Get to Know Canada's Education System

From high school to a doctorate, what could your education path look like in Canada?

The Canadian education system may seem complicated when you first look into your options — especially with so many different provinces. What does it take to get a college degree? How can you get a PhD? What's the difference between college and university? So, to help you get a better understanding of what your education path could look like in Canada, check out these charts highlighting the typical and alternative pathways students follow:

Your education pathway in all provinces, except Quebec

Once a student is in high school, their education looks the same all across Canada — except for in Quebec. You'll complete four years of high school, from grades nine to twelve, and then select your post-secondary education.

What happens when you choose to go to university vs. college? How will these paths differ? At what point can you enter into your career? Explore your options for studying in Canada's English-dominant provinces — Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and Yukon:

Pretty straightforward, right?

Did you know that the Northwest Territories and Nunavut have no colleges and universities? Students in these areas may be able to earn a degree through partnerships or by going to school outside of the territories.

Also, associate degrees are two-year undergraduate program that help you transition to the last two years of a bachelor's degree at a university. Associate degrees are only available in British Columbia and is offered mainly by colleges, but also some universities.

What's the difference between a college and a career college? Good question! Career colleges are private post-secondary institutions that provide career-specific programs. Public colleges are funded by the government — meaning cheaper tuition fees! — and offer a larger range of courses.

So, if you're looking for a straightforward education that is well-known across the country, then studying in any of the English-speaking provinces may be the best choice for you.

Your education pathway in Quebec

Quebec's education system is a bit different than the rest of Canada's. In Quebec, your high school education is from grade seven to eleven, then you'll go on to a college and university education. Check out the typical pathway that you can select for your education in Quebec:

That was the typical education pathway that many students may choose when studying in Quebec. But there’s more than one path you can take. Check out these alternate pathways for your education in Quebec:

This may look a bit more complicated, but let's unpack it. Instead of grade 12, you'll typically go on to college (also known as CÉGEP). This is the Diploma of College Studies Pre-university and the Diploma of College Studies Technical. After completing the Diploma of College Studies Pre-university, you can then apply to university. Once you complete the Diploma of College Studies Technical, you'll be able to go straight into the job market or continue with your education.

So then what are PTC, AVS, DVS, and TCSTs?

• PTC: a Pre-work Training Certificate is offered to students at the age of 15 who haven't completed their elementary-level studies in the language of instruction and math. It also includes workplace practicums.
• TCST: a Training Certificate in a Semiskilled Trade is offered to students at the age of 15 who have completed their elementary-level studies in the language of instruction and math, but haven't received any credits in these subjects.
• DVS: a Diploma of Vocational Studies indicates a student has completed a secondary-level vocational program for a trade or occupation, such as carpentry or hairdressing.
• AVS: an Attestation of Vocational Specialization is a training program aimed at improving skills or specialization in a trade, such as high-pressure welding or toolmaking.

If you've graduated high school and are coming from a French-speaking country or wanting to brush up on your French skills, then studying in Quebec may be a great option for you. Or, if you're coming to high school in Canada, Quebec could be a good place for you to study if you're interested in pursuing a trade due to all the specific vocational education.

Still having a tough time understanding the education pathways in Canada? Check out this quick video on how Canada's education system works:

If you've already completed a high school education outside of Canada, then your education path will be simpler across the country. No matter what province or territory you choose to study in, you'll enter either a bachelor's degree, associate degree, or a college diploma, and work your way up from there!

The great thing about a Canadian education is that you'll have plenty of opportunities to enter the job market and begin your career. It's up to you (and also what your dream career requires) to decide how much education you'll pursue.

Keep in mind that everyone's education path is different. Some people may start their career after a bachelor's degree and then take a master's degree a few years later. Others might get a trades certification and start working after only a year or two of study. What will your education in Canada look like?