Conestoga is a polytechnic institute in Canada, ranked #19 in Research Infosource’s Top Research Colleges ranking in 2024. CourseCompare ranks it as the best college in Ontario in 2025 and also Canada’s top trade school.
The college offers 300 full-time and career-focused programs in fields like engineering, applied sciences, business & management, and humanities. Its high employment outcomes—87% of graduates are employed within six months of program completion—reiterate its strength in skilled education.
Conestoga College World Rankings 2024-25
Conestoga College prioritizes practical skills and employment-focused education, earning regional recognition even though it isn't ranked by global bodies like QS or THE. Notably, CourseCompare ranked it the best for cybersecurity certification among 15 Canadian colleges and universities.
Now, let's take a closer look at the various distinctions Conestoga College has achieved.
Miscellaneous Ranking 2025
Conestoga is ranked #19 among top research colleges by Research Infosource Inc., and CourseCompare has recognized it as the Best College in Ontario.
Here’s how it performs:
Ranking Agency
Recognition/Rank 2025
Research Infosource Inc. Top Research Colleges Ranking (2024)
19 (out of 50)
CourseCompare
Best College in Ontario
Canada’s Top Trade School
Best Early Childhood Education Program
Conestoga College ranking of #19 in Research Infosource Inc.'s Top Research Colleges (2024) reflects its commitment to applied research and industry collaboration.
Recognized as Ontario’s Best College and Canada’s Top Trade School by CourseCompare, Conestoga stands out for its skilled trades training and job-oriented programs.
Its Best Early Childhood Education Program ranking further reinforces its academic strength in key fields, such as health sciences and education.
After reviewing Conestoga College rankings from reputed agencies, let's explore its academic and extracurricular achievements.
Conestoga College: Excellence and Achievements
Achievements of Conestoga College include academic excellence in graduation rates, investment in community development, and cultural enrichment through Diversity Week.
Here’s a breakdown of Conestoga College's achievements across different categories:
Academic Excellence and National Recognition
Conestoga College has achieved one of the highest graduation rates in Ontario and secured funding for innovation and incubation centers.
Category
Recognition
Top Graduation Rate 2022-23
Highest graduation rate among Ontario colleges at 72.9%.
Funding for i2i network
Part of a $23 million coalition to expand the national Invention to Innovation (i2i) network.
Funding for Incubation
Will receive up to $1.75 million from FedDev Ontario to incubate 300 tech ventures.
Community and Lifestyle Recognitions
Conestoga has invested in community growth and conducts initiatives like Human Library as part of its outreach efforts.
Category
Recognition
Community Investments
Invested $500 million over five years to expand campuses and modernize facilities.
Community Initiatives
Human Library initiative for meaningful conversations within the community.
Cultural and Creative Excellence
Conestoga College celebrates Diversity Week for inclusion and is recognized for its creative excellence in culinary arts.
Category
Recognition
Diversity Week
Celebrates equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging at Conestoga.
Best Culinary Schools
Ranked 3rd among Canada’s top 30 culinary schools by University Magazine.
Now, let’s explore how upGrad can help you study at Conestoga College.
How Will upGrad Help You?
upGrad helps students and professionals improve their academic knowledge and career growth through expert mentorship, industry-relevant courses, and flexible learning.
With bridge courses focusing on foundational knowledge, you can transition to specialization in fields like cyber systems, data analytics, and data science.
Additionally, the study abroad program offered by upGrad provides students with the following benefits:
Expert Mentorship: Guidance from industry professionals and academic experts who provide personalized insights to help you succeed in your field.
Industry-Relevant Courses: Learn practical, real-world skills through up-to-date courses designed to meet the needs of today's industry trends.
Flexible Learning Options: Online courses and flexible schedules allow you to balance your education with other commitments.
Career Support: Receive career coaching, job placement assistance, and networking opportunities to help you land your desired role.
Here are some study abroad opportunities offered by upGrad at Conestoga College:
Conestoga’s skill-oriented programs enjoy strong regional recognition, ranking #19 in Research Infosource’sTop Research Colleges (2024) and ranked Ontario’s Best College by CourseCompare. It was also recognized as the best for cybersecurity certifications among 15 Canadian institutions.
If you’re looking for a diploma or job-focused programs, Conestoga stands out as one of the top polytechnic institutes, making it a competitive choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Conestoga College have good standing among Canadian colleges for applied learning?
Conestoga is widely recognized for applied learning, ranking among Canada’s top trade schools and leading in hands-on education through co-ops, industry projects, and skill-based initiatives.
What is Conestoga College’s standing in Canadian research and innovation rankings?
Conestoga ranks #19 in Research Infosource’s Top Research Colleges (2024), highlighting its strong commitment to applied research and innovation. It actively collaborates with industries and secures funding for research and incubation initiatives.
What makes Conestoga College a better choice than Humber College?
Conestoga ranks #19 in Research Infosource’s Top Research Colleges, boasts an 87% graduate employability rate, and excels in engineering and technology with strong industry partnerships. While Humber is known for media and creative arts, Conestoga is a top choice for job-focused, research-driven education.
Will Conestoga College's business program provide a successful career path?
Conestoga’s business programs emphasize hands-on learning, co-op placements, and industry collaboration, ensuring high employability. Its strong ties with regional businesses and high graduate employment rate make it a great choice for career success in business.
How do Conestoga College's industry ties influence its job placements?
Conestoga’s strong industry partnerships provide co-op opportunities, internships, and direct job placements. Employers actively recruit from Conestoga due to its career-oriented curriculum, leading to an 87% employment rate within six months of graduation.
What is Conestoga College’s standing in Ontario?
Conestoga is recognized as Ontario’s Best College by CourseCompare and has the highest graduation rate (72.9%) among Ontario colleges, reflecting its strong academic quality and student success.
Is Conestoga College recognized in the Webometrics ranking?
Conestoga is ranked in Webometrics (#77 in Canada), reflecting its online presence and academic visibility. However, its focus remains on applied education and regional impact rather than global academic rankings.
What drives Conestoga College’s academic reputation?
Conestoga’s reputation is built on high employment rates, research innovation, and strong industry partnerships. It is known for applied learning, skilled trades, business, and technology programs, making it a leader in career-focused education.
How does Conestoga College stand in global rankings?
Conestoga is not ranked in global university rankings like QS or THE since it is a polytechnic institute focusing on applied education. However, it has strong regional and national recognition in research, skills training, and career readiness.
Can Conestoga College offer a good career path in medicine?
Conestoga does not have a medical school but offers health sciences and nursing programs that provide strong career pathways in healthcare, including roles in nursing, paramedicine, and allied health professions.
Is Conestoga College recognized for its research publications in the ARWU (Shanghai Rankings)?
Conestoga is not listed in the ARWU (Shanghai Rankings) since it focuses on applied research rather than high-volume academic research publications. However, it holds a top research ranking (#19) in Canada for innovation and industry collaboration.
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