A hallmark education: a rich global learning experience for career success
Centennial College has evolved into a learning destination for students from around the world thanks to our award-winning internationalization program. We welcome thousands of international learners every year and respect and value the rich diversity they bring to the College.
We are proud to provide students with an industry-unique environment for international, intercultural, and global learning. Intentional by design, the diversity of our community equips students with new skills for career success (identified by Employment and Social Development Canada) – notably communication and collaboration across diversity as essential within a global workforce context.
Demystifying tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees for international students may not be well understood. It is important to note that domestic students pay lower tuition fees than International students because their fees are subsidized by Ontario taxpayers. Centennial receives, on average, $1,607 more per semester from each international student than it does from each domestic student (see table below).
Comparing domestic and international tuition per semester at Centennial
| Domestic | International | |
|---|---|---|
| Average tuition fee per semester | $1,750 | $7,750 |
| Ontario government operating grant | +$2,403 | $0 |
| Average in-country agency fee | Not Applicable | -$1,500 |
| Recovery, endowment and tax | Not Applicable | -$490 |
| Total collected by the college | $4,153 | $5,760 |
| Difference in revenue per student | $1,607 |
Caring for international students’ transitions as welcome guests
International students at Centennial are largely satisfied with their experiences. According to the 2021 International Student Barometer survey, Centennial students are more likely to recommend Centennial to others – 39% versus 29% globally – and experience value for their money at Centennial – 79% of versus 75% globally.
While prospective international students are required by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to demonstrate sufficient funds for their studies and associated living expenses (where work opportunities are intended to facilitate enriching experiences within a Canadian context), Centennial offers:
- A number of emergency funding options in appreciation of changes in circumstances due to external, geopolitical, or emergency impacts.
- A suite of supports to help students Stretch Their Dollars – including the ability to meet with our Financial Literacy Coordinator to discuss specific financial challenges or goals.
- Dedicated continuum of services to meet international students’ transition needs: immigration, advising, sociocultural exchange and learning, psychological wellness, ethnocultural inclusion.
In addition, a portion of the contribution is ethically invested back into supporting the spirit of Canada’s International Education Strategy, including international recruitment and study abroad opportunities for students to develop skills, competencies, and networks for career and economic growth.
Serving society by transforming lives and communities through learning
Centennial invests into purposeful social good in support of our mission to educate students for career success. It goes into resources all students benefit from, such as virtual global classrooms and curriculum, employer connection forums, open (free) educational resources, financial literacy programs, enhanced cybersecurity, and scholarships. It also pays for exciting new facilities, such as the EaRTH District vertical farm in Scarborough and our A-Block Expansion with leading Indigenous principles and virtual services.
More information about how Centennial College invests in its mission and realizes its vision of transforming lives and communities through learning is available in our recent annual reports.