Studing In Canada

Type of education in Canada

Universities

Canada has a large selection of universities and university colleges located in both urban and rural settings in every region of the country. Its universities are internationally known for the quality of teaching and research. Degrees from Canadian universities are considered equivalent to those from American and other Commonwealth universities. Canadian universities are largely publicly funded; as a result, they are of a consistently high quality, regardless of location or area of study. As well, they all retain a high degree of academic autonomy. Full-time student enrolments at individual universities range from over 35,000 to less than 1,000. In addition, most universities have a large number of part-time or continuing education students. They offer a broad range of courses and a full range of degrees from undergraduate to doctorates, and can offer certificates and professional degrees. Fees for universities differ depending on the province, institution and program of study.

University Colleges

They combine Canadian university and college traditions, with a strong base of applied and academic programs offered in campus environments. As the name suggests, a university college offers university degrees as well as college diploma and certificate programs. Students can expect to find a wide range of program choices at university colleges, including English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. As a component of the Canadian university system, university colleges offer students a choice of either academically oriented university degree programs or the more practically oriented college diplomas and certificates. As part of the Canadian college system, university colleges are distinguished by their strong student support services, small classes and strong campus environments. They also may offer combined degree/diploma programs and university transfer programs.

Community Colleges

The 175 post-secondary institutions which are members of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) are officially known by a range of titles, including Community College, Technical Institute, University College, and Cégep. All of these institutions have the primary function of responding to the training needs of business, industry and the public service sectors. They also meet the educational needs of vocationally oriented secondary school graduates, employment-seeking university graduates, as well as the lifelong learning requirements of the adult population. Historically, these institutions offered diplomas, as community needs change and evolve and at least 18 are now granting degrees and applied degrees. The two- to three-year (or shorter) college programs typically offer specific, vocationally-oriented curricula, as well as general academic concentrations.

Career Colleges

A technical/career college is a privately owned and operated school with the main objective of preparing students for the job market after a short period of instruction. The emphasis at technical/career colleges is on practical skills over a broad range of programs. They may specialize in specific areas such as business, computers and secretarial skills. Although privately owned, these schools are provincially approved and regulated, ensuring that program standards and quality are maintained. Career colleges have highly competitive fee structures.

Admission requirements vary from one institution to another, but common pre-requites are:
65-70% for admission in your 12th grade for undergraduate study in a university Community colleges and Technical Institutes are more flexible).
Minimum of 550 in your TOEFL score (paper-pencil test)/213 (computer based test).
For Masters degree you require 16 years of education (10+2+4).
There is no Canada-wide entrance test, each university sets its own admission standards and assesses the qualifications of each applicant individually.

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