Ontario colleges implement new guidelines and benchmarks to bolster support services and recruitment for international students

Posted on Thursday, March 16th, 2023

Ontario’s colleges released a new set of common standards today to strengthen programs and supports for international students.

According to Claude Brulé, the President and CEO of Algonquin College, it is imperative that every student who enrolls in their institution be given the opportunity to thrive. He also added that the implementation of these new benchmarks will further enhance the college’s standing as a sought-after choice for international students.

The new guidelines and standards build on existing programs and services and cover everything from the marketing of programs in other countries to targeted assistance to help students adapt to life in Ontario.

In addition, best practices from other jurisdictions incorporate and align with similar standards in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Twenty-three public colleges have signed on to begin the compliance process immediately.

Each signatory college’s commitments include:

  • Ensuring the marketing of programs to international students is accurate and transparent.
  • Requiring international agents working for Ontario’s colleges to have completed a sector-endorsed agent training program.
  • Ensuring information on services, supports and facilities are provided to students before they arrive in Ontario and once they are in the province. This would include information on mental well-being, student housing and employment opportunities.
  • Providing targeted assistance to help international students adjust to a new environment.

Quality assurance process have been initiated to conduct regular audits of each signatory college’s fulfillment of the standards. Further details on that process will be announced in the coming months.

“We are pleased to welcome international students to our campus to study. Graduates of Algonquin College play an important role in the Ontario workforce, especially in key sectors,” said Brulé. “We are determined to support these learners and see more students acquire the professional qualifications and expertise to pursue rewarding careers in our community.”


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