Private career colleges

Private career college programs

Private career colleges offer certificate and diploma programs in fields such as:

• business
• health services
• human resources
• applied arts
• information technology
• electronics
• services
• trades

They often appeal to people who:

• need specific job skills to join the work force
• have academic qualifications and want to add to their practical skills to become more competitive in the job market

Search for a private career college in Ontario

Private career college structure

Private career colleges often work with small groups of students rather than large classes, and offer:

• flexible learning schedules
• enrolment at many different times during the year
• compressed programs that deliver training over a short time

Standards and registration

In Ontario, private career colleges that offer vocational program must, by law, be registered under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005. As well, they must have their vocational programs approved by the Superintendent of Private Career Colleges.

Confirming registration

You can search for registered private career colleges through ServiceOntario’s Private Career College Search Service.

If an institution is not registered and offers an unapproved program, it’s breaking the law. If you enrol in an unregistered institution or an unapproved program, the law doesn't protect you.

Filing a complaint

Every private career college must have a complaint procedure to resolve issues raised by a student. By law, the Superintendent of Private Career Colleges cannot consider student complaints until after a student has followed the college’s complaint procedure first.

If you have already complained directly to your college and you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may request that the Superintendent review your complaint.

You can contact the Superintendent to file a student complaint online. You will receive an acknowledgement of the submission within one business day.

The Superintendent will review your complaint to determine if the college operated in compliance with the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.

Reporting an unregistered college

If you have information about an institution providing vocational training without being registered – and you believe they should be registered – you may notify the ministry to investigate. Submit an inquiry to the ministry online or e-mail PCC@ontario.ca.

Private career college checklist

Before you enrol in a private career college, make sure the college is registered and the vocational program is approved under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.

If you enrol in an unregistered institution, or an unapproved vocational program, the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005 may not protect you.

Make sure that you:

• speak with employers in the field to make sure the private career college’s programs meet their needs
• visit the college to see the facilities and equipment
• understand the total cost of enrolling in the program, including the application fee, tuition, books, equipment, transportation, room and board, etc.
• meet the admission requirements of the program you registered for
• read the Statement of Students' Rights and Responsibilities
• sign an enrolment contract with a representative of the college