Updated at: 07-04-2023 - By: Eden Wise

Overview

This article provides a list of the best two-year associate degree (Diploma) programs available at public universities and colleges in Canada. While most colleges simply act as a stepping stone to four-year programs at universities, there are a few exceptions.

According to CanadaVisa, an Associate Degree in Canada is a 60-credit, introductory undergraduate program in a traditional field of study that typically takes 2 years or 4 semesters to complete. Associate degrees, in contrast to certificates and diplomas, cover both general education and a chosen area of study.

Associate of Arts degrees in Business and Science are two prevalent examples. If accepted by the receiving institution, the Associate Degree will allow a student to continue their education in the third year at another college or university.

Students from all over the world can benefit from Canada’s excellent public universities. Some of these colleges confer degrees in conjunction with universities, while others provide students with the necessary prerequisites to continue their education at a university by way of an associate degree or diploma.

You should know that in Canada, a diploma earned from a college or university can be advanced to or transferred into a bachelor’s degree.

In Canada, you can earn a diploma or associate’s degree in two years at the very most, though the former can take up to six full semesters.

Some of Canada’s publicly funded universities and colleges are officially recognized educational institutions, while others aren’t. Furthermore, graduate work permits are available from some of Canada’s best public universities.

Best Government Colleges In Canada

Best government colleges in canada

Humber College

Humber College

Humber College is the nickname for the Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. It was established in 1967 and is known for its two main campuses, Humber North and Lakeshore.

There are over 40 different areas of study represented among the college’s more than 150 programs (including bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, certificate courses, postgraduate certificate courses, and apprenticeship programs). One of their most sought-after offerings is a pathway program. These courses are designed to lead you to a specific degree and subsequent career path. Possibilities to hone one’s abilities here are plentiful.

International students can expect to pay anywhere from 12,000 to 22,000 Canadian Dollars per year in tuition.

Additional scholarship opportunities exist at Humber College, including international entrance scholarships (worth up to CA $2,000 per student), Bachelor’s degree scholarships, Awards for EAP graduates, and awards established by charitable foundations.

Because of its reputation as a premier diploma-granting institution, Humber consistently receives more applications than it can accommodate. To begin, select a program of interest and check its availability. After that, you send in your application along with your grades. Eligibility checks may require international applicants to provide an ICAS or WES assessment. You may also be required to provide a statement of purpose, portfolio, letters of recommendation, etc., but this will vary from program to program.

British Columbia Institute of Technology

The British Columbia Institute of Technology is a public polytechnic university in the province of British Columbia, and it is more commonly referred to by its acronym, BCIT. The Greater Vancouver area is home to five campuses for this technical college. It’s also a school for vocational training, where students can learn the skills they’ll need in a variety of fields.

BCIT is the first institution outside of universities to offer accredited engineering degree programs, with accreditation from the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) for its civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering programs. Students at this community college have access to medical services. The university is home to Western Canada’s only Marine Engine Room Simulator, as well as a state-of-the-art Radio and Television Studio and a 300,000-square-foot Aerospace Technology Campus.

International students can expect to pay between $13,500 and $20,000 per year in tuition fees.

Scholarships, grants, and bursaries are available to incoming students based on academic achievement and family financial circumstances. Scholarships are typically reserved for college students enrolled full-time.

After meeting the prerequisites for your preferred program, you can apply for admission to that program online and attach official transcripts. The admissions office at BCIT cannot process your application without first evaluating and converting your international credentials. You must also complete an evaluation test that is administered entirely online.

George Brown College

George Brown College

George Brown College was chartered by the provincial government of Ontario in 1966 as a college of applied arts and technology with full accreditation. Over 160 different full-time programs are offered in areas such as art and design, business, community services, early childhood education, construction and engineering technologies, health sciences, hospitality and culinary arts, preparatory studies, and more.

This university places a premium on career preparation and offers comprehensive certificate and diploma programs that combine classroom instruction with real-world practice. This institution places a premium on practical education and provides ample opportunities for its students to network with working professionals in the field. In addition, its central location in the country’s economic center makes it an attractive place for internships and job searches.

Both the country of origin and the specifics of the course have a significant impact on the admissions process. A minimum of 60% is required, however, in order to enroll in a diploma or certificate program at the undergraduate level. You need to have a minimum of a 50% in both grade 10 and grade 12 English. A passing grade in Math of at least 50% is required for entry into certain STEM-related programs. In addition, you’ll need either a TOEFL iBT score of 85 or higher or an IELTS score of 6.

Sheridan College

Sheridan College, established in 1967, is widely regarded as one of the finest public universities in Canada. The largest campus of Sheridan College in Ontario can be found in the city of Brampton.

The College provides numerous educational opportunities at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels.

Centennial College

Centennial College, Ontario’s first community college, was founded in 1966. It has five campuses in Toronto, Ontario, and is widely regarded as one of the finest institutions of higher education in all of Canada.

Centennial College offers both traditional on-campus courses and flexible online options.

Apprenticeship, College & University Preparation, Co-op Education, Degree, Dual Credit, Fast-track, Graduate Certificate, Joint Programs, and microcredentials are just some of the many options available at Centennial College.

Okanagan College

Okanagan College

Located in Kelowna, British Columbia, Okanagan College is consistently ranked as one of the best public universities in all of Canada.

Okanagan College provides degree, diploma, and certificate programs after opening in 1963 as B.C. Vocational School.

Algonquin College

Established in 1967 as one of the best public universities in Canada, Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology is located in Ottawa, Ontario.

Certificates, diplomas, and degrees up to and including a doctorate are available. There are 155 different programs available to students at the college, including 18 different apprenticeship programs, 16 different co-op programs, 6 different collaborative degree programs, and 6 different bachelor’s degree programs.

Through collaboration with Carleton University, the University of Ottawa, and Shopify, Algonquin College is able to award these degrees. Among the many disciplines covered by Algonquin College are Business, Hospitality & Tourism Management, IT, Nursing, BScN, ID, and PS.

Douglas College

Founded in 1970, Douglas College is a public institution of higher learning in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia.

An advanced certificate, an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, a certificate, a diploma, a graduate diploma, a minor, a post-baccalaureate diploma, and a post-degree diploma are all available from the College.

Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College is a public college in Calgary, Alberta, founded in 1965. It offers a variety of certificate, diploma, post-diploma, and continuing education courses.

Vancouver Community College

Vancouver Community College

Established in 1965, Vancouver Community College is a public 2-year college serving the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia, Canada.

VCC is one of the best government colleges in Canada, and as such, it is authorized to issue post-graduation work permits to international students.

The university allows students to enroll either full- or part-time. There are a total of 78 different certificate programs, 28 different diploma programs, and 3 different bachelor’s degree programs available here.

Courses are offered in the following areas: Advancing Your Education; Design; Hospitality; Music and Dance; University Transfer; Business; Health Sciences; Languages and Writing; Transportation Trades; Baking & Culinary Arts; Hair & Esthetics; Makeup Artistry; Instructor Development; Technology; Apprenticeship Development; ESL; Human & Family Services; Students with Disabilities; and Youth Training in Trades.

Seneca College

Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology was established in 1967 as a public college or university in Ontario, Canada.

The university provides full and part-time study options leading to associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate certificates. In addition, it helps students find employment after they graduate.

However, the university has over 70 transfer agreements with schools in the United States, Canada, Australia, England, and South Africa.

Students can apply the credits they earn toward a degree at another university thanks to the transfer agreement.

Durham College

Established in 1967, Durham College is a public institution of higher education for the Applied Arts and Technology in the Canadian city of Durham.

The university is located in both Oshawa and Whitby, Ontario.

Certificate and degree programs in business, IT, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, criminal justice, emergency services, health, and engineering technology are available both on-campus and online at Durham College.

Fanshawe College

London, Ontario’s Fanshawe College is a public institution of higher learning that features a wide range of academic programs in areas like business, health, and technology. Students looking for a high-quality education will find a great fit at this college thanks to its emphasis on hands-on learning and cutting-edge resources.

Mohawk College

Mohawk College is a public institution of higher education in Hamilton, Ontario that provides instruction in a wide range of disciplines, such as medicine, engineering, and business. The college has gained acclaim for its forward-thinking curriculum and illustrious teaching staff.

The program’s emphasis on practical experience helps students acquire the knowledge and abilities they’ll need to succeed in their chosen fields and in life.

FAQs

How much does it cost to study in Canadian Colleges?

In most cases, studying in Canada won’t break the bank. Postsecondary tuition is cheaper than at universities in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.

College tuition ranges from about $2,000 CAD per year to $18,000 CAD per year or more, depending on the institution and the major.

Are the Government Colleges in Canada accredited?

All or nearly all colleges have been approved, accredited, and/or licensed by the appropriate governing bodies. Before applying to a college in Canada, international students should make sure it is on the list of approved educational institutions. However, most colleges in Canada fall under the category of approved educational institutions.

What is the cost of studying in public universities in Canada?

You will primarily be responsible for the tuition fee. It can be as low as C$10,000 per year and as high as C$35,000. The tuition and fees for the best public universities are broken down in greater detail below.

The cost of living is the next major consideration for a student, and almost all Canadian universities provide on-campus housing for students at a reduced rate compared to off-campus apartments. Living on campus will cost you between CA $8,000 and CA $10,000 per year, while renting an apartment off campus will run you around CAD $700 per month.

Books, supplies, phone bills, food, entertainment, and everything else add up to what we call “living expenses.” The annual budget is roughly $15,000 Canadian. This figure will vary by region, metropolis, and individual.

What are the scholarship options for public universities in Canada?

Public university students can apply for and receive scholarships from a variety of different sources, both at the time of enrollment and throughout their time in school. The following section outlines the various requirements that must be met to qualify for each.

Conclusion

Top-notch education and degrees recognized around the world can be found at the Canadian government colleges included here. Most universities are conveniently located in bustling college towns, so you can feel safe while you study. Tell us in the comments which of the top Canadian government colleges listed here is the one where you would most like to enroll, and we’ll add it to our list of available scholarships.