Canada has a remarkable educational system. Their system has always been in line with average standards with children in primary and secondary schools. But, in the past few years, their numbers have steadily grown to include an impressive post-secondary group. In 2019, 93% of citizens of British Columbia have a post-secondary degree or certificate.
What is secondary school?
The secondary school in Canada is grades 7 through 12. In some provinces, there is a grade 13. In the United States, secondary school is referred to as high-school. While children are not required to finish secondary school (children are allowed to quit school at 16-years old or in some areas 18-years old.) most do in order to secure a job that will support them.
However, this is not the end of their educational opportunities. In Canada, schools set their own admission requirements. Any citizen 19-years old or older can apply to a college or university, with or without their high school diploma. Colleges offer degrees, apprenticeships, certificate programs, and diplomas. There are different courses and pre-work that may have to be completed in order to fully appreciate this educational opportunity. With these options, career possibilities are endless.
Preparing for post-secondary education
- Canada does not require its secondary students to take an SAT test. If a student is coming from another country (such as the USA) they may be asked to show their scores, if their grade point average is low.
- Universities, (like colleges) set their own admission requirements. But, a diploma from a secondary school with acceptable grades goes a long way. Universities offer professional programs as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees. Consider the cost of the credentials needed as you consider your career pathways.
- An education savings plan – at any point in a child’s life, a parent, or another adult that chooses to take advantage of a tax-free method of saving money for their education can take advantage of the government RESP plan. RESP is an acronym for Registered Educational Savings Plan.
- The government gives you free cash. While the amount changes depending on income and investment, here is an example. If you invest a minimum of $2500 per year, the government will deposit 20% on the first $500. You will collect $500, free money tax-free, every year. This is a wonderful way to offset the average cost of university in Canada,
- If your child refuses to go to school, the money can be transferred to another child or qualified person.
Note: The cost of attending a top university in Canada
While considering educational savings plans, please consider this. Universities are expensive. The average cost of universities in Canada for 2019 is CA$ 29714 or ~US$ 22500 per year. It is necessary for most citizens to save for this kind of expense before our children reach college age.
What is considered post-secondary education in Canada
Canada has a broad view of what is considered post-secondary education. The education system is set up to engage anyone. From the person who wants to learn a trade and eventually open his own business to the highly skilled professional who is seeking his doctoral degree, and every field in between, post-secondary education is provided. This list will give you an idea of how wide and diversified the educational system in Canada is. This list of options that are recognized and accepted as secondary education choices. However, keep in mind that the list is forever growing and changing, just as the demands of commerce dictate. This does not mean that any job will make it to the list. If it is a job that requires no training and no skills to do it well it probably will not ever make the grade.
- College
- Community college
- Associates degree
- Bachelor graduate
- Bachelor degree
- Doctoral degree
- Masters degree
- Undergraduate diploma or certificate
- CEGEP
- Internship
- Trade school
The purpose of post-secondary education is to allow a person training to financially support themselves. This can be accomplished in many ways. Training in your field of choice is a good way to gain the knowledge you need to support yourself. post-secondary education can be a two-year degree, a four-year degree, or more.
Unwanted Scholarships Canada 2019
There are major scholarships for students in Canada. There are massive scholarships for students from other countries. There are scholarships for students in particular fields. There are so many scholarships that Canada is guaranteed to have a diverse educational climate in 2019 and for many years to come. However, there is one group of people who do not seem to want scholarships. That is Canadians.
While we might be “stretching” things a bit with that statement, the fact is that millions of dollars go unclaimed. These unclaimed dollars are scholarship dollars that for whatever reason, people believe are unattainable. It is still a good idea to check out scholarships in Canada in 2019.
In closing
Canada is a pro-student country. They apply enough pressure to keep their students moving. They are supportive and encouraging of their student’s life choices. They reach out and give parents a helping hand. There are savings accounts that are tax-free. The government even helps with savings. There are grants and scholarships available to help any student reach their goals.
Canada has climbed to the top of the list of developed countries in the education department and they have done so by holding themselves and their students to a higher standard. Perhaps this is why students from around the globe are making their way to the universities of Canada.
