The Québec Education System

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Agence Québec Education Agency (AQEA) successfully facilitates the admission of foreign students to Québec educational and training institutions. AQEA provides assistance for admission and registration procedures at all levels of learning.

The education system in Québec, as elsewhere in Canada, is the responsibility of the provincial government which subsidizes virtually all educational institutions. Québec is the province that provides the highest level of funding to education. Over the years, it has developed an education system of exemplary quality that is highly regarded around the world. Québec ranks among the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries that invest most substantially in education, and its enrollment and graduation rates are among the highest. According to a recent report by the Canadian Center for Substitute Policies, Québec stands first in higher education in Canada. Foreign students choose to study in Québec because it has made quality education a priority.

For more information about the Québec education system

The Québec education system continues to evolve and improve, thanks to the expertise of teachers and other education specialists. The Ministry of Education of Québec (MEQ) oversees the quality of educational services, coordination among educational institutions as well as training adapted to Québec's needs and socio-economic development. After the health sector, education receives the most government funding in a proportion higher than in the rest of Canada and the United States.

The elementary and secondary levels school year begins at the end of August and ends in June. Classes at the college level begin in August and end in May. The university year begins early in September and ends in April; summer sessions begin in May.

Educational institutions : public and private

Students in Québec can attend either public or private educational institutions. The majority of educational institutions are public and do not charge tuition fees through the college level. They are located in all regions of the province. These institutions accept students from other countries as well.

Some private elementary and secondary schools offer boarding services which may be of interest to foreign students. The MEQ recognizes the network of private colleges in Québec. Tuition fees for private educational institutions are borne by the student.

Languages : French and English

French is the official language of Québec, while English is spoken widely. There are both French and English educational institutions at all levels of the education system. Since French is the mother tongue of 80% of Quebecers, most educational institutions are French. French is the official language of instruction in elementary and secondary schools.

Foreign students at the college and university levels may choose between French or English as their second language. However, under a government policy promoting the teaching of French and of Québec culture, foreign students who choose to study in French can take advantage of exemption from supplementary tuition fees and pay lower tuition fees than those charged by English institutions.

Québec's education system has four levels: elementary (which includes preschool), secondary, college (postsecondary) and university (postsecondary). Education is mandatory between the ages of 6 and 16. Education is free at public schools at the elementary, secondary and college levels, while university students are required to pay tuition.

PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

The optional preschool kindergarten year for five-year-olds facilitates their adaptation to the new universe of schooling.

All six-year-old children attend school full-time. The vast majority of elementary schools are public and managed by elected school boards. Basic subjects are taught to encourage the acquisition of knowledge and the child's personal development is fostered. This stage in the academic process enables children to become familiar with responsible behaviour and social values. Elementary education lasts six years and leads to secondary education.

SECONDARY EDUCATION

Secondary school students receive general instruction and can take optional courses to explore their interest in various subjects. Most secondary schools are public and free while others are private and charge tuition fees. This level of training lasts five years and leads to a secondary school diploma (DES). From the third to the fourth year, the pupil can continue the general curriculum or opt for vocational training adapted to employment. The vocational training diploma that is awarded at the end of this training leads to the labour market. After graduating from the secondary level, students may choose to pursue their studies and enroll at a general and vocational college (CEGEP).

For more information about vocational training

Vocational training at the secondary level gives the student practical knowledge for employment and directs him towards specialized trades. There are several options:

- Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS); 1350 hours of studies, 18 months
- Attestation of Vocational Education (AVE); 900 hours of studies
- Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS); 6 to 12 month of studies

Éducation Internationale, founded by the Québec federation of school boards, has developed expertise in basic education, vocational training and adult education, nationally and internationally. This organization aims at promoting Québec education and offers practical sessions in several countries, thanks to its network of contacts. Éducation Internationale constitutes a major pole for training in Québec and abroad. Éducation Internationale is a privileged partner of Agence Québec Education Agency (AQEA) for enrolling foreign students in vocational training.

COLLEGE EDUCATION

Agence Québec Education Agency (AQEA) successfully facilitates the admission of foreign students to Québec colleges. AQEA offers professional admission services for the chosen program of studies.

In Québec, college education follows secondary school and is the first level of postsecondary education. Dynamic general and vocational colleges (known as CEGEPs) are adapted to the social and economic environment of the regions in which they are located. The collegial network is made of 48 public CEGEPs, which do not charge tuition fees, and 24 private college institutions. All of them offer the possibility of taking pre-university vocational training (two years) leading to university study programs, or of completing vocational and technical training (three years) leading to the labour market or to university. Furthermore, college students benefit from extra-curricular activities and services adapted to their interests such as student associations, student radio and newspapers, science clubs, etc.

Foreign students:

Foreign students may not have to take all of the courses in the CEGEP curriculum: their programs will be determined according to their preparation in their home country. Foreign students must pay tuition fees, however, which vary from $7 500 to $12 000 CA depending on the program chosen. (link with tuition fees)

For more information about college education

Pre-university training
Pre-university programs of studies focus on the acquisition of general knowledge leading to university entrance. Two years (four sessions) are required to obtain a Diploma of College Studies (DCS). CEGEPs reach a vast clientele, adults as well as young people, through a broad range of programs in Human Sciences, Natural Sciences, Arts, Letters, Sciences, History and Civilizations.

Vocational and Technical Education (VTE)
Technical study programs offer practical courses adapted to employment. Some practical sessions are offered in conjunction with enterprises. After three years of studies which lead to a DCS, the student usually enters the labour market. VTE graduates may also choose to pursue their education and enter university.

The Québec Ministry of Education pays particular attention to the development and organization of vocational and technical education: it establishes the programs of studies, grants diplomas and finances over-all operations. VTE with a degree of greater complexity is taught at the college level. Technical programs offered by CEGEPs are grouped as follows:

- Agri-food Technology
- Biological Technology
- Physics Technology
- Human Affairs Technology
- Business Administration
- Arts and Graphic Communications.

Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) leads to higher-skilled technician jobs. The majority of college students in the field find stimulating and well-paid jobs after graduation.

Collegial Technology Transfer Centers

Created by CEGEPs and recognized by the MEQ, the 23 Collegial Technology Transfer Centers are mandated to conduct research and technical assistance activities with specialized enterprises. This expertise leads to the implementation of innovative technological projects. These centers offer technical assistance to small and medium-sized companies in developing new products, services or processes. Established according to labour market needs, the Collegial Technology Transfer Centers bring education and labour together.

Fédération des Cégeps groups 48 public CEGEPs and is their voice for promoting college education and the interests of the college network. The federation brings CEGEPs together for expertise, services and exchanges. The colleges in turn benefit from the services and advice the federation offers.

Cégep International, the Fédération's international arm, is responsible for promoting the dynamism of CEGEPs and their reputation around the world. Cégep International fosters student exchanges and represents the member CEGEPs with potential foreign partners. Cégep International is a partner of Agence Québec Education Agency (AQEA) for foreign student admission at the college level.

UNIVERSITY TEACHING AND RESEARCH

Agence Québec Education Agency (AQEA) successfully facilitates the admission of foreign students to Québec institutions of higher education. AQEA offers professional admission services for the chosen program of studies.

Québec universities consider higher education of the utmost importance. They have a great deal of latitude in determining what programs of studies are offered, eligibility, the granting of diplomas and hiring of resources.

An university academic year comprises two or three semesters, beginning in early September, January and May.

There are three levels of university studies. The first leads to a bachelor's degree. Students at the undergraduate level must complete three or four years of studies. A multitude of programs are offered. The student may also specialize in a particular area in pursuit of a certificate. At the end of the first level, a student may choose to enter the labour market or pursue his academic training to the second, or graduate, level for a master's degree. Most universities offer two alternatives: a master's degree with research, including a memorandum, or a professional master's degree without a memorandum.

Completing a master's degree takes two years. A greater number of scholarships is available at this stage. The third level, or the doctoral degree (Ph.D.), consists of advanced scientific research and requires a thesis. The doctoral degree takes three to five years to complete, and generally prepares the student for a career in research.

Foreign students:

The Québec university system is one of the most modern in the industrialized world. Drawn to internationalize, the university network now promotes its expertise well beyond Québec and has opened up to a larger clientele. There has been a considerable increase in foreign students in higher education in Québec, as elsewhere in Canada.

Detailed list of universities

FRENCH UNIVERSITIES

Private

Public

Université du Québec constitutes the public university network of Québec. It includes the 11 following legal entities:

ENGLISH UNIVERSITIES

Private

For more information about university teaching and research

The university network extends across Québec and is accessible to the entire population. A student at university may study in French or in English. There are fifteen French universities and three English universities. Language schools affiliated with the universities enable students to improve their fluency in one or the other language before entering their program of studies. Admission to an English university requires a good knowledge of the language. In addition to the universities' own tests, specialized tests such as TOEFL, GRE, etc. are recognized for foreign student admission.

Tuition fees at Québec universities are among the lowest in North America and in Canada. The average cost for foreign students ranges from $9 220 to $12 000 CA. This is one reason why an increasing number of foreign students are choosing Québec as a destination for higher education.

The MEQ has signed bilateral agreements on granting scholarships with several countries. Foreign students should check with their own Ministry of Education to find out whether scholarships have been made available to their governments.

The Conférence des Recteurs et Principaux des Universités du Québec (CREPUQ) is the central body that promotes Québec institutions of higher education. CREPUQ is at one and the same time a forum for exchange and cooperation, a research service for university administrations, a think tank, a spokesman, a coordinator and a service manager. CREPUQ aims at improving the efficiency of the university system and is a reference body in matters of higher education. It is a partner of Agence Québec Education Agency (AQEA) for foreign student admission.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Agence Québec Education Agency (AQEA) successfully facilitates foreign student admission to continuing education in Québec. AQEA offers professional admission services for the chosen program of studies.

Often called adult education, continuing education offers adults and young people over 16 years of age the possibility of completing their college or university training. In a time when knowledge is evolving rapidly, continuing education proposes enriching the student's knowledge at the technical, technological and professional levels. Programs of studies follow the general curriculum or can be tailor-made. Training is adapted to the labour market and is an attractive alternative for adults who wish to improve in a chosen field.

Agence Québec Education Agency (AQEA) offers the foreign student a fully integrated process: admission, CAQ, study permit (visa), reception, accommodation, follow-up. AQEA makes coming to study in Québec much easier.