Q & A About Studying In Canada
Frequently Asked Questions about Studying in Canada
Applying to study in Canada is daunting for many international students. There’s an overwhelming amount of information to digest, so it’s not surprising if students feel confused. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers.
1. What are the alternatives to post-secondary education in Canada?
In Canada, tertiary education includes every type of formal teaching program past secondary schools, be it academic, vocational, technical, or the professional education offered primarily by universities, colleges, and special institutes.
2. What type of a high school diploma is accepted if applying in a Canadian post-secondary educational institution?
If you are concerned if the high school diploma you’ve earned in your home-country will be considered legit in Canada, worry no more since any student possessing a government-accredited high school diploma from their home country may apply for admission to a Canadian University.
3. What is the main difference between Universities and Colleges in Canada?
Universities get to deal independently with academic matters regarding the curricula, methods and teaching strategies. Universities have the power to set academic, admission, and graduation policies and standards, appoint staff, and undertake academic planning, meanwhile Private Universities are out-of-province institutions permitted to provide degrees after a meticulous quality assessment process by the designated governmental authorities which give the green light to certain degrees.
4. What are the common requirements into getting accepted in a Canadian University/College?
In order to get admitted in a Canadian tertiary education institution there are requirements students will have to meet, whether it I an undergraduate or a postgraduate program. Depending on the field of studies, programs and other relevant factors competition can vary. The two essential criteria are however, high school grades/performance as well as language skills be it English (in most of the provinces) or French in francophone ones.
5. What are the chances of getting a postgraduate degree after you’ve graduated from a Canadian post-secondary educational institution?
Once you’ve completed a BA degree in a Canadian tertiary institute you are more than welcome to continue your postgraduate studies in this country, having full legal support from the Canadian authorities regarding migration policies.
6. How long does it take to get a Master degree in Canada?
Commonly, Master degrees last for a whole academic year including an obligatory internship added to the overall duration. Sometimes a Master degree can last for two academic years, depending on the curricula and the sensitivity of the program.
7. How long does it take to get a PhD degree in Canada?
PhD degree programs are commonly two to three years in duration, are separately funded and considered as a job position (not always), in the majority of the cases.
8. What is the difference between private and public post-secondary educational institutions in Canada?
The public universities are commonly independent from governmental monitoring and don’t require accreditation meanwhile private universities are commonly monitored by the state gathered education council.
9. What type of language skill does one need in order to get accepted in a Canadian post-secondary institution?
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are the most common language requirement for American universities. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam scores are the most common language requirement for Canadian universities. But most universities will accept either test as proof of your English language ability. You can take TOEFL and IELTS exams at testing centers worldwide.
10. Is there any additional requirement for international students willing to apply in a Canadian post-secondary institution?
International students are required to submit an essay and a personal statement of what they think they are fit for enrolling in the designated program together with documents stating their work experience (if any) up to the date. Of course documents like reference letters, extracurricular activity certificates and other proof of skills is always a bonus and very much appreciated.
11. Is getting accepted in a Canadian tertiary institution based on a competitive basis only?
In order to get admitted in a Canadian tertiary education institution there are requirements students will have to meet, whether it is an undergraduate or a postgraduate program. Depending on the field of studies, programs and other relevant factors competition can vary. Commonly professional fields such as medicine and engineering are way more competitive, as well as applicative arts that require talent as the basic requirement (arts, music, sports).
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