Higher Studies » Study In Canada
Why Study In Canada ?
- Canada spends more per capita on its education system than any other country in the G-8 and is among the top three countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
- A degree from a Canadian university is recognized worldwide and as a result, international students who graduate from Canadian universities enjoy successful and prosperous careers.
- Canada's universities and colleges are world-renowned for their high standards, safe campuses, and educational excellence.
- They are at the forefront of the information technology revolution and ensure that their students are equipped for the 21st century.
- A degree from a Canadian university is considered equivalent to an American degree.
- The wide choice of schools in Canada includes major research institutions as well as small liberal arts schools and a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs.
- Many Canadian Universities offer the opportunity to go beyond an ordinary degree by participating in international exchanges and co-operative work-experience programs or by participating in extra-curricular activities and athletics. Co-op work experience programs allow students to combine academic semesters with work terms that relate directly to their degree.
- Sports at Canadian universities and colleges are popular and competitive.
- Canada is a world leader in software development, telecommunications, aerospace engineering, urban transport, biotechnology, mining technology and environmental industries.
- Canada offers a wide choice of 90 universities and 150 colleges and technical institutes, offering a wide range of programs.
- You will find excellent professors, reputable scientists, and world-renowned artists and writers a part of the faculty at Canadian universities.
- Outstanding facilities: First class libraries and sports facilities, museums and art galleries, theatres and concert halls: campuses have it all, including radio stations, newspapers and stores that are run by students.
- The latest in computer labs, wired classrooms and Internet access from campus, you will find a world of technology at your fingertips.
- More than ninety universities span this country, which, according to the United Nations, offers the highest quality of life in the world.
- Canada is among the select few countries whose students scored near the top in reading, mathematics and science in the OECD's Programe for International Student Assessment (PISA) study.
Type of education in Canada
Canadian education system encompasses both publicly funded and private schools, from kindergarten through to university. Education is a provincial responsibility under the Canadian constitution, which means there are significant differences between the education systems of the different provinces. However, standards across the country are uniformly high.
Universities
Canada has a large selection of universities and university colleges located in both urban and rural settings in every region of the country. Its universities are internationally known for the quality of teaching and research. Degrees from Canadian universities are considered equivalent to those from American and other Commonwealth universities. Canadian universities are largely publicly funded; as a result, they are of a consistently high quality, regardless of location or area of study. As well, they all retain a high degree of academic autonomy. Full-time student enrolments at individual universities range from over 35,000 to less than 1,000. In addition, most universities have a large number of part-time or continuing education students. They offer a broad range of courses and a full range of degrees from undergraduate to doctorates, and can offer certificates and professional degrees. Fees for universities differ depending on the province, institution and program of study.
University Colleges
They combine Canadian university and college traditions, with a strong base of applied and academic programs offered in campus environments. As the name suggests, a university college offers university degrees as well as college diploma and certificate programs. Students can expect to find a wide range of program choices at university colleges, including English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. As a component of the Canadian university system, university colleges offer students a choice of either academically oriented university degree programs or the more practically oriented college diplomas and certificates. As part of the Canadian college system, university colleges are distinguished by their strong student support services, small classes and strong campus environments. They also may offer combined degree/diploma programs and university transfer programs.
Community Colleges
The 175 post-secondary institutions which are members of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) are officially known by a range of titles, including Community College, Technical Institute, University College, and Cégep. All of these institutions have the primary function of responding to the training needs of business, industry and the public service sectors. They also meet the educational needs of vocationally oriented secondary school graduates, employment-seeking university graduates, as well as the lifelong learning requirements of the adult population. Historically, these institutions offered diplomas, as community needs change and evolve and at least 18 are now granting degrees and applied degrees. The two- to three-year (or shorter) college programs typically offer specific, vocationally-oriented curricula, as well as general academic concentrations
Career Colleges
A technical/career college is a privately owned and operated school with the main objective of preparing students for the job market after a short period of instruction. The emphasis at technical/career colleges is on practical skills over a broad range of programs. They may specialize in specific areas such as business, computers and secretarial skills. Although privately owned, these schools are provincially approved and regulated, ensuring that program standards and quality are maintained. Career colleges have highly competitive fee structures
Entry Requirements
Admission requirements vary from one institution to another, but common pre-requites are:
65-70% for admission in your 12th grade for undergraduate study in a university Community colleges and Technical Institutes are more flexible).
Minimum of 550 in your TOEFL score (paper-pencil test)/213 (computer based test).
For Masters degree you require 16 years of education (10+2+4).
There is no Canada-wide entrance test, each university sets its own admission standards and assesses the qualifications of each applicant individually