- Level
- 1-Year Graduate Certificate
- CIP code
- 51.2309
- Duration
- 1 year graduate certificate
- Field
- Health and Medical Sciences
- Institution
- Public College
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
Program overview
An Ontario College Graduate Certificate at Algonquin covering therapeutic recreation assessment, program planning for older adults and people with disabilities, inclusion practice and field placement.
At a recorded CAD 25,145 this is among the dearest certificates here, and it runs a single September intake.
The therapeutic recreation certificate is taught at Algonquin College’s Ottawa campus on Woodroffe Avenue, the main campus of a public Ontario college founded in 1967. Algonquin lists the therapeutic recreation certificate on its PGWP list under CIP 51.2309, so it meets the field of study rule for college credentials. A programme shorter than two years supports a permit matching its own length, so the therapeutic recreation certificate points to a work permit of about one year or less. Ontario also requires a provincial attestation letter before the therapeutic recreation certificate can support a study permit.
Entry to the therapeutic recreation certificate needs a completed college diploma, advanced diploma or degree in a related field at 50 percent or above. The English requirement is IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, and tuition for the therapeutic recreation certificate is recorded at CAD 25,145 for the year. Algonquin charges a CAD 135 application fee, and if your study permit is refused it keeps only CAD 250 of the fees paid for the therapeutic recreation certificate, provided the refusal letter reaches it within ten days. For 2027 the therapeutic recreation certificate is open to international students only in September 2027, so a missed deadline means a long wait. Apply Study Visa handles the application for the therapeutic recreation certificate, the fee payment, the attestation letter and the Canadian study permit as one process.
What it costs per year · indicative
Living cost is an estimate; tuition is the institute's published international fee. We confirm exact, current figures before you pay anything.
Do you qualify?
These are the published minimums. Whether your profile fits — with your marks, gap and budget — is exactly what a free counsellor check confirms.
Admission requirements
Who can apply (guide for international students):
- Education: A completed college diploma, advanced diploma or degree in a related field, at the percentage stated for this programme.
- English (meet any one): IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0; TOEFL iBT 88 with 22 in each section, or 4.5 in each section on the new scale for tests taken after 21 January 2026; or the Duolingo English Test at 120 with 120 in Literacy and no subscore below 105. PTE Academic is not listed among the tests Algonquin accepts, so do not book it for this programme.
- Application and payment: Algonquin charges a CAD 135 application fee. Pay the required fees by the deadline on your admissions letter to secure your seat and attestation letter. If your study permit is refused, Algonquin refunds all but a CAD 250 administrative fee, provided the refusal letter is dated after your latest acceptance letter and reaches the college within ten days. Other withdrawals before the start carry a CAD 2,200 penalty.
- Scholarship: No entrance scholarship is recorded against this programme. Algonquin offers awards to international students based on grades once enrolled, so budget the full tuition.
- Additional requirement: A police record check with vulnerable sector screening and immunisation records are required before placement, and an unpardoned criminal record can block entry to placement.
- Work rights: Algonquin lists this programme under CIP 51.2309, supporting a permit matching the programme length, about one year or less. A PGWP also requires a language test at CLB 5 in all four abilities for college credentials, taken within two years of applying. This is separate from the English test you need for admission. No open work permit for a spouse or partner, since IRCC now limits those to master, doctoral and select professional programmes.
- Study permit: Apply Study Visa prepares the attestation letter request, the financial evidence and the Canadian study permit submission with you.
English requirements
Documents you'll need typical · we confirm yours
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets and certificates
- Bachelor's degree marksheets & final certificate
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Updated CV / resume
- Financial proof — bank statement / loan sanction + GIC
- Passport-size photographs
- Study-gap affidavit or work-experience letter (if applicable)
Getting documents right is the #1 reason applications succeed or get refused — our team checks every file before submission.
Career opportunities
Typical destinations for graduates:
- Recreation Therapist: long term care
- Therapeutic Recreation Specialist: hospitals
- Activation Coordinator: retirement homes
- Community Inclusion Worker: disability services
- Recreation Programmer: municipal recreation
- Recreation Therapy Lead: after experience
Reality check: Graduates can pursue certification with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario, which many employers prefer.
About Algonquin College
- Type
- College
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.7
- Established
- 1967
- Reference No.
- O19358971022
