Education in Canada - higher, professional and secondary

• How to get an education in Canada?
• How to significantly reduce training costs?
• Is it possible to study in Canada for free?
• How is education structured and what is education like in this country?
• How to enroll in an educational institution in Canada, what documents are needed, when and how they need to be submitted, what exams need to be taken upon admission, how much does it cost to study, how to get a student visa?
• These are the most common questions that interest future students of Canadian educational institutions and their parents. These questions are most often asked in December, January and February, when the deadline for accepting documents for the next academic year is approaching.

Below are the answers to these questions. The education system in Canada began to actively develop around the middle of the 20th century, when the country became one of the leaders in economic growth in the world, which it continues to this day. Then the question arose of streamlining the process of training personnel for the needs of the country's industry. This was achieved with the adoption of the first important legal act in this area, namely the Law on Education in the 40s of the 20th century. From the very moment of its adoption, it has proven its necessity and relevance and has been successfully used to this day. Two fundamental features of this Law: 1. Receiving secondary education is the responsibility of all citizens and permanent residents of the country between the ages of five and sixteen years. 2. Canadians have the right to choose whether to study for free in public high schools (Public High Schools) or for a fee in private schools. According to their geographical location, Canadian high schools can be divided into two types: – Open directly within the country; – Open all over the world, where there is interest in Canada and its secondary education system, which has been developing for almost a century and is considered one of the best in the world, meeting the highest standards of educational quality. Since the end of 2009 - beginning of 2010, there has been a steady trend among students from Russia and the CIS countries - there are more and more people wishing to go to study in Canada every year, and the reasons for such popularity are obvious - high quality of teaching at relatively low prices for study, low criminal level, friendly international environment and excellent ecology. The number of foreign students coming to study in Canada is increasing by approximately 14–15 percent every year. Year after year, the country is one of the ten most successful countries in the world with a highly developed economy and a first-class standard of living. Thanks also to this, Canadian educational institutions are considered reputable and attractive among foreigners. Many of them are listed in the top 100 educational institutions in the world. Becoming a student at such an educational institution is always prestigious and profitable for any young person. One of the key advantages of studying in Canada is the relative ease of obtaining permanent residence status - permanent residence in Canada after graduation. Graduates of Russian and CIS countries' schools and universities, if they intend to study in Canada immediately after completing their studies at home and with proper paperwork, obtain a visa and study permit relatively easily, but the difficulty of obtaining a student visa increases greatly if there is a break from the moment of graduation at home and starting studies in Canada. The longer the break, the more difficult it is to obtain a visa. I say this to those who have decided to study in Canada, but are stalling for time for no reason. Don't do this. Don't make it difficult for yourself to obtain a Canadian visa in the future. Canada is relatively easy to stay in, but very difficult to get an entry visa. Please keep this in mind.

1.3 Higher education in Canada can be obtained not only at a university, but also at a college

Colleges are designed for 1, 2, 3 or 4 years of study. A special feature of the study is the acquisition of deep practical skills along with theoretical knowledge. Studying is more economically profitable, the cost of training in the vast majority of colleges is lower than at a university, enrollment is carried out 1-3 times a year, depending on the specialty. As a rule, students are admitted to colleges without entrance exams. After their completion, students receive a special certificate (1-year programs based on high school - Certificate programs), a diploma (2-3 year programs based on high school - Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs), and after studying for 4 years, a college graduate is also and a university graduate, receives higher education and a bachelor's degree ( Bachelor's Degree programs).

Business majors offered by colleges are deservedly popular among students from Russia and the CIS countries. This is due, first of all, to the fact that graduates who have received a bachelor's degree in applied business or completed professional business programs find work relatively easily and quickly. In addition, their average salaries are almost always higher than the average salaries of graduates in other specialties. This is due to the constantly high demand for specialists in the field of business management in the Canadian labor market.

At universities, teaching is conducted to very high standards, and the presence of scientists on staff, often of world renown, creates a strong motivation to engage in research work, and for this there is everything necessary - equipped laboratories, modern equipment, a rich scientific library. Canadian universities offer undergraduate, graduate and graduate programs. Both in colleges and universities there is an opportunity to receive scholarships and grants, both state and from public organizations, for academic success and for active participation in the public life of the educational institution, and to enjoy cultural and social life on campus.

So where is it better and more profitable to get a higher education - at a university or college? A university bachelor's degree is usually considered more prestigious, but college costs less to study, and students spend a lot of time practicing, so they are usually better prepared to work independently immediately after graduation. But regardless of where the student received his bachelor’s degree - at a university or college, when hiring, the employer will give preference to the candidate whose knowledge is stronger and whose practical experience is richer. Therefore, if you can’t pay for university or don’t want to overpay for tuition, you can safely go to college. If you study conscientiously, the result will be at least no worse, and often better, than that of a university graduate. In addition, many colleges also offer 1-2 year post-graduate (postgraduate) programs where you can continue your studies. Students who already have higher education study here. Such programs are designed to improve skills or retrain for another profession.

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Features of training for Russians

In some cases, you can study for free if budget places are available. Provincial or state funding is sought. There are some peculiarities when foreigners enter the institute. Translation of the following documents will be required:

• college diploma or school certificate;
• certificate of passing the IELTS or TOEFL test, depending on the requirements of the educational institution.

Studying has specifics due to differences in average Canadian and Russian education. Sometimes an additional test in chemistry or mathematics is prescribed. Options for free education in Canada are available for Russians who have high grades in their certificate.

Certificate of passing the TOEFL test

2.1 Vocational education in college

Getting a trade in 1-3 year college programs is common for Canadians. Such training programs are very popular. Why shouldn’t foreign applicants pay attention to these programs?

Types of professional programs:

We will not consider 1-year programs based on high school due to their low suitability for subsequent emigration and obtaining the status of a permanent resident of Canada by a foreigner.

2–3 year Diploma/Advanced Diploma and their advantages:

Tuition fees per year for such programs are lower than for undergraduate programs;

1. They provide deep theoretical and practical knowledge, which allows the graduate to easily find a job;
2. The duration of the programs is 1–2 years shorter than bachelor's programs, which means that you will have to pay less for your studies.

Diploma/Advanced programs in Canada are very popular; most Canadians believe that such education will be quite enough for them to achieve their life goals. The salary level is so high that graduates of 2-3 year Diploma/Advanced Diploma programs often receive salaries higher than those who have studied for 4 years and have a bachelor's degree.

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Benefits of studying in Canada

The main feature of the education system in Canada is its maximum similarity with British education. The following advantages can be highlighted:

• high level of quality of education;
• availability of budget options;
• the opportunity to start working after 6 months of studying at a university;
• strong training program;
• some disciplines are available in electronic format, which reduces study time;
• democratic approach of teachers, allowing them to enter into discussions and solve difficult issues immediately;
• the demand for Canadian diplomas around the world;
• when moving to Europe or the USA, you do not need to confirm your education;
• costs are lower than in the UK or US.

If you choose a profession that is in demand, you can hope for a high social level after training and getting a job.

Very important!

In order to start studying in September of the next year, it is necessary to submit documents in advance, starting in November or even in October of the current year, since most colleges stop accepting documents from applicants in February or March, i.e. 5–6 months before the expected start of studies.

College tuition for international students ranges from approximately C$8,000 to C$18,000 per academic year. The duration of study programs is 1, 2 or 3 years, and for bachelor's programs - 4 years.

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Immigration to Canada through Education

Immigration for university admission is not difficult. To do this, you must have a document confirming the completion of your studies and a good level of French or English. It is mandatory to obtain an international certificate of knowledge of a foreign language. 6-7 points are enough, which are not so difficult to get.

The test can be taken separately or after language courses. It is important to choose a good school that has native speakers teaching. The test is also organized here.

2.4 Postgraduate education

Postgraduate programs universities are among the most popular among international students. The programs allow you to continue your education in your main specialty, or radically change your profession and legally remain to live and work in Canada, subsequently receiving permanent resident status. To enroll, you must have a higher education or work experience in your specialty; without this you will not be accepted.

For those who have already received a bachelor's degree, there are two main options for continuing their studies - a master's degree or a postgraduate Postgraduate program. A master's degree involves writing a scientific paper and conducting research, and postgraduate education provides practical knowledge and skills for direct application in work. In addition, the master's program does not provide for a change of specialty, and postgraduate programs provide such an opportunity, therefore it is believed that postgraduate Postgraduate programs, due to their greater accessibility, are ideal for subsequent emigration and obtaining permanent residence in Canada.

Even if you do not want to change your specialty by going to a postgraduate program, but continue your previously acquired education, the acquired knowledge and practical skills will help you learn the specifics of the Canadian labor market and deepen your existing knowledge. Studying in Postgraduate specialties has a fairly narrow specialization and is very intensive.

The average cost of training for postgraduate programs for international students is 13,000–15,000 Canadian dollars per academic year. Duration of training – from 1 to 2 years.

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Obtaining permanent residence in Canada after studying

After completing their studies in Canada, a work visa is available for Russians. It gives you the opportunity to work in the country for the same time as the duration of your studies. If the educational program lasted more than 2 years, a visa is issued for 3 years.

Those graduates who work for at least 1 year after college can apply for permanent residence. Provinces such as Ontario provide permanent residence to graduates of master's programs without obtaining a work contract.

3.1 Features of the education system

Canadian vocational and higher education is considered one of the best in the world, but at the same time, the country does not have a unified education system, there is no single coordination center for the entire country, which allows each province to independently form educational standards. For example, in Quebec, universities do not accept students under 18 years of age, while all other provinces allow students to study from the age of 17. The bilingualism of the country also plays a role - in almost every province you can find an educational institution with both English and French as the language of instruction. However, it is worth remembering that French is the main language only in the province of Quebec, and can also be useful in the province of New Brunswick, which is officially bilingual. Residents of other regions use English for everyday communication, so higher or professional education in Canada in most educational institutions is possible only in English.

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Popular universities in Canada

The price of higher education depends on the location and prestige of the university. If you are planning to immigrate on a study visa, it is important to choose your institution carefully. The demand for the specialty is taken into account.

The world ranking includes the best educational institutions in Canada:

1. University of Toronto. This is one of the few research universities. The strongest disciplines for foreign students are sports, geography, healthcare, anatomy, and physiology.
2. McGill University. This is an international educational institution where Canadians study on an equal basis with Belarusians, Kazakhstanis and citizens of other countries. The university is located in Montreal.
3. University of British Columbia. A wide range of programs are taught here, the strongest of which are mining, geography and sports. The university is located in Vancouver.
4. The University of Alberta is located in historic Edmonton. A wide range of disciplines are offered, including pharmacy, journalism, law and medical training.
5. University of Prince Edward Island. Foreigners from all over the world study there. The most popular areas are the natural sciences and humanities, as well as business.

It is important to focus on leading universities, after which employment in leading companies is available. Education is accepted by most countries of the world, and a diploma does not have to be confirmed.

University of Toronto, Canada

Types of school and student education programs in Canada

The country offers language courses designed for children and adults with various levels of training. Short-term classes are held in any season, so training can be combined with vacation or holidays.

Courses for adults are organized on the basis of:

• ILAC (International Language School of Canada). School campuses are located in Vancouver and Toronto. The program is intended for students aged 16 years or over with basic knowledge of English.
• University of Toronto. Programs have been developed here to prepare for exams according to TOEFL, IELTS, FCE, CAE standards. Successful passing provides an opportunity to continue studying at universities in Canada and English-speaking countries. By completing university-based courses, applicants receive serious preparation, which significantly increases their chances of admission.

Children's English courses in Canada are held at secondary schools and universities. In addition, children from other countries have the opportunity to receive secondary education in Canadian public schools. Upon completion of training, they are issued a corresponding certificate.

Education in private boarding schools in Canada is designed for children and adolescents from 12 to 18 years old. The duration of training is from 6 months. up to 3 years. ESL and International Baccalaureate programs are available for international students. For example, Appleby Colledge offers 16 different courses, and at Ridley College, upon receipt of an IB diploma, credits are awarded that allow you to immediately enroll in the 2nd year of the university.

Preparatory programs for higher education in Canada are in demand among applicants planning to enter English-language universities after school or college. They include intensive linguistic training and training in specialized disciplines.

Such courses are organized by:

• ILAC,
• University of Toronto,
• Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology.

will help you navigate the specifics of the programs and choose the most suitable option.

Pros and cons of studying in Canada

When planning to study in Canada, take into account all the features of being in the country. An immigrant must overcome many problems, from the cost of study to living expenses. The following are the advantages and disadvantages of relocation:

By deciding to move to Canada to study abroad, you can seriously change your life. In case of successful completion of school and university, the specialist will have the opportunity to find employment in the best companies in the country and the world. Therefore, every year many young Russians, Kyrgyzstanis, Ukrainians and residents from other CIS countries come here.

How much do Canadian universities cost for Russians?

Advantages of Canadian education. Why Canada?

Canada's territory is half the size of Russia.
But this does not prevent it from taking an honorable second place in the list of countries with the largest territory. Canada is also known in the world for the quality of education, both secondary and higher. The popular American magazine US News & World Report ranks Canadian education third in the world, after American and British. The success of this achievement has been explained in different ways.

Some people believe that a decentralized education system, where there is no Ministry of Education as such at the federal level (for more details, see the article “Education in Canada: a system without a system”) and the provinces are free to choose educational models. Others feel that students are attracted to Canada by employment and subsequent immigration.

Canadian universities are open to foreigners - there are half a million of them here, they are unlikely to be mistaken. Be that as it may, the share of Canadians of working age with higher education is more than 50%, while in Europe they struggle to reach 35%. Another fact that is difficult to argue with is that tuition prices, even for foreigners, are lower here than in the UK and the USA.

Let’s take a closer look at higher education in Canada.

Higher education institutions in Canada include colleges, including community colleges, colleges of applied technologies, institutes and universities. Do not forget that in Canada you can also study in French, therefore in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, secondary and technical colleges where they teach in French are called collèges d'enseignement général et professionnel. Canadian colleges are very similar to Russian lyceums and colleges, that is, vocational educational institutions.

The approach to higher education in Canada is very practical. Colleges primarily offer application-based programs that take students the shortest route to a profession and entry into the workforce. To start working, you only need to complete a two-year diploma program straight out of high school; You can continue your studies at a college or polytechnic institute further, obtaining a bachelor's degree.

Universities primarily attract those who intend to study science. Although, in fact, no one is forbidden to engage in practical work after completing their studies at the university for a bachelor's or master's degree. A master's degree at a Canadian university is definitely in demand among future scientists; To improve your bachelor's qualifications, there are many certificate programs (duration of training is two years), which are fully equivalent to a master's degree and differ only in the practical focus of acquiring knowledge.

State or private university?

There are many more public educational institutions in Canada than private ones. Canadian universities, colleges and universities, are private and public. Moreover, this most likely reflects for the better on the quality of education, since state control is present to a large extent. Education in public colleges is just as prestigious as in private ones. The only difference is the generous subsidies that state colleges and universities receive from federal and provincial governments.

For international students without permanent residence in Canada, the difference between the cost of studying at a private or public university is indistinguishable; for locals it is a decent amount. In the sense that for local students or foreigners with a residence permit in Canada (PR, or permanent residence), the cost of training is several times lower.

An important difference between public and private colleges is that not all private institutions can accept foreigners to study, but public institutions have the right to do so. Immigration authorities classify them as “designated learning institutions” (DLI) or “authorized educational institutions”. This status allows you to issue invitations for a study visa (“study permit”). Upon completion of their studies, graduates receive the right to work for two or three years (“post-graduation work permit”, PGWP).

Cost of studying in Canada

For example, an academic year at the largest Canadian college, Algonquin College, for Canadians or those with a permanent residence permit (“permanent residency”, PR) will cost 9,000 Canadian dollars. The same rate for foreigners is from 16,000 to 22,000. If we take average values, then to study at a Canadian college you need to budget from 10,000 to 20,000 Canadian dollars.

The logic of the state is clear: it is ready to financially support its students, and offers foreign students to pay in full for the course of study. However, foreign students are also provided with scholarships, which sometimes cover a significant part of the cost of education, which we will discuss separately later in this article.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Comparative costs of undergraduate/diploma programs at Canadian universities for international students. (Data shown in CAD, Canadian dollars for 2021 for the computer technology major.)

(* The indicated data is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute a public offer from a higher education institution or agency. Only the cost of training is indicated, without additional costs. Due to the fact that the programs differ, the prices indicated give only an approximate idea of ​​the cost of training.)

Where should a student live?

There are several answers. Student residences (in other words, dormitories) are quite comfortable and provide the opportunity to live in a single, double or triple room. As a rule, you can cook food here in a small kitchen. Excluding meals, such accommodation will cost from 5,000 to 8,000 Canadian dollars per year, depending on the comfort of the accommodation and proximity to major cities. Of course, campuses in Toronto and Montreal will be more expensive than similar housing in the outback of Quebec or British Columbia.

You don't have to cook it yourself; Often in universities, students sign up for a subscription to a local cafe, which provides two or three meals a day. Such a subscription costs from 1,900 to 3,100 Canadian dollars per academic year.

Students often choose to live with a host family (this will cost CAD 750 - 850 per month, including two meals a day). Undergraduates more often live in rented apartments in the city, sometimes by pooling money, which allows them to save on this expense item. Renting a home in Toronto is not cheap; you need to expect at least a rent of 1,200 – 1,500 dollars per month.

To make the calculations more accurate, let us remember that the Canadian dollar is about a quarter cheaper than the American dollar, which makes studying in Canada very attractive.

Curriculums differ from province to province. As we have already said, programs of higher educational institutions are compiled taking into account the requirements placed on graduates by modern science and economics; and these requirements, due to the rapidly accelerating world, are changing all the time.

Wilfried Laurier University

College or University in Canada: What's the Difference?

The approach to higher education here is very practical. Colleges primarily offer application-based programs that take students the shortest route to a profession and entry into the workforce. To start working, it is enough to complete a two-year diploma program; You can continue your studies at a college or polytechnic institute further, obtaining a bachelor's degree.

Canadian universities have an excellent research base, which is what allows leading universities such as the University of Toronto and MacGill University to be among the top thirty universities in the world. Universities primarily attract those who intend to study science. Although, in fact, no one is forbidden to engage in practical work after completing their studies at the university for a bachelor's or master's degree. A master's degree at a Canadian university is definitely in demand among future scientists; To improve your bachelor's qualifications, there are many certificate programs (duration of training is two years), which are fully equivalent to a master's degree and differ only in the practical focus of acquiring knowledge.

In the middle of the last century, the Canadian government launched a program to create vocational colleges, which mushroomed almost simultaneously. These are the very famous Humber College, Centennial College, Seneca College and a number of others. Nowadays there is high competition and applicants with good school certificate scores try to submit documents in advance in order to be in time before the course is filled. The main difference between a college and a university is that college programs are shorter, usually 1–2 years, although there are also full-fledged undergraduate programs lasting 6–8 semesters (3 or 4 academic years).

What diploma or degree can you get from a Canadian college or university? – Associate degree (1 – 2 years of study) – assistant’s diploma – Bachelor’s degree (3 – 5 years of study) – bachelor’s degree – Master’s degree (1 – 2 years of study) – master’s degree – Doctoral degree (1.5 – 3 years of study ) – Doctor of Science degree

Master's in Canada

What studies are available in Canada if you have already completed a bachelor's degree, whether at home or abroad? There are two options: you can study in the post-grad certificate program or enroll in a master's program at a Canadian university.

What is the difference between them?

Only in a practical sense. The best way to improve your qualifications in your chosen specialty is by enrolling in a certificate program at one of the Canadian colleges. Typically, your bachelor's degree must be in the same or related field. If you are planning a teaching or scientific career, then you have a direct path to obtaining a master's degree. Certificate programs cost on average between C$12,000 and C$25,000 per year. Master's programs at the university - from 16,000 to 50,000 Canadian dollars per year.

Additional training costs

They say the devil is in the details. Although the additional expenses that a college or university will ask you to pay are not exorbitant.

What can and should be considered additional expenses?

Participation in student clubs - 20 - 30 dollars per semester, sports clubs - 30 - 40 dollars, a single ticket for all types of local transport - 50 - 250 dollars, fee for wi-fi and other services on campus (technology fee) - 120 – 180 dollars per semester. Health insurance is also part of the additional cost. However, often its cost is already included in the tuition fee. Sometimes not, in which case an international student needs to budget between C$800 and C$1,500 per year for an insurance policy. Your budget for studying in Canada should include between 1,000 and 2,500 Canadian dollars for additional expenses.

Receiving a scholarship. How many? Which?

The Canadian government helps international students cope not only with their studies, but also with their expenses. If you have excellent grades or diplomas, your chances of receiving a scholarship increase significantly. Of course, scholarships covering 100% of tuition or at least half of it are awarded to the best of the best.

Scholarships for college or university students are available from national, provincial and individual universities. Sometimes universities and Canadian high schools are bound by agreements under which applicants receive scholarships upon admission. Graduates of the private school Braemar College receive a scholarship of 2,000 Canadian dollars upon admission to the University of Toronto.

Colleges and universities almost always reward hard-working students with good academic performance. Getting a scholarship of 1,000 - 2,000 Canadian dollars, or even 5,000 is quite possible. Scholarships of 10,000 – 20,000 Canadian dollars are much more difficult to obtain. They are approved based on a review of your documents with a detailed justification of your income and expenses and, as a rule, make up a certain percentage of the costs of training and accommodation, as well as additional expenses, including flights to Canada. When applying, you only need to carefully read the conditions for submitting documents and not miss the deadlines for their submission.

Please note that to apply for a scholarship, you must first be admitted to a Canadian college or university.

We will talk about scholarships and grants to study in Canada in a separate article.

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Features of higher education

The main feature of the Canadian educational system is that education is on the same level as the British one in terms of teaching quality and prestige.

The system has a number of advantages over others, the advantages are expressed as follows:

• high quality education is provided by teachers who undergo annual confirmation of their level of knowledge;
• accessibility of education and availability of budget options;
• selection of world-class higher education institutions;
• students are provided with budget funding and offered sponsorship investments;
• providing employment opportunities six months after the start of studies;
• Canadian diplomas are in demand in many countries, graduates are eagerly hired for prestigious and highly paid positions;
• interesting approach to learning, Canadian teachers are very democratic, discussions and defending one’s own opinion are allowed in lessons.

The country is famous for its universities with a high professional level. There are many recognizable people among the students, including scientists, politicians, and businessmen.

The world ranking of the best educational institutions includes Canadian universities, including:

1. University of Prince Edward Island - the main focus is business and humanities, among the students there are a large number of foreign nationals;
2. University of Alberta - offers students the study of various disciplines: medicine, pharmacy, law and journalism;
3. The University of Toronto is a research university; for foreigners, the strongest disciplines will be geography, health care, physiology and sports.

It is noteworthy that Canadian education is recognized by almost all countries; when applying for a job, you do not need to confirm your diploma

Another clear advantage is that students are allowed to work part-time, up to 20 hours a week during school hours, and full-time during vacations.

Also, each student is provided with postgraduate internship, after which, if desired, the specialist is employed on a permanent basis. This is important for those who need emigration; this way it is quick and easy to obtain a residence permit in the country.

The average internship duration is 6 months and is paid. That is, graduates, even at the stage of receiving their education, have the opportunity to enter into a contract with an international company and build a successful career.