Columbia International College
Canada
Columbia International College (CIC) is Canada’s largest private boarding university-preparatory school, established in 1979 and located in Hamilton, Ontario.
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About Columbia International College
Columbia International College operates multiple specialized facilities across Hamilton, including its main academic campus and several modern residential buildings. The college offers a comprehensive curriculum for Junior Middle School and Senior High School, including the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). CIC is the only school in the world that utilizes the Total Care Education System®, which integrates four pillars—Total Care Learning®, Total Care Living®, Total Care Development®, and Total Care Communication®—to provide a seamless support network for every student.
The college’s strategic location in Hamilton allows students to live and study in a safe, suburban environment while remaining close to the academic and economic opportunities of Toronto. CIC’s campus features state-of-the-art labs, a professional athletic center, and an outdoor leadership center at Bark Lake. By maintaining a high staff-to-student ratio and a dedicated university placement office, the college ensures that students receive the personalized guidance required to navigate the competitive university application process and secure placements in their first-choice programs.
#1
U of T Feeder School Recognized as the number one source of international students for the University of Toronto globally.
#1
Admissions Source Consistently ranked as the top school globally for providing the highest number of students to the University of Toronto and McMaster University.
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Student Leaders Active student government and leadership positions available through the Total Care Development® pillar.
Why Choose Columbia International College
A Dynamic International Community Converge to Empower Your Success.
Unique Total Care Education System Philosophy
Furthermore, Columbia International College utilizes a proprietary Total Care Education System® to support international students. Additionally, this holistic model addresses academic, physical, and social needs simultaneously. Consequently, students feel fully supported in their journey away from home. Thus, they achieve higher academic success than at traditional schools.
Exclusive University Partners Program Benefits
Additionally, the college maintains formal agreements with prestigious institutions such as the University of Toronto and Waterloo. Specifically, these partners offer CIC graduates priority admission and exclusive entrance scholarships. Because of these strong ties, students have a distinct advantage during the application cycle. Therefore, they secure spots in competitive programs.
Unrivaled Track Record of Academic Excellence
Moreover, the college consistently sees its graduates accepted into the top ten universities in Canada and the United Kingdom. Specifically, in recent years, graduates have received over five thousand university offers. Indeed, the total scholarship value earned exceeds ten million dollars annually. Hence, a CIC education is highly rewarding.
Safe and Modern Residential Boarding Facilities
Subsequently, students live in one of five premium residences that provide a "home away from home" atmosphere. Specifically, these buildings feature 24-hour security, professional housekeeping, and nutritious meals prepared by chefs. This secure environment allows students to focus entirely on their studies. Consequently, parents enjoy peace of mind.
Comprehensive University Placement and Guidance Support
In addition, the University Placement Office provides one-on-one counseling to help students choose the right career path. Specifically, staff assist with essay writing, interview preparation, and scholarship applications for global institutions. Thus, every student receives a personalized roadmap to success. Therefore, they maximize their potential for long-term career growth.
Dynamic Leadership and Outdoor Education Training
Lastly, students participate in character-building programs at the school’s private seventy-hundred-acre Bark Lake leadership center. Specifically, these sessions focus on teamwork, resilience, and personal responsibility through outdoor activities. Therefore, students develop essential soft skills required for university life. Thus, they emerge as well-rounded and confident global leaders.
Discover Columbia's
Campus
Diverse and Engaging Campus Environments Designed to Foster Exceptional Learning and Personal Growth.
Columbia International College - The Largest Boarding School in Canada
Explore the Study Options
Columbia International College specializes in preparing students through a variety of programs and courses.
Junior Middle School (Grades 7-8)
Senior High School (Grades 9-12)
University Transfer / Fast-Track
Explore the Subject Areas
Choose Your Interest
Mathematics (Calculus, Data Management)
Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Business (Accounting, Economics, Marketing)
Social Sciences and Humanities
Computer Science and Technology
English as a Second Language (ESL)
And More!
Frequently
Asked Questions
Columbia International College has a 100% university placement rate, with graduates receiving offers from top universities in Canada, the USA, the UK, and Australia.
The Total Care Education System® provides 24/7 support across four pillars—Learning, Living, Development, and Communication—to ensure students succeed academically and emotionally while living abroad.
Absolutely. CIC features 24-hour campus security, controlled residence access, and a dedicated team of house parents and medical staff to monitor student well-being at all times.
Yes, CIC offers six flexible intake periods (January, March, May, June, July, and August/September) to accommodate different international academic calendars and student needs.