Universities in Canada

Canada's education system is a little confusing because Education is a Provincial jurisdiction rather than a federal one. Canadian Colleges are more like British Colleges than American ones. Colleges grant Diplomas.

Some colleges have University transfer programs but usually they are 2 years for one not 2 years at College and then directly into 3rd year at University. The student would have to be a good student out of the College to get an acceptance at a University. It is not automatic. There are a few University-Colleges in British Columbia which operate the same as American Colleges with 2 years of an Diploma or AA (Associate Degree) Degree and then two years of University for a Bachelor's Degree.

Canadian Universities and Colleges require a Secondary School Diploma which is usually granted after 12 years of study under the American system. They also expect that "O" level students are from Grade 11.

From the British system, Canadian colleges will accept "O" levels and a Secondary School Diploma but Universities require "A" levels. Most Universities require 3 "A" levels but some will accept 2. Sometimes two subjects at the Advanced Supplementary Level can be substituted for one "A" Level. On very rare occasions, a Canadian University will accept "O" levels from a very exceptional student.

However, if a college assesses a student's "O" levels as equivalent to completion of a Secondary School Diploma, they may accept him/her in a college. The Province of Ontario currently has a Secondary School Diploma after grade 12 and completion of 6 OAC subjects in Grade 13 for entry into Universities. Students from Grade 12 can enter College. Ontario is currently changing this to 12 years of study for all students to be similar to the other Provinces in Canada except Quebec.

While there is no rigid rule for accepting students into Canadian Universities, they are very selective. I have seen a surprising number of parents who want to send their children to Canada after "O" levels. I try to strongly discourage them. In my opinion, the University environment is not appropriate for a 16 year old away from home for the first time. University offers more than just studies to the development of young people but, in my opinion, they should be close to 18 or above to make the transition from secondary school and the parent's home to the responsibilities and opportunities of University life. What appears to be a mature child can quickly find themselves very lost in another environment.

Margaret Hogan.

Education Advisor,Canadian Embassy, Abu Dhabi