Colleges in Ontario may refer to several types of educational institutions. College in Canada most commonly refers to a career-oriented post-secondary institution that provides vocational training or education in applied arts, applied technology and applied science. Most post-secondary colleges in Ontario typically offer certificate and diploma programs.
There are 24 publicly funded colleges in Ontario. Most are designated as a College of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT), although five are designated as a Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (ITAL).[note 1] In addition to certificates, apprenticeship, and diplomas, several public colleges have also received ministerial consent from the province's Ministry of Colleges and Universities to award degrees. While any public college in Ontario may receive ministerial consent to offer degrees, degree programs at CAATs may only constitute 5 per cent of the institution's programming, while ITALs are capped at up to 15 per cent.
In addition to publicly funded colleges, the province has also authorized the establishment of over 500 privately operated career colleges that provide certificate and diploma programs.
The Canadian Armed Forces also operate several institutions in Ontario that also bear the name "college". However, one of these institutions is considered a university with full degree-granting authority, while the others are considered staff colleges that provide professional development courses for officers of the Canadian Armed Forces.
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