The admission policies have been developed in accordance with the regulations set out by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities in keeping with the principles of the Human Rights Code.
Postsecondary programs
The minimum requirement for admission to a postsecondary program is an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits), with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (M), or Open (O) stream, or its equivalent, or mature student status.
For applicants who graduated from the old curriculum, the minimum requirement for admission to a postsecondary program is an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits), general or advanced level or its equivalent or mature student status.
Secondary school graduates from other Canadian provinces are generally considered as possessing the equivalent of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Please contact Admissions for specific concerns.
For any additional admission requirements, please refer to the individual program descriptions.
Degree programs
The minimum requirement for admission to a degree program is an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits), including 6 courses from the University (U) stream or its equivalent or mature student status.
For applicants who graduated from the old curriculum, the minimum requirement for admission to a degree program is an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits), including 6 OAC courses, or its equivalent or mature student status.
To be considered a mature student for degree programs, applicants must be at least 21 years old by December 31 of the year of admission, and must not have been enrolled in a formal education program for at least one year prior to the beginning of the degree program.
For any additional admission requirements, please refer to the individual program descriptions.
Adult training programs
The minimum academic requirement for some adult training programs, unless otherwise stated, is grade 10 (applied or academic stream) or mature student status. For applicants who graduated from the old curriculum, the minimum academic requirement, unless otherwise stated, is grade 10 (general or advanced) or mature student status. Please note that applicants must still meet the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities policies regarding college eligibility – students must either hold an OSSD or have mature student status.
For any additional admission requirements, please refer to the individual program descriptions.
Mature students
If you are 19 years of age or older before the beginning of classes and you do not have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or its equivalent, you may apply as a mature student. Please note that mature student applicants must meet any specific entrance requirements of the program to which they are applying; refer to the individual program descriptions for additional admission requirements. All mature student applications are considered individually; pre-testing to determine readiness for college studies may be required.
Basic Level/Workplace Stream applicants
Graduates of Ontario Secondary Schools who have obtained their diploma (OSSD) or certificate (OSSC) may be considered for admission on an individual basis for some programs delivered at the College. Please contact the Admissions Office for further details.
Limited enrolment programs
Please note that possession of the requirements specified does not guarantee admission. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of places available in a program, the College reserves the right to select from among those applicants. All students applying by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Preference will be given to Ontario residents. Applicants to limited enrolment programs will be selected based on the information received in the Admissions Office by the transcript submission deadline.
Wait lists
When all available places in a program have been filled, a reasonable number of qualified applicants will be placed on a waiting list. In the event that a place in the program becomes available, candidates will be notified by mail, email, or by phone.
Computer competency
If computer competency in relevant software is recommended, students are expected to have a working knowledge of Windows-based software. Self-directed online courses are available for students wanting to improve their computer skills or acquire skills in program-specific software. Students can also upgrade their computer skills for free in addition to their regular course load through Academic Upgrading.
International applicants/documents
Applications submitted by students from countries outside of Canada or by Canadian residents/landed immigrants who are submitting international transcripts for evaluation should note that Cambrian College will only accept official documents. Documents which are submitted in a language other than English must have a certified translation, and a certified credential evaluator must assess all documents in order to be considered. The credential must meet Cambrian’s admission requirements. Application must also include a photocopy of a passport and/or birth certificate. Learn more about how to apply as an international student.
English Requirements
Cambrian College accepts the TOEFL, or IELTS, or equivalent test to satisfy our English admission requirements. Students applying to open enrolment programs may be required to write our internal English comprehension test to satisfy this requirement. The College reserves the right to assess applicants to ensure they possess the minimum communications skills to be successful at the post-secondary level. Students may be referred to our Access/Academic Upgrading or English for Academic Purposes programs as a result of those assessments. Students applying to limited enrolment programs will need to have completed an English course at a level considered equivalent to the Ontario Secondary School grade 12 (C), (U), or (M) level. Only equivalent academic achievement will be considered for the competition in limited enrolment programs.
Admission review
Applicants who are denied admission into a college program may ask that their file be reviewed by the Admissions Appeals Board. The student must submit the request in writing to the Registrar stating the reason for the review.
Sponsorship
In the event that an applicant’s fees and other costs will be paid by a third party (this can be an employer, government agency, or organization), it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the sponsor has notified the College in writing of his/her intent. A sponsorship letter must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar confirming that they may be billed. Please note that sponsored students still must meet all published payment deadlines.
Readmission
Students who take a break from their original program of studies at Cambrian are required to apply for readmission. Students applying for readmission to a previous program are to complete the Advanced Semester Application Form and submit to the Enrolment Centre.
Upgrading for careers and employment
These programs are designed for potential students who want to upgrade their math, science, or English skills, prepare for a college program or simply go back to school in an adult environment. Candidates may contact the College’s Intake Officer for Academic Upgrading at (705) 566-8101, extension 7712 to find out more about testing, admission and assistance for the various programs available.
Cancellation of course or program
Although it is fully intended to adhere to the programs of study and policies as announced in this calendar, the College reserves the right to make, without prior notice, whatever changes are deemed necessary.