Studying in Chatham-Kent
St. Clair College, Chatham Campus
Students can enroll in a number of diploma and degree programs in business, technology, health services, and community services at St. Clair College's Chatham Campus. The approximately 1,300 students on campus enjoy a supportive and positive learning environment, with access to experienced faculty and hands-on training. Students can also participate in many extra-curricular activities on campus and keep fit at the state-of-the-art Health Plex gym facility.
University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus
The University of Guelph's Ridgetown Campus offers a number of diploma and certificate programs in agriculture, horticulture, veterinary technology, and environmental management. Classes incorporate innovative research and practical experience, and are taught by faculty from both Ridgetown and Guelph campuses. All first-year students are guaranteed residence if they meet the registration deadline.
Nearby Universities & Colleges
The following institutions are located within an hour and a half of Chatham-Kent:
A number of Canadian institutions now offer Online and Distance Education courses that are accessible to anyone with internet access. Ontariolearn.com offers a comprehensive list of online college courses and programs for interested students. Contact North's staff in Wallaceburg will guide students through online opportunities and help them select and apply for courses and programs.
Students can also contact schools directly to learn more about distance education options; a list of accredited universities and colleges in Ontario can be found here.
Prospective Students
Trying to decide whether post-secondary studies are right for you? The following sites can help you choose a program and school, and will also assist with the application process:
Post-secondary education can be costly, but financial assistance is available in the form of loans, scholarships, and grants. The sites below will provide you with information about financial aid opportunities available to students in Ontario:
Current Students and Recent Graduates
Current students in Chatham-Kent have access to a number of resources on campus, but there are also community services and organisations in Chatham-Kent that are open to students. For information about health care, browse the Health and Wellness section. Students and recent graduates looking for rentals in the Chatham-Kent area can check housing sites such as 24/7 Housing or Kijiji, or call the Salvation Army at 519.354.8353.
If you are a post-secondary student who is experiencing academic stress, struggling with addiction, or suffering from depression and other mental health issues, Good2Talk is a helpline dedicated to students age 17-25 in Ontario. Counsellors can be reached 24/7 at 1.866.925.5454.
It is never too early to start thinking about life after graduation. The Ontario and Canadian governments provide online advice on managing student debts, as do many banks. Looking to gain valuable work experience or begin your career? Volunteering is a great way to network and learn new skills, and the United Way of Chatham-Kent’s Volunteer Centre can help you find a suitable placement. There are a number of job boards that provide local employment listings, such as the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Community Jobs and Municipal Jobs boards. The municipality also offers career counselling through its Employment Resource Centres.