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Seneca College

Toronto, Canada

  • Cost of LivingCAD 20,376
  • Tuition Fee FromCAD 15,559
  • Country Rank#69
  • Batch Strength30,000
  • Global Diversity-
  • Gender Ratio-

Overview

About

Seneca College is a community institution in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was established in 1967 and has since evolved to become one of Canada's largest colleges, with over 100,000 alumni. Seneca has over 300 full-time and part-time programmes, 500 career choices via 19 degrees, 42 graduate certificates, 30 advanced diplomas, 71 diplomas, and 20 certificates. Full-time classes are available in the following disciplines:

 

  • Health & Wellness
  • Hospitality & Tourism
  • Information Technology
  • Law, Administration & Public Safety
  • Liberal Arts & University Transfers
  • Media & Communications
  • Science
  • Aviation
  • Business
  • Creative Art
  • Animation & Design
  • Education
  • Community & Social Service
  • Engineering Technology
  • Fashion & Esthetics

 

Seneca College has campuses in the Greater Toronto Area, including Markham, Newnham, King, and Peterborough. The college has a diverse student body, of over 7,000 international students from over 150 nations. The college also has an excellent Indian population with an Indian Students Association that organises cultural activities and assists fellow students.

 

Seneca College is well-known for its emphasis on experiential learning, with co-op programmes, internships, and other work-integrated learning options providing students with hands-on training and real-world experience. In addition, the college has collaborations with different industry leaders and organisations to provide students with the most up-to-date industry-relevant skills and knowledge.

 

Acceptance Rate

Seneca College's acceptance rate varies based on the programme and level of study. Each year, the college gets a large number of applications, and admission to some of the more competitive programmes can be quite selective. However, Seneca College has had an overall acceptance rate of around 85% in recent years, indicating that most applicants are accepted. 

Ranking

Seneca College is ranked as one of Canada's top colleges, with a strong reputation for educational quality, innovative programmes, and dedication to student achievement. It does not have a particular rating by organisations such as QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education, or US News & World Report because these rankings are typically focused on universities rather than colleges. However, Seneca College's School of Creative Arts & Animation is known very highly for its creative arts infrastructure and was rated fifth in the world and third in Canada by the Animation Career Review in 2020.

 

In regard to Seneca College's ranking, it has earned recognition and accolades from a variety of organisations for its programmes and initiatives. Seneca College, for example, was awarded the Best College in Canada for International Students by the Canadian Bureau for International Education in 2021. Seneca has also been recognised as a leader in applied research, earning Colleges and Institutes Canada's Gold Level Applied Research and Innovation Excellence Award.

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

-

-

Facilities

Seneca College's facilities provide a wealth of modern resources to aid student learning, research, and personal growth. Among the many amenities, those accessible to students include:

 

  • Libraries: Seneca College has several libraries on each of its sites, each with a diverse collection of print and electronic resources, such as books, journals, magazines, and online databases.

 

  • Computer labs: The college has a number of computer labs that are outfitted with the most up-to-date software and hardware, enabling students to complete coursework and research projects.

 

  • Student lounges: On college campuses, there are various lounges and common areas where students can rest, socialise, and study.

 

  • Athletics centres: Seneca College has a variety of athletic facilities available to students for recreation and wellness, including fitness centres, swimming pools, gymnasiums, and sports grounds.

 

  • Student services: Academic advising, job counselling, disability services, and mental health support are all available at the college.

 

  • Research facilities: Seneca College has a number of research centres and institutes that focus on different areas of study, such as health sciences, environmental science, and technology.

Notable Alumni

Beverly Thomson
Beverly Thomson
Canadian journalist
Alvin Curling
Alvin Curling
Former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario
Angela James
Angela James
Canadian former ice hockey player

Courses

Scholarship

Seneca College provides a variety of educational scholarships to international students enrolled at the college. Seneca College provides the following scholarships:

 

  • Campaign for Students Bursary for International Students
  • Consolidated Credit Financial Empowerment Award
  • Excellence Scholarship
  • Henry Zhang Scholarship for International Students
  • International Student Achievement Award
  • International Student Levy
  • Peter N. Ross Scholarships
  • SABE Scholarship
  • SSF International Student Award
  • SSF International Student Bursaries
  • Bala and Karnika Krishnan Endowed Award

 

International students must complete the online application form and submit all necessary paperwork to be considered for these scholarships and bursaries. The deadline for applying varies based on the scholarship or bursary. At UniScholars, you can search for numerous scholarships, grants and bursaries. Once you've found what you're looking for, UniScholars can walk you through the application process, making it simple and stress-free.

Finances

Seneca College has no in-house foreign student loan programme. International students may be qualified for loans from a variety of external lenders. Here are some possibilities:

 

Loans from the Canadian government: International students studying in Canada may be qualified for loans from the Canadian government under the Canada Student Loans Programme. However, in order to be qualified, the student must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and have a Canadian co-signer.

 

International student loan providers: Several international student loan providers specialise in lending to foreign students studying in Canada. These lenders may provide loans without requiring a co-signer, but interest rates may be expensive.

 

It can be difficult to find the right education loan. However, UniCreds can help you find a student loan plan that works for you and possibly comes with low-interest rates. They offer guided consultation and simple application processes to make funding your studies as simple as possible.

Accommodation

Seneca College provides students with a variety of housing choices, including on-campus residences, off-campus housing, and homestays. Here are some specifics on each option:

 

  • On-campus residences: Seneca College has four on-campus residence buildings situated on the campuses of Newnham, Seneca@York, King, and Markham. The suites are completely furnished and include kitchenettes, private bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. The expense of living in residence differs according to campus and suite type. Students can register for residence at Seneca Residence via the website.

 

  • Off-campus: Seneca College has a collaboration with Places4Students, an online database of rental properties in the surrounding region, for off-campus housing. Students can use this tool to find available apartments, rooms, and shared accommodations close to campus. Students can view the database by creating a free account.

 

  • Homestays: Seneca College also has a homestay programme where students can live with a Canadian foster family. This choice allows you to learn about Canadian culture while also practising your English. A private bedroom, meals, and laundry amenities are included in homestays. The cost of a homestay varies based on the length of stay and the host family's location.

 

When it comes to finding student housing, UniAcco makes it easy. There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to finding an apartment or house near a university. Whatever your budget, UniAcco has the perfect apartment for you.

Cost of Living

Toronto, located in the province of Ontario, is an excellent city for students, offering a range of benefits that make it an ideal place to study. Toronto is also a cosmopolitan city, with a range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, making it an enjoyable place to live and study. The cost of living for students at Seneca College will depend on various factors, such as their choice of accommodation, lifestyle, and programme of study. Here are some estimated costs for international students:


 

Particulars 

Cost (Monthly)

On-campus accommodation 

$1,000 CAD

Off-campus accommodation 

$1,283 CAD

Grocery

$179 CAD

Food

$780 CAD

Utility

$125 CAD

Transport

$148 CAD

Clothes

$71 CAD

Entertainment

$67 CAD

Health Insurance 

$75 CAD

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation 

$2,728 CAD

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation 

$2,445 CAD

Annual Cost of Living

$29,340 CAD

Seneca College Entry Requirements 

International students who desire to study at Seneca College in Canada must meet both general admission and programme requirements. Seneca College's entry requirements for international students are as follows:

 

  • Application form: International students are required to fill out an application form and submit an application fee.

 

  • English language proficiency: International students must show English language fluency by passing one of the following tests: TOEFL, IELTS, CAEL, PTE, or MELAB. The minimum required score varies by programme.

 

  • Academic credentials: All academic transcripts, diplomas, or degrees obtained by international students must be certified.

 

  • Financial support: While studying in Canada, international students must provide proof of financial support to pay tuition and living costs. This is an important factor for visa qualification. 

 

  • Programme-specific requirements: Some programmes may require portfolios, tryouts, or interviews as part of the admissions process.

 

English Language Requirements

 

The following are the minimum scores required for different English tests accepted by Seneca College for some of its popular programmes:
 

Programmes

IELTS

TOEFL

PTE

UG Diploma

6.5+

80.0+

58.0+

PG Certification

6.0+

88.0+

60.0+

UG Certification

6.5+

80.0+

58.0+

B.E/B.Tech

6.0+

84.0+

60.0+

B.Com

6.0+

84.0+

60.0+

 

It is essential to note that acceptance rates can vary significantly depending on the programme and level of study, so it is recommended that you research the particular admission requirements and processes for the programme of your interest.

 

Seneca College Fees

Seneca College tuition for international students varies based on the programme of study and level of study. (i.e. undergraduate, graduate, or diploma). International students generally pay higher tuition fees than domestic students because they do not receive government funding to mitigate the cost of their education.

 

As of the 2022-2023 academic year, the estimated range of Seneca College fees for international students are as follows:

  • Diploma programmes: $16,373 - $24,161 CAD per year
  • Graduate certificate programmes: $17,239 - $25,424 CAD per year
  • Bachelor's degree programmes: $25,675 - $33,745 CAD per year

 

Here is a breakdown of the annual fee at Seneca College for some of its popular programmes:

  • UG Diploma - $15,000 - 19,930 CAD
  • PG Certification - $15,000 - 25,750 CAD
  • UG Certification - $12,820 CAD
  • B.E/B. Tech - $19,560 - 76,000 CAD
  • B.Com - $19,490 CAD

 

These tuition fees are estimates only and do not include additional fees, such as health insurance, textbooks, or housing. International students may also be required to pay a non-refundable deposit upon acceptance to secure their spot in the programme.

 

Placements at Seneca College

Seneca College placements team has a strong reputation for providing students with hands-on learning through co-op placements, internships, and work-integrated learning. These opportunities enable students to apply classroom knowledge and skills to real-world situations, earning practical exposure and valuable industry connections.

 

The college has over 6,000 partnerships with employers from different industries, giving students access to a diverse range of placement possibilities. Students in some programmes, such as co-op, alternate between academic and work terms, allowing them to acquire up to one year of work experience before graduation.  A few companies to name who hire heavily from Seneca are Sheraton Hotels, Holiday Inn, Thomas Cook, Royal Caribbean, and American Express. 

 

Seneca College has a dedicated Career Development department that helps students thrive in their job hunt after graduation by providing career counselling, job search assistance, and networking opportunities. According to the most recent Key Performance Indicators report from Seneca College, 87% of Seneca graduates found work within six months of graduation.