There are a wide variety of both English and French-speaking universities in Canada spanning across the country, from great urban cities to small rural areas. The publicly-funded system consists of 95 universities and university colleges registered with the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).

Membership of the AUCC ensures a consistently high standard across the registered institutions. There is no centralised accrediting system; however, many rigorous self-accreditation processes are in place across a range of disciplines and subject areas. The qualifications on offer at Canadian universities range from bachelor’s degrees to doctorates. All qualifications available at Canadian universities are internationally recognised and respected. For more information, please visit www.aucc.ca

University colleges combine the academic disciplines of the Canadian universities with the vocational teaching of colleges. There are a wide range of programmes and qualifications available at university colleges from the more academic bachelor’s degrees to practical college diplomas. They may also offer combined programmes of degrees, diplomas and English language courses.

It's also possible to undergo a transfer programme, in which you complete the first two years of study at a university college then transfer your credits to a nearby university to do your final year.

Community colleges and technical institutes, like university colleges, allow students an alternative route into university as well as offering courses and qualifications in their own right. The courses available at community colleges are typically more practical and related to a particular job. They tend to be shorter than university courses, at two to three years long. However, the skills learned from these courses can transfer into points that count towards a university degree. This is an attractive route for international students as it boasts lower fees and less stringent entry requirements.

These are privately owned institutions offering training programmes designed to provide students with practical training for the world of employment. They offer short-term courses to provide students with the skills needed for the workplace, such as computer and secretarial skills. Although the institutions are private, they are approved and regulated by the province to ensure a high quality standard.

Bachelor’s degrees are generally pursued by undergraduates at universities. All bachelor’s programmes are designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills to carry out research, work independently and prepare for entry into the workplace or further study. Some programmes focus on a very particular area of study, whilst others have a wider focus.

A master’s degree programme builds on the knowledge and skills acquired during related undergraduate study and requires more specialised knowledge and focus than a bachelor’s degree. The majority of study undertaken on a master’s programme will relate to an academic or professional discipline. On some occasions, students may be admitted to a master’s degree without previously acquiring a bachelor’s degree, provided that they have relevant professional working experience in the appropriate field.

Students pursuing a doctoral degree must demonstrate a high level of intellectual capacity. A typical doctoral degree programme will involve extensive amounts of coursework, generally through original research on a specific subject. Often these programmes will also involve oral presentations, fieldwork and internships. To gain admittance to a doctoral degree programme, students must generally have already studied to graduate level.