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TYPES OF CANADIAN HIGHER EDUCATION
PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
Canadian universities are publicly funded and largely autonomous. They have the power to set they own admission criteria, academic standards, degree requirements, and are able to manage their own financial affairs and program offerings. Furthermore, they offer a wide array of courses with the possibility of continuing studies in master’s and doctorate degrees. There are around 10,000 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as professional degree programs and certificates. University degrees are offered at three consecutive levels: bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.
PRIVATE AND PUBLIC COLLEGES
There are privately and publicly funded colleges in Canada. In both models, all students have to pay tuition fees, but the price of studies at a public college is substantially lower than the price at a private one. There are two types of Canadian colleges: community colleges and university colleges, which is a component of the Canadian university system. Typically colleges offer more career-oriented, practical programs with specific training, including general courses such as English, Math, Science, Psychology, and many others. University colleges offer either academic-oriented university degree programs or more practical/technical-oriented college diplomas and certificates.
Community colleges work closely with employers and professional organizations in the provision of professional development services and specialized programs.
CAREER COLLEGES/VOCATIONAL EDUCATION TRAINING
The main objective of vocational education is to prepare a student for the job market after a series of courses with specialized instructions in a skill or trade. In most cases, vocational training is offered at privately owned colleges and in the workplace through apprenticeship programs. These private career colleges may receive public funding but are basically funded through tuition fees and offer a wide range of programs such as human services, health sciences, applied arts, information technology, electronics, business, and trade. A document of assurance for employers, proving quality training and certification, are usually awarded for successful completion of one- or two-year study; although, some colleges may offer programs with a shorter duration.
The main difference between universities and colleges is that if you are looking for an applied career with specific training, you should enroll in a college, whereas if you are aiming for an academic career, you should apply for admissions to university.
Deciding where to go to university or college is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. Your education affects not only what you do professional, but also the way you live your life. Please contact our advisors who will help you to choose the program and the institution that best suits your needs and expectations.