Durham College: A Legacy of Innovation and Hands-On Learning

Nestled in Ontario’s Durham Region, Durham College (DC) has grown from modest beginnings into one of Canada’s most respected institutions for applied education. Since its founding in 1967, the college has remained steadfast in its mission: inspiring learners to create success for themselves and their communities through innovative and transformative education.

A Humble Beginning with a Bold Vision

Durham College opened its doors on September 18, 1967, with just 16 portable classrooms, a staff of 14, and 205 students. The first academic calendar offered courses in applied arts, business, and technology. What started as a small experiment in post-secondary education quickly flourished. By its tenth anniversary, enrollment had surpassed 1,250 students, and programs expanded into health sciences and adult training. The 1980s brought further growth, including a state-of-the-art robotics lab, and by 1987, full-time enrollment approached 2,700. A pivotal moment came in 1993 when the college purchased a former Cadbury chocolate factory to establish its Whitby campus, which became home to skilled trades and apprenticeship training. Today, DC serves approximately 11,200 students annually, with more than half joining as first-year learners. Buy fake Canada diploma online.

A Comprehensive Academic Portfolio

Durham College offers more than 145 full-time post-secondary programs, including six honours bachelor’s degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. The college is organized into seven academic faculties: Business and Information Technology, Health Sciences, Hospitality and Horticultural Science, Liberal Studies, Media Art and Design, Science and Engineering Technology, Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship, and Social and Community Services. Programs span diverse fields including culinary management, artificial intelligence, healthcare, construction, IT, and media. In fall 2025, the college launched two new programs—electric-drive vehicle technician and interior decorating—and celebrated the inaugural graduates of its Honours Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence program. To address Canada’s shortage of AI professionals, DC also offers a graduate certificate program in the field.

Disability Accommodations Ensuring Fair Access to a Durham College Degree

State-of-the-Art Campuses and Facilities

DC operates two main campuses in Oshawa and Whitby. The Oshawa campus, shared with Ontario Tech University, features the 90,000-square-foot Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre, an Esports Arena, and the Centre for Innovation and Research—home to four applied research centres. The Centre for Collaborative Education includes the Durham College Spa, Rotary Global Classroom, and interprofessional simulation and anatomy labs. The Whitby campus is home to the 60,000-square-foot Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology, as well as the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which provides applied learning in culinary, hospitality, and horticulture programs. In 2023, the college opened the Ajax Urban Farm to address food literacy and security.

Student Life, Support, and Recognition

Durham College is committed to student success beyond the classroom. The Learning Commons provides 200 computer workstations at the Oshawa campus and 75 at Whitby. Student Academic Learning Services offers free academic support, and three student residences provide on-campus living options. The college has been recognized as one of Canada’s greenest employers for eight consecutive years. In 2025, DC celebrated its largest graduating class ever, with 4,858 graduates ready to enter the workforce.

From 16 portables to a thriving institution of over 11,000 students, Durham College has stayed true to its founding ideals: career-ready education, applied research, and community partnership—preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly changing world.