Student Success & The Northern Experience
This program provides the specialized training required to become a licensed drinking water and/or wastewater systems operator under Ontario’s rigorous standards.
You’ll train for interesting, good-paying, stable work opportunities that are making a real difference in our environment. This is the fastest path to Ontario licencing qualifications.
Does this program sound like a good fit for you?
Connect with us to learn more.
Course Information
2024-2025 Academic Year
T090 - Semester 1
In this course, students will learn essential skills for success in college and the workplace. This course focuses on developing and strengthening oral and written communication skills, and critical thinking ability. During this course, students will engage in a variety of forms of communication with a focus on upholding the principles of academic integrity. Students will develop the skills necessary to create discipline-specific documents, practice business etiquette and professionalism, and apply critical thinking strategies to practical scenarios. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to plan and draft concise, coherent and well-organized writing assignments that are tailored to specific audiences and purposes.
42 Hours
This is a course in basic chemistry and physics for water and wastewater plant operations. Topics include chemical processes involved in water and wastewater treatment, the physics of water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems, and basic electricity.
42 Hours
Fundamental mathematical skills of an operator/technician, including basic arithmetic, the metric system, unit conversions, mensuration, and basic algebra.
42 Hours
In this course, students will gain practical experience with the essential features of Microsoft Office – MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint to enhance their communication and analytical skills. Basic computer skills are required as prerequisite. Students will gain hands-on experience with file management, software settings, system security, Word Reports (APA Functions), tables, advanced presentation functions, summarizing and analyzing data in Excel through a series of learning activities, projects, and exercises that focus on real world examples. Students gain practical knowledge that can be applied directly to the workplace setting.
42 Hours
Basic sampling, lab skills and analytical techniques for water and wastewater plant operators.
56 Hours
Introduction to the design and operation of facilities for wastewater treatment and collection.
42 Hours
T090 - Semester 2
In this course, students will learn how proper recruitment/selection strategies, and training and development methods, maintain an organization’s competitive advantage. The integral role of job design and analysis in affecting compensation management and performance appraisal decisions will be examined. Students will investigate a variety of employment and health and safety laws as they relate to managing a diverse workforce. In addition, the fundamental principles of the union-management framework will be explored.
42 Hours
In this course, students will develop professional communication skills required for success in the workplace. Students will continue to develop and strengthen their oral and written communication skills and critical thinking abilities. During this course, students will use various modes of communication to complete assignments designed to meet program and professional expectations. Students will utilize a variety of technologies for the purpose of creating a professional presence in a digital environment. Students will develop the necessary skills to create polished workplace documents such as letters, resumes, cover letters and reports tailored to specific audiences. Students will learn to conduct themselves with professionalism in both workplace interviews and job searches. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to create clear, concise and coherent workplace and employment documents that are error-free and designed for specific audiences and purposes.
42 Hours
Operation of water and wastewater treatment facilities preparing for successful completion of the Class I Operator Examination.
28 Hours
The use of pumps and motors in water and wastewater plants; their choice for a given application, installation, use and maintenance.
42 Hours
An introduction to industry instrumentation; basic electricity and motor control relays, starters, switches, breakers, overloads, float controls, instrument recorders, process loops, and the fundamentals of PLCs. Process control including measurement and control systems, process parameters, safety, and the operation and maintenance of this equipment.
84 Hours
Directed lab exercises to reinforce theory concepts in EV4016 Instrumentation and Process Control.
42 Hours
The use of chlorine as a disinfectant including handling, operation of chlorinators, confined space rules and procedures, and SCBA.
28 Hours
This course is intended to raise the awareness of the importance of experiential learning through the co-operative education process. The student is encouraged to actively identify and discuss the merits of a three-way partnership between the college, the employer, and the student. Various skills are introduced to help the student prepare himself/herself using self-assessment, career planning, and job search tools.
30 Hours
The activated sludge treatment process in depth; types and roles of microorganisms in wastewater treatment.
28 Hours
T090 - Semester 3
Basic soil and air sampling, and analytical techniques for waste facility workers. Soil characteristics, soil classification, monitoring and sampling, the composition of our atmosphere, air pollution, and air quality monitoring and sampling.
28 Hours
This course introduces the student to health and safety in their home, in society and within an occupational setting. Students learn about the social and personal benefits of safe work practices and the methods to best prevent accidents or injuries. Students will review the role, right and responsibilities of an individual in today’s health and safety conscious world. Students also learn how to read and interpret the Occupational Act and Regulations.
Improving your knowledge and understanding of the history of the Indigenous peoples of what we now call Canada is an important step to enable Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, organizations, and communities to work together more respectfully. Throughout this course you will have the opportunity to learn, discuss and reflect about many topics that are relevant in the learning journey towards reconciliation.
42 Hours
Introduction to GIS is an introduction to Geographic Information Systems. Geographic Information Systems involves the manipulation of databases to produce a variety of reports and/or maps.
42 Hours
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
42 Hours
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
42 Hours
T090 - Semester 4
This 40 hours self study is preparation for the classroom component of the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change’s (MOECC) Entry Level Course for Drinking Water Operators, taught as part of EV3005 Certification Preparation.
40 Hours
This is a basic course in millwright’s theory for operators of water and wastewater treatment plants. A millwright is a craftsman or tradesman who installs, dismantles, repairs, reassembles, and moves machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites. The intention is not to provide a comprehensive view of the duties of a millwright, but rather to acquaint the student with the knowledge of a millwright’s work that is most applicable to the maintenance of water and wastewater plant equipment. The course covers basic pumps, valves, motors and alignment, seals and bearings, bolts and fasteners, and concepts in plant safety with regards to cutting and welding, and basic material handling and rigging. The final module provides an opportunity to work with the college’s pilot drinking water treatment plant, producing water, and students will learn to explain the major components, treatment process steps and common problems and solutions via a combination of theory and learning by doing.
42 Hours
Applied mathematics for water and wastewater treatment operators.
42 Hours
Design and operation of water and wastewater treatment facilities in preparation for the Operator In Training (OIT) Examinations (40 hours), plus a 35 hour course in preparation for the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change’s (MOECC) Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators exam, delivered in partnership with the MOECC and the Walkerton Clean Water Centre.
70 Hours
Plant operator’s laboratory responsibilities including lab techniques, safety and hygiene, regulations, sampling, quality control, record keeping, and the interpretation of laboratory results.
28 Hours
This course focuses on two specific areas of wastewater treatment: Module 1 begins with an overview of wastewater processes, then concentrates on Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR). BNR is a process tackling the reduction of polluting chemical nutrients that are not eliminated via the normal activated sludge treatment process. Module 2 focuses on the operation of sludge digesters — a biological treatment step that reduces the sludge volumes and produces a sludge free of bacteria and pathogens — safe and dirt-like.
14 Hours
This course introduces the student to the principles of hydrology and hydrogeology and how they relate to water, wastewater, and waste management. The course is introductory in nature and covers a broad range of topics. This course will enable the student to understand the terminology and basic concepts of hydrology, the hydrologic cycle and related geologic principles. Water quality and contamination, and principles of its measurement, site analysis, and clean-up will be studied. The successful student should be well prepared to participate in site investigations and well site planning by understanding the major variables and influencing factors on both surface and groundwater systems.
28 Hours
This course offers an introduction to, and understanding of, several Acts and Regulations that Environmental Technicians and Water Treatment Technicians will encounter. Students will be introduced to these Acts and shown how to interpret them. They will additionally learn how to plan strategies for, comply with, report, and act on environmental incidents.
28 Hours
T089 - Semester 1
In this course, students will learn essential skills for success in college and the workplace. This course focuses on developing and strengthening oral and written communication skills, and critical thinking ability. During this course, students will engage in a variety of forms of communication with a focus on upholding the principles of academic integrity. Students will develop the skills necessary to create discipline-specific documents, practice business etiquette and professionalism, and apply critical thinking strategies to practical scenarios. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to plan and draft concise, coherent and well-organized writing assignments that are tailored to specific audiences and purposes.
42 Hours
This is a course in basic chemistry and physics for water and wastewater plant operations. Topics include chemical processes involved in water and wastewater treatment, the physics of water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems, and basic electricity.
42 Hours
Fundamental mathematical skills of an operator/technician, including basic arithmetic, the metric system, unit conversions, mensuration, and basic algebra.
42 Hours
Basic soil and air sampling, and analytical techniques for waste facility workers. Soil characteristics, soil classification, monitoring and sampling, the composition of our atmosphere, air pollution, and air quality monitoring and sampling.
28 Hours
This course introduces the student to health and safety in their home, in society and within an occupational setting. Students learn about the social and personal benefits of safe work practices and the methods to best prevent accidents or injuries. Students will review the role, right and responsibilities of an individual in today’s health and safety conscious world. Students also learn how to read and interpret the Occupational Act and Regulations.
In this course, students will gain practical experience with the essential features of Microsoft Office – MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint to enhance their communication and analytical skills. Basic computer skills are required as prerequisite. Students will gain hands-on experience with file management, software settings, system security, Word Reports (APA Functions), tables, advanced presentation functions, summarizing and analyzing data in Excel through a series of learning activities, projects, and exercises that focus on real world examples. Students gain practical knowledge that can be applied directly to the workplace setting.
42 Hours
Introduction to GIS is an introduction to Geographic Information Systems. Geographic Information Systems involves the manipulation of databases to produce a variety of reports and/or maps.
42 Hours
Basic sampling, lab skills and analytical techniques for water and wastewater plant operators.
56 Hours
Introduction to the design and operation of facilities for wastewater treatment and collection.
42 Hours
T089 - Semester 2
In this course, students will develop professional communication skills required for success in the workplace. Students will continue to develop and strengthen their oral and written communication skills and critical thinking abilities. During this course, students will use various modes of communication to complete assignments designed to meet program and professional expectations. Students will utilize a variety of technologies for the purpose of creating a professional presence in a digital environment. Students will develop the necessary skills to create polished workplace documents such as letters, resumes, cover letters and reports tailored to specific audiences. Students will learn to conduct themselves with professionalism in both workplace interviews and job searches. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to create clear, concise and coherent workplace and employment documents that are error-free and designed for specific audiences and purposes.
42 Hours
This 40 hours self study is preparation for the classroom component of the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change’s (MOECC) Entry Level Course for Drinking Water Operators, taught as part of EV3005 Certification Preparation.
40 Hours
Operation of water and wastewater treatment facilities preparing for successful completion of the Class I Operator Examination.
28 Hours
Applied mathematics for water and wastewater treatment operators.
42 Hours
Design and operation of water and wastewater treatment facilities in preparation for the Operator In Training (OIT) Examinations (40 hours), plus a 35 hour course in preparation for the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change’s (MOECC) Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators exam, delivered in partnership with the MOECC and the Walkerton Clean Water Centre.
70 Hours
The use of pumps and motors in water and wastewater plants; their choice for a given application, installation, use and maintenance.
42 Hours
An introduction to industry instrumentation; basic electricity and motor control relays, starters, switches, breakers, overloads, float controls, instrument recorders, process loops, and the fundamentals of PLCs. Process control including measurement and control systems, process parameters, safety, and the operation and maintenance of this equipment.
84 Hours
The use of chlorine as a disinfectant including handling, operation of chlorinators, confined space rules and procedures, and SCBA.
28 Hours
This course is intended to raise the awareness of the importance of experiential learning through the co-operative education process. The student is encouraged to actively identify and discuss the merits of a three-way partnership between the college, the employer, and the student. Various skills are introduced to help the student prepare himself/herself using self-assessment, career planning, and job search tools.
30 Hours
The activated sludge treatment process in depth; types and roles of microorganisms in wastewater treatment.
28 Hours
T089 - Semester 3
Co-Operative Education is a proven, realistic, and practical method of career education. Co-op assists the student in relating theory to practice, bringing more meaning to academic studies. Co-op helps orient the student to his or her chosen field, enables the student to “earn while you learn,” and results in a well-developed career plan before graduation. Co-op in the Environmental Technician program also performs one additional, vital function by allowing the student to accumulate the necessary hours of experience toward certification/licensing as a Class 1 Water/Wastewater Operator.
600 Hours
T089 - Semester 4
Co-Operative Education is a proven, realistic, and practical method of career education. Co-op assists the student in relating theory to practice, bringing more meaning to academic studies. Co-op helps orient the student to his or her chosen field, enables the student to “earn while you learn,” and results in a well-developed career plan before graduation. Co-op in the Environmental Technician program also performs one additional, vital function by allowing the student to accumulate the necessary hours of experience toward certification/licensing as a Class 1 Water/Wastewater Operator.
640 Hours
T089 - Semester 5
In this course, students will learn how proper recruitment/selection strategies, and training and development methods, maintain an organization’s competitive advantage. The integral role of job design and analysis in affecting compensation management and performance appraisal decisions will be examined. Students will investigate a variety of employment and health and safety laws as they relate to managing a diverse workforce. In addition, the fundamental principles of the union-management framework will be explored.
42 Hours
This is a basic course in millwright’s theory for operators of water and wastewater treatment plants. A millwright is a craftsman or tradesman who installs, dismantles, repairs, reassembles, and moves machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites. The intention is not to provide a comprehensive view of the duties of a millwright, but rather to acquaint the student with the knowledge of a millwright’s work that is most applicable to the maintenance of water and wastewater plant equipment. The course covers basic pumps, valves, motors and alignment, seals and bearings, bolts and fasteners, and concepts in plant safety with regards to cutting and welding, and basic material handling and rigging. The final module provides an opportunity to work with the college’s pilot drinking water treatment plant, producing water, and students will learn to explain the major components, treatment process steps and common problems and solutions via a combination of theory and learning by doing.
42 Hours
Plant operator’s laboratory responsibilities including lab techniques, safety and hygiene, regulations, sampling, quality control, record keeping, and the interpretation of laboratory results.
28 Hours
Directed lab exercises to reinforce theory concepts in EV4016 Instrumentation and Process Control.
42 Hours
Improving your knowledge and understanding of the history of the Indigenous peoples of what we now call Canada is an important step to enable Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, organizations, and communities to work together more respectfully. Throughout this course you will have the opportunity to learn, discuss and reflect about many topics that are relevant in the learning journey towards reconciliation.
42 Hours
This course focuses on two specific areas of wastewater treatment: Module 1 begins with an overview of wastewater processes, then concentrates on Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR). BNR is a process tackling the reduction of polluting chemical nutrients that are not eliminated via the normal activated sludge treatment process. Module 2 focuses on the operation of sludge digesters — a biological treatment step that reduces the sludge volumes and produces a sludge free of bacteria and pathogens — safe and dirt-like.
14 Hours
This course introduces the student to the principles of hydrology and hydrogeology and how they relate to water, wastewater, and waste management. The course is introductory in nature and covers a broad range of topics. This course will enable the student to understand the terminology and basic concepts of hydrology, the hydrologic cycle and related geologic principles. Water quality and contamination, and principles of its measurement, site analysis, and clean-up will be studied. The successful student should be well prepared to participate in site investigations and well site planning by understanding the major variables and influencing factors on both surface and groundwater systems.
28 Hours
This course offers an introduction to, and understanding of, several Acts and Regulations that Environmental Technicians and Water Treatment Technicians will encounter. Students will be introduced to these Acts and shown how to interpret them. They will additionally learn how to plan strategies for, comply with, report, and act on environmental incidents.
28 Hours
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
42 Hours
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
42 Hours
T089 - Semester 6
Co-Operative Education is a proven, realistic, and practical method of career education. Co-op assists the student in relating theory to practice, bringing more meaning to academic studies. Co-op helps orient the student to his or her chosen field, enables the student to “earn while you learn,” and results in a well-developed career plan before graduation. Co-op in the Environmental Technician program also performs one additional, vital function by allowing the student to accumulate the necessary hours of experience toward certification/licensing as a Class 1 Water/Wastewater Operator.
600 Hours
Career Ready Graduates
Articulation Agreements
A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program coordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option.
Canadian Field of Study/CIP Code List
CIP Code: 15.0506
International students: check the Canadian Field of Study/CIP Code List to see if your program is eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Work Integrated Learning Opportunties
Co-operative education is a structured method of combining classroom-based education with an academic credit for practical work experience. Our original program co-op delivery option provides students with the fastest path to becoming fully licensed operators in Ontario. Northern College will make every effort to assist students in finding co-op employment but cannot guarantee co-op employment. Students are encouraged to speak with local water and wastewater employers about co-op placements prior to starting the program.
- Collect representative environmental samples, perform routine tests, and interpret results while adhering to standard methods.
- Monitor activities that are potentially harmful to the environment and assist in their resolution.
- Assist with the collection and analysis of biophysical information, including habitat assessments, to suggest restoration opportunities.
- Suggest and engage in sustainable activities that promote stewardship of the environment by adhering to Environmental Best Management Practices.
- Comply with applicable standards of professional conduct and principles of ethics in all aspects of one’s work.
- Adhere to occupational/environmental health and safety standards and applicable legislative requirements in all aspects of one’s work.
- Use established processes and protocols of environmental management systems to contribute to operational efficiency.
- Perform tasks to meet expectations and timelines stated in the project plan to ensure successful completion of project.
- Document, maintain, and present technical information in various formats according to the purpose and audience.
- Develop and implement strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance performance as an environmental technician.
- Apply water and wastewater operations principles and procedures to meet provincial requirements.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may find employment in municipal water and waste water facilities, environmental departments in mines and other industries, solid waste management facilities, and in government.
- Environmental technician
- Employed by municipal governments and industrial facilities, consulting engineering and construction companies, public works, transportation and other government agencies in a variety of industries.
Explore labour market information for related careers and employment trend data from the Government of Canada Job Bank.
Admissions Information & Requirements
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Grade 12 English (C, U)
- Grade 12 Math (C, U) (MCT4C preferred; MAP4C is accepted with a minimum GPA of 60%)
Or equivalent
Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.
Applicants who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program must undergo academic testing and may be required to complete Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process to demonstrate equivalency of admission requirements prior to admission into a program.
For more details, please contact the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 or admissions@northern.on.ca.
The Ministry of the Environment requires all students to have their high school diploma or grade 12 equivalency in order to qualify to write the Operator in Training (OIT) examination. An OIT certificate is needed to work in any Ontario municipal water or waste-water plant.
Additional Requirements for International Students
In addition to the admission requirements, international students must have proof of English Proficiency and meet the requirements below.
1. Proof of Senior High School Diploma/Certificate
2. English Proficiency (we will require one of the following):
- IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System – minimum English requirement is overall 6.0 with one band accepted at 5.5.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – Internet Based Test (iBT) overall minimum score of 79.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic 58+.
- Duolingo: 105+
PLUS Grade 12 (OSSD) equivalent Core Course with 50% in each equivalents for Mathematics (technical)
This is an Ontario college two-year diploma compressed into 3 academic semesters, and 3 co-op placement semesters. A non-co-op diploma is an option but with shorter program completion dates – but can affect immigration visa dates.
Based on International student feedback we are advising International students to choose our uncompressed 4 semester non-co-op program option since it gives greater certainty of being provided with a (minimum) 2 year post-graduate work permit on program completion.
If your country of citizenship has English as its official language, we may accept alternate proof of English Proficiency.
All educational documents must be submitted in English and will be dependent on the country of citizenship.
For more information, please contact admissions@northern.on.ca.
Program Specific Requirements & Additional Information
Class “G” Driver’s License
A valid Class “G” driver’s license is required by many co-op employers.
Physical Requirements
Employment as a water or wastewater operator entails a physical component including some lifting. Students who are concerned about their ability to meet the physical requirements of their intended career are strongly urged to discuss the matter with the College’s Admissions Office before registering in the program.
Equipment
Students need to purchase two pieces of equipment. These are a requirement for students when working in Ontario drinking water and wastewater plants:
- A non-programmable scientific calculator – e.g. Texas Instruments TI30XA Scientific/Statistics (or equivalent). Preferred that students purchase this model for ease of instruction if you do not have one.
- Steel toed work boots are a requirement in certain of our program labs – e.g. Pumps and Motors, Millwrighting, and when working with the water treatment plant.
For those students in the co-op version of the program, many employers provide work wear (pants, shirts, hard hats) to students free of charge while they are on co-op. However, steel toed work boots are not supplied. Therefore, the following is a suggested personal equipment list to prepare you for this program:
- Steel toed work boots (required)
- Work pants (optional)
- Work shirts – orange reflective type (optional)
- Safety goggles (optional)
- Hard hat (optional)
- Lab coat (optional)
Industry Regulations and Licensing
Operator-In-Training (OIT) Certificate:
This is a “learner’s permit” earned via an exam taken during our program, that is required to work in municipal water or wastewater treatment plants. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) oversees this process, and requires that students must pass an OIT written exam. To take that exam, they must provide evidence of equivalent to Ontario Grade 12 education. (See further note, below)
Class 1 Operator Licensing:
A Class 1 operator license is the entry-level qualification needed to work as a full-time water and/or waste- water operator in Ontario. Students can write the Class I examination at any time after they write the OIT; however, they will not receive their Class I license until they have satisfied 12 months of industry-related work requirement. We provide students with the theoretical knowledge to write this exam that is set by the MECP’s Water and Wastewater Certification Office (OWWCO).
Regulation – Equivalency to Ontario Grade 12
The MECP requires all students to have evidence acceptable to them of their educational equivalence to Ontario Grade 12 in order to qualify to write the OIT examination. We encourage International applicants who have a diploma or degree to have this documentation evaluated early in the application process by sending their documentation to the World Education Services (WES) assessment centre.
- WES (World Education Services): International students who wish to be able to work in municipal plants during their first summer in Canada are advised to proceed via WES (World Education Services) – and to make this application prior to starting the program given the time required for documents to be processed in India as well as at WES. This is the preferred route for students who want to work in municipal plants in their first summer, helping them progress more quickly towards the 12 months of related work experience required to obtain the MECP’s Class I operator’s license.
OR
- Completing the First Year of the Program at Northern: After students successfully complete all their courses in the first two Academic semesters, they will be able to receive a letter from Northern College stating that since they have passed their first year of college, they have achieved the equivalence of Ontario Grade 12. With this and their OIT certificate, they will be able to look for work in municipal water or wastewater plants. This does not delay graduation from the program with a non-co-op diploma, but the timing results in students not being eligible to work in their first summer in an Ontario municipal water or wastewater treatment plant.
Students who do not possess Grade 12 equivalency can work in other jobs in Ontario in the summer (and part- time during the academic semester — as per the student study visa rules). Additionally, students may find program-related work in non-municipal water or wastewater treatment plants (various industries such as mines, pulp and paper, etc.). Depending on the nature of this work, it may be able to count towards the year of workplace experience needed to write the Class 1 wastewater licensing exams (but students will still have to obtain Grade 12 equivalency and write the OIT examinations first).
Tuition, Fees & Payments
The tuition and fees information is typically updated yearly for the upcoming Academic Year in May. The amounts are for the full academic year.
Amounts may be based on last years tuition and fees and are subject to change.
If you are a current student, please refer to your Student Account or see a Student Services Clerk for the most up-to-date information.
Tuition
Domestic: $3,627.42
International: $17,752.38
Program Specific Fees
$350.00: Industry-specific learning resource$300.00: Fee per Co-op Semester (T089 Only)
Ancillary Fees
Ancillary fees vary by campus and support aspects of your experience as a Northern College student, such as Student Associations, Athletic Facilities, and Health Benefits.Ancillary fees are paid in full for the entire academic year in the first semester.
Please see Detailed Ancillary Fees for more information.
| Ancillary Fees by Campus (2024-25) | Domestic | International |
| Kirkland Lake (KL) | $909.50 | $1,522.00 |
Find Your True North.
At Northern College, you’re a part of a community.
From your teachers to support staff and administrators, we are all here to help you get an education and make some lasting connections along the way.
Your success is incredibly important to you, so we provide student supports to help you achieve your goals. From study assistance and accessibility services to mental health supports and financial aid, we’ve got you covered.
Each of Northern’s campuses boasts exercise facilities, a gym, cafeteria, study areas and a library – places that you can go to help keep you focused as you work your way through your studies. The communities we call home are incredible places, filled with amazing people and things to do.
Does Northern College sound like a good fit for you?
Here’s how to take your first steps on your new exciting and rewarding career path.