canada

Type of qualifications

 

Certificate

This is a post senior secondary qualification awarded on successful completion of a program which is usually one year in duration. These programs are typically offered by colleges.

Diploma

This is a post senior secondary qualification awarded on successful completion of a program which is usually one to two years in duration. These programs are typically offered by colleges.

Bachelor degree

This undergraduate program is a post senior secondary qualification awarded on successful completion of three to four years of study. These programs are typically offered by universities and lead to graduate level studies.

Bachelor degree (Honors)

This undergraduate program comprises a higher degree of concentration in the honors subject, as well as a higher level of academic achievement. At some universities, an honors degree may require an additional year of study.

Master degree

This graduate program is awarded on successful completion of two years of study. These programs are offered by universities and could comprise a combination of coursework and research.

Doctorate or Ph.D.

This graduate program is the highest qualification awarded on successful completion of four to seven years of study. The program comprises some coursework, but primarily assessed on original research and thesis submitted. The degree is generally known as a Ph.D.; however, doctoral degrees may also be granted in particular fields of study such as music (DMus) or law (LLD).

The academic year

The academic year usually starts in September and ends in May. Each academic year normally comprises two semesters, the second semester commences in January.Some institutions have a trimester system which comprise three semesters in an academic year and therefore offer multiple intakes in January and May.

A limited number of specialized programs are offered in the summer session that commences in May.