Post-secondary education


In Canada, there are different types of post-secondary schools:

Universities

Universities offer programs that lead to different types of degrees in many disciplines and subjects. There are three types of degrees:

bachelor’s degree: a basic degree given by Canadian universities that takes three to four years to complete.
master’s degree: a more advanced degree that usually takes one to three more years of study.
doctoral degree: the most advanced degree offered by Canadian universities. It generally requires three or more years of study and research following a master’s degree.
In regulated professions, such as medicine, law and education, students must complete an internship or pass a standardized examination in addition to completing their degree. They must complete all these steps before they can become licensed to work in their profession.

Colleges

There are many types of colleges and institutes. Some are formally recognized by governments. They are known as:

  • Colleges
  • Community colleges
  • Colleges of applied arts or applied technology
  • Collèges d’enseignement général et professionnel in Quebec
  • Other colleges are entirely private and are usually called career colleges

Colleges usually offer one to three year programs. They issue diplomas and certificates that qualify graduates to work in specific jobs within many different fields. These fields include:

  • Business
  • Computer and mechanical technologies
  • Health
  • Social services
  • Agriculture
  • Trades (such as carpenter, electrician, and plumber)
  • Many others

A growing number of recognized colleges also offer bachelor’s degrees and, in some cases, master’s degrees.

Institutes

There are many types of institutes. They are known as:

  • institutes of technology or science
  • Other colleges and institutes are entirely private and are usually called career colleges.

Institutes usually offer one to two year programs. They issue certificates that qualify graduates to work in specific jobs within many different fields. These fields include:

  • Business
  • Computer and mechanical technologies
  • Health
  • Social services
  • Agriculture
  • Trades (such as carpenter, electrician, and plumber)
  • Many others

Governments have processes to make sure these schools and the programs they offer meet their standards. Institutions that don’t go through government quality control are not officially recognized. Schools that are recognized can grant:

  • Degrees
  • Diplomas
  • Certificates
  • Other qualifications


To find out whether a school is officially recognized, contact the ministry responsible for post-secondary education in the province or territory where you live.

At most post-secondary institutions, there are two main terms of study per year: September to December and January to April. Most schools also offer summer courses.