institute of Technology

British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is one of Canada’s largest post-secondary educational institutions and the largest provider of professional training. It is located in Burnaby and prides itself on providing real-world technical skills through programs that teach trades. As part of the emphasis on hands-on training, students have access to highly specialized laboratories and equipment ranging from welding and auto repair shops to real jets and ships. Based on available data, nearly half of graduates from this institution of learning are able to find employment within one month of graduation, and 90% are employed within four months.

BCIT’s School of Trades & Apprenticeships offers 118 specialized programs and 137 independent courses in transportation, electrical, mechanical and civil engineering. The construction trades alone offer 48 full-time and part-time programs, including carpentry, home inspection, interior design, ironwork, plumbing and security systems.

Fanshawe University

Fanshawe is one of the largest colleges in Canada which offers more than 200 courses across multiple campuses in St. Thomas, London, Simcoe, and Woodstock, Ontario. More than 40 of these programs are specialized in skilled trades and apprenticeships, and are offered in nearly any format a student needs, from full-time in-person instruction to online instruction. Fanshawe College has one of the highest six-month employment rates, at over 90%.

Apprenticeships offered by Fanshawe include bricklayers, masons, carpenters, plumbers, HVAC technicians, tinsmiths, machinists, industrial electricians, and industrial machine, tool and paint makers. Certificates are also available in carpentry and remodeling, electrical engineering and welding. Diplomas are also available in manufacturing engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, renewable energy, carpentry and remodeling.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is one of Canada’s largest technical universities. NAIT offers both a vibrant campus and an exciting online experience with a culture of collaboration among members of staff and students. Northern Alberta Institute offers a wide range of degree, diploma or certificate programs across four faculties: Science and Technology, Business, Skilled Industries and Health and Life Sciences.

The prestigious Canadian college has received $650,000 over two years from the Government of Alberta to develop a new micro-credential program to help upskill and reskill learners.

Red Deer Polytechnic

Red Deer College was established as a small community college to educate citizens in Alberta, and through the years, it has grown to become the fourth largest in the province. Red Deer has two campuses which is home to more than 100 programs to approximately 7,000 full-time students and 10,000 non-credit students.

The College received polytechnic status from the Alberta government in 2021, allowing it to offer training, degree, diploma and certificate programs that meet the needs of local industries.

Red Deer College offers 17 educational programs available to students at its main campus. In four years, students can complete their training as an automotive service technician, carpenter, electrician, heavy equipment technician, industrial mechanic (shop carpenter), measurement and control technician, plumber, sprinkler system installer, or steam/pipe installer. Students who want to be chefs, metal fabricators, materials engineers, parts engineers, or welders can pursue that in a three-year program. There is also a two-year well drilling program and a one-year gas mechanic program.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology was founded in 1916 and in its starting year, it had only 11 students. SAIT is Calgary’s second-oldest post-secondary institution which has become one of Canada’s top destinations for those who want to study a skilled trade. At SAIT, students can study more than 30 construction, trade and training programs designed and managed by the School of Construction. Certificates in areas such as pre-employment welding, mechanical engineering or pre-employment carpentry can be earned in 12 weeks. Diplomas in civil engineering, architectural technology, construction drafting technology and geography technology can be earned in two years. Apprenticeship opportunities in areas such as welding, sheet metal work, roofing, glaziers, concreters and bricklayers are also popular among students.

Seneca College

Seneca Technical College formerly known as Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology is a public university with several campuses in the Greater Toronto Area and Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.

The institute of higher learning offers a variety of educational programs, including diploma, bachelor’s and master’s programs. Seneca has more than 75 transfer partnerships around the world designed to allow students to directly earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree at Seneca or another university. It’s campuses are spread across seven locations, each with its own area of ​​expertise. It has a diverse student body and welcomes international students from over 150 countries.