Do you know Young Canadians usually have a higher level of education than their counterparts across OECD countries, with 63% of young Canadians aged 25 to 34 attaining a college or university education, compared to the OECD average of 45%? This is mainly due to a higher proportion of young Canadians attaining a college education – 24% compared to the OECD average of 8%. 

The government of Canada, the world's second-largest country, considers education to be the biggest concern. The federal, provincial, and municipal governments fund and operate the education system in Canada. As the public education system and curriculum are under the sovereignty of every province, there are some minor variances between them, like the minimum and maximum age of students and the different kinds of programs available. 

If you are one of the million Canadian students and are aiming to pursue higher studies in the country, then today's comprehensive post is for you. In today's comprehensive post, we will walk you through all the key points you need to know to pursue higher education in the country.

Higher Education in Canada: The Structure 

According to the eminent stalwarts of reputed essay help websites who offer guidance for Canadian students, higher education in Canada is relatively similar to that of the US. However, there are also influences from the British education system. 

In Canada, every province and territory is responsible for education at all levels, incorporating universities. There exists no federal or country-wide system. This implies that every province and territory regulates the education standards, which keeps the standard and quality of education remarkable. 

After graduating from high school, students can easily apply to colleges or universities. In the country, colleges are often technical, applied arts, or applied science schools that provide vocational certifications, diplomas, and associate degrees to graduates. Let's now take a close look at the different levels of the higher education system in Canada – 








Qualifications 



Duration 



Description 


Associate Degree 

2 years 

Equivalent to the first two years of a 4-years bachelor's degree 


Certificates & Diplomas

1 to 2 years 

Vocational and job-oriented programs, mainly technical






Bachelor's Degree







3 to 4 years

This is an undergraduate degree offered to international students. The course duration depends largely on the province and the program chosen by the student. 



Generally, the course lasts for 4 years in Canada except 3 years in Quebec. 


Bachelor's Honors Degree 

4 years 

It requires getting a precise GPA or credits, a major or a specialist program. 


Postgraduate Diploma 

1 to 2 years 

A post-bachelor degree qualification. 




Master's Degree (Thesis)



1 to 2 years

This is referred to as a research master. This demands compulsory submission of the thesis for valuation and course completion.






Doctorate or PhD 





4-7 years 



This is awarded when pupils complete the thesis and successfully protect their work before a panel of faculty members. 




Grading System 

Canada has a diverse grading system followed throughout the country. It varies as per the area you are in, the university you've enrolled in, or the degree you've opted for. 

The grading system followed in Canada can range from a 4.0 grading scale to a 9.0 grading school. Also, a student will find variations and a mix of numerical scores and alphabetical grades % being followed in every university or region. 

Type of Schools in the Canadian Education System

In Canada, the higher education system can be categorized into colleges, universities, private institutions and polytechnics. 

Universities are research-focused schools that provide undergraduate and graduate degrees in different disciplines. Colleges offer certification and diploma programs in certain areas like business, health sciences or technology. These can take between one to three years to complete, depending on your selected program. 

Polytechnics also provide competency-based diplomas and certificates in fields like engine engineering, computer science, and design. Finally, private schools can offer a diverse range of courses, from vocational training to professional certificates. 

Tuition Costs for Different Kinds of Schools 

The tuition fees can hugely vary based on the school you are attending in Canada. At universities, the tuition cost can range between $7000 to CAD 30,000 per year. Different universities also charge additional fees for administrative costs and student services. 

Colleges tend to typically have lower tuition costs than universities, varying from $5000-15000 CAD every year. Polytechnic colleges can cost anywhere between $6000-20,000 CAD every year, based on the program and institution you choose. The same applies to private institutions that can charge a wide range of prices for their courses. 

To Conclude, 

Finally, remember that there are numerous opportunities available for international students who desire to take advantage of Canada's high-quality education system. With careful planning and research, you can ensure that you get the most out of your studies in the maple country.