Returning Students
Perhaps you’re currently working, but not entirely fulfilled, or maybe you want to upgrade your skills for advancement. On the other hand, you might want to change careers altogether. Algonquin can provide the educational support you are looking for. One-on-one interaction and small class sizes allow you to really take charge of your own education and chart your own course. Compressed diploma programming allows you to re-enter the workforce quickly. It’s your dream. Make it happen.
Find Your Program
With 20 full-time programs, we’re the right size of school to nurture a friendly, supportive, learning experience for students from around the world.
Programs By Area of Interest
- Business and Technology
- Community and Social Services
- Health Sciences
- Outdoor Training and Environmental Science
- General Arts and Science: 8-Month Certificate
- Skilled Trades
- Carpentry and Renovation Techniques: 8-Month Certificate
- Electrician (Construction and Maintenance) (Pre-Apprentice): 8-Month program (CLOSED)
- General Carpenter (Apprenticeship)
Financial Aid & Supports
The Financial Aid team is here to provide you with support and resources over the course of your studies. From OSAP, Travel Awards and Bursaries we want to make your experience the best! Have questions? Have a look around! We’re sure you’ll find what you are looking for.
Visit our Financial Aid website for an overview of our support service.
Facilities and Services
Many campus facilities and services are available to enhance your student experience at our Pembroke Waterfront Campus:
- AC Hub
- Bookstore
- Campus Employment Support Centre
- Co-Curricular Record
- Events Calendar
- Food Services
- Housing
- Library
- Orientation Activities
- Parking & Lockers
- Students’ Association
Many student support services are available to help you have a successful academic year:
Admission Process
Program Requirement Types
Each individual program will have its own requirements in addition to College Requirements. These can range from completing certain high school subject classes with a minimum grade or even writing an assessment. You must submit all requirements for your application to advance. Please read all the information on the webpage of your program of choice, including the section titled Admission Requirements, to ensure you are able to satisfy all requirements.
Academic Requirements
Some programs require that you have taken certain subjects in High School and have completed them with a certain grade. More competitive or more academically challenging programs may have stricter requirements to ensure you are prepared for the academic rigors of the program. If you do not have the necessary grades for certain subjects, but the rest of your application is satisfactory, you may be invited to test for English or Math subjects you are missing and demonstrate the appropriate academic knowledge.
Our Practical Nursing program requires that all applicants write the Algonquin College Health Program Admissions Test (AC-HPAT). Learn more about this admissions test and review sample questions on our Testing Services site.
Additional Requirements
Certain programs may require some non-academic admission requirements such as references, questionnaires, or other demonstrations of experience or knowledge. You must submit all necessary requirements in your application for it to be considered. Please read your program webpage carefully to ensure you are able to satisfy all requirements. A list of all programs with additional requirements is available.
Steps to Apply
Getting into college is confusing! How will you get there? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Follow this step-by-step guide that makes getting in a breeze.
International applicants apply directly to Algonquin through the Algonquin College International Application Portal.
Step 1: Choose a Program/Why Algonquin!
Research what’s right for you
- Use our Career Tools to help select a program that would best suit you.
Career Tools - Choose a Program
Once you have a direction in mind, it’s time to dive into our program pages.
Full-time Programs - Pathways – If you have already completed a post-secondary credential, we offer opportunities for you to create a pathway to your next credential in a reduced timeframe.
Check out our Pathways
Make sure it’s open!
- Ready to Apply?
We continue to accept applications for open and waitlisted programs until the start of classes so make sure there are spaces available. For the most up-to-date information on programs with spaces available, visit the Algonquin College page at ontariocolleges.ca or browse our full-time program list and review if the program is waitlisted or closed. - Not sure?
Contact our Admissions team to ask for help.
Email yourfuture@algonquincollege.com or call 613-735-4700 x2798 and leave a message.
Do you meet all the requirements?
- Many programs have a variety of requirements that must be met in order to be accepted. Find out if you make the cut before you apply! All the Program Requirements are listed on the program page under Application/Admissions Information.
- Not sure you meet all the requirements? We can help with that.
Academic Upgrading - Check out Algonquin!
There is a lot that makes us unique. Come see for yourself.
Experience the Pembroke Waterfront Campus.
Step 2: Apply to AC!
From Canada?
Visit ontariocolleges.ca and create a profile. You can apply to as many as three programs from Algonquin, so make sure you know what programs you’d like. Watch this ontariocolleges.ca application tutorial video.
Need more info and some help with the application process?
Email yourfuture@algonquincollege.com or call 613-735-4700 x2798 and leave a message.
International Applicants
Apply directly to Algonquin through the Algonquin College International Application Portal.
Find out how to apply.
Apprenticeships
- Apply for an Apprenticeship
- Find a business or union that has an apprenticeship space available.
- Register through the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
- Gain years of hands-on paid experience.
- When it’s time to come for training:
Receive an Offer of Classroom Training from the Ministry
Make sure you mark Algonquin College as your preferred training facility. - Register online with Algonquin.
- Pay your fees online with a credit card. Accepted apprentice students can now pay online using a credit card on the ACSIS online portal. ACSIS (the Algonquin College Student Information System) represents an online version of the Registrar’s Office. It is your one-stop-shop for admissions-related information, available 20 hours (closed from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.) a day.
- Get ready for Day 1!
Step 3: Track your Application
Track your application
Track your application using the Algonquin College Student Information System, otherwise known as ACSIS. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your email for important updates and guidance. We’ll send you an email to let you know we’ve received your application, it contains your shiny Algonquin College Student Number!!!
Login to ACSIS
How to Track your Application (step by step)
- Log in to ACSIS, using your student number (found on your admissions emails) click on ‘View Application Status’ under ‘Programs’.
- Select the term for which you applied. If we need anything from you, it will be listed here.
- Submit your official transcript and important documents to OntarioColleges.ca. Find out how.
- Need more help? Watch this video!
Keep your eyes peeled!
You may receive important admissions emails after you apply. Look for emails from your Client Service Officer that will contain great resources and guidance to help you along your admissions path. Be sure to keep your contact information up-to-date on ontariocolleges.ca and on ACSIS so you don’t miss out on important information related to your application.
Admission Requirements
Each program will have its own requirements. These can range from completing certain high school subject classes with a minimum grade, to the submission of letters of intent or even writing an assessment. You must submit all the requirements for your application to advance. Please read all the information on the webpage of your program of choice to ensure you are able to satisfy all requirements.
Meeting the admissions requirements lets us know you are ready to start your college journey. All the College, Program and Assessment requirements are featured on the program page. Read through your program page of choice carefully to ensure that you meet the requirements. Some programs have additional Admission requirements, they can be found here.
If you are unsure if you have any outstanding Admission Requirements to submit please log in to ACSIS using your student number (found on all admissions emails) and check under ‘View Application Status’.
Admissions Assessment
If your admissions journey includes an assessment, you will receive an invitation via email. Not sure if you need an assessment? Log on to ACSIS and check under your ‘Application Status’. You can book your assessment on ACSIS too! Prep with practice material for most assessments from the Test Services.
Step #4: What ACSIS Can Do!
ACSIS is a workhorse that does a lot! Most of the services offered in-person at the Registrar’s Office are available on ACSIS, as it’s the online presence of the Registrar’s Office. Save yourself some time and take a look at all the useful things it can do.
Here are the top “10” (it’s 15… tell no one!) of the most useful things that ACSIS can do:
- Proof of Enrolment, under “Print Letters”.
- Payment Receipts, under “Print Payment Receipts”.
- Timetables, here’s where to look.
- Tax Receipts.
- Find your Account Balance under “Account Balance”.
- See Encumbrances, found under “Encumbrances”.
- Employment Support Centre, check out “HireAC”.
- Order Transcripts, you can also do this online.
- View Grades.
- Confirmation of Graduation Status.
- Defer your fees! Put off paying your entire tuition.
- Exemptions and Transfer Credits.
- Apply for bursaries, check under “Financial Aid”.
- Find your Brightspace credentials under “Network Account Into”.
- Complete a Release of Student Information authorization.
To help guide you through the next steps of the application process, we’ve provided the information you need to confirm your acceptance and secure your seat. Not to mention, you’ll get details on the wide range of services available to you at the Pembroke Campus. Save this Next Steps page as a reference for the coming months.
Employment Services Support
Algonquin College’s Community Employment Services in Pembroke provides employment assistance to individuals who are looking for work or re-training opportunities. There are a number of services available both at our Employment Services, 141 Lake Street Office, and on-campus that can help guide your retraining journey:
Second Career: This program is intended to support individuals who have lost their jobs because of downsizing or layoffs within their employment sector and are struggling to find a new job that matches their skill set. Clients who are motivated to attend college to receive training in a new sector-specific occupation may qualify for funding to pay their educational costs.
Career Counselling: Are you experiencing confusion about your education or career choices? Can’t decide what program to take? A Counsellor can help you explore key aspects of yourself, including your values, abilities, goals, interests, and personality to help uncover the future possibilities awaiting you. Our campus counsellor, Shannon, provides career counselling that can include referrals to additional community resources.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR is a process in which college-level learning, gained through your previous work and life experiences, is identified, evaluated, and compared to College course requirements.
The goal is to determine if your prior experience can be applied appropriately into College credits. Please note that PLAR evaluates learning gained from experience, and is not the same as an “exemption” or transfer of academic credits from other educational institutions. Learn more about the PLAR process.
Experience the Pembroke Campus
A place to learn and grow
Situated on the beautiful Ottawa River, Pembroke is a small, vibrant city renowned as “the heart of the Ottawa Valley.” Our Pembroke Waterfront Campus allows you to make biking, snowmobiling, kayaking, and other outdoor activities part of your program or a daily campus experience.
We are located in the City of Pembroke, approximately 140 km. northwest of downtown Ottawa. Our programs cover a wide variety in Business, Computer and Technology, Health Science, Outdoor Training, Environmental Science, and Community Studies.
Join us and learn first-hand the advantages of studying at a smaller campus where we offer our students exceptional learning opportunities and a friendly, supportive environment.