- Level
- 1-Year Post Secondary Certificate
- CIP code
- 01.8301
- Duration
- 1 year college certificate
- Open intake
-
Off-shoreMay 2027
- Field
- Zoology and Animal Welfare
- Institution
- Public College
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
- Next deadline
- 2027-05-01
Program overview
An one year Ontario College Certificate at Algonquin covering animal handling, clinic procedures, animal care and nutrition, reception and client service.
This one year certificate starts only in May and asks the higher English band.
Algonquin College, a public Ontario college founded in 1967, delivers the veterinary assistant certificate at its main Ottawa campus on Woodroffe Avenue. Algonquin lists the veterinary assistant certificate on its PGWP list under CIP 01.8301, 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 veterinary assistant certificate points to a work permit of about one year or less. A provincial attestation letter from Ontario is needed before the veterinary assistant certificate can support a study permit application.
Applicants to the veterinary assistant certificate need Grade 12 or equivalent with a minimum of 50 percent. The English requirement is IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, and tuition for the veterinary assistant certificate is recorded at CAD 16,165 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 veterinary assistant certificate, provided the refusal letter reaches it within ten days. For 2027 the veterinary assistant certificate is open to international students only in May 2027, so a missed deadline means a long wait. Apply Study Visa manages the application for the veterinary assistant certificate, the payment to Algonquin, the attestation letter and your 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: Grade 12 or equivalent, 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.
- Work rights: Algonquin lists this programme under CIP 01.8301, 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:
- Veterinary Assistant: animal hospitals
- Animal Care Attendant: kennels
- Clinic Receptionist: veterinary clinics
- Shelter Worker: humane societies
- Pet Groomer Assistant: grooming salons
- Veterinary Technician: after further study
Reality check: Many graduates continue into the Veterinary Technician diploma for better pay.
About Algonquin College
- Type
- College
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.7
- Established
- 1967
- Reference No.
- O19358971022
