Education System

Canada has a comprehensive, internationally recognized, high quality, publicly funded, and private education system which is very popular amongst students from all over the world. Though education institutions are not officially ranked in Canada, one can find quality institutions across the country. There are just under 100 universities & 127 colleges in Canada.

Unlike the education systems of other countries, what is unique about the Canadian Education System is that there is no national department of education. Instead, Elementary, Secondary & Post-Secondary education is the exclusive responsibility of each Province & Territory, along with its delivery, organization & evaluation. This can result in different eligibility criteria, curriculum (there is no national curriculum), types of available programs, and minimum & maximum age requirements for students applying in each province or territory. However, the basic structure of the education systems across Canada is similar. Also, there are other similarities and national mechanisms to facilitate quality assurance, recognition & transferability of course credits & credentials (Canada has an excellent reputation for transfers between levels/types of education, making studying here flexible).

Although there is no single education system, basic public education across Canada is free for all citizens & permanent residents of Canada until the 11th or 12th grade, depending on the province. International students, however, have to pay full tuition fees.

Education for Canadian citizens is compulsory up to the ages of 16 years or 18 years, depending on the province/territory.

The Education System in Quebec is slightly different. While students in all other provinces/territories of Canada graduate from high school after Grade 12, students in Quebec graduate from high school after Grade 11. They then normally continue their studies in another higher institution known as CEGEP (College of General & Vocation Education), which is a 2-year general program or 3-year technical program that offers students a chance to weigh their options more realistically & to make the right career choices and, if they so desire, have an easier transition into university/college.

Education across Canada can generally be divided into 4 stages –

  • Pre-school or early childhood education
  • primary or elementary education
  • secondary education
  • Post-secondary or tertiary education, which includes college and university programs and vocational/technical colleges.

Scholarships :

Merit-based financial assistance is available to students. Most of these are available at the graduate level, but there are some secondary & undergraduate scholarships available through individual institutions. This ranges from tuition waivers to various types of assistantships and fellowships. Students must apply early to ensure they are considered for scholarships.

Contact Us to help you determine which course, education institution & area of study will provide you with the right career pathway and ensure a secure future for you.