The road to becoming a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) can take more than one route. The Queen’s Engineering Bridge offers a flexible path that starts with an applied Engineering Technology program at Mohawk College and leads into upper-year Engineering at Queen’s University.
What is the Queen’s Engineering Bridge?
In 2022, Queen’s University and Mohawk College partnered to create a pathway to becoming a Professional Engineer in Ontario that’s faster and more affordable than completing a standalone degree after college.
The pathway is open to students who complete one of MohawkCollege’s three-year Engineering Technology Advanced Diplomas with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 70%:
From there, students are prepared to step directly into upper-year studies of one of four Smith Engineering programs at Queen’s University:
- Civil Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
How does the bridge work?
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| 3 academic years at Mohawk + mandatory paid co‑op | Complete an Engineering Technology Advanced Diploma and gain industry experience |
| Final year at Mohawk College (September – April) | Alongside Mohawk College studies, take Queen’s University preparatory courses online (asynchronous):
|
| Summer after graduation (May – August) | Attend the Queen’s University Summer Bridge in-person:
|
| Fall entry at Queen’s University | Begin Queen’s University’s Engineering as a third-year student |
Applications are accepted from June 1 to August 1 each year. If you want to transition directly into the Queen’s Summer Bridge after graduation, you should apply the summer before graduating. You can also apply any year thereafter – there is no limit after graduation.
How long does this Engineering pathway take?
Because you complete the prep courses in your final year at Mohawk College, the Summer Bridge begins right after graduation. That means you move into Queen’s University’s upper-year Engineering without a gap year.
Here’s what your timeline looks like compared to applying to Queen’s University directly.
Mohawk + Bridge + Queen’s
- 3 years at Mohawk College, including Queen’s University’s prep courses
- 1 year co-op through Mohawk College
- 1 Summer Bridge term immediately after graduation
- 2+ years at Queen’s University
Total: 6 – 7 years (including optional internship at Queen’s University. Read more about that in the Why start at Mohawk College and finish at Queen’s University section)
Queen’s University direct entry
- 4 years at Queen’s University
- Optional internship adds 12-16 months
Total: 4=5 years (Some engineering disciplines at Queen’s University can take longer than four years. The college + bridge pathway is intentionally structured and predictable.)
Why start at Mohawk College and finish at Queen’s University?
Starting at Mohawk College gives you a hands-on, supportive environment to gain confidence in your engineering skills early. Smaller classes mean more instructor attention, and applied learning prepares you to solve real-world problems.
Key benefits at Mohawk College
- Real-world experience: Co-op is embedded in the Engineering Technology programs and includes a full-year, paid placement that helps offset tuition.
- Networking: Mohawk College’s strong employer relationships expand your network.
- Flexibility: You can graduate job-ready after four years, or continue to Queen’s University Engineering if you want a degree.
Finishing at Queen’s University builds on your applied learning from Mohawk College and gives you access to university-based engineering facilities, research opportunities and the academic credentials required to pursue professional engineering licensure.
Key benefits at Queen’s University
- National reputation: Queen’s University consistently ranks among the top engineering programs in Canada.
- P.Eng Pathway: Accredited programs meet the academic requirement for Professional Engineer (P.Eng) registration.
- Internship opportunities: Prior Mohawk College co-op experience can strengthen your application for Queen’s University internships.
- Strong student outcomes: Queen’s University has one of the highest graduation rates in Canada.
The pathway combines a practical college education with the credential and reputation of a top engineering university, giving you a launchpad for your career.
Who is the Bridge for?
This is for students who are looking for a clear, supported pathway into engineering.
The Queen’s Engineering Bridge is a strong fit if you:
- Want an applied start before moving into university-level engineering
- Want co-op experience and income while you study
- May not have met competitive high school admission averages, but can succeed in college-level math, physics and engineering technology (check out the next section for more information)
- Are looking for a more affordable and flexible route to an engineering degree
- Are committed to earning your P.Eng
What are admissions like at Mohawk College vs. Queen’s University?
When you apply directly to Queen’s University’s Engineering program from high school, admission is highly competitive and mainly based on grades. The Engineering Bridge assesses you based on your performance in college-level engineering courses.
What this means for you:
- Mohawk College admissions are more accessible, especially if you didn’t take the right Grade 12 math or physics courses, or didn’t meet competitive university averages in high school
- Entry into the Bridge is based on how well you perform at Mohawk College, not your high school grades
- Strong achievement in college math, physics and engineering technology can open the door to Queen’s University Engineering
In other words, Mohawk offers a second path to becoming a Professional Engineer if high school didn’t go exactly as planned, but you can thrive in an applied learning environment.
What does the Engineering Bridge cost?
One major advantage of starting at Mohawk College is the paid co-op experience you gain before transferring to Queen’s University. Many students earn around $45,000 during their diploma, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of education and ease financial pressure.
| Pathway Option | What’s included | Estimated total (domestic students) |
|---|---|---|
| Mohawk + Bridge + Queen’s |
| $50,00-$51,000* |
| Queen’s direct entry | 4+ years of Queen’s University Engineering | $60,000 |
*This estimate is from February 2026 and assumes students progress efficiently through upper-year Engineering. Total costs may increase if additional time is required to complete the degree.
When your goals evolve
The Queen’s Engineering Bridge is designed for students whose goals have evolved. It can be a strong fit if an Engineering Degree was not originally on your radar, if university once felt out of reach, or if you were not ready for the time or financial commitment when you first finished high school. Through industry-led learning at Mohawk College, many students gain the confidence to see new possibilities for themselves.
If you want to hear how students navigated this pathway and what they learned along the way, explore our blog featuring the experiences and advice of Mohawk College students. You can also learn more about eligibility, timelines, and how to apply on the Queen’s Engineering Bridge web page. Whether your next step is continuing your education or launching your career, Mohawk College is here to help open doors.
