University Colleges

The University College is a cusp between a university and a community college. At a university college, the student can choose between academically-oriented university degree programs or the more practically-oriented college diplomas and certificate programs. University colleges offer a wide range of programs, from English as a Second Language program to a Four Year Applied degree program. Programs here are a mix of college traditions with a strong focus on the application of academics delivered in a university campus environment. Some university colleges also offer combined degree/diploma programs and university transfer programs.

Applied Degree Programs

Applied degree programs offer the best of both worlds! It is a combination of the academic focus of a university degree with the practical, job-oriented skills imparted to students in Community colleges. Applied degree programs are usually four years in length and focus on a solid grounding in theory and analytical skills. Unlike a regular university degree, there is a stronger emphasis on practical applications of the concepts learned in the classroom.

University Transfer Programs

University colleges offer university transfer programs that allow students to apply to the university to gain admission to complete the last two years of the four-year program. Students can complete their first two years of study at the university college and earn credits. Most of the credits earned in this type of program may be transferred to universities as the first and second years of a degree program.  Colleges and university colleges that offer transfer programs usually have an established relationship with nearby universities. As a student one has to do the necessary groundwork to determine which universities will accept the transfer credits. You must ensure that the courses you take are appropriate to the degree you plan to enter in university.

Duration

Programs vary in length. As in Community colleges, the duration of diploma and certificate program lengths vary between one to three years. Degrees and applied degrees are generally four years in length. University transfer programs involve completion of the first two years of a degree program at a university college and the completion of the final two years at a university.

Requirements

Academic

• Completion of the equivalent of Canadian secondary or high school.
• For post-diploma programs, students should have successfully completed a university degree or college diploma program.
• Some schools may require students to take pre-requisite courses to ensure that they have the appropriate academic background.
• Official transcripts translated into English or French as requested by the Canadian institution.
• Some institutions may require notarized official transcripts.

Language

• Proof of strong proficiency in English (or French if studies are in French). For example, a TOEFL score of around 550 or approximately 6.0 for IELTS.

Age

• Students should be over 18 years of age. Some College admits mature students.

Other

Depending on the program, students may be required to do one or all of the following:

• Submit a portfolio.
• Participate in a pre-admission interview or questionnaire.
• Write a placement test.