The Canadian education system encompasses both publicly-funded and private schools.

Education institutions are not officially ranked in Canada, as all Canadian institutions offer high quality programs. When choosing your school in Canada, consider the type, size and location of the institution. If you are interested in a particular area of study, investigate which schools have more to offer in that discipline.

• Universities
• University Colleges
• Community Colleges/Technical Institutes
• Career Colleges
• Universities

Canadian universities are internationally known for their high quality of teaching and research.  Degrees from Canadian universities are considered to be equivalent to those from American and other Commonwealth universities.  Most universities offer a broad range of courses and a full range of degrees from undergraduate to doctorate and can also offer certificates and professional degrees.  The university year usually runs from September to May.  To qualify for a degree program at most English-speaking universities, students for whom English is not a first language must have passed an English examination test.  The TOEFL is commonly accepted but Canadian universities often have their own tests for students or may accept other English tests such as the IELTS. 

University Colleges

As a component of the Canadian university system, university colleges offer students a choice of either academic oriented university degree programmes or the more practical-oriented college diplomas and certificates. As a part of the Canadian college system, university colleges are distinguished by their strong student support services, small classes and strong campus environments. They also offer combined degree/diploma programmes and university transfer programmes.

Community College / Technical Institutes

Community Colleges and technical institutes have the primary function of responding to the training needs of business, industry and the public service sectors.  They also meet the educational needs of vocationally-oriented secondary school graduates, employment-seeking university graduates.  Normally, these technical institutes offer  the selection of two to three-year college programs.  Colleges maintain renowned Centers of Excellence in many fields such as information technology, mining, the environment, and hospitality and tourism.  Other full and part-time programs include health, business, academic upgrading, applied arts, social services, adult literacy, and university preparation. 

Career Colleges

A technical/career college is a privately owned and operated school with the main objective of preparing students for the job market after a short period of instruction.  The emphasis at technical/career colleges is on practical skills over a broad range of programs.  They specialize in specific areas such as businesses, computers, and secretarial skills.