WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY IN CANADA?

Unlike the United States, where the term "college" refers to local or community schools offering bachelor's degrees, Canada's college system was developed to provide technical education and diplomas meeting the current labor trends and needs of changing economy.

Canadian colleges have changed to a great extent in recent years. Many are equipped with the latest equipment and provide excellent on-the-job training opportunities. In particular, such polytechs as River College Red in Manitoba, Sheridan, Seneca and Humber College (Ontario), NAIT and SAIT (Alberta), and BCIT (British Columbia) are world leaders in development of practical and applied programs.

Colleges and polytechnics have close ties with regional labor market and carefully select the graduates.
Some colleges are more difficult to get into than some university programs.

Canadian colleges respond to the needs and opportunities faced by people looking for a new job, so they offer many programs to start a career in another field. No wonder that university graduates quite often transfer to college or polytechnic just upon graduation - this is one of the features of the mismatch between academic education and modern labor market.

The main distinguishing features of colleges:

• Canadian colleges offer diplomas, certificates, associate degrees and bachelor's degrees.
• Study period: 1 year for certificate programs, 2 or 3 years for diploma programs.
• Average cost - $ 15,000-26,000 per year, depending on the number of credits selected.
• More structured programs. Small number or absence of elected subjects.
• More communication with teachers, most of them know students by name. This is useful for those who learn better when interacting with teachers.
• Less colorful student life. Less extracurricular and student activities.
• Learning opportunities are typically general for everyone. For example, lectures + textbook. There are some web applications.
• Small number of scholarships and grants.
• Cooperative programs (studies + on-the-job training).
• Transfer opportunities (joint programs with universities).
• Simpler English language requirements. IELTS for diploma programs is 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each module, however, students with low IELTS score can also apply.

Many international students appreciate shorter and cheaper college programs, which may be also used to make a degree conferred abroad complete.

University education has also much to offer. First of all, universities can award academic degrees. All universities have bachelor's degrees, and many have also master's and PhD programs.

Canadian universities are centers for pioneering research and innovation ensuring solution of global challenges such as climate change. Moreover, Canadian universities are host for over 60 business incubators (entrepreneurship centers) supporting entrepreneurial initiatives of graduates.

Canadian universities are governed by provincial law but remain autonomous in academic matters such as program quality, teacher training, admission requirements and more.

Studies at the university imply more independence than at college. This requires strong time management and motivation. The number of independent studies will increase in the following years of study under Master's or PhD program.

Many Canadian universities let students combine subject areas into a dual specialty, such as Bachelor of Science in chemistry and biology.

University graduates represent 27% of Canada's labor force, but they still represent over 40% of the tax base. This proves the fact that the number of university graduates is low, but they earn more. For example, a university graduate in Ontario earns 35% more than a college graduate, but also pays more taxes.

Distinctive features of universities:

• They focus on analytical skills (the ability to understand and use information).
• A lot of theoretical training, little scope of practical experience.
• May offer degrees in specific professions such as dentistry, but more often than not they offer degrees in general subjects such as English, biology, physics, etc.
• It takes longer to study: 3 or 4 years for a bachelor's degree and from 1 to 3 years for a master's degree.
• University is more expensive. $ 25,000- $ 55,000 per year.
• More structured student life. Many extracurricular activities and special interest clubs.
• Learning opportunities are rather rich. Research, practical training, internships, exchange programs, online modules, web applications, elective courses, etc.
• Lots of scholarships and grants.
• Joint programs with other universities.
• IELTS requirements for admission are higher, in general - 6.5 with at least 6.0 in any module.

Canadian universities are the best choice for students willing to get a Bachelor's degree, prepare for professional programs such as medicine, longing to work among researchers or to teach.

Due to a long study period universities are usually less attractive for international students or professionals interested in getting a diploma in a short time.

Nowadays an international student has various opportunities to get higher education in Canada, and many choose studies at college first with further employment and applying for residence, and only then continue studies as a local student that is three times cheaper than for international students.

Bachelor's degree programs at colleges with a lot of practice and less theory are becoming more and more popular. You are the one to choose!!!