Higher Education in Canada - Everthing You Must Know

It is widely known and accepted that the Canadian education system is one of the best in the world; three Canadian cities have been listed among the top 20 best cities for higher education in the world. If one considers migrating to Canada for higher education, one must know and understand the Canadian higher education system. Numerous universities and colleges provide world-renowned courses and serve as opportunities for international students. This concise guide will brief you through what and where the higher study in Canada can be done.

Canadian Higher Education System

Canada is home to some world-renowned universities that have upheld their reputation in the education sector for decades. To move here to this beautiful country for higher studies, one must know the role and function of Canadian colleges, universities, post-graduation studies and professional courses. Below is your guide to the Canadian higher education system.

1. College and Vocational Schools

Average Tuition: CA$7,000 to CA$22,000

One can easily comprehend the role of a University, but one cannot have the same opinion for Colleges. Colleges in the Southern Asian context are institutions that deliver higher secondary education, But in the west, specifically considering the higher education in Canada, Colleges carry a different meaning. To break it down, for more flexible feasibility, universities offer students a degree, whereas colleges in Canada offer degrees, diplomas, post-grad diplomas and certificates. 

Colleges in the form of the Canadian higher education system offer from technical to professional courses, such as;

1. Engineering technology
2. Sciences
3. Agriculture and agri-food
4. Business
5. Languages and arts
6. Information and communications technology

Although higher education in Canada for international students, tuition fees may vary, depending on the course and length. Some programes may merely last for a few months, and some for a year. These programs also offer work placement or apprenticeship.

2. Universities

Average Tuition: CA$20,000 to CA$60,000

Canadian universities are known worldwide for their courses. A few universities rank between 1-100 on the QS ranking system. Check out the 10 best universities in Canada for more information on the same. Consequently, the Canadian higher education system is notorious among international students due to its super low tuition fee and knowledge-packed courses. Check out the top 10 cheapest universities in Canada for more information.

The universities in Canada provide over 15000 programs at all possible educational levels,

1. Under graduation and post-graduation
2. Diplomas and certificate courses
3. Short career-focused programs
4. Co-operative education and internships

Although your higher education in Canada costs, will differ from university to university and course to course, one must thoroughly research before applying for a particular course at a University.

3. Post-Graduation Studies in Canada

Average Tuition: CA$30,000 to CA$60,000

Postgraduate programs are an ideal choice for those students who wish to master a particular subject, and often, international students migrate to Canada to pursue a master's degree or a PhD or doctoral studies.

1. Master's degree programs

Master's degree programs are usually pursued after graduation. Generally, there are two types of master's: course-based and research-based. Course-based has a curriculum of lectures, assignments and seminars, whereas research-based is where students must carry on with their research in a specific specialisation. Masters often last for 1 or 2 years. Besides the curriculum, one has to do a thesis, research paper or an internship.

2. PhD and Doctoral degree

PhD is a research-oriented degree with the highest academic qualification one can achieve. Generally, a PhD involves 3 to 6 years of study, research and thesis. As it is the highest level of qualification one can acquire, it holds the utmost gravity and importance in the field of study.

4. Professional Certifications

Average Tuition: CA$50 to CA$2,000

As a part of higher studies in Canada, students also pursue professional certification in specific fields to earn more credibility and skills. Anyone can do these certifications at any time during their lifetime. It allows you to learn and comprehend new skills by validating them with a certificate. Some careers do require professionals to possess professional certification. One can also earn certificates for personal development or to have a deep impact on a job position in a Company. Some Canadian colleges and universities provide short- and long-term courses on and off-campus(online). One can pursue certification in ;

1. Accounting
2. Healthcare
3. Coding 
4. Business management
5. Artificial Intelligence
6. Legal

The Canadian higher education system offers courses to people who want to learn new skills that were not part of their curriculum in College, something that is not relative to their field of study. For instance, a business management person can pursue a professional coding or project management course. To enhance their employment opportunities and credibility. These certificates validate expertise. 

5. Online and Distance Learning

Canadian universities also offer online and distance learning courses for students who wish to pursue. It is an alternative to pursuing a higher education in Canada. A degree or a certificate affiliating with any prestigious university possesses great value. The modern world technology has made it possible for international students to get closer to the Canadian education system.

Online learning permits higher education in Canada for international students. They gain remote access to the university curriculum and get the privilege to learn from their renowned faculty. One can gain the same amount of knowledge at home as the physically present students.

Structure of Higher Education in Canada

The Canadian higher education system is somewhat similar to the USA. The country is divided into provinces and territories, each responsible for education at all levels. That means the provinces and territories look after the standards of education, which maintain the country's standard and quality of education. Refer to this guide to intakes in Canada.

An academic year is divided into three semesters in Canada. 

1. Fall ( August to December)
2. Winter (January to April)
3. Summer (April to July)

Benefits of Getting Higher Education in Canada

If you are planning a move, know the best cities to live in Canada. Studying in Canada can offer a plethora of opportunities for international students;

1. You can profit from a high-quality education system and acquire priceless experience and abilities to help you in your future job.
2. A wide network of like-minded professionals and alumni who can offer support and guidance during your studies can also be accessed by students who choose to study in Canada.
3. Additionally, it opens the door to several work opportunities after graduation. 
4. A college degree can give students a priceless certification that they can utilise to seek additional study or other goals.

Lastly, as the blog mentions multiple times, Canadian universities provide some well-reputed courses that are famous worldwide. Canada welcomes diverse amounts of students every year who wish to succeed in their career paths and to make more than just a living. To know more about the country, browse 30 facts about Canada.