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The Canadian Education System

Camosun College in Victoria

POST SECONDARY EDUCATION

Education in Canada is managed by the Provincial and Territorial governments.  While public education is free up to the Secondary School level, Post Secondary Education is either publicly funded or privately funded.  Canada offers a mix of Universities, University Colleges, Community Colleges, Technical Institutes, Career Colleges and Language Schools. 

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In a recent survey (2023) conducted by Keystone Education Group covering over 23,000 students globally, 16% of the students chose Canada as their first preference in deciding a country to study in.  This was followed by the US, UK, Germany and Australia. There has been a significant recovery following the Covid pandemic.

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An India Today article in July named Canada as one of the top 10 destinations for studying abroad in 2024, ranking third after the United States and United Kingdom.  With over a million Indian students enrolled in higher education institutions abroad this year, the number is expected to grow further in 2025.  According to the article, the Canadian education system prioritizes research and development, thereby providing opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research.

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Canada is a popular study destination for international students for a number of reasons.  It offers a high-quality education system and a competitive entry system.  The tuition fees are more affordable than most study abroad destination.  It has been ranked by a UN survey as the best country to live in the world for the last nine years consecutively.  Students are allowed to work on campus and off-campus for up to 20 hours a week. 

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Most importantly, Canada offers a pathway to Permanent Residency through a variety of programs that encourage skilled workers to settle down in Canada.  Many Universities also offer coop and internship opportunities as part of the program which enhances the work experience.  The Post Graduation Work Permit Program also allows students to work in Canada for upto 3 years after completing their program which also provides them with an easier access to immigration.

Certificate Programs (Less than 1 year)

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The duration of a Certificate Program in Canada is around eight months to one year long in a single subject.  Some of the programs that are offered include Business, IT and Healthcare Administration.  The objective of a Certificate Program is to equip students with the skills and knowledge for an entry level position. A prerequisite for admission to a certificate program is the completion of a secondary school diploma.  Students will also need to take the IELTS or equivalent English test.

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College Diploma (At least 2 years)

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If a student is interested in practical training that would lead to a job, then a college would be the best option.  Colleges also offer opportunities in applied research.  College Diplomas offer a two-year specialized study.  These diploma programs are designed to meet specific demands of vocational or trade careers.  Depending on the job required, this program can also be completed in three-four years as they may include co-op internship or apprenticeship components.  Diplomas can also be upgraded or transferred to a bachelor's degree program.  Like a Certificate Program, the Diploma program requires the completion of a secondary school diploma for admission.  Students will also need to take the IELTS or equivalent English test.

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Bachelor's Degree (4 years)

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An undergraduate program is generally at least for 4 years.  This degree is awarded by a university or college.  The name of the degree indicates either Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc).

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Master's Degree (1-3 years)

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Master's programs are called Graduate Programs and normally take 2 years to complete but some programs are also available for one year or three years depending on the specialization.  Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, work experience and IELTS or equivalent English test.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (3-6 years)

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PhD programs are conducted by Graduate Schools of Universities.  These programs involve at least one year of classes, extensive oral and written examination. On the basis of this, students are given permission to undertake research and write a dissertation.  This program can take between 3-6 years to complete.  Students who have a Master's degree can apply for admission for a PhD program.​

General Admission Requirements

Bachelors:  A minimum of 70% in the 12th Grade.  For Business and Computers, Math in 11th and 12th is compulsory.

Masters:  Bachelors in the same field.  It should be 4 years duration.  You must achieve a minimum 70% in your Bachelor level of study. GRE is required for certain fields of study and 2-3 references might be required by some institutions.

Ph D: A Master’s degree with a good academic record; GRE and references in some cases; previous research work, papers published etc. 

Steps for Applying for Admission

STEP 1

Identify the Universities and the your course of interest

STEP 4

Arranging and preparing essays and recommendation letters

STEP 2

Request Universities for application forms

STEP 5

Completing and sending the application forms along with the required documents

STEP 3

Taking the required tests, if any

STEP 6

Applying for the student visa after obtaining a Letter of Acceptance and Provincial Attestation Letter from the institution

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