What this guide covers
- About Loyalist College
- Campuses & locations
- Public or private? DLI
- What it's known for
- Courses & programs
- Admission requirements
- English / IELTS
- Tuition fees
- Cost of living
- Scholarships
- Intakes & deadlines
- PGWP eligibility
- 2025–26 update to know
- Student life & housing
- How to apply
- Is Loyalist good?
- FAQs
About Loyalist College
Loyalist College — formally Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology — is one of Ontario's public colleges, founded in 1967 to bring career-focused diploma, certificate and continuing-education programs to the Bay of Quinte region. Its name honours the United Empire Loyalists who first settled the area along Lake Ontario. The college moved to its present 200-acre Belleville campus on Wallbridge-Loyalist Road in 1968 and has grown steadily ever since.
Loyalist is deliberately small and personal: with roughly 3,000+ students and 70+ full-time programs, class sizes are modest and staff tend to know students by name. That close, supportive environment — paired with hands-on labs, studios and workshops — is a big reason international students choose it. Loyalist is also recognised among Canada's Top 50 research colleges, and its teams compete as the Lancers.
| College | Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology |
|---|---|
| Type | Public college, Ontario |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Locations | Belleville (main), Port Hope, Bancroft |
| Main campus | 376 Wallbridge-Loyalist Road, Belleville, ON K8N 5B9 |
| DLI number | O19359011572 |
| Students | Approximately 3,000+ |
| Credentials | Certificates, diplomas, apprenticeships, post-graduate certificates |
| Apply via | OCAS International (ontariocolleges.ca) |
Loyalist College campuses and locations
Loyalist's public locations sit across eastern Ontario, conveniently placed between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.
Belleville campus (main)
The main campus is on more than 200 wooded acres at 376 Wallbridge-Loyalist Road, Belleville, ON K8N 5B9, in the Bay of Quinte region roughly two hours east of Toronto and close to Highway 401. This is where the college offers its full range of 70+ programs, along with specialised facilities such as the Bay of Quinte Skills Centre for trades, an Interprofessional Simulation Centre for health programs, media and design studios, and a new Medical Radiation Technology lab. It also has an on-campus residence and easy access to shopping, dining and the Lake Ontario waterfront.
Port Hope campus
Loyalist's newer Port Hope location sits in Northumberland County, closer to Toronto (about an hour east), in a charming waterfront town. It offers a focused selection of programs in a smaller setting, giving students who want to be nearer the Greater Toronto Area a calmer, more affordable alternative to studying in the city itself.
Bancroft location
Loyalist also runs a smaller location in Bancroft, focused on regional education and training. Belleville and Port Hope are the two campuses most relevant to international students.
Is Loyalist College public or private?
Loyalist College is a public college and a Designated Learning Institution (DLI #O19359011572) — the status international students need for a study permit. Its Belleville, Port Hope and Bancroft locations are public campuses.
What is Loyalist College known for?
- Media, journalism & design — Loyalist has a long-standing reputation in photojournalism, television/film and broadcast production, and related creative-media programs.
- Health & biosciences — nursing and health programs taught in a modern simulation centre, a new Medical Radiation Technology lab, and respected bioscience/laboratory programs.
- Skilled trades — hands-on training at the purpose-built Bay of Quinte Skills Centre.
- Small, personal learning — small classes, approachable faculty and strong student support that international students consistently praise.
- Applied research — recognised among Canada's Top 50 research colleges, giving students real project experience.
Courses and programs at Loyalist College
Loyalist offers 70+ full-time programs across business, health and human studies, justice, media and design, building science, skilled trades and biosciences, plus post-graduate certificates aimed at graduates. Popular choices for international students include:
| Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Business & management | Business, Global Business Management, Project Management, Supply Chain, Human Resources |
| Technology & IT (PG) | Artificial Intelligence & Data Science, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Software & Database Development |
| Health & human studies | Practical Nursing, Personal Support Worker, Medical Radiation Technology, Biosciences |
| Media, arts & design | Photojournalism, Television & Film Production, Graphic Design, Advertising & Marketing |
| Skilled trades & building | Welding, Electrical, Carpentry, Building Renovation, Survey Engineering |
| Justice & community | Police Foundations, Protection & Security, Social/Community Services |
Program availability changes by campus and intake, so always confirm your chosen program is running — and open to international students — at your preferred campus.
Admission requirements for international students
- Certificates & diplomas: completion of Class 12 (10+2) from a recognised board, often with named subjects (for example, Biology/Chemistry for health and bioscience programs, Mathematics for technology and trades).
- Post-graduate certificates: a completed diploma or Bachelor's degree, usually in a related field.
- Some programs (especially health) require immunisations, CPR/First Aid and criminal/vulnerable-sector record checks.
- English-language proof — see the next section.
English language requirements (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo)
Loyalist accepts the main recognised English tests. As a general guide, most diplomas and certificates require around IELTS 6.0 (with minimum band requirements), while some programs — particularly health and post-graduate certificates — require IELTS 6.5. Equivalent PTE, TOEFL iBT and Duolingo scores are accepted, and English-pathway options may be available for students who need to build their score. Always confirm the exact requirement for your specific program.
Tuition fees for international students
International tuition at Loyalist depends on your program. As a broad, recent guide, most diploma and certificate programs sit in the region of CAD $15,000–$17,000 per year, with some specialised or post-graduate programs higher. Budget also for books, kits/uniforms and mandatory health insurance, plus an application fee of around CAD $100–$110. Tuition is updated each year, so confirm the exact, current fee for your program on Loyalist's official site or your offer letter before you pay.
Cost of living
A key advantage of Belleville and Port Hope is affordability — living costs, especially rent, are well below Toronto's. Budget for roughly CAD $15,000–$20,000 per year for living expenses, in line with the funds you must show for a study permit. On-campus residence is available in Belleville, and the international office can help with off-campus housing; because the area saw housing pressure during past enrolment surges, it's wise to arrange accommodation early.
Scholarships at Loyalist College
Loyalist awards a large number of scholarships, bursaries and donor-supported awards each year — reported to total several hundred awards and more than CAD $700,000 in value — including options for international students. Some are based on academic achievement, others also consider financial need. Because eligibility and amounts change by year and campus, confirm current scholarship details and application steps on Loyalist's official pages before applying.
Intakes and application deadlines
Loyalist generally offers Fall (September), Winter (January) and Spring/Summer (May) intakes, though available terms vary by program. Popular and competitive programs fill early, 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, fee payment, Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and study-permit processing.
PGWP eligibility at Loyalist College
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets eligible graduates work in Canada for up to three years. Two points matter at Loyalist:
- Field of study (public campuses): 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. Not every program qualifies, so check your specific program's CIP code against IRCC's list before you apply.
- Public–private partnership programs: any Loyalist program delivered through a private-partner (public–private partnership) location is generally not PGWP-eligible for new students, regardless of field of study.
A 2025–26 update worth knowing
Like many Ontario colleges, Loyalist grew rapidly on international enrolment and then had to adjust after the federal government's 2024 cap on international students. In 2025 the college suspended a number of programs and reduced staffing, and its program list has been actively reshaped since. None of this changes Loyalist's status as a public DLI, but it does mean one practical step is essential: confirm your specific program is still offered — and open to international students — for your intended intake before you apply or pay anything. A quick check now can save a lot of trouble later.
Student life, housing and support
Loyalist offers a warm, close-knit student experience with clubs, Lancers athletics, creative workshops and strong international-student services. The Belleville campus has a residence, modern labs and studios, a library and green space, all within a friendly small city near the Lake Ontario waterfront; Port Hope offers a quieter, historic-town setting nearer Toronto. Both are safe and affordable, with easy weekend access to Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. The trade-off versus a big city is a smaller local job market, so many graduates broaden their search regionally after finishing.
How to apply to Loyalist College
- Choose your program and campus, and confirm it is currently offered and open to international students for your intake (and check its PGWP/CIP status if that matters to you).
- Review the academic, English and any health/record-check requirements on the program page.
- Apply online through OCAS International (the Ontario College Application Service).
- Submit your documents and pay the application fee; pay the required deposit to receive your PAL and Letter of Acceptance.
- Apply for your study permit with your LOA, PAL and proof of funds.
So, is Loyalist College a good choice?
For international students who want hands-on, career-focused training — especially in media, health, biosciences, business or skilled trades — in a small, supportive, affordable college near the Toronto–Ottawa–Montreal triangle, Loyalist College is a credible public option with genuine PGWP pathways at its public campuses. The essentials to get right: confirm your program is currently offered for your intake, verify its CIP code for PGWP if you plan to work in Canada, choose a public campus rather than a private-partner location for PGWP, and arrange housing early.
Quick facts
| Type | Public College |
|---|---|
| Location | Belleville & Port Hope, Ontario, Canada |
| Established | 1967 |
| DLI number | O19359011572 |
| Main campus | 376 Wallbridge-Loyalist Road, Belleville, ON K8N 5B9 |
| Application fee | ~CAD $100–$110 (via OCAS International) |
| Avg. tuition / yr | ~CAD $15,000–$17,000 |
| Cost of living / yr | ~CAD $15,000–$20,000 |
| Known for | Media, health & biosciences, skilled trades |
| PGWP | Public-campus programs with an eligible CIP code |
Frequently asked questions
Is Loyalist College public or private?
Loyalist College is a public college in Ontario and a Designated Learning Institution (DLI #O19359011572). Its Belleville, Port Hope and Bancroft locations are public campuses. Some programs have been offered through a public–private partnership in the GTA, which affects PGWP eligibility.
What is Loyalist College's DLI number?
Loyalist College's DLI number is O19359011572. You'll need it for your study-permit application.
Where is Loyalist College located?
Its main campus is in Belleville, Ontario (376 Wallbridge-Loyalist Road), about two hours east of Toronto, with a newer campus in Port Hope and a location in Bancroft.
What is Loyalist College known for?
Loyalist is known for media and journalism programs (including photojournalism and television/film), health and biosciences, and skilled trades, all taught in a small, hands-on, supportive setting.
How much is Loyalist College tuition for international students?
Most diploma and certificate programs cost roughly CAD $15,000–$17,000 per year, with some specialised or post-graduate programs higher, plus books, supplies and health insurance. Confirm the exact fee for your program.
What IELTS score do I need for Loyalist College?
Generally IELTS 6.0 for most diplomas and certificates, and 6.5 for some health and post-graduate programs, with PTE, TOEFL iBT and Duolingo also accepted. Check your specific program's requirement.
Are Loyalist College programs PGWP-eligible?
Public-campus programs can be, but only if the program's CIP code is on IRCC's eligible field-of-study list (a rule for college diplomas/certificates since November 2024). Programs delivered through a public–private partnership are generally not PGWP-eligible for new students. Always verify both the delivery location and the CIP code, as IRCC makes the final decision.
Does Loyalist College have a Toronto or Mississauga campus?
Loyalist has delivered some programs through a public–private partnership with a private college partner in the Greater Toronto Area. These partner-delivered programs are generally not PGWP-eligible for new students, so confirm whether a program is on Loyalist's own public campus (Belleville/Port Hope) before accepting.
Does Loyalist College offer scholarships?
Yes — Loyalist awards several hundred scholarships, bursaries and donor-supported awards each year, worth several hundred thousand dollars in total, including options for international students. Confirm current details and how to apply on the official site.
What are the intakes at Loyalist College?
Typically Fall (September), Winter (January) and Spring/Summer (May), varying by program. Apply 4–8 months ahead, as popular programs fill early.
Is Loyalist College good for international students?
Yes, if you want affordable, hands-on, career-focused training in a small, welcoming college near Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Because the college has recently reshaped its program list, confirm your program is still offered and PGWP-eligible before applying.
Thinking about applying to Loyalist College?
Talk to a certified study-abroad counsellor to confirm your program is currently offered, check the CIP code for PGWP, and compare the Belleville and Port Hope campuses before you apply.
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