Pre-business (pbs)

The Pre-Business (PBS) program at Seneca Polytechnic is an eight-month Ontario College Certificate designed to provide students with a strong foundation in business principles and essential academic skills. Students gain introductory knowledge in business, marketing, accounting, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The program serves as an excellent pathway into a variety of business diploma programs, including Accounting, Business, Business – Insurance, Business – International Business, and Business – Marketing. Graduates develop the academic readiness and business fundamentals needed for further studies and future careers in the business sector.

Program Requirements
  • Academic Requirement: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U) Mature Student Status (19 years or older) with required prerequisite courses may also be considered
  • ELP Requirement: IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5 PTE Academic: 58 Duolingo: 105–110 TOEFL iBT: Minimum 20 in each skill CAEL: 60
  • Special Requirement: Program is only available for new international students who already hold a valid study permit
Refund Policy

  • Students whose study permit applications are still pending may request a deferral to the next available intake, provided the request is submitted before Day 10 of classes and the program is available. Deferrals are granted only once.

  • Students awaiting an IRCC decision must still meet the deferral deadline. Requests submitted after Day 10 of classes will not be approved solely because a study permit decision is pending.

  • Students may alternatively withdraw and apply for a refund by submitting the required withdrawal form and supporting documentation. Applicable administrative fees may be deducted.

  • If a study permit application is refused, students may defer their admission and request a new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to support a future study permit application. PAL issuance is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.

  • Refund requests due to study permit refusal must include a copy of the official IRCC refusal letter and be submitted within 14 days of the refusal date.

  • Only the refusal letter associated with the intake being withdrawn from will be considered for refund eligibility.

  • Students whose second study permit application is refused before the start of classes may still qualify for a refund, subject to Seneca’s refund policy.

  • Deferral requests are subject to program availability, and late requests may require a written appeal.

  • Approved late deferrals may be subject to a CAD $200 late fee.

Key Facts
  • Application Fee: $90
  • LOA Deposit: $0
  • Annual Tuition Fee: $16,255
  • Total Tuition Fee: $16,255
  • Course Duration: 8 Months (2 Semesters)
  • Credentials: Ontario College Certificate
  • Intake: September 2026 January 2027 May 2027
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Checklist

Required Documents

  • Valid Passport

  • Class 10 Marksheet and Certificate

  • Class 12 Marksheet and Certificate

  • English Language Test Results

  • Valid Study Permit (for international applicants)

  • Statement of Purpose (if required)

  • Previous Visa Documents and Refusal Letters (if applicable)

Academic Requirements

  • OSSD or equivalent

  • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U)

  • Mature students may qualify through alternate admission pathways

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5

  • PTE Academic: 58

  • Duolingo: 105–110

  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 20 per skill

  • CAEL: 60

Program Information

  • Campus: Newnham

  • Delivery: Hybrid

  • Duration: 2 Semesters (8 Months)

  • Credential: Ontario College Certificate

  • School: Seneca Business

  • Intakes: January, May, September

Skills Developed

  • Critical Thinking

  • Problem Solving

  • Communication Skills

  • Business Fundamentals

  • Marketing Fundamentals

  • Accounting Fundamentals

Pathway Opportunities

Graduates may continue into:

  • Accounting

  • Business

  • Business – Insurance

  • Business – International Business

  • Business – Marketing

Career Opportunities

  • Foundation for Further Business Studies

  • Entry-Level Business Support Roles

  • Administrative Support Roles

  • Customer Service Roles

Tuition Information

Academic Year Amount (CAD)
Year 1 $16,255
Total Program Tuition $16,255

Source URL

Program Details:
https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/programs/fulltime/PBS.html

Admission Requirements:
https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/programs/fulltime/PBS/admission-requirements.html#menu

Tuition & Fees:
https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/programs/fulltime/PBS/costs.html#menu

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