- Level
- 1-Year Post Secondary Certificate
- CIP code
- 51.1199
- Duration
- 1 year college certificate
- Field
- Health and Medical Sciences
- Institution
- Public College
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
Program overview
An one year Ontario College Certificate at Algonquin covering biology, chemistry, mathematics, anatomy and physiology at the level needed for advanced health diplomas and degrees.
This Pembroke pathway asks the higher English band and prepares you for competitive health programmes.
Algonquin College, a public Ontario college founded in 1967, delivers the Pembroke pre-health sciences certificate at its small Pembroke campus in the Ottawa Valley. Algonquin lists the Pembroke pre-health sciences certificate on its PGWP list under CIP 51.1199, 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 Pembroke pre-health sciences certificate points to a work permit of about one year or less. A provincial attestation letter from Ontario is needed before the Pembroke pre-health sciences certificate can support a study permit application.
Applicants to the Pembroke pre-health sciences 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 Pembroke pre-health sciences 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 Pembroke pre-health sciences certificate, provided the refusal letter reaches it within ten days. For 2027 the Pembroke pre-health sciences certificate is open to international students only in September 2027, so a missed deadline means a long wait. Apply Study Visa manages the application for the Pembroke pre-health sciences 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.
- Additional requirement: Grade 12 English and mathematics are expected, and some programmes set subject minimums above the overall percentage.
- Work rights: Algonquin lists this programme under CIP 51.1199, 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:
- Health Programme Student: after laddering
- Health Care Aide: long term care
- Laboratory Assistant: clinics
- Pharmacy Assistant: pharmacies
- Research Assistant: health research
- Health Professional: after further study
Reality check: Admission to a competitive health programme afterwards is not guaranteed, so treat the grade targets seriously.
About Algonquin College
- Type
- College
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.7
- Established
- 1967
- Reference No.
- O19358971022
