Comprehensive Introduction to Canada Education System
Canada is a high education-popularized
western developed country where the 12-year universal education is carried
out, from 1st grade in primary school to 12th grade in middle school. After
graduation from senior school, students can go further to study college
courses directly. According to China-Canada agreement, those college and
institutes approved by Canada State are also acceptable by China National
Education Department.
There are about 70 colleges and their degrees are acceptable by other countries
all over the world. The college academic year is divided into two semesters
which are in fall (from Sep. to Dec.) and spring (from Jan. to Apr.). In
summer (from May to Aug.), there are also some courses elective to students.
It takes 4 years for an undergraduate to finish his learning. In Canada,
students apply for study in college providing their comprehensive achievement
in senior school and recommendation because there is no college entrance
exam.
Besides college, social institute or private vocational school are also
acceptable. They stress on vocational skills training and the duration of
such courses is about 1 year or 3 years. Certificate or Junior college diploma
will be given after graduation.
As for those from Asian area who would like to study abroad in Canada, besides
their excellent marks and good behavior, the Canadian universities pay much
attention to the students’ English competence. The examination result of
TOEFL or IELTS is required. Only on some special situations, Canadian universities
may not require English test result. For example, if one has ever studied
middle school subjects for 2 to 5 years.
Without TOEFL or IELTS test, students will have to study ESL (English as
Second Language) course in a social institute or social college. ESL course
is specially set up to help those whose mother tongue is not English improve
their English level. There are always 3 semesters each year and the education
fee is about CAD3500-5600 each semester. Getting to universities’ requirement
on English, students can study in Canadian colleges or pass the TOEFL or
IELTS test, normally above 550 scores.
The Canadian social institutes or colleges also provide undergraduate and
postgraduate courses. Also the bachelor’ degree or master’s degree is offered
by these colleges. And the credit got in these colleges is also acceptable
in other colleges.
