post secondary education means in canada

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Post-secondary education: What is the difference between college and university?

Posted July 31, 2019

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Are you going to college or university?

In Canada, college is different from university. College and university are the two types of post-secondary education programs taken after graduating from high school.

What is post-secondary education?

Studies beyond high school are called post-secondary education. Students take a program to earn:

• Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma (including ‘centres de formation professionelle’)
• College, or non-university certificate or diploma
• University or diploma below bachelor level
• University degree (bachelor’s degree, university certificate or diploma above bachelor level, degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry, etc.); master’s degree; earned doctorate

There are three types of post-secondary schools:

• Universities

These schools and the programs they offer must meet standards set by the government. Only then can they be officially recognized to grant degrees, diplomas, certificates and other qualifications. Manitoba Advanced Education is the government ministry in charge of post-secondary education in the province.

What is the difference between college and university?

The main difference between college and university is that universities focus on academic and professional programs, while colleges tend to be more career-oriented, offering career training and trades.

Colleges and institutes Colleges and institutes usually offer certificate programs which take one year or less, and diploma programs which can take two to three years. However, a growing number of colleges now also offer bachelor’s degrees, even master’s degrees. Aside from in class studies, college programs offer practical, hands-on training such as pre-trades and apprenticeship. Areas of study can range from business to health.

You will know these institutions as colleges, community colleges, colleges of applied arts and technology, and institutes of technology or science. Career colleges are institutes that are entirely private.

Colleges in MB:

• Red River College
• Assiniboine Community College
• Manitoba Institute of Technology . To know more about MITT, read ( Getting into the Trades )
• Université de Saint-Boniface – École Technique et Professionelle
• University of Manitoba’s International College of Manitoba

Universities Universities offer programs that grant degrees in a variety of subjects and fields. Most degrees take three to four years to complete for a full-time student. You can earn the following degrees: bachelor’s degree; university certificate or diploma above bachelor level; degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry; master’s degree; earned doctorate.

If you are an internationally educated immigrant of a regulated profession (ex: doctor, lawyer, teacher), you may need to complete a bridging program, internship, or pass standard exams before you can be licensed to work in Manitoba in your respective field. But before approaching universities or enrolling in courses, you should contact your association or specific regulatory body to know the requirements and procedures for qualifications recognition or licensure.

Universities in MB:

• University of Manitoba
• University of Winnipeg
• Brandon University
• Université de Saint-Boniface
• Providence University College
• Booth University
• Canadian Mennonite University
• University College of the North

The academic year for post-secondary education is typically composed of two semesters, Fall semester (from September to December), and Winter semester (January to April). There may be a Summer semester (May to August) for limited programs and courses.

Each institution will have its own academic calendar. Not all post secondary schools start and end on the same date.   Article updated August 12, 2024.   Sources: Post-secondary education , Government of Canada; The Canadian Centre Information Centre for International Credentials ; What is the difference between college and university in Canada? Settlement.org; and Education and Training , Manitoba.ca. Accessed July 23, 2019.

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Are you interested in studying in Manitoba? Go to Study in Canada as an international student for more details.

Here’s a comprehensive website that can help you plan your studies in Canada: University Study.ca . Learn about universities in Canada, programs of study, how to choose a program, application and admission requirements, and financial planning information.

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Undergraduate studies in canada, graduate studies in canada, frequently asked questions, contact the cohen immigration law firm for assistance.

Canada's constitution allows each province and territory to deliver its education programs. Despite regional differences, however, Canada's colleges, universities, and polytechnics use similar terms to describe common pathways and credentials. The length and composition of these programs is an important decision for prospective international students, as it may have a direct effect on eligibility for employment and immigration opportunities in Canada.

Undergraduate education in Canada follows completion of senior secondary or high school. The full duration of a standard undergraduate education (culminating in a bachelor's degree) is three to five years. International students should budget a minimum of four years to complete a bachelor's (undergraduate) degree. With a completed bachelor's degree, and the right combination of language skills and experience, international students may become eligible for a number of provincial and federal immigration programs. They may also decide to pursue a Master's degree, which requires completion of a bachelor's degree. Canada also offers a number of certificates, diplomas, and Associate Degrees at the undergraduate level. While these do not qualify students to undertake Master's degree in Canada, they may be useful for immigration or employment purposes.

Certificate Programs

Less than one year, or one to two full-time semesters

A typical certificate in Canada involves three to eight academic months of post-secondary study in a single subject. Common subject areas include Business, IT, Health Care Administration, and other pre-diploma or pre-degree options. The aim of a certificate is to give post-secondary students the skills and knowledge for an entry-level vocation. All colleges and universities offer certificate programs of different lengths. A Canadian secondary school diploma or essential subject prerequisites are required for admission into a certificate program.

College or University Diploma

Two years minimum, or four to six full-time semesters

College diplomas in Canada most often comprise a minimum of two full-time academic years of specialized post-secondary study. Like certificate programs, diploma programs are mainly developed to meet specific demands of trades and technical or vocational careers, and – depending on the job required - may span upwards of three of four years. Diploma programs are also likely to have a co-op internship component or other apprenticeship options, and diplomas can be upgraded or transferred into a bachelor’s degree. Admission into a college diploma program requires a completed senior secondary program in Canada (or its equivalent).

Associate Degree

Usually two years, or four full-time semesters

An Associate Degree in Canada is a 60-credit, foundational undergraduate program in a classical area of study (such as Sciences or Arts). Unlike certificates and diplomas, Associate Degrees comprise a breadth of general academic subjects as well as a specialization in an area of interest (similar to a major).

Common examples include the Associate of Arts (Business) and Associate of Arts (Science). The Associate Degree allows students to begin their studies at one college or university and transfer into third-year coursework at a university, pending recognition by the receiving institution.

Bachelor's Degree

Approximately four to five years, or eight or more full-time semesters

A bachelor’s degree in Canada normally signifies completion of four years of full-time post-secondary education. Subject areas most often include traditional academic subjects in Business, General Sciences, Engineering, the Arts, or Humanities. In this arrangement, students are expected to gain general and foundational knowledge over their first one or two years, and then specialize in a concentration called a major. Some faculties offer a fifth professional year comprising a supervised practicum (for example, for teachers’ certifications).

Admission into a bachelor’s degree program requires a completed senior secondary diploma in Canada (or its equivalent).

Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates

Less than one year, or one or two full-time semesters

In Canada, a number of diplomas and certificates may be taken following the completion of a bachelor’s degree. These programs may comprise approximately two to three semesters of full-time study. Graduate diplomas and certificates can transfer into master’s degrees. Frequently, they may operate as an additional compliment to a bachelors degree, and show intense specialization in one subject area. Common subject areas include Business Administration, Sales and Marketing, and Resource Management, to name a few.

Master’s Degree

Approximately one to three years, or three to nine full-time semesters)

Master’s degrees comprise one to three years of highly-specialized post-graduate study, and may lead to professional practice. These degrees are conferred by universities and tend to build on previous study areas explored at the bachelor’s level. Programs often expect the student to propose and conduct significant original research culminating in a major project, thesis, and/or comprehensive examination. Master’s degree programs in Canada require completion of a bachelor’s degree.

Doctorate Degree

Approximately four to six years

In general, a doctorate in Canada comprises at least two to three years’ equivalent full-time study in comprehensive and analytical coursework, followed by an independent dissertation or thesis. PhDs and other doctorates are required for many professions such as university professor, doctor, or high-level administration jobs in government, health care, and education. The average timeframe to complete a Doctorate is four to six years.

Do colleges and universities in Canada offer the same credentials?

Generally speaking, career colleges and applied arts and technology colleges offer certificates and diplomas, while universities confer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Increasingly, however, accredited public colleges in Canada confer bachelor’s degrees and a limited number of graduate certificates and diplomas. Many universities also offer post-graduate certificate and diploma programs.

What are university transfer programs?

Many students go directly to university after finishing high school, while others decide on a college first. Many colleges collaborate with universities to allow students to transfer to university after one or two years of full time study at a college.

Can credits be transferred from a school, college, or university outside of Canada?

While overseas diploma and certificate programs are not nationally recognized towards completion of a Canadian bachelor’s degree, individual partner schools may have articulation agreements, allowing students some transfer standing for completed undergraduate study at the first or second year level. Certain high school programs outside of Canada, such as International Baccalaureate or A-Level certificates, may be applied towards a bachelor's degree, so that an international student may be able to enter directly into the second year of an undergraduate program.

However, the completion of equivalent overseas bachelors’ programs (i.e.: similar four-year programs) may be used as a prerequisite for admission to postgraduate programs in the country.

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Canada ranks among the top countries in the world for accessible, quality education for international students . In order to understand which program is right for you, first you must understand Canada’s levels of study.

Elementary & Secondary Education

All children in Canada are required by law to attend school. Schooling for children begins at the age of five or six and continues at least until the child is 16. The school system for Canadian children begins with elementary school and progresses to high school (or secondary school). This system is composed of twelve grades. Once a person completes Grade 12, they receive their high school diploma which makes them eligible for post-secondary education (college and university).

There are both private and public schools in Canada’s schooling system. While private schools may have specialized curriculums, programs, and resources, they often charge annual tuition rates for students. Public schools are fully funded by the Canadian government and teach government-mandated curriculums to their students.

A Canadian student only becomes eligible to attend college or university once they receive their high school diploma. If a foreign national wishes to attend college or university in Canada, they should be able to demonstrate that they possess a high school diploma as well.

Types of Post-Secondary Education

Any educational program occurring at a level above the twelve grade elementary and secondary school system is considered post-secondary education . There are a few different types of post-secondary education each with different purposes.

A university is a post-secondary educational institution which is authorized to grant degrees. Every university offers Bachelor’s Degree programs, and many also offer Master’s Degree programs and PhD programs.

A college is a post-secondary educational institution which cannot grant degrees, though there are some exceptions to this. Instead, they usually offer programs resulting in certificates and/or diplomas. In general, college programs are more directly career-oriented when compared to universities. A college graduate may complete hands-on, practical training in an employable skill, like graphic design or culinary skills. Colleges often have courses to improve a person’s skills and employability, such as language training. As well, many colleges have training programs or apprenticeships in skilled trade occupations like carpentry or welding.

Trade School/Apprenticeships

A skilled trade refers to a specialized occupation, usually emphasizing some form of manual labour, which requires hands-on training and formal education. A skilled trade rarely requires a Bachelor’s Degree, so education in the trades usually occurs through trade schools, which are often smaller programs contained within colleges or vocational schools. As well, once an aspiring tradesperson has sufficient training, they may undertake an apprenticeship. As an apprentice, the student works closely with an experienced tradesperson to refine their skills in the trade.

Vocational School

A vocational school may have educational programs at either the secondary or post-secondary level, so it is not always necessary to have a high school diploma in order to attend vocational school. Vocational programs teach students the technical skills required to perform the tasks of a specific job. These programs prepare students to enter directly into the workforce, either in skilled or low-skilled occupations.

While there are separate terms for different types of schools at the post-secondary level these terms mean different things in locations around the world, so a college may refer to one type of school in Canada but something different in France. As well, sometimes these schools overlap, there can be colleges associated with universities, or trade schools within colleges.

What is an Associate Degree in Canada?

In some countries, an associate degree refers to an undergraduate degree awarded by a college or university upon completion of a course of study which is usually two years in length. The only province in Canada to offer associate degrees is the province of British Columbia, where a student can complete a two-year associate degree allowing students to then enter a Bachelor’s Degree program at the third year of study.

Outside of the province of British Columbia, associate degrees are not available, though other provinces do offer one- and two-year certificates and diplomas that can sometimes be transferred into Bachelor’s programs.

Understanding Undergraduate vs Graduate Education

Within a university, there are different levels of degrees. All Bachelor’s Degree programs are considered to be undergraduate programs. An undergraduate program is a more general program of study, focused on a certain field but not necessarily specializing in a certain topic. In contrast, a Master’s or PhD level program is considered graduate education. Graduate programs are usually much smaller, highly specialized programs which emphasize research.

Understanding Certificate vs Diploma

The difference between a diploma and a certificate is the length of the program. Both of these levels of education provide students with training for entry directly into a specific occupation. A certificate generally requires one year of full-time study at a college or vocational institute while a diploma generally requires two years of full-time study at the same type of institute. Some schools also offer advanced diplomas, which require the completion of at least three years of full-time study.

Levels of Education in Quebec

In every province of Canada except for Quebec, elementary and secondary school is made up of the twelve grade system. After a student completes Grade Twelve, they graduate from secondary school and receive a high school diploma. Only after completing high school will they become eligible for post-secondary studies. Quebec’s education system operates in a slightly different manner.

In Quebec, elementary and secondary school is only made up of eleven grades. Once a person completes Grade Eleven, they receive their secondary school certificate. However, Quebec has another level of education between secondary school and undergraduate university programs. This level of education is called CEGEP ( Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel ). CEGEPs are educational institutions that allow students to select a program of specialization which leads to a Diplôme d’études collégiales (DEC). In the CEGEP system there are two types of programs:

• Pre-University: These programs are two years in length with the purpose of preparing a student to continue onto a university program.
• Technical: These programs are three years in length with the purpose of preparing a graduate to immediately enter the workforce.

Students in Quebec are only eligible to begin an undergraduate university program after completing a CEGEP program. However, it should be noted that for Quebec students, a Bachelor’s Degree usually requires only three years of full-time study, where the rest of Canada requires four years of full-time study to receive a Bachelor’s.

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Understand the Canadian education system

Are you thinking about studying abroad in Canada? Or sending your child to study in Canada? Canada is recognized for its quality education at all levels. Canada’s provincial and territorial governments are responsible for education. They follow government standards to ensure high quality public education across the country. School is mandatory for children from about the age of six years old to 18 years old. Our study environments are safe and welcoming. You’ll discover a world of possibilities!  

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How canada's education system works, education options in canada, elementary school.

Are you moving to Canada with your children or thinking about sending your child to study abroad? Canada offers excellent elementary or primary school education options.

High school

To prepare your child for university, college or to offer them an international experience, consider Canada for high school studies. Find out about our secondary school options.

Colleges and vocational schools

Canada’s colleges and vocational schools offer practical, hands-on learning. When you graduate, you’ll receive a certificate or diploma.

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Canada is an international research leader and has some of the top universities in the world. When you graduate, you’ll receive a Bachelors, Masters or PhD degree.

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Start here to discover the range of graduate study options available across Canada, including master’s degrees, PhD and doctoral programs.

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Learn more about the academic standards and quality education you’ll find in Canada.

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An overview

Canada is a country with a wide range of universities, colleges, and other types of institutions that offer a variety of educational programs to individuals who have completed secondary education. This system of education is most commonly referred to as “postsecondary education.” In Canada, as in many countries throughout the world, postsecondary education plays an important role in contributing to social and economic prosperity, developing the country's workforce, and producing academic and applied research. Postsecondary education constantly evolves as governments and education authorities identify new priorities and develop strategies to respond to the needs of a changing world.

This section presents an overview of provincial and territorial postsecondary education systems in Canada. It begins with an overview of our system of governance, culture, geography, economy, and the broader education system to contextualize the country's postsecondary education systems. It then provides a historical overview of the development and evolution of postsecondary education in Canada, as well as a detailed description of the system's main features. It pays special attention to the distinctions between institutions that grant degrees, and institutions that grant other types of postsecondary credentials, such as certificates or diplomas. The section concludes with information on some of the current issues and trends in postsecondary education in Canada.

Locate province- or territory-specific information

In Canada, education is under the exclusive jurisdiction of the country's ten provinces and three territories. As a result, each province's and territory's postsecondary education system has distinct policies and aspects that are more detailed than this section can cover.

For more details about individual provincial and territorial systems, visit the Provinces and Territories of Canada section and select a specific province or territory.

About Canada

Canada is made up of ten provinces and three territories, each with significant differences in population, size, culture, and language within and across them. Provinces and territories are responsible for all levels of education, including postsecondary education. Canada's constitution confers upon the provinces exclusive jurisdiction over education and stipulates that the power to make laws in relation to education and the right to develop and implement educational policies are exclusively held by the provincial governments. By virtue of the federal acts that created them, Canada's three territories (Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut) have comparable delegated powers. Provinces and territories convene under the aegis of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), to provide leadership in education at the pan-Canadian and international levels. There is no federal ministry or department of education in Canada.

Each province and territory has one or two departments/ministries that are responsible for education, headed by a minister who is an elected member of the legislature and appointed to the position by the provincial or territorial government leader. Deputy ministers of education, who are part of the provincial or territorial public service, are responsible for implementing the government's mandate and operating the department/ministry. The departments/ministries provide educational, administrative, and financial management functions and they define the policy and legislative frameworks that educational institutions operate within.

Canada is a culturally diverse country. In the 2016 census, the country's population was approximately 35.1 million people who reported over 250 ethnic origins or ancestries, with four in ten people reporting more than one origin, and 6.2 percent of the population reporting an Indigenous ancestry. 1 Immigration is a large contributor to this diversity. In 2016, 21.9 percent of the population was born outside of Canada, an increase from 20.6 percent in 2011 and the largest proportion of the population born outside Canada since 1931. 2 Canada's two official languages are English and French. In 2016, 57 percent of the population reported English as their mother tongue and 21 percent reported French. 3 Canada also has a significant and growing amount of linguistic diversity. In 2016, 22 percent of the population reported a language other than English or French as their mother tongue, an increase of 13.3 percent from when this information was previously collected in 2011. This includes individuals who speak an Indigenous language as their mother tongue (213,225 people in 2016). 4

At 9,984,670 square kilometres, Canada is the second largest country in the world. The country has an almost 9,000-kilometre border with the United States — the longest international border in the world. 5 Most of Canada's population lives in urbanized centres in the south of the country within 300 kilometers of this border.

Canada has a large, diversified economy, with a range of different industries and numerous local, regional, and national economic conditions. In 2020, approximately 70 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) was concentrated in service-producing industries, such as real estate (13% of total GDP), finance and insurance (7% of total GDP), and public administration (7% of total GDP). The 30 percent of Canada's GDP concentrated in goods-producing industries was found mostly in manufacturing (9% of total GDP), mining, quarrying, oil, and gas extraction (7% of total GDP), and construction (7% of total GDP). 6

In January 2021, Canada's labour force participation rate was 64.7 percent. 7 Canada's labour force participation is expected to decrease in the coming years, primarily as the cohort of people born during the baby boom era age. 8

Canada's economy, like many countries' economies, has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In December 2019, Canada's unemployment rate was 5.7 percent; one year later, in December 2020, it was 8.7 percent. 9 This decline was concentrated in industries such as accommodation and food services, retail trade, and information, culture, and recreation, that were affected by COVID-19 public health measures. 10

Education in Canada

Because education in Canada is under the exclusive jurisdiction of the country's 13 provinces and territories, there are many similarities in the provincial and territorial education systems. But there are also differences in legislation, policies, and programs that reflect the geography, history, language, culture, and unique needs of the population. The comprehensive, diversified, and widely accessible nature of Canada's education systems reflects a collective belief in the importance of education.

The basic structures of provincial and territorial education systems across Canada are similar. Each has three tiers — elementary, secondary, and postsecondary — although the grades at which each level begins and ends vary. At the elementary and secondary level, public education is free to all Canadians who meet the relevant age and residence requirements. While the ages for compulsory schooling vary from one province or territory to another, in most provinces and territories, children enter primary education at age six and complete secondary education at age 17 or 18. In each province and territory, departments or ministries of education work with schools and school boards to organize, deliver, and assess education at the elementary and secondary education levels.

At the postsecondary level, there is a mix of public and private institutions offering a range of different educational programs and academic credentials. Most institutions receive a mix of public operating funding and student tuition funding. The amount of each varies depending on the province/territory, institution, and program. Postsecondary institutions, particularly public universities, are relatively autonomous, and set their own admission standards and program curriculum. Many students entering postsecondary education immediately after completing secondary education do so at age 17 to 18, though postsecondary institutions also accept mature learners and are composed of students from all age groups. Departments or ministries of postsecondary education in Canada are primarily focused on regulating funding, fee structures, and institutional accountability.

Postsecondary education in Quebec

The province of Quebec has a distinct level of education known as cégep (Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel). Students there typically finish secondary education a year earlier than in other provinces or territories, at age 16 or 17. A typical pathway then enables them to enrol in a cégep, which is the province's network of publicly funded colleges. Cégeps offer two different types of programs, either:

• a three-year technical program that typically leads students to seek employment in the labour market, or
• a two-year university preparation program that typically leads students to enrol in a university afterwards.

Bachelor degree programs in Quebec for graduates of the two-year university preparatory cégep program are typically only three years in length, instead of four. Students in Quebec who go directly from elementary and secondary school (11 years), to cégep (two years), and then to university (three years) typically graduate from university at around the same age as students in other provinces/territories, who go directly from elementary and secondary school (12 years) to university (four years).

Consult the diagram of Canada's Education Systems for a visual overview of the provincial and territorial education systems.

Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC)

While there are 13 education systems in Canada, provinces and territories collaborate on several pan-Canadian issues through CMEC. Canada's provincial and territorial ministers responsible for all levels of education convene through CMEC to discuss common policy concerns and undertake joint projects and initiatives. CMEC also monitors international developments in higher education through an agreement with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to ensure Canadian representation at international discussions on education. Through CMEC, provinces and territories collaborate with Statistics Canada on the Canadian Education Statistics Council (CESC) to ensure the collection, coordination, and publication of pan-Canadian education statistics.

Comprehensive review of this information: March 2021