Studying in Canada : Types of Institution
UNIVERSITIES
There are a wide variety of both English and French speaking universities in Canada spanning across the country from great urban cities to small rural areas. The system is publicly funded consisting of 92 Universities and University Colleges registered with the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). Membership of the AUCC ensures a consistently high standard across the registered institutions. However there is no centralised accrediting system, which gives the universities autonomy contributing to the wide range of institutions. The qualifications on offer at Canadian universities range from bachelors degrees to doctorates. All qualifications available at Canadian universities are internationally recognised and respected.
UNIVERSITY COLLEGES
University colleges combine the academic disciplines of the Canadian universities with the vocational teaching of colleges. There are a wide range of programs
and qualifications available at university colleges from the more academic bachelors degrees to practical college diplomas. They may also offer combined programs of degrees and diplomas and English as a foreign language courses. It is also possible to complete a transfer program in which students complete their first two years of study at a university college then transfer to a nearby university to complete the remainder of the degree.
COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES
Community colleges and technical institutes, like university colleges, allow students an alternative route into university as well as offering courses
and qualifications in their own right. The courses available at community colleges are typically more practical and related to a particular job and are shorter than university courses at two to three years. However the skills learnt form these courses can transfer into points that count towards a university degree. This is unattractive route for international students as it boasts lower fees and less stringent entry requirements.
CAREER COLLEGES
These are privately owned institutions offering training programs designed to provide students with practical training for the world of employment. They offer short-term courses to equip students with the skills needed for the workplace such as computer and secretarial skills. Although the institutions are private they are approved and regulated by the province to ensure a high quality standard
Many university and college application deadlines are in the period from December to March. Application forms can be requested from the institutes themselves in a majority of the provinces though the application process in Ontario is slightly different.
MBA course is in great demand for professional development in the fields of management, administration, sales and marketing, communication and advertising as well.