F - Colleges, Cgeps, and Polytechnics in Canada - Canada Course for E...

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F - Colleges, Cgeps, and Polytechnics in Canada

F1 Overview

Colleges and polytechnic institutes offer industry-related and professional programs of study leading to certificates and diplomas and some degree programs (e.g., bachelor of commerce or technology degrees). These institutions are very similar to Training and Further Education (TAFE) colleges in Australia or community colleges in the US. They tend to focus on training and skills development through hands-on experience, and often include a co-op component where a real-world work term related to the study program counts toward the credential.

Did You Know? Here are just some examples of programs international students could choose from at colleges or polytechnics in Canada: 3D computer graphics Agriculture and agri-food Aviation and aerospace Business studies Broadcasting and journalism Culinary and nutrition Digital mapping Digital media and animation Early childhood education Electronic game design Engineering technology Environment and natural resources Genetics technology Health information management Health sciences Industrial education/skilled trades Information technology Renewable energies Social services Tourism and hospitality

International students often say colleges and polytechnics feel comfortable as places to experience education in Canada, since these institutions small class sizes allow them to practise language skills and build friendships more easily. As well, they appreciate the access to industry-experienced faculty and co-op,

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internship, and other work placement opportunities, all of which lead to practical, hands-on experience in the field of their choice.

F1.1- Focus Questions F2 Understanding the Options

Polytechnics Canadian polytechnic institutions deliver a broad range of applied, hands-on, and practical education that: Is geared to employers or specific jobs. Is technology-intensive. Is designed to prepare the student for high-quality employment. Offer a wide range of credentials, including bachelors degrees, diplomas, apprenticeships, certificates, graduate offerings, continuing education and corporate training including co-op and applied research. There is a strong link between industry/employers and students and faculty in polytechnics. Often, businesses will approach polytechnic institutions to conduct applied research with students to meet their innovation needs. Polytechnics in Canada host nearly 180,000 full-time students, over 53,000 part-time students, and over 17,000 international students. There are 21 degree-granting colleges and polytechnics throughout Canada. Colleges Colleges are learning institutions geared toward applied, practical education and training. Students acquire advanced, industry-specific skills that often lead directly to employment. Graduates emerge with what they need to satisfy specific job requirements in fields such as dental hygiene, police technology, graphic design, and social work (to name just a few). Some colleges offer university preparation programs (a mandatory requirement for entrance into undergraduate programs in Quebec universities). These institutions of practical learning are variably called colleges, regional colleges, centres, colleges of applied arts and technology, community colleges, institutes, or Collge denseignement gnral et professionnel (Cgep in Quebec). There are 152 colleges in Canada with over 1,000 college campuses within a range of settingsfrom urban centres to remote communities. Programs are offered in French, English, or both depending on the region. Many also offer combined distance-learning opportunities. Over 8,000 programs with varying lengths of required study are offered nationwide. Shorter twothree-year diploma programs train technicians, technologists, mid-level managers, and service providers. There are also one-year post-graduate certificates available to Canadian and international university graduates who wish to acquire applied and advanced skills for specific areas of employment. More than 5,000 Indian university graduates are currently in Canadian colleges and polytechnics taking such post-graduate certificates in order

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F - Colleges, Cgeps, and Polytechnics in Canada - Canada Course for E...

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to obtain employment back home or in Canada. Three-to-four-year bachelors degrees provide job-focused education in fields such as industrial design, e-commerce, criminal justice, and construction science and management. The college school year parallels the university calendar, and runs from September through April or May, with spring and summer courses often available. Some institutions have a semester or trimester system allowing students to begin programs in September, January, or May. Quebec Cgeps offer two streams of education: three-year vocational and two-year pre-university programs. Canadian college credentials are approved by provincial or territorial governments. Programs may also be accredited by independent industry or professional employer organizations. Degree-granting colleges are a relatively new phenomenon, with the degree-granting power in the hands of each province. To ensure rigorous academic quality, the provincial ministries of education determine which institutions are allowed to offer bachelors and applied degrees.

Why Would International Students Choose a College or Polytechnic? Despite some differences in polytechnics and colleges style of education (polytechnics can be more technological vs. colleges more vocational emphasis), they are similar in their focus on preparing students for the real world of work. Universities, by contrast, are often more concerned with academics and research than in preparation for specific occupations. Both colleges and polytechnic institutions work closely with industry to ensure courses reflect the skill requirements that employers need. They will provide practical training and many encourage work experience through supervised apprenticeships, work placements, and internships. This hands-on training ensures students move beyond academic learning to apply and test their skills in real workplace settings. Colleges and polytechnics offer a vast range of programs in Information Communications and Technology (ICT)-related fields, from certificates, diplomas, and degrees to graduate certificates. They train ICT technicians, technologists, and practitioners. They are also leaders in the delivery of e-learning technology and curriculum. Increasingly, colleges and polytechnics across Canada involve students in applied research projects conducted with local businesses. This enriched learning experience exposes students to real-world challenges and new technologies, and establishes key contacts within industry for potential job opportunities. Some colleges offer transfer programs that enable participants to complete courses through the college and then later transfer into a university or university college, sometimes with credit toward their university degrees. Thus colleges can either be the full educational experience for an international student, or only a part, if the student wants both college and university education. Under a university transfer arrangement, the student would typically do one or two years at a college and then two years at a university. The benefits to the international student of such a transfer arrangement are: Smaller classes at the beginning (during the college portion of the study program), with more
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F - Colleges, Cgeps, and Polytechnics in Canada - Canada Course for E...

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support. A more applied and practical study program than university alone, with opportunities for placements with industry while at college. A lower cost than university alone. In addition, a growing trend is students enrolling in college and polytechnic programs after graduation from a university in order to get the skills and expertise needed to prepare for the workforce.

Information International Students Will Need to Know When Considering Colleges/Polytechnics When it comes to exploring college/polytechnic options, international students: May already have some experience in the field of study. They may want to study at a Canadian college or polytechnic to increase their credentials or improve their job prospects. Or, they may have no experience at all. The agent will face a variety of student profiles when it comes to those interested in college or polytechnic education. Will be as interested in program and/or degree options as the institution itself when they consider a college or polytechnic education. Will care about the length of time various program options require (for example, a diploma will take less time than a degree). May be interested in the transferability of a college/polytechnics credits or degrees to universities particularly if they already hold college or university credentials from their home country and seek an expedient education that will quickly provide transferability of credentials and knowledge for employment. The program offerings and types of credential offered will vary widely across colleges and polytechnics. It is crucial for the agent to research these carefully before advising the student on study choices.

F2.1- Focus Questions F3 Resources

Agents can consult these helpful online resources: Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC): The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) collects, organizes, and distributes informationand acts as a national clearing house and referral serviceto support the recognition and portability of Canadian and international educational and occupational qualifications. Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC): The Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) is the national, voluntary membership organization that represents colleges and institutes by interacting with government, business, and industry, in Canada and internationally. ACCC provides a database of over 8,000 college and institute programs available nationwide.

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F - Colleges, Cgeps, and Polytechnics in Canada - Canada Course for E...

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Polytechnics Canada: Polytechnics Canada is a national alliance that represents the leading polytechnic institutions in Canada. At present, the current nine members offer 86 standalone bachelors degrees in addition to all other college-level programs, as well as apprenticeship programs. Fdration des cgeps: Promoting education at the college level, and more specifically in the general and vocational colleges known as Cgeps, the Fdration des cgeps is a voluntary umbrella organization of the 48 public Cgeps in Qubec.

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