According to "U.S. News and World Reports", Canada education system ranks 4th globally. If your study destination is Canada, then here’s everything you need to know about the Canadian education system.
Table of Contents
Education in Canada features primary education, which is the school system in Canada followed by secondary and post-secondary education. Moreover, each of Canada's 13 provinces and territories runs the Canada school system, following government standards. This is to ensure high quality public education system in Canada. It is mandatory for students to complete their primary and secondary education, they may choose between college and university.
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At college, students get hands-on, practical or technical skills training that helps them in their career. There are various courses such as graphic design, web development, culinary arts, occupational health and more. The duration of the courses ranges between one to three years. Besides, Canada education system ensures that students studying at colleges will receive a certificate or diploma.
Whereas universities differ a little by colleges, students get in-depth knowledge of theoretical subjects, these include law, medicine, art history, engineering, and much more. The duration of the course may be anywhere from three to seven years. Moreover, when you graduate, you'll receive a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree.
This section covered a brief about Canada education system. Let us look at the important aspects of the Canadian education system in the next part.
Also Read: Top Courses in Canada
In the table below, the stages of the education system Canada along with the description are mentioned:
Education Stages |
Description |
Pre- School Education |
Stage: Pre-elementary or kindergarten is the first stage of education in Canada. Learning: Basic skills such as pre-reading, counting, learning alphabets. Age Group: 4-5 years |
Primary Education |
Stage: Elementary school is the second stage of Canada education system. Learning: Covers subjects such as English, Math, Science, Social Studies and more. Age Group: 6-12 years |
Secondary Education |
Stage: Secondary education in Canada has two levels junior high and high school. Learning: Covers core subjects and specialized electives. Age Group: 13-18 years |
Post-secondary Education |
Stage: It is the last stage of Canada education system. Learning: Grant vocational certificates, diplomas, and associate's degrees. Age Group: 18 & above |
Canada education system has majorly four stages as mentioned above. However, the higher education has different qualifications. The next section discusses the qualifications, types of institutions, and the grading system.
Also Read: Study in Canada without IELTS
After completing school, students may apply for colleges and universities. The higher education system in Canada offers certificates & diplomas, UG, PG, and associate degrees to graduates. Obtaining these degrees will help you get great jobs in Canada. Here’s an overview in the following table:
Qualification |
Duration |
Certificates and Diplomas |
1-2 years |
Associate Degree |
2 years |
Bachelor's |
4 years |
Postgraduate Diploma |
1-2 years |
Master's |
2 years |
PhD or Doctorate |
4-7 years |
The table shows the higher education system in Canada for international students along with the duration of these qualifications. Let us further move on to the types of institutions in the country.
Read More: Top 10 Public Universities in Canada
If you wish to study in Canada, then you must know the types of institutes in the nation. There are various types of educational institutions in Canada. Some of them are listed as follows:
Also Read: Universities in Canada without Application Fees
The education system Canada includes majorly these four types of institutes.
Although Canada does not follow a uniform grading system across all provinces. The Canada grading system can vary depending on the area or the region university. However, it may range from a 4.0 to 9.0 grading scale. Moreover, there are variations in the grading system in Canada. These include combinations of alphabetical grades, numerical scores, and percentages being followed in each region or university.
Also Read: Canadian Grading System
Further, the cost of education in Canada is discussed in the next section.
The cost of tuition varies depending on the kind of institute that you choose to study in and the course that you pick. Moreover, the cost of study in Canada is lower in comparison to other study destinations such as the UK, USA, or Australia. Here’s a basic overview of the cost of study in Canada for Indian students.
Institute |
Amount |
Public & Private Schools |
CAD 4,000 - 26,000 ( INR 2 - 15 Lakh) per year |
Language Schools |
CAD 340-425 ( INR 20,000 - 25,000) per week |
College & Vocational Schools |
CAD 7,000 - 22,000 (INR 4 - 13 Lakh) per year |
Universities |
CAD 15000 - 53,000 (INR 9 - 32 Lakh) per year |
The total cost of study in Canada for Indian students is mentioned in the table above. Further, let us look at the scholarships in the Canada education system along with the amount that each of them offers.
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There are various scholarships in Canada for international students. However, the amount of money available may vary depending on the type of institute. But getting a scholarship in Canada for Indian students is quite competitive and you generally must apply directly to the school that offers it. There are both fully funded scholarships in Canada for Indian students and partially funded scholarships.
Listed below are some of the scholarships in Canada:
Scholarship |
Amount |
Ontario Graduate Scholarship |
CAD 15,000 (INR 9 Lakh) per year |
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan |
CAD 10,000 (INR 8 Lakh) for 5-6 months |
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Funded by the Government of Canada |
CAD 50,000 (INR 30 Lakh) per year for three years. |
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program At the University of Toronto |
CAD 77,492 (INR 46 Lakh) per year |
York University International Student Scholarship |
CAD 35,000 (INR 21 Lakh) |
These were some of the scholarships in Canada that student’s may opt for. If you are still unsure about the financial aid options, then you may seek assistance from study abroad consultants. They are experts who can suggest scholarships that are suitable for you. Further, let us look at what makes the Canada education system unique.
Secure Your Scholarships upto 10 Lakh to Study in Canada!
Are you wondering why study in Canada? To begin with, the education standards in the nation are higher than in most countries. Canadian universities offer degree and diploma education for courses in most fields. Canadian education system focuses on theoretical and practical aspects of learning. Thus, making Canada one of the best countries to study in among international students.
Canada ranks in the top five best study destinations. Moreover, the Canada education system has various types of institutes including public and private schools, language schools, vocational institutes, universities, and colleges. The country gives equal opportunities to international students to get proper access to training and education.
To wrap up, Canada education system makes it one of the top study destinations in the world. It offers quality living and a variety of career benefits for international students. The write-up explained everything in detail about some of the education systems in Canada. Further, if you still have doubts then you must seek assistance from study abroad consultants in Chennai, as the city has some of the best overseas experts. Besides, for more information and details, you must book a free counseling session with our counselors.
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FAQ’s:
No, there are no free-tuition universities in Canada for international students. However, you may apply for full or partial scholarships that will help you maintain your budget in a foreign land. Moreover, in comparison to other countries, education in Canada is quite affordable.
Other than universities, colleges, and schools there are various alternative education systems in Canada. Listed here are a few:
Canada education system ranking globally, stands at 4th, making it one of the top study destinations for international students. Canada is home to over 8 Lakh international students. Apart from excellent education and beautiful weather, Canada has an employability rate of 61.8%, leading to exceptional career opportunities.
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