Useful information Useful information Public or private ? Evaluation of studies completed outside of Canada In Québec, public education is recognized for its excellent quality since it is supported and The Ministère de l’Immigration du Québec can conduct a comparative evaluation of the studies regulated by the Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec. In fact, this particular government you have completed outside of Canada. This can be useful if you wish to enter the job market department awards all and most -level diplomas. The vast majority or if you wish to apply for admission in a post-secondary in Québec. of Quebecers receive their education through the public system. Given that Québec society For more information: http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/working-/ wishes to make education accessible to all Quebecers, there are no tuition fees for full- comparative-evaluation/index.html. The comparative evaluation issued by the Ministère time primary, secondary and college1 who are recognized as Québec residents2. de l’Immigration is the only document attesting to your level of education that you Registration fees and other expenses are required, but these amounts are minimal when can use to enter the job market. compared to those for private schools. If you are certain that you wish to return to school, a comparative evaluation of your studies can The private system is divided into two sectors: subsidized and non-subsidized. Schools of all be completed during the admissions process (by the school, the regional admissions service or levels are available in the private sector. Tuition fees (of varying amounts) apply to all studies the you are applying to). You will not receive a copy of this evaluation since this type in the private sector. of evaluation is solely for your application for admission and is not valid on the job market. Québec , whether private or public, require tuition fees and other expenses from All comparative evaluations of studies are completed based on the following documents: students. transcripts (starting from the 10th year of study) and diplomas obtained outside Canada. These documents must be translated into French or English by a certified translator if the References originals are not written in one of these two languages. About Elementary and Secondary level education: contact the School Board (called Wondering whether you are admissible to Cégep or university? Note that, in general: commission scolaire in French) in your area • admission to college studies requires a minimum of 11 years of study To locate your School Board: http://www.electionsquebec.qc.ca/english/school-board/ admission to undergraduate university studies requires a minimum of 12 years of study electoral-map/find-your-school-board.php • This is, however, a general rule and it is important to consider your completed courses and how For general information: http://www.education.gouv.qc.ca/en/students/ they relate to the program of study you wish to be admitted to. For SARCA (Information on academic and career guidance): http://www.education.gouv. To access this publication online: sram.qc.ca/studies-quebec qc.ca/en/students/information-on-academic-and-career-guidance-sarca/ SARCA directory: http://www3.recitfga.qc.ca/SARCA/directory.php For vocational and skill training: www.srapf.com College studies: Recognition of Acquired Competencies For general information on college studies: http://www.education.gouv.qc.ca/colleges/ etudiants-au-collegial/ (This webpage is available in French only) If you acquired competencies outside of Canada, you can file an official request for recognition based on set standards, specifically those outlined in programs of study. Once the process is For information in Attestation of college studies (ACS) programs: complete, recognition will be recorded in an official document attesting that all or part of the www.backtocegep.com competencies associated with a given program of study in Quebec have been recognized. Québec For information on the Diploma of College studies (DCS): Pygma.ca. Official recognition of your experience and competencies can help you integrate the job market For information on technical and vocational programs: or have access to jobs better suited to your competencies. www.inforoutefpt.org Centres of Expertise in the Recognition of Acquired Competencies (CERAC) have been designated school Universities: by the Ministère de l’Éducation to support educational facilities in their recognition processes. system For general information and a list of all universities in Québec: Recognition of acquired competencies at: http://www.education.gouv.qc.ca/universites/etudiants-a-luniversite/ the secondary and vocational level: www.ceracfp.ca (This webpage is available in French only) • post-secondary level: access the Recognition of Acquired Competencies section at • www.backtocegep.com

1 Tuition fees may exceptionally apply in certain ACS programs. 2 Free education is provided to Québec residents who have been granted permanent resident status in Canada or who are Canadian citizens. This document is a production of the Service régional d’admission du Montréal métropolitain (SRAM) ELEMENTARY AND ELEMENTARY LEVEL SECONDARY LEVEL COLLEGE LEVEL UNIVERSITY LEVEL

PRESCHOOL Secondary, youth sector: Secondary School Diploma (SSD): 5 years Undergraduate Graduate 1 2 3 4 5 6 DCS – Diploma of College Studies, Pre- Kindergarten pre-university programs Master’s 4 years old 5 years old 1 2 3 4 5 * 2 years degree * Doctorate OR * Bachelor’s 2 years Secondary, adult sector degree DCS – Diploma of College Studies, modular courses leading to the SSD or prerequisite * 3 or 4 years * Graduate courses required for admission to certain college-level programs technical programs diploma 3 years 1 year Elementary level ACS – Attestation of College Studies (technical) Certificate The elementary level is divided into two levels: and elementary. * * * STC * DVS * AVS 2 years or less (durations vary) 1 year Preschool is not mandatory, but in Québec, almost all parents send their Skills Training Diploma of Vocational Attestation of children to preschool at the age of 5. Certificate Studies Vocational Studies Elementary is the first level of mandatory general instruction and starts with grade 1, through to grade 6. Children enroll in elementary school * programs that lead to the job market at the age of 6. ACCESS TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION WITH THE SSD (minimum of 11 years of schooling)

Secondary level College level University level The college level is the first level of higher education in Québec. In order to access college- University studies in Québec are divided into 3 levels. The duration and level of studies required Secondary is also part of mandatory general instruction. Students begin their secondary studies level studies, students must first obtain a SSD or the equivalent (generally a minimum of depends on the ’s career orientation. after successfully completing elementary school, generally at the age of 12. The Secondary 11 years of study). College-level studies are dispensed in public called CÉGEPs School Diploma (SSD or DES in French) is awarded upon successful completion of all the (acronym for Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel) that only exist in Québec. The first university level in Québec is referred to as the undergraduate level and leads to required courses in the program, spread out over five years. General secondary education is Cégep programs are organised into two major categories: pre-university programs and • a Bachelor’s degree. Programs at this level generally take 3 to 4 years to complete for dispensed in secondary schools (also known as high schools) for young people, but those over technical programs. Cégeps accept students of all ages. students who are registered full time. An undergraduate certificate can also be obtained in the age of 17 can also take courses in centres. one year of study (or 30 credits). The Bachelor’s degree is a qualifying diploma that allows Pre-university training lasts two years. Pre-university academic programs allow students to graduates to enter the job market. The secondary level also includes vocational training programs that provide access to the access undergraduate studies in a chosen area of specialty. The Diplôme d’études collégiales job market through the acquisition of a diploma for exercising a skilled or semi-skilled trade. préuniversitaires (Pre-university DCS or DEC in French) is awarded by the Ministère de l’Éducation The second university level is referred to as the graduate level. Students can earn a Vocational training is not part of compulsory general instruction. There are two levels of to students who have successfully completed all of the courses of a chosen program of study and • Graduate Diploma (DESS in French) or a Master’s (M.A. or M.Sc.) degree at this level. vocational training: the STC and the DVS as well as the AVS. successfully passed two exit assessments: the first evaluates the language of instruction and the The DESS is generally equivalent to one year of study (or 30 credits) and is intended for second is a general program exit assessment. Bachelor’s degree holders who wish to obtain further training. The Master’s degree The Skill Training Certificate (STC or AEP in French) is certification that allows one targets future researchers and specialists and includes courses as well as the writing • to exercise a semi-skilled trade. The STC aims to give people who are unable to complete Technical programs lead to two types of diplomas: the technical Diploma of College Studies (DCS) of a dissertation or thesis. their secondary school studies the opportunity to acquire skills that will enable them and the Attestation of College Studies (ACS) to enter the job market. The third university level leads to a Doctorate (PhD) degree. This level is The technical DCS (or DEC in French) generally involves three years of study. Just like pre- • intended for researchers. Studies beyond this third level are referred to The Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS or DEP in French) is a diploma that allows university• programs, technical programs include a general education component (language, post-doctoral studies. • students to acquire abilities in a skilled trade in order to enter the job market. An individual philosophy, ). Students also complete program-specific courses during which with a DVS may also choose to pursue collegial studies as long as certain general courses they acquire the skills needed to work as technicians. An internship is usually included as part of have been successfully completed. the program of study. The Diplôme d’études collégiales techniques (DCS) is awarded by the Ministère The Attestation of Vocational Studies (AVS or ASP in French) is a short program de l’Éducation to students who have successfully completed all of the courses of a chosen program • that allows DVS holders to upgrade their skills by acquiring specialization in their field of study and successfully passed the language of instruction exit assessment and general program of expertise. exit assessment. A technical DCS allows graduates to access the job market or pursue undergraduate university studies in a related discipline. The ACS (or AEC in French) program is shorter than the technical DCS program since it is composed •only of specialized training. Certain ACS programs include an internship. ACS programs are dispensed by divisions of Cégeps and are intended for adults. The Attestation d’études collégiales is awarded by the college to students who have successfully completed all of the courses of the program. Useful information Useful information Public or private education? Evaluation of studies completed outside of Canada In Québec, public education is recognized for its excellent quality since it is supported and The Ministère de l’Immigration du Québec can conduct a comparative evaluation of the studies regulated by the Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec. In fact, this particular government you have completed outside of Canada. This can be useful if you wish to enter the job market department awards all secondary school and most college-level diplomas. The vast majority or if you wish to apply for admission in a post-secondary educational institution in Québec. of Quebecers receive their education through the public system. Given that Québec society For more information: http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/working-quebec/ wishes to make education accessible to all Quebecers, there are no tuition fees for full- comparative-evaluation/index.html. The comparative evaluation issued by the Ministère time primary, secondary and college1 students who are recognized as Québec residents2. de l’Immigration is the only document attesting to your level of education that you Registration fees and other expenses are required, but these amounts are minimal when can use to enter the job market. compared to those for private schools. If you are certain that you wish to return to school, a comparative evaluation of your studies can The private system is divided into two sectors: subsidized and non-subsidized. Schools of all be completed during the admissions process (by the school, the regional admissions service or levels are available in the private sector. Tuition fees (of varying amounts) apply to all studies the university you are applying to). You will not receive a copy of this evaluation since this type in the private sector. of evaluation is solely for your application for admission and is not valid on the job market. Québec universities, whether private or public, require tuition fees and other expenses from All comparative evaluations of studies are completed based on the following documents: students. transcripts (starting from the 10th year of study) and diplomas obtained outside Canada. These documents must be translated into French or English by a certified translator if the References originals are not written in one of these two languages. About Elementary and Secondary level education: contact the School Board (called Wondering whether you are admissible to Cégep or university? Note that, in general: commission scolaire in French) in your area • admission to college studies requires a minimum of 11 years of study To locate your School Board: http://www.electionsquebec.qc.ca/english/school-board/ admission to undergraduate university studies requires a minimum of 12 years of study electoral-map/find-your-school-board.php • This is, however, a general rule and it is important to consider your completed courses and how For general information: http://www.education.gouv.qc.ca/en/students/ they relate to the program of study you wish to be admitted to. For SARCA (Information on academic and career guidance): http://www.education.gouv. To access this publication online: sram.qc.ca/studies-quebec qc.ca/en/students/information-on-academic-and-career-guidance-sarca/ SARCA directory: http://www3.recitfga.qc.ca/SARCA/directory.php For vocational and skill training: www.srapf.com College studies: Recognition of Acquired Competencies For general information on college studies: http://www.education.gouv.qc.ca/colleges/ etudiants-au-collegial/ (This webpage is available in French only) If you acquired competencies outside of Canada, you can file an official request for recognition based on set standards, specifically those outlined in programs of study. Once the process is For information in Attestation of college studies (ACS) programs: complete, recognition will be recorded in an official document attesting that all or part of the www.backtocegep.com competencies associated with a given program of study in Quebec have been recognized. Québec For information on the Diploma of College studies (DCS): Pygma.ca. Official recognition of your experience and competencies can help you integrate the job market For information on technical and vocational programs: or have access to jobs better suited to your competencies. www.inforoutefpt.org Centres of Expertise in the Recognition of Acquired Competencies (CERAC) have been designated school Universities: by the Ministère de l’Éducation to support educational facilities in their recognition processes. system For general information and a list of all universities in Québec: Recognition of acquired competencies at: http://www.education.gouv.qc.ca/universites/etudiants-a-luniversite/ the secondary and vocational level: www.ceracfp.ca (This webpage is available in French only) • post-secondary level: access the Recognition of Acquired Competencies section at • www.backtocegep.com

1 Tuition fees may exceptionally apply in certain ACS programs. 2 Free education is provided to Québec residents who have been granted permanent resident status in Canada or who are Canadian citizens. This document is a production of the Service régional d’admission du Montréal métropolitain (SRAM)