Is an Ontario College Graduate Certificate right for you?

If you’ve been exploring post-graduate program options, you may be wondering if taking an Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is right for you. Here are seven common questions we get about graduate certificates and the answers to help you make a decision.

1. Is a graduate certificate a master’s degree?

No. A graduate certificate is an Ontario College credential. A master’s degree is a credential offered through universities. Do you want to know how they differ? Read the blog post "Graduate certificate vs. master’s degree."

2. How much does it cost?

Costs vary quite a bit depending on the program. At Fanshawe College, the average cost of tuition is approximately $3,920 plus other ancillary fees*. You should always review a program's webpage for specific information on that program's fees. 

*as of the original publication of this post. New data will be published once available.

3. What do I need to be accepted into a graduate certificate program?

At the very minimum, a post-secondary diploma, advanced diploma or degree is required. Admission requirements vary by graduate certificate program and it is always advised that you review the specific requirements for your program of interest before applying.

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4. How much time should I devote to studying?

It depends! Many of our post-graduate programs offer flexible delivery. Almost all graduate certificate programs are available on a full-time basis, but many also offer online, blended online/in-class, part-time and even part-time online options in some cases! Each delivery method will come with different study expectations, so it’s best to determine which program option is best for you and your lifestyle.

5. How long does it take to complete?

When studying full-time, you can earn an Ontario College Graduate Certificate in under a year. If you study on a part-time basis, it can take you two to three years to complete.

6. How do I apply for an Ontario College Graduate Certificate program?

To apply for an Ontario College Graduate Certificate program, complete your application on the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) website. Check out Fanshawe’s Apply Now page for more details on applying.

7. How can I get more information?

College websites or OCAS are your best bet for more program details. At Fanshawe College, you can check out Graduate Studies options, including graduate certificate programs on our Graduate Studies page. If you want to talk to someone at Fanshawe about post-grad programs, connect with us.

View Fanshawe's Ontario College Graduate Certificates