Admission Process

Selection criteria can be based on a combination of the following:

  • Review of academic record
  • Review of required additional documentation including volunteer/work experience, reference letters, etc.
  • Test or questionnaire results
  • Portfolio review
  • Interview

Selection is based on the entrance requirements listed under individual program descriptions. All applications, and official supporting documents, received by Ontario Colleges on or before February 1 for a fall start or October 1 for a winter start, and February 1 for a spring start will be considered equally. Early application is encouraged. Programs that have more individuals apply than seats available by the Equal Consideration Deadline (ECD) will be deemed highly competitive and ranked in order. The most qualified applicants will be offered seats or placed on a waiting list.

HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS

The term highly competitive denotes programs for which there are more qualified Ontario applicants than available seats. As a result, qualified applicants who have submitted applications, and all required supporting documents, no later than February 1 for a fall start, October 1 for a winter start and February 1 for a spring start will undergo a specific selection process.

PRIORITY OF ADMISSION

For highly competitive programs, students are accepted according to the following priorities:

  • Permanent resident of Ontario (under review)
  • Permanent resident of another province or territory in Canada
  • Applicants from other countries

Programs anticipated to be highly competitive:

  • Community Integration through Cooperative Education
  • Communicative Disorders Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Electrical Engineering Technician (Co-op option available)
  • Electrical Techniques
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques (HVAC)
  • Mechanical Techniques – Plumbing
  • Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant
  • Paramedic
  • Paramedic (Compressed)
  • Practical Nursing
  • Practical Nursing – Flex
  • Practical Nursing (PSW-PN bridge)

Please note: Admission Services reserves the right to add or delete from this list based on, but not limited to, applicant demand and/or program changes.

SELECTION PROCESS FOR HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS

Selection is based on an average of the four prerequisite senior level subjects (grades 11 or 12 or post-secondary) at the C, M, or U level or equivalent, excluding co-op.

If subjects other than English are required for program entry, they will be used as part of the three other grades in the selection average if marks are available. If marks are not available for the prerequisite subject(s), you must currently be registered in the required subject(s) and your midterm marks must be received no later than February 1 for a fall start, October 1 for a winter start and February 1 for a spring start. Marks for similar past courses will be substituted as follows:

  • Grade 11 English substituted for Grade 12 English (C, M, or U)
  • Grade 11 mathematics substituted for Grade 12 mathematics (C, M, or U)
  • Grade 11 biology substituted for Grade 12 biology (C, M, or U)
  • Grade 11 chemistry substituted for Grade 12 chemistry (C, M, or U) or
  • Grade 11 physics substituted for Grade 12 physics (C, M, or U)

If multiple subject credit marks are available, the highest mark will be used.

SELECTION PROCESS FOR ALL OTHER PROGRAMS

If subjects other than English are required for program entry, they will be used as part of the three other grades in the selection average if marks are available. If marks are not available for the prerequisite subject(s), you must currently be registered in the required subject(s). This will qualify to receive a “conditional offer”.

MATURE STUDENT STATUS (MSS)

Mature Student Status refers to applicants 19 years and older by the beginning of classes with the admission requirements but who have not completed a high school diploma. You must submit your application and any relevant transcripts to Ontario Colleges. For applicants who are missing prerequisite courses, additional studies, testing or upgrading may be necessary to meet admission requirements.

ACADEMIC UPGRADING

Academic upgrading is offered at Durham College to applicants 19 and older who may be missing program admission requirements. For further information please visit Academic Upgrading. For information about meeting the grade 12 (C or U) English requirement please visit the English Language Proficiency Requirement page.

Please note: All transcripts must be received at Ontario Colleges by February 1 for a fall start and October 1 for a winter start and February 1 for a spring start to be considered for admission to a highly competitive program at Durham College. Please contact Ontario Colleges or at 1.888.892.2228 for further information regarding this process.

Convention Refugees/Refugee Claimants

Status Definition Application Documents Required
Convention Refugee/Protected Person If you’ve had your hearing with the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) and have been officially granted Convention Refugee status, you’ll be considered a domestic studentfor tuition purposes.

As a Convention Refugee:

  • You’ll pay domestic tuition and student fees.
  • You’ll still need a Canadian study permit to begin your program.
  • You’ll receive a Notice of Decision from the IRB confirming your status — please send us a copy of that document, along with the passport you received when you applied for refugee status in Canada.
  • You can apply to any program open to domestic students, and you’ll be considered alongside other domestic applicants for available seats.
 Ontario Colleges (OCAS) 1.  Colour Scan of your passport (scan of a photocopy of your passport is acceptable);

2.  Colour Scan of your Notice of Decision from the IRB Board that shows you have had your hearing and have been deemed to be a Convention Refugee; and

3. Colour Scan of your Refugee Claimant document.
Refugee Claimant If you’re waiting for your hearing with the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) and haven’t yet been granted Convention Refugee status, you’re considered a refugee claimant.

As a refugee claimant:

  • You’ll be classified as an international student, which means you’ll pay international tuition fees.
  • You’ll need to apply for a Canadian study permit before starting your studies.
  • You’ll receive a Refugee Claimant document from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) that includes your photo — we’ll need a copy of this as proof of your status in Canada.
  • You can apply only to programs with international student spaces, and you’ll be considered along with other international applicants.
 International Application
  1. Colour Scan of your passport (scan of a photocopy of your passport is acceptable); and
  2. Colour Scan of your Refugee Claimant document