Canada is popular for its unique and practical education system. International students who aspired to study in Canada can find 3 types of academic institutes here. Other than universities, Community colleges, and Private career colleges are the two mediums for study in Canada. Want to know more about public community colleges and private career colleges? Here is a detailed guide for your ease:
What are community colleges?
Community colleges in Canada are the study pathway for high school graduate students who seek further education or employment training in their field of interest. The community colleges can provide 1 to 2 years of diplomas and certificates for different study programs. Sometimes the community colleges can also offer bachelor programs for applied science courses. A few provincial community colleges can grant degrees that are in joint association with the university. The course programs taught in community colleges in Canada are more job-oriented and include skill enhancements required by the employer.
Comparison between public and private career colleges in Canada
Public community colleges in Canada
The Public community colleges are funded and supported by the Federal Government of Canada. Due to financial support from Canadian provinces, these colleges are well developed in terms of Infrastructure, established laboratory facilities, and have a close association with the corporate world.
Private career colleges for study in Canada
Unlike public-funded community colleges, private career colleges are not funded by the Canadian Government. These institutes survive on tuition fees and donations. Due to the lack of funds, private colleges might not be as established as public community colleges.
Study programs – Public community V/S Private career colleges
International students who wish to study in Canada and are more inclined toward practical experience for entry-level job opportunities than community college is your best bet. Here you can find diploma and certificate-based study programs that offer you the training required for Industry work operations. Below are a few of study programs that you can find at public and private career colleges:
- Associate degree programs
- Postgraduate diploma
- Postgraduate certificates
- Post-secondary certificates
- Skill trade training courses
- Bachelor degree programs (In applied sciences) under supervision of collaborated universities
- Language training programs
At public community colleges in Canada, international students can find a vast range of short-term study programs. These courses emphasize preparing learners for middle and entry-level jobs available in the industry. Here students grab basic practical skills in numerous fields like:
- Electronics
- Civil mechanics
- Software development
- Programming
- Plumbing
- Hospitality
- Analytics
- Marketing
- Human resource management
- Accounting
- International business management and enormous other courses in different streams.
Unfortunately, most private career college study in Canada may have limited no. of course options. To ensure the quality of education Private career colleges are closely monitored by provinces. These private entities have to meet various parameters to gain accredit for providing a certain type of study program.
Teaching method: Public community colleges v/s Private career colleges
As explained earlier public community colleges focus on practical knowledge and offer incredible industrial exposure to their students. Here the teaching methods are more focused on developing practical skills by offering lab training, workshops, industry internships, and many more.
On the contrary, the private career colleges focus on offering high-end taught programs that mean students receive classroom education.
Tuition fee for study in Canada
Tuition fee for public community colleges can be low compare to private career colleges as these are public-funded and don’t require tuition funds for maintenance. Yet the tuition fee cost can drastically vary for an international student to wish to study in Canada. For Indian students, the tuition fee is quite similar in both public and private career colleges in Canada. Depending upon the program and duration of courses the tuition fee at community colleges can range anywhere from 8,000 CAD to 15,000 CAD.
Designated learning institutes: Public community colleges v/s Private career colleges in Canada
To study in a Community college in Canada, international students must get admission to a designated learning institute (DLI) only. DLI listed community colleges are designated by immigration authorities. Nearly, all public community colleges in Canada are registered with immigration authorities. However, not all private colleges in Canada are listed under designated learning Institutes. That means if international students apply for non-registered study institute they will not be able to secure study permit from immigration authorities.
Note: Students must check the institute’s DLI number to ensure their community college of interest is registered.
Post-study work permit
International students who wish to have exposure to the Canadian work environment can apply for a special work permit after completing their course study in Canada. However, students must remember that not all DLI registered colleges qualify for availing post-study work rights. Most of the Public community colleges avail courses in which students are eligible to apply for a post-study work visa. Whereas a few private career colleges might not have the associated rights thus, students are forbidden to apply for the work permit.