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LEVELS OF CANADIAN HIGHER EDUCATION
UNDERGRADUATE/BACHELOR'S DEGREE
Along with a rich and diverse culture, high standards of living, and a welcoming environment, Canada is one of the leading study abroad destinations in the world. Its high quality of education makes Canada a perfect choice for thousands of international students. According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education, international student enrollment increased by about 84% from 2003-2013.
The most common type of undergraduate program is a bachelor’s degree and is usually awarded by universities, university colleges, and community colleges after three or four years of full-time study.
Each institution offers high standards of education with various degree programs for its students, so picking a right course shouldn’t be a problem! Furthermore, a bachelor’s degree from a Canadian higher education institution is globally recognized for its quality. The most popular bachelor’s degree programs are: biotechnology, business and economics, engineering, computers, communication and media, English, literature, natural sciences, education, and social work. There are also many combined programs available to students. The duration, fees, and eligibility criteria of the bachelor’s degrees may vary depending on the institution, the province, or territory.
The cost for undergraduate programs may vary depending on field of study, program, quality of the university, and province or territory. However, the tuition fees are considerably lower compared to other English-speaking countries.
GRADUATE/MASTER'S DEGREE
Canada is home to many highly ranked universities and colleges. Furthermore, many international students are attracted to study in Canada by the country’s reputation for excellent master’s degree education and global achievements.
A master’s degree, also called a “grad” program, is a great option for students who have previously been awarded with a bachelor’s degree and have an interest in further learning and research and/or want to broaden their career possibilities in an ever-changing global market. Master’s degrees such as MA (i.e., Master of Arts) and MSc (i.e., Master of Science) are commonly referred to as postgraduate degrees. In this case, MA includes studies for arts, humanities and social sciences, while MSc includes studies for life and hard sciences, like chemistry. There are also specialist master’s degrees for education (MEd), music (MMus) and business administration (MBA).
The length of a master’s degree depends on several factors, including the university, the academic discipline, and whether the student attends full-time or part-time. Generally programs range from one to two years and usually include optional internships or a mixture of coursework and research. In addition to traditional lectures and instructive theories, most of the programs include interactive classes and brainstorming, group projects, site visits, and practical engagement. Upon completion of the programs, students have to defend their final thesis/dissertation; however sometimes it is replaced by a consultancy project or an internship.
The academic year tends to begin in September, but some universities have different starting dates for the specific master’s programs. The tuition fees vary considerably depending on which institution and field of study a student chooses. The price for a master’s program can range from CAD$14,000 to CAD$42,000.
GRADUATE/DOCTORATE DEGREE
Over the years, Canada’s universities have emerged rapidly and have become an increasingly attractive option for those who are seeking for further higher education. With highly developed systems of graduate programs and world-ranked universities, as well as affordable tuition fees and cost of living, Canada is a great choice for nearly everyone.
A doctorate degree or PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a graduate program and is ranked above a master’s degree. For instance, it is the highest level of formal education on research available in a given field. Most doctorate degrees require students to teach at the university while they are studying and conduct qualified and original research to be published in recognized research journals. The final doctoral thesis defense is required upon completion of the program as well.
PhD programs in Canada may last longer than in other countries, between four to seven years, and doctorates can be distinguished in four categories: Research Doctorate, Higher Doctorate, Professional Doctorate, and Honorary Doctorate.
PROGRAMS OF CANADIAN HIGHER EDUCATION
ESL/ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
Learning other languages has become an invaluable asset for future career opportunities in an ever-changing global market. However, reasons for wishing to learn a new language may vary, including the desire to study abroad, or the interest in exploring other languages and cultures.
North America is one of the most popular destinations to study English as a Second Language (ESL). Specifically, Canada is well-known as a bilingual country with two official languages, English and French, and is considered to be a world leader in English and French as a second language training.
ESL training is offered by many different Canadian institutions, including colleges, universities, high schools, and private language schools. Most of them offer an initial proficiency test or exam in order to help students understand their needs and skill level. These English tests include CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System). After a satisfactory ESL level is met, students may peruse English for Academic purposes and apply for undergraduate/graduate programs.
One of the most important benefits of going abroad and a learning new language for students is the ability to improve their current skills and a chance to immerse themselves in a different environment with various cultural elements that will change the way they see the world.