Exploring the Difference Between Universities and Colleges in Canada

When it comes to higher education in Canada, there is a distinct difference between universities and colleges. Universities are degree-granting institutions that offer bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, while colleges are post-secondary institutions that grant apprenticeships, certificates, diplomas, associate's degrees and postgraduate certificates. In Canadian English, the term university generally refers to a school of technical, trade, applied arts or applied technology, or a school of applied sciences. Tuition fees for studying at the best universities in Canada range from 7000 CAD to 20,000 CAD per year.

If you are looking to improve the skills that are right for your job, it is best to apply to a university in Canada. However, if you are looking to specialize in a certain field, the list of colleges and universities offering your program may be quite short. Some examples of collegiate universities in Canada include Trent University and the University of Toronto. Separate public school boards in Ontario use the word college in their high school names.

The institution's sister schools, Royal Military College Saint-Jean, also use the term college in their name, although their academic offering is similar to the standard definition of university in Canada. In Ontario and Alberta, and formerly British Columbia, there are also institutions designated as university institutes, since they only grant bachelor's degrees. However, most of these institutions were renamed or renamed in the early 21st century, dropping the word “college” in favor of “university”. As a licensed counselor and published researcher with more than a decade of experience in the field of college admissions and transition, Andrew can attest that understanding the difference between universities and colleges in Canada is essential when making an informed decision about your educational path.

Universities offer diploma programs and have a shorter period of study than universities in Canada which offer a wide range of programs in UG, PG and Ph.

Simon Gooch
Simon Gooch

"Simon Gooch is a seasoned professional with a passion for transforming the landscape of international education. With over two decades of experience in the education industry, he has excelled in roles that encompass student recruitment, market development, and educational consulting. Currently serving as the Global Sales Director for ELS Educational Services, Inc., Simon's commitment to expanding educational access is evident in his work overseeing agent sales worldwide, with a particular focus on ELS centers across the USA. His career journey also includes founding Seed Educational Consulting Ltd, a B2B and B2C agency dedicated to helping students from Africa pursue higher education opportunities in various countries. Simon's strong leadership, exceptional agent relationship management, and proficiency in opening new and emerging markets have played pivotal roles in his successful career.Simon's academic background further strengthens his expertise, a fluent French speaker holding a First-Class degree in French and Modern European Studies from the University of East Anglia. His specialties lie in customer relationship management with a clear focus on agents, parents/students, and university partners. Simon's remarkable track record in developing emerging markets, particularly in Russia, the Middle East, and Africa, showcases his ability to drive consistent and long-term growth in these regions. With a deep commitment to educational access and international collaboration, Simon Gooch continues to make a significant impact in the field of international education."