Certificate Programs

• Usually involve one year or less of full-time, practically-oriented study at a college, technical institute or vocational college, often in preparation for a particular type of employment.
• Admission generally requires completion of Grade 10 or higher, with specific grade and subject requirements. High school graduation may be the preferred qualification, especially for university-awarded certificates.

Diploma Programs

• Usually involve two years of full-time study at a college or technical institute, often in preparation for employment at the technical level in specific fields.
• Admission generally requires high school graduation with specific grade and subject requirements.
• University-level diploma programs and those in the visual arts may involve up to four years of study.

Applied Degree

• A four-year program consisting of six semesters (three years) of academic studies and two semesters (one year) of paid, related, supervised work experience.
• The programs provide enhanced career preparation that applies to a broader range of career and employment opportunities in industry that goes beyond entry into an industry or occupation.
• Entrance requirements are similar to those of diploma programs.

Transfer Programs

• Transfer programs are one- or two-year programs offered by colleges with approved programs. They allow students to take part of a university program at a college before transferring to the appropriate university to complete their studies.
• Students should make sure of the transferability of their course choices with the university at which they intend to complete their studies. Not all college courses are transferable and not all universities recognize the same courses.
• Transfer students must still qualify for admission to the university programs they wish to complete.

Bachelor Degree Programs

• Usually involves three or four years of full-time study at a university or accredited college.
• Admission generally requires a high school diploma with set averages in specified Grade 12 subjects. English 30 is always required. Faculties with limited enrolments may require higher minimum averages and specific Grade 12 subjects.
• Check with the university or college Registrar's office for each program's entrance requirements.

Master's Degree Programs

• Usually involve a minimum of two terms of full-time study at a university while registered as a graduate student.
• Master's degree programs may or may not require the completion of a thesis.
• Admission generally requires the completion of a four-year or honours undergraduate degree.

Doctoral Degree Programs

• PhD programs involve planning and carrying out research leading to advanced knowledge in the student's field of study.
• A doctorate usually requires two to three academic years of full-time study and research at a university while registered as a graduate student.
• Admission generally requires a Master's degree or equivalent education.