|
A:
How many levels of instruction are there?
Depending on the individual province, primary education starts
at pre-kindergarten and continues to the end of grade 6 or
8. This is followed by secondary education or high school.
In some provinces this may be divided into junior high (grades
7 to 9) and senior high (grades 10-12). Normally, students
must complete the required academic courses in high school
in order to be admitted to university.
A: How do you enroll
your children in school?
Parents must register children at the local school or school
board office. School boards are listed in the provincial government
section of the telephone book.
When you register your children, you must take with you:
-Canada Immigration visa (Record of Landing)
-birth or baptismal certificate -vaccination certificate
-any previous school records
Their language and mathematical skills will be measured, if
necessary, and they will be placed in the program the school
thinks is best for them. If you think that your children may
have been incorrectly placed, talk to their teacher, guidance
counsellor or school principal.
A: How are children
taught?
Boys and girls share classrooms and instruction in almost all
public schools. Teachers in all provinces must be qualified
and licensed. All academic teachers have at least one university
degree and advanced qualifications in education.
ADVANCED EDUCATION
A: Where do you go for
more education or training?
You can study towards a diploma in a trade, in technical or
administrative skills at a community college, or a degree from
a university. An undergraduate degree is required for acceptance
into a professional course, such as law or medicine. If you
have been practising a profession or trade in your country of
origin you may be expected to requalify in Canada. This will
probably involve attending courses (See Fact Sheet #1, Employment)
and gaining Canadian job experience.
A: What else are community
colleges called?
The provinces have many names for community colleges, which
do not grant an academic degree. They can be called: colleges
of applied arts and technology, institutes of applied arts and
sciences, community colleges, technical/vocational and university-oriented
colleges, institutes of technology or technical institutes,
in Quebec, they are known as colleges d'enseignement general
et professionnel, or CEGEPs. There are also training institutes
specializing in fields such as forestry, fisheries and transportation.
In many cases, it is possible to transfer from community college
to university. This should be confirmed with the schools ahead
of time.
A: How long does it
take to get a diploma from a community college?
It depends on your course of study and previous education. It
is possible to earn a diploma in less than a year, particularly
from colleges that run 12 months a year. Courses such as computer
programming, communications or administration can take from
two to three years.
A: Where can you get
trade and technical training?
This varies from province to province. Generally, training is
offered at community colleges or vocational centres. It is also
sometimes available at work through government-funded training
programs designed for particular regions or certain groups of
people such as newcomers or Aboriginal Peoples.
A: How do you become
registered to practise a trade?
Qualifications for trades such as hairdressers, electricians
and carpenters are controlled in each province. You begin as
an apprentice; after fulfilling the requirements of training,
on-the job experience and examinations, you progress to becoming
a registered trades person. If you move to another province,
you may have to re-qualify.
A: How do you qualify
for college or university entrance?
You must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Popular courses
in colleges and universities get so many applications that you
may need above average marks to be accepted. Apply at least
a year in advance. Many colleges and universities allow adults
over 25 or 30 to enter as mature students, based on their individual
abilities and background, rather than on previous education.
A: How long does it
take to get a degree from a university?
The bachelor's degree (BA, BSc, etc.) normally takes three or
four academic years of eight months each. An honours degree
(BA Hon, BSc Hon, etc.) usually requires four academic years.
Some universities offer courses throughout the calendar year.
This allows students to complete a degree more quickly. Or if
you need to earn money for your education, you can work during
some terms.
A: How much does it
cost to get a diploma or degree?
You must pay fees to attend college or university. Tuition costs
range from $3,000 to $9,000 for an eight-month term, depending
on the province and the program. Living expenses, books and
supplies etc., are additional costs. Tuition fees cover about
25 per cent of the costs of higher education; the rest comes
from taxes. Medicine, science and business programs generally
cost more than the humanities and arts. To help with university
costs, scholarships, bursaries or student loans may be available,
depending on how long the student has lived in Canada. Many
university students have a part-time job. Many graduate students
support themselves financially through bursaries, scholarships,
loans or by working as teaching assistants.
A: How do you acquire
professional qualifications?
To enter a law degree program (LL.B.), you usually need a bachelor's
degree or at least two years of undergraduate courses, plus
high marks in a standardized examination. The course of study
lasts three years. After completing the program, law students
article with a law firm for one year, and then pass bar examinations
to be granted professional status. Degrees in medicine (M.D.)
normally take three to four years beyond qualifying undergraduate
courses. Then medical students intern for one or two years,
after which they are licensed by the provincial medical boards.
Lawyers or doctors who move to another province must requalify.
Graduate degrees take, on average, two years to the master's
level, and a further three to six or more to the doctorate.
A: Can you continue
to improve your education?
Yes. Continuing education or lifetime learning is an important
part of many Canadians' lives. Many people continue their education
on a part-time basis at universities, colleges and through courses
offered by public school boards or through their jobs.
|
B213 - 2099 Lougheed Hwy, Shaughnessy Square, Port Coquitlam, BC.V3B1A8 Canada.
