Much like the American higher education
system, the Canadian post-secondary education system has two
different paths that students can choose to follow. Note that
despite the overall structure being the same (in terms of order of
completion, and general program length), each province is
responsible for a particular education system, with its own
management of scholarships and financial awards, program
prerequisites and requirements for completion,
etc.
A Side Note on International Studies vs. Immigration
An important factor to consider if you are
planning to become an international student is that Citizenship
& Immigration Canada (CIC) needs to see a progression in your
course of study through the program for which you are applying.
That is to say, you will not be successful in obtaining a study
visa if you are amid a career change and hoping to start anew in
Canada. In that case, you would be better served by applying for
permanent residence (what was once called landed immigrant status)
instead. If you think this is the case, visit the Immigrating to Canada
Community for more
information.
For the hierarchical order of higher education programs, check the two diagrams below, and decide which one is better suited for you. If you are still wondering what program or institution might be a good fit given your background and interests, make sure to use the Canadian School Finder to view a list of suggestions.
For the hierarchical order of higher education programs, check the two diagrams below, and decide which one is better suited for you. If you are still wondering what program or institution might be a good fit given your background and interests, make sure to use the Canadian School Finder to view a list of suggestions.
Academic System: Paths to Knowledge from Different Angles
Academic Route
The path below requires graduation from a
secondary education, but each program and school will vary in
particular prerequisites for admission.
Skilled Trade Route
The path below also requires completion of
a secondary school program, and has its own sets of admission
criteria based on each college program. Note that this route tends
to be much shorter, depending on the internship and experience
credits required within a trade (i.e. carpentry, plumbing,
electrical training, etc.).
Career College Route
Career College Programs tend to be shorter
in duration than Undergraduate or Skilled Trade programs. The
reason for this difference in length is that the graduate exits the
institution with a highly specialized, concentrated knowledge of
one specific aspect in a field. Many of the programs are considered
part of Applied Technology, with the emphasis on technique and
specialization.
You may notice that different institutions may have an overlap between the Skilled Trade and Career programs, the difference being based on the structure and length of training programs. Some of these programs are also only available at post-graduate level, meaning you must go through one of the previous routes to attain a certificate or diploma in your particular field.
Some of the programs available in Career Colleges are:
You may notice that different institutions may have an overlap between the Skilled Trade and Career programs, the difference being based on the structure and length of training programs. Some of these programs are also only available at post-graduate level, meaning you must go through one of the previous routes to attain a certificate or diploma in your particular field.
Some of the programs available in Career Colleges are:
- Culinary Arts
- Aesthetic or Make-Up Arts
- Administrative and Executive Assistantship
- Telecommunications & Media
- Digital Animation & Game Design
- TV or Film Production
- Paralegal Assistance
- Paramedic Assistance
- Dental Hygiene Technician
- Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture
- Hospitality Services
- Counseling
- Accounting
- Engineering Technology
If all this information seems a bit
overwhelming, and you would like suggestions and guidance on what's
available and appropriate for you, visit the Canadian School
Finder to give you a solid
start into your international study plans.
Image Credit: cascon
Image Credit: cascon
