Students

For people who have completed their secondary education, there are numerous universities, colleges, and other types of institutions in Canada that provide a variety of educational programs. The most common name for this educational system is "postsecondary education."

Intellectual exploration

Post-secondary education enables students to participate in transformative learning experiences, in which they explore new areas of interest in addition to expanding their knowledge in their chosen field. Students have the opportunity to master their comprehension of complicated material and put theory into practice through projects at the honours level or independent study, study abroad programs, and research opportunities. Students can also explore courses and activities outside of their degree program at university, which opens doors to new opportunities and passions. You could choose to change your major entirely, enrol in a specialised certificate program, or even add a minor in a related field.

Collaboration and the Development of Relationships

Through opportunities in academic, extracurricular, and leadership roles, postsecondary students form friendships and networks with their peers that will last well beyond graduation. Students collaborate with professors on research projects and specialised programs, which enrich the university experience and serve as guides and mentors for the learning process. Your professors can help you find meaningful projects to do in addition to your classes and offer advice on how to choose a career path after graduation.

Personal Growth and a Broader Network

Many universities accept international students from all over the world, giving them the opportunity to interact with and learn from peers from a variety of backgrounds. You could also decide to use your own exchange opportunities; spending one or two semesters abroad will help you meet new people and provide you with a challenging academic experience. There are plenty of opportunities for post-secondary students to involve themselves in campus activities, such as serving as a peer mentor, advising residence halls, joining a varsity or club sports team, volunteering at campus events, or running for student government. These activities not only endow hands-on experience which can be expanded on in the future, but they also help you learn leadership, organisation, communication, and teamwork skills.

Preparation for Future Studies and Career Goals

Institutions of higher education provide students with an environment in which they can develop their capacities for creative and independent thought expression—abilities that are highly valued by employers and graduate programs alike—and become critical thinkers. Is going to college/university the best option for you? Outside of the classroom setting of a university, you might have other plans that will help you expand your intellectual horizons and improve your personal skills, or you might want to get a job as soon as possible. However, as a university graduate, you will have developed the abilities necessary to thrive in today's rapidly changing world and contribute thoughtfully to society. Higher education is a valuable public good that everyone cares about. Canada's social, cultural, and economic well-being are significantly improved by the post-secondary sector, as is the country's capacity to innovate, adapt to change, and maintain a vibrant and stable democracy.