Colleges and polytechnic institutes offer professional programs of study leading to a wide range of qualifications. These institutions are very similar in training and further education (TAFE) to colleges in Australia and to tend to focus on the training and development of skills through practical experience, often including a cooperative component where a place of work in the real world related with the curriculum it is valid for the credential.
International students often say they feel comfortable in schools and colleges because they have small classes and these institutions allow them to practice language skills and build friendships easily with strong support from the central and off-campus student services. In addition, they appreciate teachers with access to industry expertise and co-op (practical internship) and other job placement opportunities, which lead to practical experience in the field of their choice.
Canadian colleges and institutes offer a wide range of practical education programs. These practical teaching institutions are called in different ways: colleges, institutes of technology, polytechnics, regional colleges, centers, colleges of applied arts and technology, community colleges, and Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP in Quebec) .
These institutions work closely with the industry to ensure that students are prepared and ready to take advantage of current and emerging labor market opportunities and ensuring a key role in the industry in Canada, North America, or abroad. The graduates are leaders in the worldwide industry. Your skills and education after graduation are transferable and recognized worldwide.
Colleges and institutes take advantage of their strong connections with the private industry to develop and implement research programs. These programs are an important part of the Canadian innovation system: they provide graduates with the necessary skills and expertise to address some of the key challenges of today's globalized society.
These institutions offer a wide range of credentials, including degrees, diplomas, certificates, apprenticeships, graduate, continuing education and corporate training, which may include an internship.
Programs are offered in English, French, or both, depending on the region. Many also offer opportunities of combined distance learning.
More than 8,000 programs with different required length of study are offered throughout the country, being two years the shortest diploma program or three years for training technicians, technologists, medium level managers, and service providers. There are also one-year postgraduate certificates available to Canadian and international university graduates wishing to acquire advanced and applied knowledge to specific areas of employment. Many international students are currently pursuing postgraduate certificates at Canadian universities and colleges to get a new job at home or in Canada.
The school year in colleges or institutes is the same as other postgraduate course calendars, runs from September to April or May, with spring and summer courses, which are often available. Some institutions have a semester or trimester system allowing students to begin programs in September, January or May. CEGEPs in Quebec offers two streams of education: two years pre-university programs and three years of vocational training.
Canadian college credentials are approved by provincial or territorial governments. The programs can also be accredited by the independent industry or business professionals’ organizations. To ensure a rigorous academic quality, provincial ministries of education determine which institutions are allowed to offer degrees.