Picking the right study program is key.

As a post-secondary student in Canada, you will be expected to tailor your study experience by selecting from hundreds of distinct programs. Each program of study will have unique requirements, such as coursework and examinations, that students are expected to complete over time. When enough of these requirements are successfully completed, the school will grant an academic credential such as a certificate, diploma, or degree. A completed credential is an important part of qualifying for a job or continuing to a higher level of education.

Example Areas of Interest

While specific study programs in Canada number in the hundreds, most belong to one of these general categories or areas of interest:

• Arts & Humanities
• Business & Management
• Computer Sciences
• Education
• Fine Arts
• Engineering & Technology
• Mathematics
• Medicine and Life Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Social Sciences

Courses and Credits

Programs of study are comprised of discrete units called courses. For example, when studying commerce, students may have to complete coursework in the subject areas of economics, accounting, and entrepreneurship, while a student in a Real Estate marketing program will have very different coursework, even though both these students may belong to the “School of Business & Management.”

Most courses in Canada comprise a series of weekly lessons and other components in a given subject area, and last for about 12 weeks. When this coursework is successfully completed, the school will grant the student “credit” towards completion of that program.

Semesters

The academic year in Canada is organized into terms. Most schools in Canada use either the semester or trimester system, meaning the year is divided into two terms of equal length, or three terms of equal length. For practical reasons, students should keep in mind that September is the beginning of the academic year in Canada.

Common Scenarios and Questions

• My area of interest is very broad. What exact program of study should I take?
• How many courses comprise a bachelor’s degree?
• How many courses comprise a certificate program?
• How many courses comprise a diploma program?
• What comprises a master’s program?
• I am ready to explore schools.