Conestoga's story
Established in 1967, Conestoga now serves approximately 26,000 registered students through campuses and training centres in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Ingersoll and Brantford and is a provincial leader in apprenticeship training. Continuing education programs attract approximately 26,000 enrolments each year.
As the region’s only provider of polytechnic education, Conestoga plays an integral role in the success of our community: 65 per cent of our graduates remain in the area after completing their education, contributing more than $2.3 billion each year to the local economy. More than 50 per cent of the local adult population has accessed our services.
Conestoga delivers more than 300 career-focused programs, and has more degree offerings than any other college outside of the GTA, including Ontario’s only college-based, accredited engineering degrees.
As one of the country's top research colleges, Conestoga’s applied research activities support student learning and helps area businesses grow, innovate and improve their productivity.
Message from the president
Thank you for considering Conestoga, where we connect life and learning to build career success and stronger communities.
Conestoga is one of Ontario’s fastest growing colleges and a leader in polytechnic education. Our career-focused education programs – from apprenticeships to diplomas, degrees to post-graduate certificates, continuing education and part-time studies – all reflect Ontario’s changing job market and will help you build the skills and knowledge that today’s employers are seeking.
Our project-based learning model provides the hands-on experience that will prepare you for success in a wide range of potential careers – in business and hospitality, skilled trades, engineering and information technology, health and life sciences, community services or media and design.
You’ll learn from faculty with experience in their fields, and practice your skills in leading-edge facilities equipped to today’s industry standards. You’ll have opportunities to participate in applied research and develop solutions for real-world industry clients.
Here at Conestoga, we’re committed to student success, and it shows. Our students consistently achieve top honours in local, provincial and even international competitions. Our career-ready graduates have the skills to meet today’s labour-market needs, the adaptability to address tomorrow’s challenges, and the strong entrepreneurial spirit that will contribute to individual and community prosperity in our rapidly changing world.
Education is an investment in your future. Make that investment count by choosing Conestoga, and start on the path to an exciting career.
John Tibbits
President, Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
College stats
(as of November, 2022)
26,000+
Registered students
4,200+
Apprentices train at Conestoga each year26,000+
Continuing Education enrolments170,000+
Alumni4,000+
Students engaged in applied research projects250+
Full-time programs70+
Co-op programs
$3.6M+
Awarded to students each year55%+
Adults in Waterloo Region have participated in Conestoga training and education
5,000+
Local businesses owned by graduates87%
2019-20 graduates employed within 6 months of graduation1987
The year John Tibbits became president of ConestogaPolytechnic education
Conestoga is a leader in polytechnic education and one of Ontario's fastest growing colleges, delivering a full range of career-focused education, training and applied research programs to prepare students for success in the new knowledge economy and promote economic prosperity throughout our region and across Ontario.
As a member institution of Polytechnics Canada, Conestoga is proud to work with industry and community partners to propel business innovation and create jobs for tomorrow.