Lambton College is a public college in Sarnia, Ontario, known for hands-on, career-focused training, strong co-op and applied research, and affordable study in Canada's industrial and energy heartland. It welcomes international students at two campuses — Sarnia and Ottawa. This guide answers every question you'll search before applying: campuses, courses, fees, IELTS and admission requirements, PGWP eligibility, scholarships, the DLI number, and the important truth about the Toronto and Mississauga campuses.
What this guide covers
About Lambton College
Lambton College — formally Lambton College of Applied Arts and Technology — is one of Ontario's public colleges, serving students in Sarnia since 1967. It sits on the shores of Lake Huron and the St. Clair River, in a region famous as Canada's "Chemical Valley" for its concentration of energy, petrochemical and advanced-manufacturing industry. That location shapes the college's identity: Lambton is a leader in hands-on technology, skilled trades, energy and health training, backed by strong industry partnerships and co-op placements.
Lambton is deliberately practical and career-focused, offering 70+ post-secondary programs plus apprenticeships, academic upgrading and post-graduate certificates. It is also one of Canada's leading colleges for applied research, consistently ranked among the top research colleges in the country. Its teams compete as the Lambton Lions, and its colours are blue and white.
| College | Lambton College of Applied Arts and Technology |
|---|---|
| Type | Public college, Ontario |
| Established | 1967 |
| Campuses (international) | Sarnia (main) & Ottawa |
| Main campus | 1457 London Road, Sarnia, ON N7S 6K4 |
| DLI number | O19305293332 (first character is the letter O) |
| Programs | 70+ programs, apprenticeships & post-graduate certificates |
| Known for | Energy & trades, health sciences, IT, applied research |
| Apply via | Lambton's official international application portal |
Lambton College campuses and locations
This is the single most important section for planning in 2026, because Lambton's campus picture has changed. Here is the accurate, current position:
Sarnia campus (main) — open
The main campus at 1457 London Road, Sarnia is the heart of Lambton College and where international students find the full range of programs. It has modern, purpose-built facilities including the NOVA Chemicals Health & Research Centre, the Centre of Excellence in Energy & Bio-Industrial Technologies, a Skilled Trades Training Centre, an athletics and fitness complex and on-campus residence. Sarnia is an affordable, friendly waterfront city about two hours from Toronto and right across the border from Michigan.
Ottawa campus — open (post-graduate only)
Lambton's Ottawa location, the Centre for Graduate Studies, operates on the campus of Saint Paul University in the heart of the national capital. It offers post-graduate certificate programs only. Crucially, this is a collaboration between two public institutions and is run directly by Lambton — so, unlike the Toronto and Mississauga sites below, it is a genuine public campus.
Toronto & Mississauga — closed to new students
Is Lambton College public or private?
Lambton College is a public college and a Designated Learning Institution. Its official DLI number is O19305293332 (note the first character is the letter O, not a zero) — you'll need it for your study-permit application. The Sarnia and Ottawa campuses are public. The former Toronto and Mississauga sites were public–private partnerships, which is why their PGWP status differed and why they are no longer the route for new students.
What is Lambton College known for?
- Energy, process & skilled trades — set in Canada's petrochemical heartland, Lambton is a leader in power engineering, instrumentation, chemical production, welding and industrial trades, with employer connections built in.
- Health sciences — a modern NOVA Chemicals Health & Research Centre with nursing labs, simulation suites and programs like practical nursing, PSW and paramedic.
- Technology & IT — strong, in-demand programs in computer programming, computer systems, cyber security, AI and full-stack development.
- Applied research — one of Canada's top-ranked research colleges, giving students real project experience with industry.
- Co-op & hands-on learning — many programs include co-op work terms, helping graduates gain Canadian experience and strong employment outcomes.
Courses and programs at Lambton College
Lambton offers certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas and post-graduate certificates across trades, technology, health, business and community services. Popular choices for international students include:
| Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Technology & IT | Computer Programmer, Computer Systems Technician, Cyber Security, AI & Machine Learning, Business Analytics, Full Stack Software Development |
| Skilled trades & energy | Electrical, Welding, Plumbing, Millwright, HVAC, Power Engineering, Instrumentation |
| Health & community | Practical Nursing, Personal Support Worker, Paramedic, OTA & PTA, Social Service Worker, Early Childhood Education |
| Business & management | Supply Chain, Project Management, Occupational Health & Safety, Business Analytics |
| Ottawa (post-grad only) | Project Management, AI & Machine Learning, Business Analytics, Cyber Security & Computer Forensics, Full Stack Development, OHS Management |
Program availability changes each intake — and Lambton has recently reshaped its program list (see the 2025–26 update below) — so always confirm your program is open for your intended intake and campus.
Admission requirements for international students
- Certificates & diplomas: completion of Class 12 (10+2) with competitive marks (commonly around 55%+), with named subjects for some programs — for example, Grade 12 Mathematics and Physics for engineering, technology and trades.
- Post-graduate certificates: a completed diploma or Bachelor's degree, usually in a related field; IT post-grad programs typically expect an IT-related degree.
- Some health and trades programs have additional requirements (specific subjects, higher marks, health/immunisation records).
- English-language proof — see the next section.
English language requirements (IELTS)
As a general guide, most certificates and diplomas require around IELTS 6.0 (with minimum band scores), and post-graduate certificates require around IELTS 6.5. Lambton also accepts equivalents such as TOEFL iBT and PTE, and offers its own English pathway (the Lambton Institute of English) for students who need to build their score first. One important note: for the faster Study Direct Stream (SDS) visa route, IELTS is typically the accepted test — confirm the current requirement for your specific program before applying.
Tuition fees for international students
International tuition depends on your program. As a broad, recent guide, most Sarnia diplomas and certificates fall in the region of CAD $14,000–$17,000 per year, with some specialised energy and post-graduate programs higher; Ottawa post-graduate certificates generally sit a little higher again. Budget also for books, kits/uniforms and mandatory health insurance. A non-refundable application fee (around CAD $150) applies, and a first-semester tuition deposit is required to secure your seat. Always confirm the exact, current tuition for your program on Lambton's official site.
Cost of living
Affordability is one of Lambton's biggest advantages. Living costs in Sarnia are well below those in Toronto or Vancouver, especially rent — a major saving over a typical GTA college. Budget roughly CAD $15,000–$20,000 per year for living expenses, in line with the funds you must show for a study permit. Ottawa is a larger capital city with more job opportunities but somewhat higher living costs. Sarnia offers on-campus residence, and staff can help with off-campus housing.
Scholarships at Lambton College
Lambton offers international entrance scholarships that reduce your tuition, typically awarded on academic merit. As a guide, Sarnia entrance scholarships reach up to about CAD $4,000, and Ottawa up to about CAD $3,600, with additional donor bursaries and awards available. Amounts and eligibility vary by program and intake, so confirm the current scholarship details on Lambton's official pages before you apply.
Intakes and application deadlines
Lambton generally offers Fall (September), Winter (January) and Spring/Summer (May) intakes, though available terms vary by program and campus. Popular programs fill early and some intakes close well in advance, so apply as soon as applications open. A safe rule of thumb is to apply 4–8 months before your intended start to allow time for your offer, deposit, Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and study-permit processing.
PGWP eligibility at Lambton College
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets eligible graduates work in Canada for up to three years, and it's a major reason students choose Lambton. Here's the accurate 2026 position:
| Campus | PGWP position |
|---|---|
| Sarnia (public) | Eligible — if the program's CIP code is on IRCC's list |
| Ottawa (public) | Eligible — if the program's CIP code is on IRCC's list |
| Toronto / Mississauga (PPP) | Not eligible — and closed to new students |
Since 1 November 2024, most college diploma and certificate graduates must complete a program whose field of study — identified by its 6-digit CIP code — is on IRCC's eligible list. Lambton helpfully publishes a "PGWP-Ready" list showing exactly which of its programs carry an eligible CIP code, and it advertises 30+ PGWP-eligible programs across Sarnia and Ottawa. Not every program qualifies, though — for example, some business, marketing and certain post-graduate programs are not on the eligible list.
A 2025–26 update worth knowing
Like many Ontario colleges, Lambton grew quickly on international enrolment and then had to adjust after the federal government's 2024 cap and PGWP reforms. It paused its Toronto and Mississauga partnerships, suspended around 18 programs (primarily international), and projected that international enrolment could fall significantly for 2026. None of this changes Lambton's status as a public DLI or the strength of its core Sarnia programs — but it makes one step essential: confirm your specific program is still offered, and open to international students, for your intended intake before you apply or pay anything.
Student life, housing and support
Lambton offers a friendly, close-knit student experience with strong international support, clubs, Lions athletics, an esports arena, and modern facilities. The Sarnia campus has on-campus residence, a health and wellness centre, an athletics and fitness complex, and easy access to Lake Huron beaches and Canatara Park. Sarnia is safe, welcoming and very affordable, though it's a mid-sized city, so many graduates broaden their job search regionally. Ottawa offers a big-capital-city experience with strong employment opportunities and a shared university campus environment.
How to apply to Lambton College
- Choose your program and campus (Sarnia or Ottawa), and confirm it is open to international students for your intake — and check its PGWP/CIP status if that matters to you.
- Review the academic and English requirements on the official program page.
- Apply online through Our Apply Study Visa application portal.
- Pay the application fee (around CAD $150) but current at Our Portal You don't need to pay any Application feeand submit your documents; pay the tuition deposit to receive your PAL and Letter of Acceptance.
- Apply for your study permit using your LOA, PAL, proof of funds and Lambton's DLI number O19305293332.
So, is Lambton College a good choice?
For international students who want affordable, hands-on, career-focused training — especially in energy, trades, health, IT or applied technology — with strong co-op and a genuine PGWP pathway, Lambton College is a solid public choice, and its Sarnia campus is a well-established, industry-connected option. The essentials to get right in 2026: choose Sarnia or Ottawa (not the closed Toronto/Mississauga sites), confirm your program is still offered for your intake, and check it appears on Lambton's PGWP-Ready list if you plan to work in Canada afterwards.
Quick facts
| Type | Public College |
|---|---|
| Location | Sarnia (main) & Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Established | 1967 |
| DLI number | O19305293332 |
| Main campus | 1457 London Road, Sarnia, ON N7S 6K4 |
| Application fee | ~CAD $150 |
| Avg. tuition / yr | ~CAD $14,000–$17,000 (higher for some programs) |
| Cost of living / yr | ~CAD $15,000–$20,000 |
| Scholarships | Up to ~CAD $4,000 (Sarnia) / $3,600 (Ottawa) |
| PGWP | Sarnia & Ottawa public-campus programs with an eligible CIP code |
Frequently asked questions
Is Lambton College public or private?
Lambton College is a public college in Sarnia, Ontario, and a Designated Learning Institution (DLI #O19305293332). Its Sarnia and Ottawa campuses are public; the former Toronto and Mississauga sites were public–private partnerships and are closed to new students.
What is Lambton College's DLI number?
Lambton College's DLI number is O19305293332 — the first character is the letter O, not a zero. You'll need it for your study-permit application.
Where are Lambton College's campuses?
The main campus is in Sarnia, Ontario (1457 London Road), with a post-graduate campus in Ottawa at Saint Paul University. The former Toronto (Cestar) and Mississauga (Queen's) partnership campuses are no longer accepting new students.
Are Lambton College's Toronto and Mississauga campuses still open?
No — they are closed to new students. Lambton paused these public–private partnerships after the 2024 federal changes, and programs delivered through such partnerships are not PGWP-eligible. For 2026, apply to Sarnia or Ottawa.
Are Lambton College programs PGWP-eligible?
Programs at the public Sarnia and Ottawa campuses can be, but only if the program's CIP code is on IRCC's eligible list (a rule for college diplomas and certificates since November 2024). Lambton publishes a "PGWP-Ready" list of eligible programs — verify your specific program, as the final decision rests with IRCC.
How much is Lambton College tuition for international students?
Most Sarnia diplomas and certificates cost roughly CAD $14,000–$17,000 per year, with some energy and post-graduate programs higher; Ottawa post-graduate certificates are a little higher. Always confirm the exact fee for your program.
What IELTS score do I need for Lambton College?
Generally IELTS 6.0 for most certificates and diplomas, and 6.5 for post-graduate certificates, with TOEFL and PTE also accepted. For the SDS visa route, IELTS is typically required. Check your specific program's requirement.
Does Lambton College offer scholarships?
Yes — international entrance scholarships of up to about CAD $4,000 in Sarnia and CAD $3,600 in Ottawa, awarded mainly on academic merit, plus donor bursaries. Confirm current amounts and eligibility before applying.
What are the intakes at Lambton College?
Typically September, January and May, varying by program and campus. Apply 4–8 months ahead, as popular programs fill early and some intakes close well in advance.
What is Lambton College known for?
Energy, process and skilled-trades training in Canada's "Chemical Valley," strong health sciences, in-demand IT programs (cyber security, AI, software development), and top-ranked applied research, all with a hands-on, co-op-based approach.
Is Lambton College good for international students?
Yes, if you want affordable, hands-on, career-focused training with strong co-op and a genuine PGWP pathway at a public campus. Just choose Sarnia or Ottawa, confirm your program is still offered, and check its PGWP-Ready status before applying.
Thinking about applying to Lambton College?
Talk to a certified study-abroad counsellor to choose the right campus (Sarnia or Ottawa) and program, confirm it's PGWP-Ready, and check current fees, scholarships and intakes before you apply.
For more details call on +91-783-783-4800 or email at : applystudyvisa@gmail.com
