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Canada offers a wealth of higher education options and life-enriching opportunities at its universities and university colleges. These institutions vary in size and programs offered.
The provinces and territories are responsible for all levels of education including universities. There is no federal ministry of education or formal accreditation system. Instead, membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), coupled with the university's provincial government charter, is generally deemed the equivalent. Currently, there are 92 universities with membership in AUCC.
These universities offer programs that range from fine art, biology and commerce to astronomy, media studies and religion. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered in Canada as well as professional degree programs and certificates. Regardless of the programme, a Canadian degree is globally recognized and considered equivalent to those from American and other Commonwealth universities.
Academic quality
Canadian universities receive a large amount of public funds and their degree programs, particularly at the undergraduate level, are uniform in quality. And while Canadian universities design their own missions and pursue their own futures, they consistently demonstrate a remarkable ability to cooperate with one another and work collectively.
Size and character
Each university has its own style and character. Some are large, research-intensive campuses in urban centres. There are also small liberal arts institutions with a focus on undergraduate education, where most of the students live in campus residences.
Canada has English language and French language institutions with some universities offering instruction in both official languages.
Students are encouraged to question and challenge their professors and peers in lectures. They may be call upon to lead the class or work in projects, individually or in a group.
Canadian universities are much more than academic institutions; they also provide support and opportunities for their students through a wide range of services and resources. Students have access to career, personal or academic counselors and can get help with medical concerns or resolving housing issues. Many universities provide services for students with specific needs, such as single parents, people with physical, sensory or learning disabilities, aboriginal students, part-time students, mature students and students of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
The universities play a vital part in their local communities - offering concerts and plays, day care centres, sports and fitness facilities, lectures, museums, on-campus radio stations and art galleries. Together, they make up a diverse, vibrant, dynamic and high quality higher education system.
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