Canada is one of the world’s top five study abroad countries, and it’s easy to see why. Home to some of the world’s top academic institutions, international students will love its competitive post-graduation work opportunities and Canada’s welcoming and inclusive environment. International students also come to Canada because the country’s education system offers diverse and flexible post-secondary study options.
However, it can be confusing to understand the difference between degrees vs. diplomas vs. certificates. We’re here to explain these terms, and help you choose the right study path for your goals.
First, let’s take a quick look at different kinds of postsecondary institutions.
Universities: From small liberal arts universities to research-focused institutions, international students studying in Canada can choose the university that most closely aligns with their goals. Universities in Canada offer a range of degrees that are respected and recognized around the world, including bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees (PhDs).
Colleges: Colleges offer an applied, technical education to give students the tools to excel in a specialized field. With smaller class sizes, students can get more one-to-one time with their instructors and benefit from a hands-on approach.
Vocational Schools: Vocational schools offer job-ready programs designed to prepare students for success in a specific occupation. These schools may also be known as career, technical, or trade schools.
Now, let’s look at the differences between degrees, diplomas, and certificates in Canada.
Degrees
A student can earn a degree at the university level, although some colleges also now offer bachelor’s degrees.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is the first level of study a student will pursue if they’re studying at a university. Many colleges now also offer bachelor’s degrees. Most bachelor’s degrees are four years of full-time study, although there are some three-year bachelor’s degrees and two-year associate’s degrees.
- Length: 3 to 4 years
- Study level: undergraduate
- Academic prerequisites: high school diploma
- Offered by: universities and some colleges
