Canada has become one of the most prefered destinations for higher education for students all over the world. The Indian students are now preferring to look into the opportunities that Canada has to offer and how it will help them establish their future. There are around 223 public and private universities and around 231 colleges and institutes in Canada. Most students take the help of Canada study abroad consultants to make sure that they are choosing the right course and that the course that they have chosen will help them grow. 

Let us now look into the comparisons of universities and colleges in Canada. 

What are Canadian universities?

Canadian universities are governed by provincial government authorities but have their own say when it comes to the quality of education provided, facilities offered, etc. They are also entrusted with pursuing courses that come under the purview of awarding a degree, like bachelor's, master's, and post-doctoral degrees.  

The main programmes offered by the universities in Canada are:

• Public health
• Psychology
• Business
• Law
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Arts

The average tuition fee that a Canadian university can charge for studying in Canada is somewhere between INR 12,38,695 (20000 CAD) and INR 21,67,716 (35000 CAD). 

The best global universities in Canada are McGill University, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, University of British Columbia, Universite de Montreal, etc.

Universities are managed under both public and private management structures. 

The medium of instruction in universities can be either English or French. The intake in universities happens in the fall, winter, and in the summer or spring.

What are the benefits of applying for admission to Canadian universities?

Studying in Canada, particularly at a university, has numerous advantages, including:

• There are a diverse number of programs that you can choose from. Canadian universities provide courses under different streams, and you can select the one that best suits your interests.
• The faculties of the Canadian universities have effective expertise in their relevant fields. There are faculties from all over the world that will help you enhance your knowledge in the domain that you have chosen to study in Canada.
• The universities have state-of-the art facilities that make the academic programs more efficient and effective. The facilities range from premium labs,research facilities, study rooms, etc. Make sure to take help from Canada study abroad consultants to help you choose the best university that suits your course needs.
• University education in Canada can be expensive, making it not an easy or affordable choice for Indian students. But, there are multiple financial aids that are based on merit and for students that come from financially non-supportive backgrounds.

What are the cons of taking admission in Universities of Canada?

The cons of taking admission in the universities in Canada are just cons because it doesn’t align with the objectives of the students like:

• If your intention is to go for short term courses, then choosing university education is not quite ideal. The reason being that most of the courses offered by universities are of a longer duration, ranging from three to five years. The course duration solely depends on the field of study.
• Full time jobs can be applied for only after graduation, and hence the expenses can be met only through part-time jobs on the remaining hours after classes.
• If you have a tight budget, when it comes to university education, then it is ideal to look for Canadian universities as they are expensive. The longer duration makes it even more difficult.
• Most study programs offered by universities in Canada are based on theoretical learning. Practical learning is also there, but theoretical learning takes the upper hand.

What are Canadian colleges?

Canadian colleges are academic institutions that provide students with diplomas and other technical training degrees. The courses are crafted to meet the demands of changing trends in different fields. 

The main programmes offered by the universities in Canada are:

• Design
• Aviation
• Healthcare
• Philosophy
• Theology
• Business
• Technology
• Arts
• Engineering

The average tuition fee that a Canadian college can charge for studying in Canada is somewhere between INR 7,43,217 (12,000 CAD) and INR 11,76,760 (19000 CAD).

Popular colleges in Canada are:

• Centennial College
• Conestoga College
• Humber College
• Lambton College
• Douglas College
• George Brown College
• Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology
• Georgian College
• Fanshawe College
• Durham College

English or French can be used as the medium of instruction in universities. College admissions take place in the fall, winter, and summer or spring.

What are the benefits of applying for admission to Canadian colleges?

There are many positives to taking up your higher education in the colleges of Canada, and some of them are:

• If you are a student who is looking out for opportunities after the education, then it will be ideal for you to choose diploma courses in Canadian colleges as those courses are of short duration, spanning from one year to two years.
• The colleges in Canada are very specific in their course curriculum, as they focus on that specific area rather than teaching many different subjects within one course.
• Diploma courses give an easier way to apply for master's programs in Canada. Diploma certificates hold value when applying for a master's program in Canada.
• The affordability is much better than courses that come under the universities of Canada. Hence, Canada is a good option if you want to pursue higher education there.
• Students who apply for diploma programs are comparatively fewer, and hence the student is assured of much better attention while in class.

What are the disadvantages of enrolling in Canadian colleges?

• The courses only provide specifics pertaining to a single subject, and hence the student might lack an overall understanding of the course. The courses are designed to equip the students with a particular skill set.
• Colleges in Canada provide fewer opportunities for students to receive financial aid and scholarships.
• When you opt for diploma courses in Canadian colleges, you need to be very clear about the course and area in which you are planning to upskill yourself. If not, the entire amount spent on the course will be futile.
• The diploma course is not valid for you to apply for postdoctoral degrees. The validity of diploma courses can take you up to acquiring a master's degree.

Planning your education abroad in Canada is a good option, as Canada is one of the best countries that can develop and shape your future endeavours. This is the main reason why "study in Canada" is a good option. Canada also offers great standards of living. The international students get the same consideration and benefits as the Canadian students, and the country ranks third for the best quality of living.