Heritage Conservation Diploma Program - applications open
We are happy to announce that admissions to the three-year Heritage Conservation Diploma at Willowbank are open. The official deadline for applications is 31st May 2025 however applications will be assessed upon receipt and a tentative acceptance will be awarded if appropriate. You are encouraged to send in your application promptly. As part of the admission process all applicants will be interviewed; this can be in-person (preferred) or online. Interview duration 30 mins.
DIPLOMA PROGRAM MAP
Click the link below to view the Heritage Conservation Diploma program map which details the structure for the three year program including courses, and the third year requirement (internship or research project).
Willowbank Heritage Conservation Diploma Program Map.
TUITION ASSISTANCE
Due to the smaller class sizes at Willowbank, OSAP is not currently an option, however, there are multiple scholarships, bursaries and grants available which can reduce tuition fees substantially. Below are the details of the scholarships, grants and bursaries available:
GRANTS AVAILABLE TO FIRST YEAR COHORT
1. Dalglish Family Foundation Scholarship: $5,000 available to 3 students
Requirement: 300-400 word letter of intent detailing how you would benefit from receiving this scholarship.
2. Andra Takacs & Bryan Davies Grant: $2,500 to 2 students
Requirement: 300-400 word letter of intent detailing how this scholarship will assist you in pursuing your career goals.
3. Ecclesiastical Grant: $2,000 to 5 students
Requirement: 300-400 word letter of intent detailing how you intend to use this grant within the heritage conservation training domain.
We’re also very excited to announce an incredible partnership that we hold with Niagara’s Humeniuk Foundation who have donated $200,000 to the Willowbank School of Restoration Arts as part of a five-year program to help students spend a summer at a top European heritage summer school. The money will provide financial support for up to four Willowbank students each summer over the next five years. Students will be able to attend either Messors in Italy or the King’s Foundation Summer School, which takes place at Dumfries House in Scotland and in London. Each student will receive a $10,000 bursary to cover tuition, travel and modest living costs. The program is formally called the Humeniuk Scholarship at Willowbank: unleashing minds, transforming lives.
GRANTS AVAILABLE TO SECOND YEAR COHORT
We have multiple grants and bursaries available to our second years; some of these are based on one off letters that address a question and others are more involved, such as a library fellow, barn fellow, INTBAU fellow, each receiving between $1,000 - $1,500 for their involvement for the academic year (September – April).
COURSE OVERVIEW
Willowbank offers a dynamic and innovative approach to heritage conservation education, balancing theory with hands-on skills, and embracing the interconnectedness of built, natural, and cultural heritage resources. We believe heritage plays a pivotal role in creating a sustainable future. Set within one of Canada’s National Historic Sites, our campus is a living case study and a compelling backdrop for our dynamic programming. And a home for the evolution, development, and expression of our innovative approach.
Program courses are offered over four semesters, with years one and two spent full-time on campus. Year three provides two options to students i.e., an industry internship/employment or a research project. Students can choose their area of interest for their internship/employment or research project, based upon where their interests lie; this could be in conservation planning or trades.
After completing the three-year program, students graduate with a Diploma in Heritage Conservation.
Experience our campus
(Note that the former Laura Secord School is no longer part of the Willowbank campus and all classes previously taught there are now taught at the Willowbank Estate).
Book a tour
The best way to get a sense of the the school and the student community is to visit for a campus tour. Book yours now by filling in our form.
Professionalism runs deep
All of our instructors are heritage professionals who visit Willowbank to teach their course, and our small class size means students have the opportunity to really engage with the instructor and begin building their network in the industry with an eye towards 3rd-year placements and beyond. 96% of our graduates go on to employment in the heritage conservation field.
History, community, and architecture merge together at Willowbank. The school fosters passion, dedication, and high attention to detail that will help you craft your future niche career in the conservation field.
Garrett France-Wyllie
Class of 2019 / Heritage Carpenter & owner of France-Wyllie Restorations
Learn in History
Willowbank is located in the picturesque village of Queenston, Niagara-on-the-Lake. Some students who relocate to the area live in the village, renting from local residents, and some find rental accommodation in the surrounding areas including Niagara Falls or St Catharines.
Willowbank’s historic campus and the combination of theory and hands-on classes are unique. The instructors were extremely passionate about what they do and my classmates were always incredibly supportive. The three-year program was truly inspiring and transformative and has prepared me in unpredictable ways for my career.
Jasoda Silva
Class of 2019 / Historic Preservation Project Assistant, Clinton Brown Architecture Co.
Tuition fees
| YEAR | DOMESTIC | INTERNATIONAL |
|---|---|---|
| ONE | $13,500 | $19,500 |
| TWO | $13,500 | $19,500 |
| THREE | $2,000 | $2,000 |
A non-refundable application fee of $50 (CAD) for domestic applicants / $100 (CAD) for international applicants is due at the time of application.
A $500 non-refundable deposit fee for all students is due within three weeks of acceptance into the program and is then taken off your 1st-year tuition.
Tuition may be paid in instalments.
International Students
Willowbank is pleased to welcome students from around the world. International students are encouraged to submit their diploma program application and begin their visa application process as early as possible. Please note our courses are delivered in English, so a working knowledge of the language is required.
Application Requirments
All applicants must submit the following:
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Completed application form
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Official high school transcripts or equivalency certificate
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Official college or university transcripts (if applicable)
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Two letters of reference and a letter of intent for scholarship application (if applying)
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Resume
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Non-refundable application fee
$50 CAD for domestic applicants / $100 CAD for international applications
OPTIONAL: Applicants may also submit a portfolio if they have one
Entry Requirements
The minimum requirement for the Diploma Program is a secondary school diploma or equivalent.
The majority of our applicants have previously completed a college or university program, are refocusing their careers or re-training for a new career.
A demonstrated passion for heritage and a commitment to both hands-on and academic exploration of the conservation field is essential.
Entrance Scholarships, Fellowships & Bursaries
Thanks to generous funding from the Dalglish Family Foundation, Andra Takacs and Bryan Davies, and Ecclesiastical Insurance, we offer multiple entrance scholarships to incoming students.
GRANTS AVAILABLE TO FIRST YEAR COHORT
- Dalglish Family Foundation Scholarship: $5,000 available to 3 students
Requirement: 300-400 word letter of intent detailing how you would benefit from receiving this scholarship. - Andra Takacs & Bryan Davies Grant: $2,500 to 2 students
Requirement: 300-400 word letter of intent detailing how this scholarship will assist you in pursuing your career goals. - Ecclesiastical Grant: $2,000 to 5 students
Requirement: 300-400 word letter of intent detailing how you intend to use this grant within the heritage conservation training domain.
Your letter of intent will be reviewed by a panel.
2nd-year students may apply for various fellowships & bursaries, which pay from $300 - $1500. Information on these is distributed in 1st year.
CONTACT OUR ADMISSIONS TEAM
Equity, Diversity and Inclusiveness Policy
Willowbank School of Restoration Arts (referred to as ‘Willowbank’) values and promotes human rights, adheres to the Ontario Human Rights Code and commits to foster a college community that enables full participation of all students and employees to study and work. Willowbank celebrates the diversity of its students and employees and sees diversity as a strength.
Willowbank recognizes that society and post-secondary institutions historically and systemically have marginalized equity-seeking groups. We acknowledge that this marginalization continues to hinder an individual’s ability to fully, freely, and equitably participate within an academic institution and in society. We strive to ensure socioeconomic status does not hinder someone’s ability to access and be successful in post-secondary education.
As such, the College commits to identify, prevent, and eliminate discrimination and harassment in all its forms with respect to race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, political belief, marital status or family status of that person or that group or class of persons.
Willowbank commits to uphold the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion to foster a barrier-free, respectful, and welcoming learning and working environment.