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Canadian education is controlled by the provincial governments rather than the national one so there are some differences from one province to the next.
Generally, however, students complete 12 years of primary and secondary education at about age 18, and then choose a post-secondary school: a university or a college. (In Canada the word "school" can be used to refer to almost any kind of educational institution, not just ones for children.)
The most notable exception to general Canadian secondary education occurs in the province of Quebec, where primary and secondary education lasts 11 years and is followed by CEGEP, which is either three years of technical schooling or two years of general education before university
International Students
Most universities and colleges will suggest that you arrive a week or two before classes start, usually in early September. Many schools offer orientation programs for first-year students, and there may be special programs for international students.
Higher Education
There are more than 350 universities and colleges in Canada, offering a wide range of degrees and diplomas. You can work toward an undergraduate degree, specialize in a technical field, or study and conduct research as a graduate student.
Canadian schools are known all over the world for their academic excellence, career preparation, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional programs in the study of English or French as a second language. They range in size from a few hundred students to 50,000 students. In addition to full-time students, there are many part-time and continuing education students.
Canada is a world leader in distance education, in which students use the Internet and other electronic means to earn a degree without being in the classroom; and in co-operative education, which allows Canadian students to combine study with work experience.
Colleges in Canada include community colleges, technical institutes and other specialized schools, and career colleges. Most of them offer one- to three-year courses of study leading to a diploma or certificate in a particular career field, such as information technology, tourism, healthcare, or business.
A few community colleges also offer undergraduate degrees, and students are studying at colleges and then going on to get university degrees. This also works the other way: some students get a university degree and then attend college for specific career training.
Degrees
Undergraduate or bachelor's degrees usually take three or four years of full-time study. If you choose a three-year bachelor's degree, you may have the option of studying a fourth year to get an honors degree, which is usually required for graduate school entrance. A graduate or master's degree usually requires one or two years of full-time study, while a doctorate or Ph.D. takes another three to five years. The need to make a living while pursuing graduate degrees often lengthens these times.
Admissions Requirements
Canada has no national entrance tests. Most Canadian universities and colleges require a transcript of your grades and proof of proficiency in English or French, usually demonstrated by adequate scores on a standardized language test such as the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Canada is an excellent place to improve your language skills. Some Canadian schools offer "Bridge" programs for international students whose English skills need work. These conditional admissions allow students to combine language instruction with other initial classes. French-language schools usually administer their own tests or decide language competency on a case-by-case basis.
Application Timeline
Be sure to ask each school you're applying to about any important deadlines in the application process. Some Canadian provinces (notably Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario) handle all university and college applications through an application center. In any case, the school can advise you of the correct procedure.
18 months prior to arrival in Canada
12-15 months before
10-12 months before
10 months before
6 months before
Costs
Costs vary by school and province, but average tuition and living costs for international students are significantly lower in Canada than in Australia, the United Kingdom, or the United States. In Canadian dollars, prices range from about $10,000 to $30,000 per year ($6,600 to $20,000 in U.S. currency), including the tuition premium or "differential fee" that international students pay.
Academic Year
The school year usually runs from September through April or May and consists of two semesters or terms. Some schools use a trimester system and offer a full schedule of classes in the summer term as well.
First-year students at universities often take general courses, then begin specializing in their chosen field of study (often called a "major") in the second and subsequent years. So don't worry if you haven't decided on a subject yet!
Teaching Methods
Methods of teaching and classroom procedures vary. Some classes consist primarily of lectures, while others may be more discussion-oriented or involve lab work. Class sizes can range from a few students to a few hundred; check with individual universities and colleges.
Teaching styles also vary, but most Canadian professors will want to hear your opinion and will encourage you to participate in class discussions. There will usually be lots of reading and writing, which may not be checked on a daily or weekly basis - but don't fall behind! You will be tested on the material periodically, and will have a final exam which will count for a large part of your grade for the course.
Are your technical skills up to date? Canadian universities and colleges are leaders in technical innovation, so familiarity with computers is important. Most schools have computer labs and residence rooms that are wired for Internet access, and professors will expect papers to be typewritten.
Campus Life
Canadian universities and colleges offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and athletics, music, theater, and special-interest clubs of many types. Student government is important on many campuses.
Financial assistance for international students is limited, but there are possibilities. Check first with the university or college itself (as early as possible) about the availability of scholarships, awards, and bursaries. Ask a guidance counselor or advisor about local companies or organizations that might be interested in sponsoring a student studying abroad.
Consult banks and private loan agencies for information on education loans. The Canadian government grants loans only to Canadian citizens and landed immigrants, but you should check with your own government to see if there are education loans that you can carry into Canada.