Welcome to the heart of educational innovation just east of Toronto: Durham College. At Durham College, students begin their journey in a place designed for practical learning and real career opportunities. Located in Oshawa and Whitby, the college is known for its strong focus on hands-on training and industry partnerships.
Since 1967, Durham College has welcomed thousands of students from Canada and around the world. Every program helps learners gain real experience through modern labs, applied projects, and support from industry experts. International students choose Durham because it offers a safe community, high-quality education, and a clear path to future success.
Let’s explore the top 5 reasons international students choose Durham College!
Reason 1. Academic Excellence: Programs That Match Today’s Job Market
Durham College designs its programs to meet real industry needs. Students gain practical skills that employers value in today’s fast-changing job market. Every program blends classroom learning with hands-on training using modern labs and industry tools.
The college offers 140+ career-focused programs, including:
- Business – Accounting, Marketing, Supply Chain, and HR
- Engineering Technology – Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Automation
- Information Technology – Cybersecurity, Networking, and AI programs
- Health Sciences – Nursing, Paramedics, Dental, and Massage Therapy
- Media and Design – Journalism, Animation, Film, and Graphic Design
- Hospitality and Culinary Arts – Culinary Management and Hotel Operations
- Skilled Trades – Welding, Carpentry, Plumbing, and HVAC
- Justice and Community Services – Law Clerk, Police Foundations, and Social Service Worker
Faculty members bring real industry experience into the classroom. They teach current trends and guide students through applied projects and simulations. This approach helps students learn faster and feel more confident.
Durham College also invests in advanced learning spaces, such as simulation centres, engineering labs, creative studios, and culinary kitchens. These environments allow students to practice real skills before entering the workforce.
Whether you dream of a career in business, technology, healthcare, media, or the trades, Durham College gives you the experience and knowledge to thrive in Canada’s job market.
Reason 2. State-of-the-Art Campuses and Facilities
Durham College offers modern, welcoming campuses that help students learn with confidence. The college operates in Oshawa and Whitby. Each campus is designed to support hands-on learning, student comfort, and real-world career preparation.
Durham College invests heavily in advanced facilities that match today’s industry standards. Students train in high-tech classrooms, specialized labs, and professional studios that mirror real workplace environments. This practical setup helps international students build strong skills and feel job-ready from day one.
One of the most impressive spaces is the Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE). This award-winning building offers flexible learning areas, digital labs, global classrooms, and community zones where students can collaborate and innovate. It creates a bright, modern environment that inspires creativity and teamwork.
Health sciences students benefit from simulation labs that recreate real clinical settings. Engineering and technology learners gain access to robotics labs, automation equipment, and design studios. Creative students use film studios, photography suites, and digital editing rooms to bring their ideas to life.
The Whitby Campus is known for its strong skilled trades and culinary programs. The Centre for Food includes professional kitchens, teaching restaurants, greenhouses, and farm-to-table facilities. Students learn through true hands-on experience that reflects industry expectations.
Across both campuses, students enjoy study lounges, athletic centers, libraries, cafeterias, and social spaces built for comfort and connection. Everything is designed to help international students feel supported, safe, and part of a vibrant community.
Durham College’s campuses are more than learning spaces — they are places where students gain confidence, build friendships, and prepare for exciting careers in Canada.
Reason 3. Durham College and ILAC English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Partnership
Durham College understands that strong English skills are essential for academic success. To support international students, the college partners with ILAC. These partnerships create a smooth pathway for students who want to improve their language skills before starting their full academic program. By completing ILAC’s Pathway Program, students can meet Durham College’s English requirements without retaking major exams like IELTS or TOEFL.
This pathway helps students build confidence in reading, writing, speaking, and academic communication. It also prepares learners for the classroom environment, Canadian study expectations, and college-level assignments. For many international students, the EAP partnership is a helpful first step that makes the transition to college life easier and more successful.
Reason 4: College to University Transfer Pathways
Durham College is well known in Ontario for offering structured, formal transfer pathways that allow students to move from a college diploma or graduate certificate into a university degree, often with advanced standing or transfer credits.
Key University Partners
Ontario Tech University (OTU): Durham College and Ontario Tech share a campus, making this the most seamless pathway. Students can transfer from Engineering Technology programs to Engineering degrees.
Trent University: Durham has pathways to Trent University (Peterborough & Durham GTA Campus.) Students can transfer to a 3rd year university degree after completing a diploma program at Durham College. For international students, this transfer saves time and money.
Other Ontario & Canadian Universities: Depending on the program, Durham graduates may also use the Pathway Program to gain access to other universities, such as York University and Toronto Metropolitan University.
More details and information can be found on Ontario’s official transfer system.
Scholarships and Financial Support
- Entrance scholarships for eligible international students
- Awards for strong academic achievement
- On-campus job opportunities
- Support for part-time work to help with living expenses
- Budgeting and financial-planning services for students
Durham College’s commitment to affordability allows students to focus on learning, building skills, and planning their future—without unnecessary financial stress. For many international students, this balance of value and quality makes Durham College an excellent choice.
Reason 5: Life in Oshawa: Safe, Welcoming, and Convenient
Oshawa combines the benefits of a smaller city with the convenience of being close to Toronto. Students can reach downtown Toronto in under an hour by train, making it easy to explore Canada’s largest city while enjoying lower living costs at home.
The city is filled with parks, cultural events, restaurants, walking trails, and sports facilities. Many students enjoy studying at local cafés, spending time along the waterfront, or joining community activities. The atmosphere is welcoming, diverse, and ideal for building new friendships.
For international students, Oshawa offers:
- A safe and inclusive community
- Affordable living and housing options
- Easy access to public transit and the GO Train
- Beautiful parks and outdoor spaces
- Shops, cafés, and restaurants close to campus
- A calm environment perfect for studying and student life
Oshawa gives students the best of both worlds: a peaceful place to learn and a direct connection to the energy of the Greater Toronto Area. It is a city where students can feel at home while preparing for a bright future in Canada.
Final Takeaway
Durham College combines career-ready education, industry partnerships, and global student support in one inspiring environment.
Whether you dream of becoming an engineer, entrepreneur, healthcare professional, or chef — Durham College gives you the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to make it happen.
UniApplyNow Can Help You Get Started
At UniApplyNow, a sister company of ILAC, we use innovative technology to simplify every step of the international student application process. Students can manage everything from one place. From university searches and career planning to college applications and visa requirements. Our system keeps students, agents, and universities connected and up to date through the entire application and compliance process.
Our dedicated team of academic advisors ensures every student feels supported, guided, and heard throughout their journey. Their role goes far beyond course selection— they help you stay visa-compliant, choose the right academic path, and build a clear plan from enrollment to graduation.
Ready to Apply to Durham College?
Explore Durham College’s programs today and start building your future with a degree that opens doors globally.
- Choose your program – Explore Durham College’s programs on UniApplyNow and pick the one that matches your goals.
- Prepare your documents – Gather transcripts, English test scores (or request conditional admission), and your passport page.
- Check deadlines early – UniApplyNow shows you application deadlines so you can apply early and get the best course and housing options.
- Apply online – Submit your documents through UniApplyNow and track your progress step by step.
- Get support – UniApplyNow advisors guide you on scholarships, housing, and course selection.
- Confirm and secure your spot – Pay your deposit, apply for your visa, and get ready for orientation week.
💫 Tip: International students should apply 6–8 months before classes start to allow enough time for visa processing.
🎓 Start Now: Book a free advising call with UniApplyNow to review your program options and apply with confidence.
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