Diploma Programme
Computer Programming and Analysis (Optional Co-op)
A three-year advanced diploma for future software developers. Students use current languages and tools to build enterprise, web and mobile applications, applying object-oriented analysis and design and agile methods, with supporting courses in mathematics, accounting and communication. The final term ends with a group capstone, such as a business application for a local company. An optional co-op adds four consecutive four-month work terms, and graduates can move into Conestoga's Bachelor of Computer Science with advanced standing.
University
Conestoga College
Country
Canada
Level
Diploma
Field
Computer Programming
Duration
3 years
Language
English
Campus
Waterloo
Degree
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Intake
September, January, May
Application Deadline
International applicants: Conestoga accepts applications until a program reaches capacity and does not keep waitlists, so apply early; incomplete applications close when the program closes. Canadian applicants (September 2027): February 1, 2027 is the equal-consideration date; most programs keep accepting applications after that while space remains, but most oversubscribed programs do not
Tuition Information
Conestoga lists 2026-27 fees for the first year (two terms) of CAD 2,750 tuition (about CAD 4,464 with compulsory fees) for Canadian students, and CAD 15,477 tuition (about CAD 18,576 with compulsory fees, including health insurance) for international students. These are the 2026-27 (September 2026 to August 2027) rates; Conestoga says fees for programs starting September 2027 or later will be published in spring 2027. A non-refundable CAD 2,500 deposit is required from international students to hold a seat.
Admission Requirements
- Apply: international applicants use the ontariocolleges.ca (OCAS) international applicant portal and pay a CAD 100 application fee; Canadian applicants apply through ontariocolleges.ca. After an offer, international students pay the non-refundable CAD 2,500 deposit and Conestoga requests the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) needed for the study permit
- Academic (Canadian applicants): OSSD or equivalent, or mature student status (19 or older), with Grade 12 English (C or U) and Grade 12 math (C or U). Minimum math grades: MCT4C 60%, MAP4C 60%, MHF4U or MCV4U 50%, MDM4U 50%, or Conestoga preparatory math
- International applicants must meet the same program requirements with equivalent qualifications, and upload both their graduation document and transcript (Conestoga lists accepted documents by country)
- English proficiency (if your previous studies were not in English): IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5, TOEFL iBT 80 with no skill below 20 (or 4.5 on the new 1-6 scale), PTE Academic 53, Duolingo 110, CAEL 70 (writing 60, no sub-test below 30) or Cambridge 170 (no skill below 165). Conestoga notes that required scores may vary for some IT and engineering programs
- International intakes listed on the program page as of October 5, 2026: January 2027 (accelerated delivery) at Waterloo: open; May 2027 (accelerated delivery) at Waterloo: open; September 2027 at Waterloo: upcoming; January 2028 (accelerated delivery) at Waterloo: upcoming; May 2028 (accelerated delivery) at Waterloo: upcoming. "Upcoming" is Conestoga's status for an intake that is not yet open for applications
- Conestoga lists this program (code 0057) on its PGWP-aligned programs page under CIP code 11.0201. Conestoga notes that it does not determine PGWP eligibility; IRCC makes the final decision and applicants should check IRCC's current list
- Co-op is optional: everyone is admitted to the non co-op program and applies for the co-op stream later; seats depend on the labour market and academic eligibility. International students need a work permit to take co-op jobs