Considering Mohawk

One of the largest government-funded colleges in Ontario, Mohawk College has an annual enrolment of over 13,000 students including more than 3000 international students from 80+ countries around the world. We pride ourselves in offering our students a rich learning environment that includes an amazing variety of experiential learning opportunities from co-op programs to labs and simulations.

Our dynamic faculty teach 160 programs in our specialties which include healthcare, technology and business, skilled trades, as well as a vast array of other subjects. Check out the 90 programs open to international students!

Check out our 2023 - 2024 International View Book (PDF, 6.6mb)

Our international student population is a thriving part of the Mohawk College culture. We support our international students with dedicated staff, services, social opportunities, language training and more. See our range of events just for international students!

In addition, international students come from around the world to learn English from English-speaking Canadian teachers at Mohawk in our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) ESL programs.

To qualify for admission to Mohawk College programs, there are certain requirements all students must meet.

i) Age Requirement

Effective September 2019 all International students must be at least 17 years of age at the start of classes. All International Students under 18 years of age at the time of study at Mohawk College are required to provide a completed, signed and notarized Custodianship Declaration (IMM 5646) on file with the International team. Students who do not provide proper document will have a hold recorded on their account to prevent registration.

For more information please visit the IRCC website.

ii) English Language Requirement

All applicants are required to submit proof they have successfully completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma & English Credit (Grade 12 U, M or C), or equivalent, prior to commencing studies. Below is a listing of the acceptable English Language Proficiency tests. 

Note: SDS Express Visa Program applicants are required to submit an acceptable IELTS Academic only to be considered for admissions. Other examinations will not be considered.

*The LanguageCert Academic test will be accepted for the May 2025 intake and subsequent intakes.

^Refer to the Admissions tab on the Program website for program specific information

English Speaking Countries

All applicants are required to submit proof they have successfully completed a senior level English language credit (or equivalent) prior to commencing studies. Applicants may be exempt from submitting external English Proficiency Evaluation (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL etc.) if they meet one of the following requirements:

1. Received an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or Canadian provincial equivalent), studying a minimum of two years of full-time study, and completing a senior level English credit (Grade 12 U, M or C). 
2. Completed at least one year of full-time post-secondary studies in a Canadian Post Secondary institution and completed a college-level Communication (or equivalent).  
3. Completed at least one year of full-time post-secondary studies in Canada Post Secondary Institution where an approved and acceptable English Language evaluation (i.e. IELTS) was used for admission (or equivalent)
4. Completed a minimum of two years of full-time secondary or post-secondary education in a country where English is an official, or the only language of common usage, along with completing a senior-level English credit (or equivalent). Refer to approved listing of English Speaking Countries.

*At the discretion of the International Admissions Officer.

** Once admitted to the EAP program, the student must complete all required levels as scheduled to meet the requirements of the English Proficiency Exemption.

iii) Academic Requirements

International students applying to Mohawk College must provide proof of their academic standing equivalent to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12 High School). The specific certificate or proof required depends on what country you are applying from. Your Market Specialist can help you understand what documentation we will require from your country.

For some students, it may be necessary to successfully complete one or more upgrading courses at Mohawk College before entering a post-secondary program. Your acceptance letter from Mohawk will list any academic conditions that we may require.

iv)Philippines Language Exemptions

The pilot project in the Philippines is now a standard college practice and applies to all accredited higher institutions in Philippines.

Applicants from these institutions may be exempt from submitting external English Proficiency Evaluation (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL etc.) if they meet all of the following requirements:

• Provide proof they have successfully completed a diploma and/or degree from a secondary or post-secondary institution
• Studied at least two (2) years in English in an English Language Institution
• Successfully completed a senior level English language credit (or equivalent) prior to commencing studies
• Provide a Certificate of English as a Medium of Instruction

v) Visas & Permits

Canadian regulations require all international students who would like to study in Canada to apply for a student visa (sometimes called a study permit).

You cannot apply for a student visa until you have your Letter of Acceptance from Mohawk. The Visa application process takes longer from some countries than from others. We recommend you begin the process as soon as you receive your Letter of Acceptance Mohawk. You can find details on the Visa Application and different Express Visa Programs (SDS) here.

vi) Foreign Credentials Requirements / Advanced Academic Standing

Transfer Credit or Exemptions

If you are transferring from a post-secondary school outside of Canada and wish to use foreign credits or credentials for admission, you must provide an assessment of your documents by a recognized credential assessment service as determined by Mohawk College.

Services We Recognize at This Time Include:

International Credential Assessment and Authentication Services:

Ontario Immigration recognizes the following credentialing services:

• Telephone: 1-800-321-6021

Recommended for College Entry:

• Comparative Education Service
• University of Toronto
• Telephone : 416-978-2185

Recommended for Entry to College and Employment in Regulated Professions:

• World Education Services (WES)
• Telephone: 416-972-0070

After having your credentials evaluated by one of the above institutions, please submit your original documents (or verified photocopies) along with the Credential Evaluation Report to the college.

vi) Prior Learning & Assessment Recognition

If you have work experience or education credentials that are not typical, but you feel should be considered in your application, please review Mohawk’s policies on `Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR).

Fees

Please review the Mohawk College fee information page before applying. You will find information on:

• Total fees, which may vary by program
• Payment due dates so you can plan your finances

All Mohawk fees are listed in Canadian dollars (CAD). Please note, fees may be changed without notice.

Payment Methods

Payment from Outside of Canada (Flywire)
To make paying fees from your home as simple as possible, we have partnered with Flywire, an innovative online fee payment service for payment by wire transfer.

Payment from Within Canada
Paying fees from within Canada is also simple. You can pay by cheque, money order, bank transfer, or credit card. 

Please refer to your admissions documents for additional payment options.

Refunds

Mohawk offers fee payment refunds, less an administration fee, only under certain circumstances. Please review our refund policy for full details.

International Student Financial Assistance
Each year, Mohawk College makes available a number of scholarships and bursaries for international students only. During your application process, please review our Scholarships & Bursaries page for more information and to learn how to apply.

Our suite of mobile apps can help throughout the application and acceptance process.

Download the mandatory Mohawk International app, from iCent App today and have all the information you need at your fingertips!

The iCent App is your complete guide to help you get ready for the transition to Mohawk and Hamilton, and is FREE for new international students at Mohawk College.

Learn about all the next steps after receiving your offer letter, from checklists before leaving your country, key information you need to know before beginning your studies, to the services available and more.

To access the app, please follow these steps:

1. Visit the App Store or Google Play and download the app

2. Enter Canada in the “Institution Country” field

3. Enter Mohawk College International in the “Institution Name” field

4. Use your email to register for the app, you will be sent an email with your PIN. Please remember to check your Junk Mail inbox. 

5. Use your PIN to log in the app. 

Should you have any questions and/or trouble logging in, write to: support@iCentapp.com

Note: Google Android in China: We are aware that there have been some download issues for iCent in mainland China. If you are in China please download below. 

Download iCent

Two Dashboards to serve you better - Once your visa has been approved by IRCC, and you have confirmed your intention to study at Mohawk, you will be able to transition from the future student dashboard to the current student dashboard. Please watch your email for details closer to the start of classes.

We are excited that you are interested in applying to Mohawk College!