Canada continues to be a top destination for over 600,000 international students annually, and many of these learners find their ideal starting point within Canada's dynamic private colleges. For Nepali students, these colleges present a strategic pathway into the Canadian higher education system.
Offering specialised certificate and diploma programmes, they are expertly designed to serve as a bridge to university studies. This approach allows students to gain a valuable Canadian credential and adapt to the academic environment in a supportive setting, building a strong foundation and often earning credits before seamlessly transferring to a university to complete their degree.
Private colleges in Canada are renowned for their practical, industry-aligned programmes, smaller class sizes, and strong student support services. These colleges often offer flexible admission requirements, frequent intake periods, and valuable hands-on training.
This makes them an ideal choice for Nepali students seeking a focused and supportive learning environment. Whether the goal is to gain job-ready skills through integrated co-op placements or to build a strong academic foundation for future university studies, these colleges provide a strategic and flexible entry point into the Canadian education system.
Let us know about the private colleges in Canada in detail.
A leading private career college in Vancouver and Toronto, known for its business, sales, marketing, and customer service programmes. The college offers co-op opportunities, allowing students to gain Canadian work experience.
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Feature |
Details |
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Location |
Vancouver, Toronto |
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Average Tuition Fees |
CAD $10,000 – 12,000/year |
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Courses Offered |
Business, Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Co-op Programmes |
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Admission Timeline |
Multiple intakes throughout the year |
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PGWP Status |
Programmes are designed for co-op work experience during studies, not for post-graduation work permits. It is a leading private career college focused on vocational training |
Part of the ILSC Education Group, Greystone College offers vocational programmes with strong industry connections. It is known for its co-op routes that provide practical work experience.
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Feature |
Details |
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Location |
Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal |
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Average Tuition Fees |
CAD $8,000 - $14,000 per programme |
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Courses Offered |
Business, Hospitality, Teacher Training, Co-op Programmes |
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Admission Timeline |
Multiple intakes throughout the year |
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PGWP Status |
Offers vocational programmes with co-op placements. The programmes are not designed to lead to a PGWP |
North America's largest bilingual college, LaSalle College offers a wide range of professional, college, and pre-university programmes in creative, technical, and business fields.
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Feature |
Details |
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Location |
Montreal, Vancouver |
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Average Tuition Fees |
CAD $16,000 - $25,000 per year |
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Courses Offered |
Fashion, Business, Hospitality, VFX & Game Design, IT, Social Sciences |
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Admission Timeline |
Fall, Winter, Summer intakes |
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PGWP-Eligible Programmes Available |
In Vancouver, its Bachelor's and Associate of Arts degree programmes are PGWP-eligible. In Montreal, certain longer diploma programmes (like a DEC - Diplôme d’études collégiales) are typically PGWP-eligible, while shorter programmes (like an AEC - Attestation d’études collégiales) often are not. Verification for each specific programme is crucial |
Sprott Shaw College, established in 1903, operates 16 campuses across British Columbia. It offers over 130 career-focused programmes with monthly start dates. The college promotes lifetime career services for its alumni.
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Feature |
Details |
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Location |
Multiple campuses across British Columbia |
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Average Tuition Fees |
CAD $15,000 - $47,900 |
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Courses Offered |
Business, Healthcare, Early Childhood Education, Hospitality, Trades |
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Admission Timeline |
Monthly intakes |
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PGWP Status |
As a private career college, its diploma programmes are not PGWP-eligible. It focuses on direct-to-workforce skills training and offers pathway options to public institutions (like BCIT), where a student could then complete a PGWP-eligible credential |
CDI College is one of Canada's premier career-training providers, with campuses in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. It offers market-driven programmes in business, healthcare, technology, and more.
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Feature |
Details |
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Location |
Multiple campuses in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec |
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Average Tuition Fees |
CAD 14,000 – 20,000/year (NPR 1,372,000 – NPR 1,960,000) |
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Courses Offered |
Business, Healthcare, Technology, Art & Design, Legal |
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Admission Timeline |
Multiple intakes throughout the year |
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PGWP Status |
This is a private career college. Its diploma and certificate programmes are not designed to be PGWP-eligible |
Toronto School of Management (TSoM) in Toronto offers diplomas and certificates in business, hospitality, IT, and digital marketing. Known for its industry partnerships, it provides practical training and co-op options.
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Feature |
Details |
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Location |
Toronto |
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Average Tuition Fees |
CA $12,500 - $20,000 |
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Courses Offered |
Business, Hospitality, IT, Digital Marketing |
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Admission Timeline |
Multiple intakes throughout the year |
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PGWP Status |
Its vocational diploma and certificate programmes are not eligible for a PGWP. The focus is on practical skills and co-op placements |
Alexander College in Vancouver and Burnaby offers university transfer, associate degrees, and English for Academic Purposes programmes. It is known for small class sizes and strong academic support.
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Feature |
Details |
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Location |
Vancouver, Burnaby |
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Average Tuition Fees |
CA $640 per credit/ CA $18,500 - $19,200 |
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Courses Offered |
Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, University Transfer, English for Academic Purposes |
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PGWP-Eligible Programmes Available |
Yes. Specifically, its Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree programmes are designed to be PGWP-eligible. This makes it a popular choice for students seeking a university transfer pathway with post-graduation work rights. |
Located in downtown Vancouver, Canadian College offers internationally recognised diplomas in business, hospitality, IT, and project management, all with co-op options.
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Feature |
Details |
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Location |
Vancouver |
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Average Tuition Fees |
CA $10,550 - $22,000 |
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Courses Offered |
Vocational diplomas in fields like Business, Hospitality, and IT |
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PGWP Status |
Offers diploma programmes with a strong co-op component. These programmes are not designed for PGWP eligibility |
ILSC Canada specialises in English language and university pathway programmes, with campuses in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. It is a popular choice for students seeking language proficiency before academic studies.
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Feature |
Details |
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Location |
Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal |
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Average Tuition Fees |
CA $350 - $470 per week |
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Courses Offered |
English, University Pathway, Exam Prep |
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PGWP Status |
As a language school, its English and French language programmes are not PGWP-eligible. It serves as a pathway to prepare students for academic studies at other institutions |
Stenberg College in Surrey, BC, is accredited by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education. It specialises in health care and human services, offering diplomas and certificates with strong job placement rates.
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Feature |
Details |
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Location |
Surrey, BC |
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Average Tuition Fees |
CA $18,000 - $32,000 |
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Courses Offered |
Healthcare, Nursing, Early Childhood Education, Business, Counselling |
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PGWP-Eligible Programmes Available |
Yes, for specific programmes. Stenberg College offers some advanced diploma programmes, particularly in healthcare fields, that are PGWP-eligible. It is a specialised institution, and students must verify the eligibility of the exact programme they intend to study |
While both private colleges and private universities in Canada offer quality education, they cater to different learning styles, career goals, and budgets. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key distinctions, advantages, and disadvantages of each, equipping Nepali students with the information needed to make an informed choice
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Feature |
Private Colleges in Canada |
Private Universities in Canada |
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Primary Focus |
Career-oriented, practical skills, and vocational training |
Academic and research-focused, theoretical knowledge |
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Programmes Offered |
Diplomas, certificates, applied degrees |
Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral (PhD) degrees |
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Duration of Programmes |
Typically shorter (1-3 years) |
Generally longer (4 years for Bachelor's, 2+ for postgraduate) |
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Class Size |
Smaller, fostering more interaction with instructors |
Can be larger, especially in introductory undergraduate courses |
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Admission Requirements |
Generally more flexible, may have lower academic and English proficiency score requirements |
More stringent, often requiring higher academic scores and English proficiency |
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Tuition Fees |
Generally lower than private universities |
Typically higher due to comprehensive facilities and research focus |
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Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) |
Eligibility can be complex and depends on the institution's status and programme. Crucial changes have been implemented |
Graduates of most degree programmes are eligible for PGWP |
To study at private colleges in Canada, Nepali students generally need to meet these requirements:
Applying to private colleges in Canada is straightforward. Nepali students are required to follow the below mentioned steps:
Studying in Canada is a major aspiration for many Nepali students, but understanding the total cost is essential for effective planning. Expenses include not just tuition fees, but also living costs, accommodation, and everyday essentials. While Canada is known for offering high-quality education at competitive rates compared to other leading destinations, costs can vary significantly based on your chosen programme, institution, and city.
Scholarships and part-time work opportunities can help ease the financial burden, making it possible for Nepali students to pursue their academic goals in Canada with proper financial planning.
Cost of Studying in Private Colleges in Canada
Cost of Living in Canada
As per the rules laid down by the government of Canada, International students looking to study in Canada need to have a minimum of CA $20,635 as part of their living expenses. International students coming to Québec in Canada will need to show funds of CA $15,508 as part of living expenses.
Scholarships to Study in Canada
Private colleges in Canada offer entrance scholarships and bursaries for international/Nepali students looking to study in the country. Students can get in touch with our counsellors for a list of scholarships that are available based on their profile.
Financial Planning Tips:
Nepali students enrolled in programmes that are longer than six months would need to apply for a Canada Student Visa to enter the country. The Canada Study Visa allows international students to study and undertake part time work opportunities depending on the length of the programme. To apply for a Canada Student Visa, Nepali students must
You need these documents to apply for admission and a study permit:
International students with a valid study permit can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks (such as summer or winter holidays). On-campus work is also permitted without a separate work permit.
A student graduating from a private college is typically only eligible for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) if they are enrolled in a specific type of programme, such as a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree programme, or a programme that leads to a degree that is conferred by a PGWP-eligible public institution. Most diploma and certificate programmes at private career colleges do not make a student eligible for a PGWP.
With a wide range of programmes, supportive environments, and strong industry connections, Private Colleges in Canada can help you achieve your academic and career goals. Ready to start your Canadian journey? Contact AECC for personalised guidance and application support.
Most private colleges with co-op programmes allow students to gain work experience during studies, but only graduates from eligible programmes at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Always check the DLI and programme eligibility on the official IRCC website before applying.
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