Your Guide to Study, Work, and Succeed in Canada
The Government of Canada has introduced new policies as part of a national plan to develop a recognized framework to enhance support for international students.
Canada remains a top choice for students worldwide, and Centennial College is your trusted guide to a successful future. Our dedicated recruitment, admissions, and student services teams are ready to support your transition to Canada. You can rely on our expert advice and step-by-step guidance to help make the most of your academic and career journey in Canada!
What’s New and Important:
- New Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Criteria: If you apply for a study permit after November 1, 2024, your PGWP eligibility will depend on your program of study. Students who applied for a study permit before this date remain eligible for the PGWP across all of Centennial’s full-time programs, regardless of field of study.
- PGWP-Aligned Programs: Centennial offers a variety of programs that align with Canada’s priority labour market categories, giving you a strong foundation for future employment. Choose from Centennial’s PGWP-Aligned Programs across certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, degree, and graduate certificate options.
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): International students can apply to most programs at Centennial College and may qualify for a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to study in Ontario. At the study permit application stage, eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit is not a requirement. IRCC will approve study permits for all full-time programs at Centennial, including those not PGWP-eligible, provided applicants meet other general requirements.
Career-Focused Learning and Industry Experience
- As a leading public college in Ontario and a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), Centennial College can support you on the path to studying and working in Canada.
- Centennial combines hands-on learning in labs, classrooms, and studios with practical projects and assessments. Many programs qualify graduates for Canadian professional designations! Our #1 international graduate employment rate in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) shows our strength in career preparation (2022-2023 KPI).
- Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): Centennial’s WIL opportunities, such as co-ops, internships, placements, and capstone projects, provide valuable industry experience. As one of Canada’s top research colleges, we’re proud to be ranked #1 for offering paid internships in applied research—leading the way for three years running!
- Study permit holders can work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week during classes and full-time during scheduled breaks upon meeting general conditions. Our Career Services and Cooperative Education team supports students with job search, employment advising, and job fairs on-campus.
Pathways to Employment and Permanent Residency
- Centennial offers 50 PGWP-aligned programs across Canada’s priority job sectors, helping international students make informed choices and confidently pursue their career goals. Stay tuned for updates, as we expect to confirm more programs soon!
- Our degree pathways combine hands-on learning at Centennial with the opportunity to earn a university degree, ensuring PGWP eligibility across all program areas.
- Even if your program is not PGWP-eligible, you may still qualify for other types of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exempt work permits (e.g., Francophone Mobility, International Experience Canada (IEC) working holiday) or employer-specific work permits). International students can pursue permanent residency (PR) pathways through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Employer Job Offer International Student Stream, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Worker Program.
- With BorderPass, Centennial’s international students benefit from expert immigration support for study permit and work permit applications, enhancing pathways to post-graduation employment and potential Permanent Residence (PR).
Disclaimer: Work permits and permanent residency are granted solely at the discretion of IRCC and the Government of Canada. Centennial College’s role is to deliver a top-tier education that prepares graduates for success in Canada’s labour market.
Ready to Apply?
We are accepting applications for January, May, and September 2025. Eligible students will receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) certifying their status with the province.
Welcome to Centennial College!
If you're considering a program or have received an offer from Centennial, we encourage you to take the next step. Your success is our priority!
We're always happy to answer your questions, so contact our international admissions team for individual assistance.
Learn more about key topics:
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a crucial document for international students planning to study in Ontario. The letter is required to apply for a study permit from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
International students can apply to most programs at Centennial College and qualify for a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). PGWP eligibility isn’t required at the study permit application stage. IRCC will approve study permits for all full-time programs at Centennial, including those not PGWP-eligible, provided applicants meet other general requirements.
With the Government of Canada processing a limited number of study permit applications, we recommend taking the next step to secure your spot for Winter 2025 or Spring 2025! Centennial College programs are filling up quickly, and spaces are limited. Aspiring international students should pay their first-semester tuition and submit their study permit applications as soon as possible.
Need help with your study permit? Centennial offers free support through BorderPass to simplify the application process and enhance your chances of success!
International students can apply to most Centennial College programs, many allowing graduates to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). The Government of Canada issues the PGWP through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
IRCC recently published new PGWP eligibility requirements for students who apply for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024. These changes do not impact applicants who submitted their study permit application before this date.
As of November 5, 2024, the following programs are aligned with the IRCC priority labour market categories of agriculture and agri-food, healthcare, science/technology/engineering/mathematics (STEM), trade and transport. You can review the entire list of eligible fields of study here.
Graduates from public colleges like Centennial are eligible for up to a three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if their field of study addresses long-term labour shortages.
Centennial also offers established pathways to degree programs at prestigious Canadian universities, such as Trent University, the University of Toronto (UTSC), McMaster University, Nipissing University, Vancouver Island University, and Toronto Metropolitan University. Our university pathways allow graduates to ensure PGWP eligibility across all fields of study.
General Inquiries
- Students enrolled in schools with a curriculum licensing arrangement between public/private institutions will experience changes to their PGWP eligibility. However, Centennial College has no public-private partnerships and will not be affected by changes to post-graduation work permits for students at private colleges.
- Despite the policy changes, graduates from our post-secondary and post-graduate programs remain eligible to apply for Canadian post-graduation work permits, maintaining a pathway to gain valuable work experience in Canada after their studies.
Yes! You can apply online today. Our International Admissions team is processing applications for the Summer 2024, Fall 2024, and Winter 2025 start dates. Eligible students will be contacted and advised on the next steps.
- For students applying from outside of Canada: Centennial is accepting applications for the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 start dates.
- For applicants exempt from needing a provincial attestation letter (PAL): applications are open for Summer 2024, Fall 2024, and Winter 2025.
Are you ready to apply? You can contact your region's designated International Admissions team member for individual assistance. We’re here to assist with your application, discuss program options and answer your questions.
Whether you're presently enrolled at another institution, have accepted an offer from a different Canadian institution, or are seeking a pathway after completing language studies, Centennial College is ready to support your transition.
We offer comprehensive resources tailored to make your transfer process smooth and successful. To discover the ways we can assist you, please visit the Partnerships and Pathways section of our website and Get Ready to start your journey at Centennial.
Guidance for Applicants
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a crucial document for international students planning to study in Ontario. The letter is required to apply for a study permit from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Once you're accepted into a program at Centennial and have paid your tuition deposit, we will request a PAL from the province on your behalf. The province will issue Centennial this letter, and we will follow up with you on the next steps. The PAL is an official document that confirms that you have been allocated a space at Centennial College in Ontario. It contains important personal details such as your full name, date of birth, and address. The PAL will expire on January 21, 2025, and only one PAL will be issued per student.
Any study permit application received by IRCC that does not include a PAL will be returned and refunded. This process is unique to Ontario, as each Canadian province and territory has its own method for issuing PALs.
Yes. As of January 22, 2024, every study permit application submitted to IRCC requires an attestation letter from a province or territory.
You do not need a PAL when applying for a study permit if you are in Canada and you:
- are applying for a study permit extension
- have a work permit
- are a temporary resident who has completed a course or program of study that is a prerequisite to you enrolling at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- are a refugee or protected person
- are a family member of a study permit or work permit holder in Canada
- are a family member of a refugee or protected person in Canada
A complete list of those who do not need a PAL can be found on the IRCC website.
To qualify for a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from Centennial College, follow these steps:
- Apply to Centennial College online and pay the $125 application fee.
- Submit all required documents for your application.
- Qualified applicants will be issued a Letter of Acceptance (LOA), which includes the deadline for paying their tuition deposit. Kindly note the tuition deposit is non-refundable except in cases where your study permit is denied (refer to our Refund and Withdrawal Policy for more details). The non-refundable tuition deposit fee is $3,000.
- After successfully completing the BorderPass assessment, qualified applicants will be issued a Letter of Acceptance (LOA), which includes the deadline for paying their tuition deposit. Kindly note the tuition deposit is non-refundable except in cases where your study permit is denied (refer to our Refund and Withdrawal Policy for more details).
- Please pay your tuition deposit before the due date on your Letter of Acceptance (LOA). Upon receipt of your tuition deposit, your status will be automatically confirmed, initiating our request for a PAL to support your study permit application.
- Once Centennial College receives your approved PAL from the Ontario government, we will contact you regarding the next steps to complete your study permit application.
- To apply for a study permit, IRCC requires a Letter of Acceptance (LOA), PAL, payment receipt, and other documents. Centennial College is covering the cost for BorderPass to assist students (or their agents or supporters) with this process, ensuring a complete and accurate study permit application. Please note that government processing, biometrics, and standard administrative costs are the only required fees.
The Ministry of Colleges and Universities to Ontario's Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology has designated certain business programs as ineligible for Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) allocations for international students over the next two years.
This policy applies only to new international students who need to obtain a new study permit. If you are an international student already in Canada with a valid study permit, you can enroll in these programs and continue your studies without any changes to your status in Canada. If you applied for a study permit before January 22, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will process your application, as PAL was not a requirement for applications submitted before January 22.
The following five Centennial College programs are not eligible for a PAL:
Certificate Programs
1. Business Foundations (2122)
2. Office Administration – General (2701)
Graduate Certificate Programs
3. Strategic Management (2841)
4. Strategic Management - Accounting Specialization (2844)
5. International Business Management (2859)
Excluding these five programs, students who meet the admission requirements for any full-time program at Centennial College may be eligible to receive a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). However, meeting the requirements does not guarantee acceptance into a program or receipt of a PAL, as these are subject to the available spots in each program and the institution's allocated share of PALs.
Centennial College offers a diverse range of programs across seven specialized academic schools for international students seeking alternatives to the specified business programs that are ineligible for a PAL. For guidance on program selection or to discuss your options, reach out to our international admissions team.
Centennial College offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for thriving careers in various industries. Our commitment to excellence ensures our graduates are well-prepared to excel in their chosen fields, whether in Ontario, throughout Canada, or globally.
Moving Forward: Explore New Opportunities at Centennial College
- The Business School: Develop business, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills.
- The School of English and Liberal Studies: Gain a solid foundation that paves the way for your educational and career success.
- School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design: Explore Industry-recognized programs to turn your artistic passion into a fulfilling career.
- School of Community and Health Studies: See how you can inspire and change lives by making an impact in healthcare or community services.
- School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science: Innovate by combining experiential learning, technology, and a global perspective.
- School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts: Master practical skills using our state-of-the-art hospitality facilities, specialized baking, and culinary labs.
- School of Transportation: Train with top-tier professionals in Canada's largest transportation training facility.
POST-SECONDARY
Two certificate programs are not eligible for a PAL: Business Foundations (2122) and Office Administration – General (2701). Post-secondary applicants can consider all other certificate, diploma, advanced diploma and degree programs:
POST-GRADUATE
Three graduate certificate programs are not eligible for a PAL: Strategic Management (2841), Strategic Management - Accounting Specialization (2844), and International Business Management (2859).
Post-graduate students who require a PAL can explore 40 graduate programs at Centennial that qualify for a Provincial Attestation Letter. The following programs provide opportunities for international students to specialize in various fields, gain hands-on learning experiences, and explore many pathways to success
The Business School
- Business Administration: Accounting Fast Track
- Business Analytics and Insights
- Business Analytics and Insights - Canadian Context
- Global Business Management
- Financial Planning
- Human Resources Management
- Insurance Management
- International Development
- Marketing - Corporate Account Management
- Marketing - Digital Engagement Strategy
- Marketing - Research & Analysis
- Marketing Management
- Paralegal
- Project Management
- Supply Chain Management – Logistics
School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts
- Event Management
- Food Tourism
- Food Media
- Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Management
School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design
- Advertising - Creative and Digital Strategy
- Advertising – Media Management
- Arts Education and Community Engagement
- Arts Management
- Children's Media
- Contemporary Journalism
- Film and Television – Business
- Interactive Media Management
- Lifestyle Media
- Museum and Cultural Management
- Professional Writing – Communications
- Public Relations – Corporate Communications
- Publishing - Book, Magazine and Electronic
- Script to Screen - Advanced Television and Film
- Sports Journalism
School of Community and Health Studies
- Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion
School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science
- Construction Project Management
- Cybersecurity
- Internet of Things – System Architecture and Integration
- Mobile Applications Development
If you wish to change your program choice, kindly get in touch with the designated international admissions representative for your region and include your student ID. You can find their contact information at Contact Centennial International.
If you applied for your study permit by October 31, 2024, you will be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduating from any full-time academic program at Centennial College. After November 1, eligibility for the PGWP will be focused on programs that align with Canada's priority labour market categories.
The length of your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) depends on the duration of your studies. If your program is two years or longer, you may qualify for a PGWP that is valid for up to three years.
PGWPs can range from 8 months to three years in length. To learn more, visit IRCC’s details on "How long is a post-graduation work permit valid?"
You may be able to get a PGWP that combines the length of two programs.
- Each program must be PGWP-eligible and at least 8 months in length.
- Remember, you can only receive PGWP once. You can’t get a PGWP if you already had one after completing an earlier program of study.
Centennial offers degree pathways in Business, Liberal Arts, Hospitality Management, Communications and Media, and more. Students can receive an affordable, industry-focused education that leads to a university degree, allowing graduates to qualify for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) regardless of their chosen program. Centennial is proud to provide pathways to degree programs at our partner universities across Canada, including Trent University, the University of Toronto (UTSC), Brock University, and Wilfrid Laurier University.
We offer over 1,000 pathways, including 400+ degree pathways through global university partnerships and 995 pathways with Canadian institutions.
Check out the "Career Options and Education Pathways" tab on your program’s online outline, or dive into our Pathways and Partnerships to see where Centennial can take you!
Centennial offers co-ops, internships, placements, and capstone projects to build your skills and connect you with industry experience while you’re studying in Canada.
Information for Current Students
This cap does not impact current study permit holders. Your studies and status as a registered international student at Centennial College remain secure, and your eligibility for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is not affected by the policy announcement.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has stated that the caps will not impact current study permit holders or renewals (extensions).
IRCC has announced that, in the upcoming weeks, open work permits will only be granted to the spouses of international students pursuing master's and doctoral programs. Unfortunately, the spouses of international students studying in other levels of education, such as undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible.
The changes primarily affect international students in Canada who were planning to invite their spouses to join them in the country. This policy change was specific to study permit applications and holders. There were no stated implications for PGWP applicants who want to have their spouses join them in Canada. Centennial College and our partner BorderPass will monitor IRCC’s timelines and keep our community informed.
For students who may be experiencing anxiety or who just need a listening ear, counselling support is available via the Centre for Accessible Learning and Counselling Services (CALCS). If you would like to speak to a professional counsellor, you can access counselling services virtually through CALCS. CALCS is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You can access support from CALCS using one of the methods below:
- Book an appointment through Centennial Talks, our peer listening program
- Book a counselling appointment online
- CALCS Telephone: 416-289-5000 ext. 53850
- CALCS Email: calcs@centennialcollege.ca
Students may also access 24/7 counselling services over the phone or online in your own language through the keep.meSAFE service. To access keep.meSAFE:
- Call 1-844-451-9700 (in Canada)
- Call 1-416-380-6578 (outside Canada)
- Visit www.keepmesafe.org
- Download the my SSP app on your mobile device, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Whether you need an answer to a question, more definitive immigration advice, or a listening ear to talk, Centennial offers a range of support at your fingertips!
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISING: International Student Services (ISS) is here to support all international students currently enrolled at Centennial College. We offer in-person and virtual drop-in sessions, webinars, and IRCC application labs with International Student Advisors to discuss your concerns and help you with your immigration and non-immigration related inquiries. These sessions will be an opportunity for currently enrolled Centennial students to ask their questions and seek clarification. Our international student advising webpage has dates, times and links to access the sessions.
IMMIGRATION ADVICE: Keeping up with government immigration policies and changes and understanding how they impact you can be challenging. That is one of the reasons Centennial has partnered with BorderPass to offer currently enrolled international students at Centennial free online access to immigration lawyers and legal services, as well as a resource for affordable, transparent and realistic guidance on immigration.
Create your free account now to get access to Canadian lawyers, tips, tools, permit renewal notifications and alerts, and start optimizing your pathway to working after graduation, potentially pursuing Permanent Residence (PR), and more. While you're a student at Centennial, your BorderPass membership is included at no additional cost to you. Just login with your myCentennial ID and password.
Learn more about BorderPass at Centennial.