A variety of programs for all
Young people have several options of educational programs to choose from after graduating from high school. As a first step, they can choose to pursue vocational training or college studies according to their interests and abilities. University studies are accessible after college studies, whether pre-university or technical, and vocational training may be available beginning in Secondary 3 under certain conditions.
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Vocational training is part of secondary studies and is aimed at youth as well as adults. The student can access it after having successfully completed Secondary 3 or 4 (Grade 9 or 10). Vocational training programs lead to the labor market with an official diplomas, namely:
- vocational studies diploma (DEP – diplôme d’études professionnelles).
- attestation of professional specialization (ASP – attestation de spécialisation professionnelle).
- attestation of vocational studies (AEP – attestation d’études professionnelles).
College studies are provided by institutions called cégeps. Unique to the Quebec school system, cégep bridges compulsory education (elementary and secondary) and university studies.
Cégeps offer:
- two-year pre-university training, preparing students for university studies and leading to a college diploma (DEC).
- technical training lasting three years, which prepares students for the job market or for university studies and leads to a college diploma (DEC).
- technical training lasting less than 3 years, preparing students for the job market and leading to an attestation of collegial studies (AEC).
University studies are offered by universities and follow pre-university college studies. The structure of a university education is similar to that found elsewhere in North America.
University studies are divided into three cycles:
- the Bachelor’s (first cycle), which lasts 3 or 4 years depending on the discipline
- the Master’s (second cycle), which lasts 1 or 2 years
- the Doctorate (third cycle) lasts 3 years or more
Most universities also offer short programs of varying lengths, such as specialized post-graduate certificates or diplomas.
Universities bring together faculties in a large variety of disciplines as well as professional schools, such as business schools (HEC) and engineering schools.