What is the Difference Between College and University in Canada?
The words “College” and “University” are often mistaken with the same meaning. However, these words have different meanings in different English-speaking countries.
College vs. University – The Conventional Difference
In general, the determinant that distinguishes a college from a university are the programs that they offer – college education offers only bachelor, undergraduate and sometimes graduation programs also. While on the other hand, a University offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, along with Master’s, M.Phil. and Ph.D. level programs. Harvard College, the undergraduate school of Harvard University is a perfect example to clearly define the above-mentioned difference. For instance, we are the leading study abroad consultant in Gujarat- and our students aspiring to study liberal arts can earn a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and can, later on, move into a graduate program at the university to earn a Master’s or Doctorate degree.College and University can be different between Countries
Most people around the world are not even aware that the definition of a college and a university varies, and that it varies between countries is a different ballgame altogether As the best Canada student visa consultant in Gujarat, like us. we can tell you thatCanada, the USA, and other countries of North America have different systems of study for both Colleges and Universities – so, it gets really confusing for the students aspiring to pursue international education. Today, in this article we will discuss in detail what these two words mean in Canada so that international education is a step closer for everyone who is aiming the sky.
College in Canada
First up, let’s discuss Colleges. Not many visa consultants in Ahmedabad, can tell you this, but in reality, while in the United States, colleges are the local or community schools that offer undergraduate courses, in Canada, colleges were developed to provide technical training and diplomas that respond to shifting labour trends in the national and global economy. Simply put, colleges in Canada focus on employment skills, career training, and trades. Did you know? As one of the best overseas education consultants in Ahmedabad we know it for a fact that as compared to Universities colleges have smaller classes with lower student capacity and ultimately lower student-to-instructor ratio. This introduces more individual attention and one-to-one conversations with the instructor. The programs in college also provide practical training and hold special classes for language and skills upgrading.
Programs Available in Colleges
Most of the colleges in Canada offer both full-time and part-time diploma and certificate programs in applied arts and technology. While there are a few colleges who have also included Bachelor degrees in the applied areas of study.
Remember that getting mentorship and application services from leading Canada student visa consultant in Gujarat like us can go a long way in achieving your dream career. A certificate program usually takes 1 year or less, while the duration for diploma programs go up to 2-3 years. The short span of the course study these programs have often been appreciated by the international students and professionals looking to add more to their already acquires skillset.
University in Canada
All the universities in Canada are overseen by the legislative authority, Universities Canada. While the universities are expected to meet all the criteria to continue the membership of Universities Canada, they are also given full freedom in terms of academic matters such as quality of programs, instructors, policies and procedures.
Now let’s get back to how is university different from a college in Canada. Only the best experts in top overseas education consultants in Ahmedabad can advise you correctly on this.In one simple statement, Universities are institutions that have the authority to grant degrees. Every university offers various undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degrees and graduate (Master’s and Doctorate) programs.
Unlike, colleges in Canada, universities focus on analytical skills, academic coursework, and professional programs.
Programs Available in Universities
Universities offer longer-duration programs that usually take a minimum of 3-4 years to complete. A full-time undergraduate degree will take 3 years to complete, only if you don’t wish to earn an “Honors degree”. While if it’s the contrary, a “fourth-year” is added to your coursework that will fetch you a Master’s degree of a graduation program. If you have been browsing the various visa consultants in Ahmedabad, you will probably know by now that ,any universities also give you the opportunity to combine study areas into a double major like in case of a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology. If you are a student aspiring for research-based or academic based profession, then degrees from Universities are your best pick. Also, for professional programs like law and medicine, undergraduate programs serve the most value. Again, this is where the top Canada student visa consultant in Gujarat like us can help you stay on track and achieve your goals to the fullest. Although the time-investment is considerably larger than colleges which also calls for more financial investment – it offers more independence than any other college programs. The independence will help you develop on your time management skills and self-motivation and when you get ahead in the later years of your course study, you will be able to focus on specific areas of interest guided by self-directed study.Wrapping Up
As of 2017, the number of international students in Canadian universities amounted to 2,051,865 and the numbers are continuously rising. The country provides world-class education, the major reason why it attracts so many international students every year. The degrees from a Canadian university are of great value and is appreciated globally.
Did you know? By availing the best study-abroad consultant in Gujarat, you can get a stellar degree from some of the popular Canadian universities are the University of Waterloo, University of Toronto, and Western University. While, some of the recognized Canadian colleges are Conestoga College, Fanshawe, Northern Lights College, and LaSalle College.
Which one is best for you?
The answer to this question will be best found when you look at your dreams closely. Introspect, and ask yourself – what do you want to become, what do you want to achieve and where do you see yourself a few years from today? Once you finally get an answer, research, research, and research. This is going to be a decision of a lifetime – it can’t be hurried or influenced. For more guidance, you can reach out to us – we are the leading visa consultants in Ahmedabad and can help you in your education journey.All the best!
