Universities in Canada

Canada has a large selection of universities and university colleges located in both urban and rural settings in every region of the country. Our universities are internationally known for the quality of teaching and research. Degrees from Canadian universities are considered to be 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 also offer certificates and professional degrees. Fees for universities differ depending on the province, institution and program of study.

The university year usually runs from September to May. Some universities are on a semester or trimester system, with all courses available even in the summer. There is no Canada-wide entrance test: each university sets its own admission standards and assesses the qualifications of each applicant individually.

To qualify for a degree program at most English-speaking universities, students for whom English is not a first language must have passed an English examination test. The TOEFL is commonly accepted but Canadian universities often have their own tests for students or may accept other English examination tests such as the IELTS.

Program Transfers

In some cases, it is possible to complete only one or two semesters of undergraduate study in Canada, and then apply your studies towards a degree program in your home country. You may also be interested in transferring to a Canadian university to complete you studies. In either case, it is important to ask the advisors at the Canadian institution you are planning to attend, as well as your home university or college, about equivalencies specific to your program of interest.

University Colleges

University Colleges 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, the strong student support services, small classes and strong campus environments distinguish their university colleges. They also may offer combined degree/diploma programs and university transfer programs.

University Transfer Programs

Students intending to acquire a degree at a university can complete their first two years of study at a community college or university college and earn credits. Most of the credits earned in this type of program may be transferred to universities as the first and second years of a degree program. Community colleges and university colleges that offer transfer programs usually have an established relationship with nearby universities however, it is important to check with the college to determine which universities will accept the transfer credits. You must ensure that the courses you take are appropriate to the degree you plan to enter in university

Colleges and Technical Institutions

Colleges and Technical Institutions are popular education choices in Canada; they offer professional programs of 1 to 3 years (often including a work term) that are highly applicable in the job market. Some community colleges offer university transfer programs that allow students to take courses that are parallel to those offered for the first two years of a four-year university program. Students must still apply to the university to gain admission to complete the last two years of the four year program.

The 175 post-secondary institutions that are members of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), are officially known by a range of titles including Community College, 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.

University Transfer Programs

The two- to three-year (or shorter) college programs typically offer specific, vocationally-oriented curricula, as well as general academic concentrations. In fact, a significant number of university graduates attend college upon completion of their degrees to acquire vocational skills for employment. Colleges typically have more vocationally-related curricula than universities, with smaller classes, off-campus course offerings, a greater ratio of laboratory space to classroom space, an interactive teaching style and inclusive entry criteria. Employment- related programs, including apprenticeship and continuing education courses, often maintain varying entry levels and range from the technologies to the creative arts. Colleges maintain renowned Centres of Excellence in many fields such as information technology, mining, the environment, and hospitality and tourism. They design curriculum and hands-on training for future participants in a skilled and specialized Canadian work force. Other full and part-time programs include health, business, academic upgrading, applied arts, social services, adult literacy, and university preparation.

Career Colleges

Career Colleges in Canada are privately owned institutions that offer training programs that provide students with practical skills for the job market after a short period of instruction. Students seeking short-term training programs in multimedia, film studies, computer/internet studies, graphic design and hospitality to name a few, may want to consider applying to a career college.

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.

Schools

Secondary Schools

There are numerous private, independent and publicly funded secondary schools in Canada. Students can choose to study intensive English or, an integrated academic and English program. For those with strong English language skills there are various academic programs, which can lead to a Canadian high school diploma

Private Schools

Private schools exist in every province and provide an attractive alternative for families seeking an overseas education for their children. Many of Canada's business and political leaders are graduates of well-established private schools. All private schools must be registered with the Ministry of Education in their province or territory, and must meet the curriculum and other standards set by their respective ministries. Families can choose schools that are boys-only, girls-only or co-educational. Some private schools offer full boarding programs, others are day schools, and many offer both. Many private schools adhere to a particular religious faith, emphasize particular moral teachings and apply rigorous academic standards.

Public Schools

Many Canadian public schools are now accepting international students into their programs. Publicly-funded schools are managed at the local level by elected school boards. Almost all public schools are co-educational and offer day programs only. Many school boards offer secular or non-religious education while others have religious affiliations. However, this varies from province to province. Policies on accepting international students and the fees charged vary from district to district.

Language Schools

Canada has two official languages, meaning that international students can come to Canada to Study either English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL)

International students can choose from short-term language programs, intensive immersions, executive or business programs and academic preparation courses. Some language schools offer programs that combine classroom studies with sightseeing and cultural activities, or work-study programs for advanced learners to practice their skills in the workplace. In addition, students can receive training in the teaching of ESL. Almost all universities and community colleges have ESL programs. In general, most private ESL schools are very flexible in terms of program requirements and intake dates.

FSL programs are offered both through private and public institutes. Most, but not all FSL schools are located in the province of Québec. Similar to ESL programs, students can usually enter an FSL school program at any time of the year for any length of study. Students enrolled in ESL or FSL programs for up to six months may study in Canada without a Study Permit.

Canadian Health Insurance for International Students (TM)

The Canadian Education Centre Network is pleased to be working with Ingle International to provide international students with access to comprehensive health insurance for any study destination in Canada.

Ingle International offers complete-coverage policies as well as policies that supplement the provincial medical coverage available in some provinces. All policies include 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week assistance for international students. Coverage is available for hospital and doctors visits, air ambulance, prescription drugs, dental emergencies, legal and diplomatic referral, assistance with lost documents, contacting relatives, interpretation and translation services, and more.

For more details, contact us now!