Your first steps at Durham College Starting a new chapter in a different country can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. At DC, you’ll find a welcoming community and clear support to help you move forward. Whether you want to earn Canadian credentials, improve your English, upgrade your skills, or leverage your education from another country, we’re here to help. Our hands-on programs and student supports are designed to help you build skills employers demand, make connections, and succeed. Are you an international student? Please connect with the International Education team. WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU SUCCEED ADMISSIONS PROCESS AND DEADLINES Learn more about the admissions process, important dates, and how offers are made at DC. Learn More MEET LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS As a domestic applicant (permanent resident or protected person), you must meet DC’s English Language Proficiency requirement to be considered for admission. Learn More UPGRADE CREDITS AND PRE-ADMISSIONS TESTING If you need to upgrade courses or complete prerequisites, DC offers many pathways to help newcomers prepare for college-level studies. Learn More TRANSFER PREVIOUS EDUCATION If you have previous college or university studies, or relevant work or life experience, you may be eligible for credit transfer or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). Learn More GET FINANCIAL SUPPORT Financial planning is an important part of your education. DC offers support with the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), scholarships, bursaries, and awards. Learn More ACCESS STUDENT SUPPORTS DC offers many services to help you succeed, including academic support, career guidance, wellness resources and transition assistance for adult learners and newcomers. Learn More USING INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION FOR ADMISSION – FAQs I studied outside Canada or the United States. What do I need to apply? If you completed your education outside of Canada or the United States, you must submit a credential assessment report when you apply to a Durham College program. This report shows how your education compares to Canadian education standards. Which organizations can assess my international education? Durham College accepts credential assessments from the following organizations: World Education Services (WES) – 1.866.343.0070 International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS) – 1.800.321.6021 What are the steps to apply if I’m using my international education? To apply using your international education, follow these steps: Apply to your program of choice at ontariocolleges.ca. You can choose up to three programs at Durham College. Request a credential assessment from WES or ICAS. Ask WES or ICAS to send your assessment directly to ontariocolleges.ca. What is a Document-by-Document assessment? A Document-by-Document assessment (also called a comprehensive assessment) shows the Canadian equivalent of your credential, such as a diploma or degree. This assessment: Confirms the level of your education Does not include details about individual courses or grades What is a Course-by-Course assessment? A Course-by-Course assessment provides more detailed information about your education. This assessment: Shows the Canadian equivalent of your credential Lists individual courses Includes converted grades and credit values Which type of assessment should I choose? The assessment you need depends on your program and whether you are applying for transfer credit. If you are unsure which assessment is right for you, contact Student Recruitment, we’re here to help:. recruitment@durhamcollege.ca 905-721-3126 Book an appointment. Where should my credential assessment be sent? Your assessment must be sent directly from WES or ICAS to the Ontario Colleges Application Service (OCAS). When do I need to submit my assessment? Submit your documents before the equal consideration deadline for your program's intake. To have the best chance of admission, especially in highly competitive programs, submit your application and all required documents by: February 1 for September start (fall) October 1 for January start (winter) February 1 for May start (spring) Applications to open programs after the dates listed above will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until a program fills or begins. Who can I contact if I need help? If you have questions about credential assessments or the application process, connect with Student Recruitment: recruitment@durhamcollege.ca 905-721-3126 Book an appointment https://durhamcollege.ca/student-recruitment CONNECT WITH US How to Apply Contact student recruitment Attend an info session TOUR OUR CAMPUSES Important dates for full-time programs LOCAL WELCOME CENTRES New and notable View more news October 1, 2026 Durham College, City of Oshawa partnership puts student ideas into action What could a future transit corridor look like in downtown Oshawa? How could mixed reality help firefighters prepare for leadership roles? And what stories can... Read more September 30, 2026 Durham College recognizes Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with second annual Mini Powwow On Wednesday, September 30, the Durham College (DC) community gathered to recognize Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The second... Read more September 30, 2026 Indigenization at Durham College We are committed to fostering reconciliation, inclusivity, and lifelong learning for everyone. Explore our Indigenization at Durham College Content Read more September 28, 2026 Students grow, cook and host DC’s Harvest Dinner under the stars As the seasons change and fall arrives, Durham College (DC) celebrates the harvest with a tradition that brings together food, learning, sustainability, and community. On... Read more September 28, 2026 Finding community, connection and a career path at Durham College Jazmyn Romano’s time as a student at Durham College (DC) was meaningful both personally and professionally. A two-time DC graduate who grew up in Bowmanville,... Read more Important Dates Oct. 07 Future Students Live Q&A With Student Recruitment! Oct. 14 Future Students Mature Student Webinar: Exploring Flexible Learning Options at Durham College Oct. 21 Future Students Find Your Fit: College and Career Exploration Oct. 28 Future Students Mature Student Webinar: Financing your Education View More
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