University and College

As a growing centre of education, our community recognizes the value of learning and growing. Brantford is proud to be home to three outstanding post-secondary institutions providing a wide range of academic and training opportunities. These are:

There are also 17 universities (including specialty university colleges) located within 125 km (80 mi) of Brantford. A total of 399,380 students studied at these universities, including 299,600 full-time undergraduate and 49,600 full-time graduate students.

There are also 9 colleges located within 125 km (80 mi) of Brantford. Over 173,563 students studied at these colleges in a total of 1,292 active programs.

Our students, faculty and staff are truly integrated into the community, collaborating through research projects, learning placements, and innovative partnerships like CityStudio, where our students collaborate with municipal staff on projects aimed at solving community challenges in sustainable ways. Exciting new developments like the Laurier Brantford YMCA athletics and recreation centre – supported by all three levels of government – continue to increase the vibrancy of our campus and the community.

Heidi Northwood, Senior Executive Officer, Wilfrid Laurier University, Brantford Campus

 

Universities near Brantford

Map: Universities within 125 km (80 mi) of Brantford
map of universities within 125 km (80 miles) of Brantford
Table: Universities and student count within 125 km (80 mi)
Major universities within 125 km (80 mi) of Brantford
UniversityCampus Locationkmmiles* All
Students		Full Time
Undergrads		Full Time
Graduate
Brock University Hamilton, Niagara 50 30 19,540 15,400 1,600
McMaster University Hamilton, Burlington 35 20 37,130 30,300 4,500
OCAD University Toronto 100 60 4,990 4,100 300
Ryerson University Toronto 100 60 48,610 31,000 2,700
University of Guelph Guelph 55 35 29,730 23,100 2,900
University of Toronto Toronto 100 60 96,360 69,000 19,900
University of Waterloo Waterloo 55 35 43,180 35,200 5,100
University of Western Ontario London 100 60 42,150 33,100 6,700
Wilfrid Laurier University Waterloo 55 35 22,820 16,500 1,200
York University Toronto 115 70 54,870 41,900 4,700
TOTAL †       399,380 299,600 49,600
Source: Universities Canada, 2020 * Includes part time students. † Specialty university colleges not reported with main campus numbers not included.

 

Colleges near Brantford

Map: Colleges within 125 km (80 mi) of Brantford
map of colleges within 125 km (80 miles) of Brantford
Table: Colleges and student count within 125 km (80 mi)
Colleges within 125 km (80 mi) of Brantford
CollegeCampus Locationkmmiles Total
Full-Time
Students		 First
Language
Not English		 ** Active
Programs
Centennial College Toronto 125 80 20,102 72.1% 161
Conestoga College * Kitchener 35 20 16,945 44.8% 158
Fanshawe College Woodstock, Simcoe, London 50 30 18,830 34.8% 168
George Brown College * Toronto 100 60 21,141 37.9% 142
Humber College * Toronto 110 70 27,096 27.3% 170
Mohawk College Hamilton 35 20 14,149 29.6% 104
Niagara College Welland, Niagara-On-The-Lake 90 55 10,118 93.7% 109
Seneca College * Toronto 120 75 24,351 49.9% 161
Sheridan College * Oakville, Brampton 65 40 20,831 39.1% 119
TOTAL       173,563 45.0% 1,292
Source: Province of Ontario, 2020. * Designated as an Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. ** Programs reported with active students

 

Other education resources in Brantford

A critical component for business success is an educated and talented workforce. In Ontario, we offer one of the best educated talent pools in the world. Here 68% of adults have completed post-secondary education, more than in any other member country of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

From early childhood education to university and ongoing career training, our community prizes education. Here are a few of the educational institutions in Brantford.

Early childhood education

Access to early childhood education is key to children and their parents or guardians. For a child, it provides a framework for learning, understanding, and socializing. For parents and guardians, access to quality education and care can help them remain in the workforce and continue their career.

Quality childcare in Brantford can be found using OneList.
Public elementary and secondary schools

Brantford residents have access to many options for elementary and secondary education for their children. Three publically supported school boards provide education in our community including a public board, separate (Catholic) board, and francophone (French Catholic) board.

Grand Erie District School Board

The Grand Erie District School Board (GEDSB) operates in Brantford as well as in the neighbouring counties of Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk.

French immersion programs are offered at both the elementary and secondary levels.

In Brantford, the GEDSB operates:

  • 24 elementary schools; and,
  • 5 secondary schools.

Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board

The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) offers curriculum based on Catholic principles. It operates in Brantford as well as in the neighbouring counties of Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk.

French immersion programs are offered at both the elementary and secondary levels.

In Brantford, the BHNCDSB operates:

  • 13 elementary schools; and,
  • 3 secondary schools.

École Élémentaire Catholique Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys

The Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys Catholic Elementary School is a francophone (French Catholic) school in Brantford. It is publically funded and offers classes for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8.
Private elementary schools

In addition to the public and separate schools, and public colleges and universities, there are a number of other institutions in Brantford offering specialized programming for students of all ages.

Braemar House School

An independent private school with no religious affiliation, Braemar House School offers standard instruction to children from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 with enriched programming, and a Montessori class for ages 2 1/2 to 6 years.

Brantford Christian School

Brantford Christian School provides learning excellence both academically and spiritually in and around the area of Brantford. They offer programming from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8.

Central Baptist Academy

Central Baptist Academy has provided caring, Biblical, academic excellence for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 since 1978. They offer a well-rounded program with instruction from a Christian world view.

Our Lady Queen of Peace Montessori Bilingual School

Our Lady Queen of Peace Montessori Bilingual School is a private Montessori bilingual school for ages 2 1/2 to 5 years.
Private trade schools and career colleges

Westervelt College

Westervelt College is a registered private career college specializing in training people for careers in healthcare. The Brantford campus has a long tradition of excellence in providing students with quality training programs.