Is College a Better Option than University?
Do you want to go to university in Canada? Universities are great places to get an education, but what if college was a better option for you. You may well ask the question: How can college be better than university? I am not saying that college is better than university but sometimes it is the better option depending on your academic background and what you want to get out of your studies in Canada.
What are the Benefits of a College Education?
Admission Requirements:
English Language Proficiency - Like universities, colleges and polytechnic institutions will want you to take some kind of English language proficiency test. This could be TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent tests. But some colleges like NIC will consider applicants with a lower IELTS band than what might be required at other colleges or universities.
Educational Qualifications – A high school diploma that can be compared to Canadian school standards is required. All Pakistani curricula are considered, O/A levels, IB and HSSC (Matric & Intermediate). But here is the plus – colleges may give an admission offer with less marks than university or they may give admission without the required Math subject at the grade 12 level. For example, Douglas College will accept a student into their Business program with only O level Math. They do not need A level Math for Business, yet many universities require it. NIC (North Island College) will accept Intermediate I Com students even though the Business Math they take is not accepted at most Canadian universities. So a college is really worth looking at if you either 1) don’t have the marks or 2) are missing Math and what to do a Business degree.
Cheaper Tuition:
There are some universities that have tuition rates around the $20,000 to $25,000 CAD mark but some colleges can give you an even better rate. All of these colleges can give a rate under $20,000 CAD which might just be in your price range.
NIC
Columbia College
Seneca College
Please note that while tuition is considerably lower than university, colleges do not offer as many scholarships and they are not substantial. Scholarships can range from $500 to $5000 but that would be maximum. The trade-off is the lesser tuition cost.
Duration of Studies:
The duration of most college diploma’s is around two years, while some can take up to three years. Some colleges even offer 4-year bachelor’s degrees. Colleges also have post-graduate diplomas or certificates for students who have completed a 4 year degree in Pakistan but don’t have the high CGPA needed for a Masters degree at a leading Canadian university. You will want to check out Douglas College for their post-baccalaureate diplomas and NIC for their Post-Degree Pre-Professional Accountant diploma.
Co-op Programs & Work Permits:
All colleges offer paid Co-op Work Experience programs as part of their programs. In some cases they are a mandatory component and sometimes they are optional. But the opportunity to earn as part of your program is available. In addition to that you get lots of practical experience working and also in class so the possibility of getting a job when you graduate is high.
International students studying at Canadian colleges are allowed to work part-time on campus or off campus with a work permit. After completing their program, they can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit to gain Canadian work experience, which can lead to permanent residency.
A Review of Some Great Canadian Colleges
Seneca College
Seneca College is a public college that was established in 1967 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It offers more than 300 certificates, diplomas, bachelor's degrees, and graduate certificate programs in a wide range of fields, including business, engineering, health, media, and technology. Seneca College has ten campuses across the Greater Toronto Area and has an enrollment of over 31,000 full-time and part-time students. The college is known for its innovative and hands-on approach to education, with many programs providing students with opportunities to work on real-life projects and gain practical experience. The college is also committed to providing students with a diverse and inclusive environment, with support services available for students from all backgrounds.
Seneca College (Newnham Campus):
Newnham Campus is one of the largest campuses of Seneca College located in Toronto, Ontario. It was established in 1969 and is situated on Finch Avenue. The campus is spread over 11 hectares and includes modern classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, and recreational facilities.
Newnham Campus offers over 50 certificate, diploma, and degree programs in fields such as business, engineering, health sciences, media, and tourism. The campus also houses specialized centers such as the Centre for Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (CITE) and the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies (CAMDT).
The campus has a vibrant and diverse student community with over 30,000 full-time and part-time students, including international students from more than 150 countries. The campus also has numerous student groups, clubs, and associations that cater to various interests and provide opportunities for social and cultural engagement.
Some of the facilities available on the Newnham Campus include a library, computer labs, gymnasium, fitness center, student center, dining options, and outdoor spaces. The campus is well-connected to local transit services and provides easy access to downtown Toronto and other parts of the city.
North Island College (NIC):
North Island College is a community college located in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. It was established in 1975 and offers a wide range of certificate, diploma, and degree programs in various fields such as business, health sciences, trades, arts, and sciences. The college has four main campuses in Campbell River, Courtenay, Port Alberni, and Ucluelet, and also offers courses online and through hybrid delivery. North Island College is committed to providing high-quality education to its students while also being a catalyst for economic, social, and cultural development in the region.
Columbia College Canada:
Columbia College Canada is a private English language training college located in Vancouver, British Columbia. Founded in 1936, the college offers a variety of programs to meet the needs of international and local students, including academic preparation, university transfer, and career training courses.
The college has an international student population of over 1,500 students from more than 50 countries, and a faculty of experienced professionals who are experts in their respective fields. Students have access to a range of academic support services, including tutoring, academic advising, and career guidance.
Columbia College Canada is accredited by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. The college is also a member of the British Columbia Council for International Education and the National Association of Career Colleges.
Some of the programs offered by Columbia College Canada include:
University Transfer Program: This program is designed for students who want to transfer to a Canadian university after completing their first two years of study at Columbia College.
Associate Degree in Arts: This program is a two-year, interdisciplinary program that provides students with a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences.
English Language Training: Columbia College offers English language training programs for students who want to improve their English language skills for personal or professional reasons.
Career Training Programs: The college offers career training programs in areas such as business management, hospitality management, and health care.
Overall, Columbia College Canada provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment that prepares students to achieve their academic and career goals.
Douglas College:
Douglas College is a public institution of higher education located in British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1970, Douglas College offers a range of undergraduate programs and transferable university courses that include arts, sciences, business, and health sciences.
The college comprises two campuses located in New Westminster and Coquitlam, serving over 14,000 students annually. Douglas College is recognized for its small class sizes, quality faculty, and innovative programs.
Douglas College is accredited by the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, and the Education Quality Assurance (EQA) program. The college collaborates with various universities and institutions across Canada, the United States, and around the world to offer exchange and study abroad programs to its students.
Sports teams at Douglas College participate in the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) and are known as the Royals. The college also provides a range of support services and resources to ensure the success of its students, including counseling, academic advising, career services, and more.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a polytechnic institution located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It offers over 140 certificate, diploma, and degree programs in fields such as business, engineering technology, health sciences, hospitality, and IT.
NAIT was established in 1962 and has since grown to become one of the largest polytechnic institutions in Canada, with over 40,000 students enrolled annually. It is known for its applied learning approach, which focuses on hands-on training and real-world experience.
Some of the unique facilities at NAIT include the Centre for Applied Technology, a state-of-the-art facility that houses programs in the areas of automation and controls, alternative energy, and aerospace; and the NAIT Mawji Centre for New Venture and Student Entrepreneurship, which supports student entrepreneurs in launching and growing their businesses.
NAIT also has a strong industry partnerships, which provide students with opportunities for internships, co-op placements, and other experiential learning opportunities. Graduates of NAIT are highly sought after by industries in Alberta and beyond, with a high employment rate and strong earning potential.
Conclusion
Canada provides excellent opportunities for international students seeking a high-quality college education. With its superior academic programs, affordable tuition fees, vibrant campus life, and welcoming environment, Canada is an ideal destination for international students to achieve their academic and career goals. Want to know more about studying at a Canadian college? Then call us today.