Generalities of the Canadian Education System

Generalities of the Canadian Education System

Canadian Education System

Canada has a strong and well-equipped mass education system, which is largely administered on a provincial basis. Some aspects of Canada's education system may differ between provinces, but because the education system is overseen by the federal government, educational standards remain largely uniform across the country.

Canada has both a public and private education system. The Canadian government subsidizes education from kindergarten to university levels in a significant way, meaning that it spends an average of 6 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on education. Therefore, Canada spends more on education than any other  OECD  member state slowly.

Canada's education system at a glance

Schools in Canada

In general, all Canadian schools cover education for students from the age of 5 to 17 or 18. However, the Canadian education system and student levels vary from province to province: • Canadian primary schools range from levels 1 (or preschool) to 4, 5, 6, or sometimes level 7.• Canadian secondary schools include levels 5, 6, 7 and 8. It also depends on the region and the school.• Preparatory high school includes levels 7, 8, and sometimes 9 and actually prepares students for transfer to high school.• Canadian high school includes levels 8, 9, or 10 to 12, except  for education in the province of Quebec,  where high school includes levels 7 to 11. Except for preschool, which accounts for almost half of the day's hours. The academic year covers from September (October) to June (June). According to the Canadian education system, foreign students  have to pay between $10,000 and $14,000 per year  to attend public schools in Canada. Take short-term courses at colleges or technical institutes so that they can acquire skills related to the world of the labor market faster and in shorter courses.

Education in Canada is available to children from the age of 5. However, in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, children begin schooling one year earlier. Depending on the laws of the province, kindergarten may not be compulsory, i.e. it is an optional level of education. In general, the table below shows the age range that children in Canada must attend school. Note that the homeschooling requirements that are in the Across Canada, it is considered a legal education system, it may vary.

 

Province

Age of compulsory education

Alberta

6 to 16

British Columbia

6 to 16

Manitoba

7 to 18

Brunswick

5 to 18

Newfoundland and Labrador

6 to 16

Northwest Territories

5 to 18

Nova Scotia

5 to 16

Ontario

6 to 18

Prince Edward Island

5 to 16

Quebec

6 to 16

Saskatchewan

7 to 16

Yukon

6 to 16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Studying in a Canadian high school

Third- and fourth-year high school students and those whose diploma average is below the threshold for obtaining a bachelor's degree in Canada can first obtain their Canadian high school diploma from a Canadian high school and then apply to university. The duration of high school education depends on the applicant's educational background and previous grades, and usually lasts between 1 and 2 years.

Post-secondary education

 As a vast network of colleges and universities, Canada offers some of the best fields of study at university degrees worldwide. Throughout the country, there are many official international universities located in urban and rural areas. Generally, the degrees awarded by Canadian universities are recognized and accepted at universities around the world on an equivalent basis. Each academic year at a university level in Canada typically begins in September and lasts through April or May and consists of two semesters or semesters. Many academic institutions provide students with the opportunity to take courses in the summer months as the third semester. Generally, students can start a course at the university in September (most of the time) or January. College classes may be held year-round, and students should be able to be prepared to study at any time of the year.

Canadian higher education consists of 3 parts:
• Universities and Polytechnics
• Technical Institutions in Canada• Colleges in Canada

Study in Canadian Colleges

Applicants to many technical, engineering, applied, and arts courses can receive admission to study at a Canadian college. The duration of study in college courses is between 2 and 4 years. Applicants who do not have an English language certificate must first take college language courses.

Studying Bachelor's Degree in Canada

Applicants for undergraduate studies in Canada must have a high GPA and English language score. Admission to the bachelor's degree depends on the applicant's academic background and GPA. Bachelor's degree admission is done in all disciplines and universities in Canada. If the applicant does not have a sufficient language score for the university in question, he must first attend the language course of the university. A bachelor's degree in Canada usually takes 3 to 4 years if it is full-time. To be admitted to a bachelor's degree in Canada, applicants must have a valid diploma and pre-university degree. In some provinces, the applicant can also complete a pre-university course in Canada, which will usually be 2 years.

Study at the Master's and Doctoral Levels in Canada

Applicants for master's and doctoral studies in Canada must have a GPA above 13 and an IELTS certificate  with a minimum score of 5, and sometimes GRE and GMAT certificates  for some fields. Admission to master's and doctoral degrees in all fields is possible.

Study in English and French

International students can choose to study in one of Canada's two official languages, either English or French. Some educational institutions offer courses in both languages. However, it is not necessary to be fluent in both languages to attend either level of study. In most parts of Canada, the primary language of instruction at the school level is English. However, French is also widely taught in Canada. It is offered throughout the country. Regardless of the primary language of instruction, children are usually taught English or French as a second language from an early age. In Quebec, students are usually required to study in French until the end of high school. Of course, there are exceptions to which a child can obtain a certificate of competence to study in English. Some of these conditions include:

  • If the child's parent has completed basic education in Canada in English.
  • If the child or one of the siblings has spent most of their primary or secondary education in Canada in English (if the child's parent is a Canadian citizen).
  • If the child's parent attended school in Quebec after August 26, 1977, and was able to qualify for English education at that time (if the child's parent is a Canadian citizen).

In addition, children whose parents are temporarily in Quebec for reasons such as study or work permits can attend English-language schools. However, in general, when newcomers to Canada settle in Quebec, their children must attend French-language schools. Of course, the option of homeschooling in English is also available to their children.

Study in Canadian language courses

Applicants for English or French language courses can obtain language admission from one of the universities, colleges, and other language education centers in Canada. The duration of language instruction depends on the applicant's language level and lasts from 6 months to one year. Language courses are held at Canadian colleges, language institutes, and Canadian universities.  The applicant has so many options to choose from. In order to choose the best option, the applicant can consult with the consultants of Visa Mondial Company to obtain admission to language courses in the shortest time.

 

Credits Transfer System in Canada

Many colleges and polytechnics, according to their agreement with Canadian universities , allow applicants to transfer the credits passed in the college or polytechnic to the universities. This method is very common in Canada, and applicants who are not at the level of a specific university in terms of academic qualification or language, first enter the college course and have a specific GPA requirement in the The college (which the university specifies) can transfer passed credits to the university. This method is also quite common among international students, and by entering the college, the student can enter the simpler, less academic, and cheaper environment of the college and continue his studies there after spending one or two years and of course, having the GPA and language requirements of the desired university.

 

Canada's education system is one of the best in the world, and from kindergarten to university, it includes various stages, which are explained in detail here:


1.      مهدکودک (Preschool/Kindergarten):




  • Starting age: Usually from 4 or 5 years of age.
  • Compulsory: In some provinces, such as Ontario and Quebec, kindergarten is compulsory, but in many others it is optional.
  • Objective: To prepare children for entering primary school and to develop basic social and learning skills.

2.      Elementary School:



  • Ages: From 6 or 7 years old to 12 or 13 years old (grades 1 to 6 or 8, depending on the province).
  • Courses: Language (English or French), Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts, and Physical Education.
  • Language of instruction: In English or French, depending on the province.

3.      High School ( Midle School/Junior High):


  • Ages: Usually 12 to 14 years old (grades 7 to 8 or 9, depending on the province).
  • Objective: To transition from primary to secondary education, with a focus on academic preparation and individual skills development.

4.      High School :


 

  • Ages: 14 to 18 years old (grades 9 to 12 or 13, depending on the province).
  • High School Diploma:  High School Diploma.
  • Coursework: Includes compulsory subjects such as language, mathematics, science, and history, along with electives such as art and music.

5.      آموزش پس از دبیرستان (Post-Secondary Education):

 

Colleges ( Colleges ):


  • Focus: Technical, vocational and applied training for quick entry into the labor market.
  • Duration of courses: usually 1 to 3 years.
  • Degree:  Professional diploma or certificate.

Universities :

  • Focus: Academic education at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels.
  • Duration of study:
    • Bachelor's degree: 3 to 4 years.
    • Master's degree: 1 to 2 years.
    • PhD: 3 to 5 years.
  • Language of instruction: Usually English, but in Quebec the universities are in French.

6. Evaluation System and Standards:

  • Schools and universities in each province are run under the supervision of the provincial government.
  • The grading system typically ranges from  A (excellent) to F (failed).

7. Language training for newcomers:

  • LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada): Free language classes for new immigrants.
  • Bilingual schools: In areas with a French-speaking population, schools teach in both English and French.

8. Quebec Education System:

  • Different from other provinces:
    • Elementary School: From Grade 1 to 6.
    • High School: From Grade 7 to 11.
    • Pre-University Course (CEGEP): 2 years (for entry into the university).

Benefits of the Canadian education system:

  • High quality and emphasis on creativity and critical thinking.
  • A multicultural environment that welcomes international students.
  • Free tuition in public schools for children with permanent residents.

Costs:

  • Public schools: Free for immigrant children.
  • Private Schools:  $10,000 to $30,000 CAD annually.
  • Universities: Tuition fees range from $6,000 to $20,000 per year, depending on the province and section.