Generally speaking, the requirements for entrance to a college program are not as high as those needed for university; however, this is not always the case. Some specialized college programs can be extremely competitive, especially if there is a high demand for graduates in a particular field. That said, most college programs, such as Fanshawe College, require a high school diploma, grade 12 English and a 60 to 75 percent grade 12 academic average. Entrance to university programs are as competitive as ever. University programs such as the University of Toronto Scarborough require academic averages greater than 80 percent, and it will be tough to get into most university programs with less than a 75 percent average.
Tuition costs are another point that differentiate college and university programs. College programs are usually cheaper, but again, this is not always the case, especially when college programs include training in advanced technologies. Quebec residents attending Quebec universities generally pay half the amount other Canadians pay (tuititon is heavily subsidized by the Quebec government), and international students typically pay double the Canadian rate.
While university courses tend to focus on general subjects and theoretical and conceptual studies, students at colleges usually are focused on applied learning and job specific training. University courses will get more specialized as programs progress and students pick majors and minors; however, outside of science and engineering labs, university undergraduate courses rarely will ask students to physically engage in or apply what they are learning; graduate level research and training will make these demands of students.
Universities are authorized to award bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and Ph.Ds that are recognized by the federal and provincial governments and most organizations and institutions beyond Canada. Colleges can offer provincial diplomas and certifications authorized by professional organizations or associations; recognition of a particular college degree abroad will depend on the school's reputation in Canada and internationally, which is often influenced by the activities of graduates.
For many Canadians, the importance of competing for and attaining a place at a Canadian university is ingrained at a young age; traditionally, a university degree was viewed as the key to secure employment and an above-average salary. However, in today's diversified and fast-paced global marketplace, a university degree cannot guarantee graduates anything, and the specialized training one can receive at a quality college can put you at the head of the line for particular jobs in particular industries. Whatever your decision, make sure it is informed by careful research of your options, and consult recent college and university graduates for advice.