Canada has always been a popular study abroad destination among Indian students. The premium quality education at economical costs, providing a perfect environment that sustains growth, world-class institutes, etc are some of the features of Canada which entice students across the globe. All in all, Canada is successfully rendering advanced higher education with modern amenities through various types of educational institutions. 

The two most popular types of educational institutions in Canada – are universities and colleges. International students planning their education in Canada are quite confused about deciding what is a better option for them. Sometimes, they even fail to identify the differences between the two of them. In reality, both colleges and universities have different meanings in English-speaking nations. The following paragraphs will enlighten you on the differences between the two types of educational institutions. 

Universities in Canada 

Overview – The universities in Canada are designated as degree-granting institutes which provide complete knowledge of the chosen field or program. The universities are governed by the provincial government of Canada and grant undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees. The education in the universities of Canada is research-oriented and emphasizes more on the developing analytical abilities of the students. 

Average Tuition fees – 10,000 CAD- 80,000 CAD/year.

Program duration – Undergraduate – 3 to 5 years, Postgraduate – 2 years 

Subjects covered – In-depth knowledge of the subject and related fields. 

Class size – Larger

Scholarship opportunities – Yes, ample financial aids are available.

Language of instruction – English or French 

Merits of studying in universities 

• The universities grant recognized degrees and qualifications. 

• There are a lot of opportunities available for students to fund their education. 

• The curriculum teaches in-depth knowledge of the chosen field and related subjects. 

• There is a wide array of programs and courses from which students can choose. 

• One can have access to multiple advanced facilities and technologies in universities. 

Demerits of studying in universities

• The education in universities is highly expensive as compared to education in colleges. 

• The duration of the program is longer than that of programs offered by the colleges. 

• Students can apply to jobs only after completing their ongoing degrees. 

• Degrees are more theory-oriented and provide in-depth knowledge on every subject which a student might not even need. 

Colleges in Canada 

Overview – Canada’s college system is designated to furnish practical and technical training to students in their chosen fields. The colleges provide certificate programs, diploma programs, advanced diploma programs, postgraduate certificates, and postgraduate diploma courses. College in Canada provides career-oriented education which prepares students with employable skills. 

Average Tuition fees – 7000 CAD – 20,000 CAD/ year.

Program duration – 1-2 years 

Subjects covered – Covers knowledge of only preferred subjects. It doesn’t cover related subjects to the domain. 

Class size – smaller

Scholarship opportunities – Very few financial aids are available.

Language of instruction – English or French 

Merits of studying in colleges

• The programs and courses offered by the colleges have a shorter duration. 

• The colleges aim to teach practical skills through rigorous training in the chosen field. 

• A college education is highly affordable as compared to university education. 

• Due to the small class size, the teachers are able to pay attention to every student. 

• Students can join the job sector immediately after completing the course. 

Demerits of studying in colleges

• There are lesser financial aids available for students to fund their education. 

• The colleges’ programs offer limited knowledge of a field. 

• The courses at college levels are not sufficient to apply for a Ph.D. program. 

• The main disadvantage of the college is that it only builds job skills and may lead to a lack of wide knowledge of the subject and reduce options for a student to pursue in the future. 

Both universities and colleges in Canada have their own pros and cons but both are successful in imparting quality education to students across the world.