The basic requirement for admission to any program at Dawson College is Quebec Diploma of Secondary Studies (DES) that includes Secondary V Language of Instruction, Secondary V Second Language, Secondary IV Physical Science, Secondary IV Mathematics, and Secondary IV History. Applicants with an academic background judged equivalent to the DES may also apply.

Students with a DES missing any of the above subjects may be admitted, space permitting, but will be required to complete remedial courses.

Specific course requirements or other conditions must also be met for certain programs. They are listed at the end of each program – Please check our Programs web pages for additional information regarding program requirements.

Application Deadlines

The deadline for application is March 1 for the Fall semester and November 1 for the Winter semester. Late applications and program transfers will be considered only as space permits. Please note that admission of new students to some programs takes place only in the Fall.

Pre-University Programs

These programs usually span two years and require successful completion of 26 to 29 courses. Consult individual program sites for information specific to that program by going to the Programs tab at the top of the web page and choose the program you would like to know more about.

Career Programs

Career programs typically span three years. The number of courses required varies from 27 to 43 courses depending on the program. Consult individual program sites for information specific to that program by going to the Programs tab at the top of the web page and choose the program you would like to know more about.

Transition Programs

Dawson’s transition programs offer flexible pathways for students at different stages. The Springboard to a DCS provides evening courses for exploring CEGEP or upgrading skills, with part-time and full-time options. The Pathways Transition Program includes two daytime streams: one for those needing math or science prerequisites and another for undecided students exploring CEGEP, both available full-time starting in Fall.

Academic Year

Dawson College operates on a semester system: the Fall session begins at the end of August and the Winter session begins in January. Each session is normally 82 days in length (examination period included).

The College also offers an eight-week summer session. Full-time students who were registered in the preceding semester may register for summer courses.