General Information about the Canadian Education System
Canada’s education system is divided into several levels:
- Certificates: Typically lasting one year.
- Diploma: Takes one to two years.
- Advanced Diploma: Takes two or three years.
- Bachelor's Degree: Awarded after four years of full-time study.
- Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma: Lasts one to two years.
- Master's Degree: After obtaining a bachelor's degree, it typically takes one to two years to specialize in a specific field.
- Doctoral Degree: Usually takes between four to seven years.
Intake Seasons in Canada
Canadian universities and colleges offer three main intakes:
- Fall (September): The most common intake for international students.
- Winter (January): For students who miss the Fall intake.
- Summer (May or August): Limited courses available, and only some institutions offer year-round intakes.
Education Levels
- Elementary and Secondary Education
- Elementary: Grades 1 to 6.
- Secondary: Grades 7 to 12 in most provinces, with Quebec being an exception (Grades 7 to 11).
- High School Diploma: Globally recognized.
- ESL programs for international students are available in most schools.
Cost:
- Public School: CAD 10,500 to CAD 23,000 per year (including tuition and homestay).
- Private School: CAD 35,000 to CAD 65,000 per year.
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Language Schools:
- English and French are the official languages of Canada. English/French as a second language programs are available.
- Duration: 3 months to 1 year depending on proficiency.
- Cost: CAD 4,000 to CAD 6,000 per year.
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College Education
- Colleges in Canada offer various programs such as community colleges, technical institutes, university colleges, and vocational colleges.
- Duration: Typically 2-3 years (or shorter). Emphasizes practical career skills and academic knowledge.
- Some students may transfer to universities for the final years of their degree program.
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University Colleges
- A combination of college and university programs. Students can either pursue a two-year cultural program before transferring to university, or complete a 2-3 year program and graduate with a specialized degree.
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Community Colleges
- Offer vocational programs that range from one to three years (including internships). Some colleges offer university transfer programs, allowing students to complete their first two years of university at the college and then transfer credits to a university for the final two years.
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University Transfer Programs
- Students complete the first two years at a community college or university college, earning credits that transfer to universities for the final years of a four-year degree. However, students must ensure the courses they select are aligned with their intended major.
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Technical Institutes/Career Colleges
- Private institutions that provide practical training for various jobs, offering short-term courses in fields like film, IT, internet, graphic design, hospitality, etc.
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Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
- Bachelor's Degree: Typically requires 3-4 years of study.
- Master's Degree: Requires one to two years of postgraduate study.
- Doctoral Programs: Involves research and development of groundbreaking ideas and takes several years.
Differences between Public and Private Schools in Canada
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Public Schools:
- Funded by provincial governments.
- Follow standardized curriculum set by the province.
- Staffed by government-certified teachers.
- Around 95% of Canadian children attend public schools.
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Private Schools:
- Operate under provincial regulations but may have more flexibility.
- Often have specialized programs (e.g., arts, sports, or religious schools).
- Smaller class sizes and more individualized attention.
- Some private schools offer international programs or curricula from other countries.
Programs Offered
- Programs vary greatly, with offerings in arts, sports, technology, and more.
- Small class sizes, specialized training, and comprehensive facilities in many private institutions.
University Admissions
- University admission standards vary by institution, but most international students are assessed based on high school records.
- Some universities may require TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speakers.
Postgraduate Studies
- Master's Programs: Typically 1-2 years of study. Some schools require work experience for entry.
- Doctoral Programs: Requires the completion of a research project and defense of a thesis.
Contact Information
For further guidance, contact OSI Vietnam:
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