Canadian Post-Secondary study levels comprise several programs, certificates, and diplomas, under Graduate and Undergraduate studies.
The constitution of Canada gives an opportunity to each province or territory to execute education programs. Although there have been several regional differences, Canadian colleges, universities, and polytechnics often refer to common pathways and credentials with similar terms. Factors such as the program’s length and its subject composition play a crucial role in determining an international student’s eligibility for jobs and other opportunities related to Canadian immigration.
Canadian Post-Secondary Study Levels- a summary
Here’s a brief summary of the various post-secondary study levels in Canada. This will enable you to make the right decision regarding the Canadian study program.
Canada’s undergraduate education
Once a student completes his post-secondary education and high school, he will enter the category of pursuing undergraduate education. According to the usual standard of undergraduate education, the Bachelor’s degree will be from three to five years. Hence, international students must expect to complete their Bachelor’s in four years. Moreover, international students will have access to several provincial or federal immigration programs if they complete their bachelor’s degree and possess the right language abilities and work experience. Furthermore, they can pursue their Master’s after finishing their Bachelor’s degree. Canada also brings forth a variety of options at the undergraduate level, such as certificates, Associate degrees, and diplomas. However, these options might not lead to a Master’s degree but certainly, provide the chance to increase employment options and prove fit for immigration.
Certificate Program
Not even a complete 1 year (including 1-2 full-time semesters)
A Canadian certificate usually involves post-secondary education, having a duration from three to eight academic months concerning a single subject. Typically, the subject matter includes Healthcare Administration, IT, Business, and other pre-diplomas and degree options. These certificates enable students at the post-secondary education level to obtain the necessary skills and expertise for entry-level vocation. Moreover, all colleges and universities consist of varied certificate program lengths. In order to get admission to these certificate programs, students must fulfill the criteria, including Canada’s secondary school diploma or the necessary subject preconditions.
College or University Diploma
At least two years (including four to six full-time semesters)
Canada’s college diplomas involve a period of two years, (full-time academic years). Diploma certificates are similar to Certificate programs, and they primarily revolve around matching certain demands related to careers in trade, technical, or vocational. However, based on the job requirement, the period might spurge to three to four years. Moreover, Diploma programs will more likely consist of other apprenticeship alternatives and components of Co-op internships. Additionally, one can upgrade these diplomas further into a Bachelor’s degree. To enter into a College Diploma Program, students must complete their Canadian senior secondary program. They might also go ahead with its equivalent.
Associate Degree
This degree usually involves two years and is equal to four semesters on a full-time basis.
A Canadian Associate Degree revolves around Science or Arts and is based on a 60-credit approach. It is a foundational undergraduate program, and as opposed to other certificates and diplomas, it comprises general academic subjects and expertise in a specific subject area.
For instance, Associate of Arts (Business) as well as Associate of Arts (Science). The Associate degree enables students to start their education at a specific college or university while allowing them to shift to a university’s third-year course.
Bachelor’s Degree
A Canadian Bachelor’s degree usually implies completing four to five years at a post-secondary education level based on full-time. A Bachelor’s degree in Canada will mostly include traditional academic subjects, such as General Sciences, the Arts, Humanities, Engineering, and Business.
Initially, in the first two years, students will need to acquire knowledge on a general and foundational level, later on, gain expertise in a specific area. Interestingly, a few faculties even provide a fifth professional year, where students can access a diversified training experience, also known as a Supervised Practicum. For instance, teacher certifications.
To acquire admission into a Bachelor’s degree program will require the student to complete a Canadian Senior Secondary Diploma, or something equivalent to the diploma.
Canadian Graduation Studies
Canadian Graduation Studies consist of Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates. These certificates and diplomas take lesser than a year or two semesters (full-time basis) to complete. Additionally, these graduate diplomas and certificates can easily transition into a Master’s degree. These might function as complementary to a bachelor’s degree along with expertise in a specific area. Also, the subject areas might revolve around Resource Management, Business Administration, and Sales and Marketing.
Master’s Degree
A Master’s Degree will typically take around one to three years to complete. This even implies three to nine semesters based on full-time. Usually, universities confer these degrees and progress with the previous study experiences, usually explored by students at the Bachelor’s level. Additionally, the programs under such degrees expect students to conduct authentic research and transform it into a project or thesis. To get admission into a Canadian Master’s degree, students must first complete their Bachelor’s degree.
Doctorate Degree
A Canadian Doctorate degree will typically complete within four to six years. Precisely, it will be equivalent to two-three years in a Comprehensive and Analytical course based full-time. After this, the student will have to proceed with an independent thesis. Doctorate degrees and PhDs are needed in several sectors, such as doctors, university professors, government’s high-level administration jobs, education, and healthcare.
Common FAQs
Is it true that Canadian colleges and universities offer the same credentials?
Generally, career colleges, including applied arts and technology colleges, provide diplomas and certificates. On the other hand, Canadian Public Accredited colleges provide bachelor’s degrees and specified Graduate certificates and diplomas. Several universities also provide post-graduate certificates and other diploma programs.
What is meant by a university transfer program?
Several students opt to go to a university after passing out of high school; however, others opt to go to a college. Additionally, several colleges also partner with universities enabling students to shift to universities after completing full-time studies at college for one to two years.
Is it possible to transfer credits from schools, colleges, or universities outside Canada?
The certificate programs and diplomas from overseas do not hold any national recognition for the completion of a Canadian bachelor’s degree. However, individual partner schools might allow students to transfer with respect to their completion of undergraduate study (including the first or second-year level). Baccalaureate or A-level certificates are high-school-level programs outside Canada) and they can be a part of a bachelor’s degree. This will enable international students to directly enter an undergraduate program’s second year.
However, completing an equivalent program to an overseas bachelor’s program might be a precondition for getting admission into a Canadian post-graduation program.
