Canada is a country where the traditions of many peoples are intertwined. This is a multinational, actively developing country, in which getting an education is not only interesting, but also exciting. The mild climate and unique nature around will bring you amazing pleasure from studying and living.
At the moment, more and more foreign students choose getting education at best colleges in Canada.
Main features of higher education in Canada
Secondary education in Canada lasts two years, graduates receive an Associate Degree and can start work or continue their studies at the university for another two years, receiving a bachelor’s degree. Many foreign students also choose this path, since graduates of colleges in most cases do not go through the university admission procedure, but receive a transfer – automatic admission to the selected program at the partner university. College is significantly less expensive, which helps to save on the total cost of higher education.
Foreign students applying to Canadian colleges must provide the following documents:
- application to the admissions office
- copy of a certificate or previous diploma
- extract with grades indicating the average score
- IELTS or TOEFL certificate
- motivation essay
- letters of recommendation
Sometimes applicants may need to pass additional exams, pass an interview, provide a portfolio. Extracurricular achievements (sports awards, victories in olympiads, competitions, volunteering, publications, etc.) will become an additional advantage for entering colleges in Canada.
Canada is a bilingual country. Therefore, studying is conducted in English or French. Or in both languages at the same time.
At colleges in Canada academic year is divided into two semesters, the beginning of studies is in September, the end of the year is in June. At the end of December (2 weeks) and in the summer (2 months) there are holidays. However, students have the opportunity to skip vacations and study without interruptions, thus shortening the study period.
At colleges in Canada, there is a system of accumulation of points, or credits (ECTS), so a student can easily enroll or transfer to a Canadian or any other college or university.
How to enter a college in Canada?
To become a college student in Canada, you will need the following:
- Age – at least 17 years old
- Certificate of the English language proficiency (TOEFL – not less than 80 points, IELTS – not less than 6.0 points). Sometimes the university independently conducts language exams.
- Certificate / diploma of education
- Copies of ID
- Photo
- Recommendations
- Motivation letter
- Application (on the website of each college there is its own online form)
After the enrollment of the applicant, the university sends an official invitation, on the basis of which it is possible to obtain a student visa, which is issued for the period of study.
Competent preparation of the necessary documents is the key to successful admission to best colleges in Canada. Sometimes even an incorrect photo of an applicant can become a reason for refusal of admission. Collect documents carefully and in advance, having previously studied all the requirements on the website of a particular university or write an e-mail with an appeal to the admission committee. It is better to contact a college in advance and clarify all the issues. As a rule, representatives of the educational institution are willing to provide all the information and answer questions from prospective students.
One of the most popular colleges in Canada – Douglas College
If you are interested in transferring to TOP Canadian universities such as the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser or the University of Victoria, then Douglas College is the perfect choice to meet your goals.
Douglas College students undergo the same courses as universities, but at a lower cost. Only $ 450 for a loan (credit hours on the course), in contrast to the $ 700 that students of large universities pay. Students who, for any reason, were not able to apply to the university right after school, can study for 1-2 years in college and then transfer to a prestigious university in Canada.
Unlike universities, where about 300 students attend lectures in the first years of study, in Douglas the class size does not exceed 35 people. Thanks to the unique partnership between Douglas and the Pacific Language Institute, a B1 student can transfer to university without having to take TOEFL or IELTS.
Highly qualified university staff will help you from the first steps, curators will monitor your learning, help in drawing up a personal plan and training, and discuss ways to improve learning performance.
The choice of specialties is very diverse: business, science, art, accounting, hotel and restaurant business, law. The cost of studying will vary, the 1st and 2nd years of study are cheaper than the 3rd and 4th; some programs require the cost of equipment, supplies, and laboratory time. Each class consists of a certain number of credits and tuition is calculated on a credit basis, so the more credits you take, the more your tuition will cost.
Programs at Douglas College:
- Foundation
- TOEFL and academic English
- IELTS and academic English
- Undergraduate