Ontario colleges set standards to strengthen programs for international students

Belleville, ON, March 17, 2023 – Ontario’s colleges have released a new set of common sector-wide standards to strengthen the programs and supports for international students. 

“We are committed to ensuring every student who attends Loyalist has the opportunity to succeed,” said Mark Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of Loyalist College. “As Ontario’s Destination College, we are proud to implement these new measures and enhance our educational and employment opportunities for international students.”  

The 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. 

As well, the standards incorporate best practices from other jurisdictions 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. 

The sector has initiated work on a quality assurance process to conduct regular audits of each signatory college’s fulfilment of the standards. Further details on that process will be announced in the coming months. 

“As Ontario aims to tackle historic labour shortages across key sectors, attracting and retaining new talent in our communities is crucial,” said President Kirkpatrick. “Our College community remains attuned and responsive to industry needs while our expert faculty and staff prepare Loyalist grads for the jobs of today and tomorrow.” 

About Loyalist College
Loyalist College is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. We acknowledge our shared obligation to respect, honour, and sustain these lands and the natural resources contained within. Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $398.9 million annually to the regional economy – based on a November 2022 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com.   

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Contact: 
Hannah Brown
Acting Director of Marketing and Communications
613-921-0784
hbrown@loyalistcollege.com