Post secondary levels of education

Post-Secondary studies in Canada

Choosing the right program for your further studies in Canada is an important decision. On this VISA NEXA page, you will find different levels of programs you can choose in Canada. Canada's constitution allows each province and territory to manage its own education programs. Despite these regional differences, Canadian colleges, universities, and polytechnics use similar terms to describe common pathways and credentials. The length and structure of these programs are important decisions for prospective international students, as they directly affect eligibility for employment and immigration opportunities in Canada.

Undergraduate Studies in Canada

Undergraduate education in Canada follows the completion of senior secondary or high school. A standard undergraduate education, culminating in a bachelor's degree, typically takes three to five years. International students should budget a minimum of four years to complete a bachelor's degree. With a completed bachelor's degree, and the right combination of language skills and experience, international students may become eligible for various 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 several certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees at the undergraduate level. While these do not qualify students to undertake a master's degree in Canada, they may be useful for immigration or employment purposes.

Ø  Certificate Programs

Duration: 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 provide students with 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.

Ø  College or University Diploma

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

College diplomas in Canada usually consist of at least two full-time academic years of specialized post-secondary study. Like certificate programs, diploma programs are designed to meet specific demands of trades and technical or vocational careers. Depending on the job required, they may span upwards of three or four years. Diploma programs often include a co-op internship component or other apprenticeship options and 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).

Ø  Associate degree

Duration: 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.

Ø  Bachelor's Degree

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

A bachelor’s degree in Canada usually signifies the completion of four years of full-time post-secondary education. Subject areas 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 teacher certifications). Admission into a bachelor’s degree program requires a completed senior secondary diploma in Canada (or its equivalent).

Graduate Studies in Canada

Ø  Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates

Duration: Less than one year, or one or two full-time semesters.

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

Ø  Master’s Degree

Duration: 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.

Ø  Doctorate Degree

Duration: Approximately four to six years.

A doctorate in Canada generally comprises at least two to three years of 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 professors, doctors, or high-level administration jobs in government, health care, and education. The average timeframe to complete a doctorate is four to six years.

Contact Visa Nexa for Immigration Assistance

Need Canadian immigration assistance for higher studies in Canada? Visa Nexa Inc. is here to help and give an advice regarding different Post Secondary Levels of Studies in Canada. We can assess your eligibility and submit your application to the Canadian government. With over 10 years of expertise, Visa Nexa in Mississauga, Ontario has been helping clients achieve their dream of becoming Canadians. Our head offices are in Delhi (VISAWALK) and Chandigarh (The Mentors). Reach out to us today and take the first step toward your new life in Canada!

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