making good choices - New Canadians Centre

The New Canadians Centre
in association with
Fleming College present
POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION:
MAKING
GOOD
CHOICES
A GUIDE FOR NEW CANADIANS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
1
What is Post-Secondary Education?
2
How do I Apply for Post-Secondary Education?
4
How do I Afford Post-Secondary Education?
8
What Kind of Support can I get While Studying?
10
What ESL programs are available in the Peterborough Area?
12
What else should I consider?
14
Resources
16
Helpful Internet Sites
19
MAKING GOOD CHOICES is a project by the New Canadians Centre Peterborough Immigrant Services and
Fleming College, your local community college. It is funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
This booklet is available free of charge in English, Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, Pashtu, and Arabic.
For more information, please contact:
New Canadians Centre • 205 Sherbrooke St., Unit D • (705) 743-0882 or [email protected]
Fleming College Diversity Office • (705) 749-5530 ext. 1179 or [email protected]
Published March, 2007 • Design by GoLogo
POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION:
MAKING GOOD CHOICES
Are you a new Canadian (immigrant, refugee or citizen)
who is thinking about pursuing a post-secondary
education in Canada?
Post-secondary education is your key to building a secure
and fulfilling future but knowing where to start can be
tough.
Canadian colleges, universities and private
schools offer a wide range of options and the information
about their programs can be overwhelming.
You may have questions about the value of your foreign
credentials here in Canada. You may have tried to
enroll in a program and encountered barriers. Or you
may wonder if your English language skills are strong
enough to be accepted.
This guide provides useful information and local
references to help you make the best choices possible,
whether you are graduating from high school, helping
your children to select a program, or exploring further
education as a mature student.
We hope this guide helps you to make the best choices
for your future.
1
WHAT IS POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION?
Post-secondary education means studying and training beyond high
school. For post-secondary education, you can choose to study at a
college, a university or a private institute. The following information will
help you to understand the differences between these types of schools.
A LOOK AT UNIVERSITIES
Universities are public degree-granting educational institutions. All
offer undergraduate (Bachelor’s) programs, and many offer graduate
(Master’s and Doctoral) programs.
2
Undergraduate degrees take three to four years to complete. You
can choose from many subjects in the arts and sciences. Many
schools allow students to combine subject areas. For example, you
could earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology.
Graduate programs are higher learning for those who already have
undergraduate degrees. A Master’s degree generally takes two
years to complete, while a Doctoral degree (PhD) can take up to five
years. These degrees are available in many subjects.
Many universities offer professional programs,
such as Medicine, Dentistry and Law. In some
cases, students can begin these programs
after two or three years of an undergraduate
program. Local universities are listed in the
Resources section of this guide.
A LOOK AT COLLEGES
These schools offer full-time and part-time diploma and certificate
programs. Some also offer degrees through partnerships with
universities. Colleges tend to be more career-oriented than
universities. Although program length varies, a certificate program
generally takes one year or less, and a diploma program can take
two or three years.
Local colleges are listed in the Resources section of this guide.
OTHER TYPES OF SCHOOLS
Private career colleges and community-based training agencies also
offer certificate and training programs. Local schools are listed in the
Resources section of this guide.
3
HOW DO I APPLY FOR POST-SECONDARY
EDUCATION?
High School Students
If you are high school age, you will need a high
school diploma (OSSD), and you will be admitted
based on your grades.
Mature Students
You can apply to attend college or university as a mature student if
you are at least 19 years old, and have been out of school for at least
one year. You will be admitted based on your life experience as well
as academic background.
Upgrading
If your education is not equivalent to a high school diploma (OSSD),
you can enroll in adult upgrading courses. School boards and
colleges collaborate in offering adult upgrading. Fleming College’s
Academic Upgrading can help you improve your employment
opportunities, acquire future training, or obtain the collegelevel courses you need to apply for apprenticeships and college
programs. Classes are offered year round and classroom work is
self-paced. Childcare and transportation support allowances are
available based on income and attendance. For more information,
please contact the Upgrading Coordinator at your local college,
listed in the Resource section of this guide.
4
Foreign Experience
If you have trained outside of Canada, you may wish to have your
educational documents translated and assessed before you apply.
Foreign Credential Assessment refers to the process of evaluating
formal educational credentials from other countries and comparing
them to educational standards within Canada. Post-secondary
institutions have various standards for evaluation so please consult
your college or university. For information, visit www.wes.org and
www.icascanada.ca.
English Ability
If English is not your first language, you may be
required to take a standardized test. Each school
has their own requirements. Please contact the
school you are applying to for more information.
To apply, visit the following websites:
Ontario College Application - www.ontariocolleges.ca
Ontario University Application – http://compass.ouac.on.ca
To start school in September, you will need to apply by the previous
January or February. Check the websites for the deadlines as they
change each year.
Schools Outside of Ontario
The application process is similar if you apply to a college or
university outside of Ontario. For information about all Canadian
schools, please visit www.canadian-universities.net.
5
Application Fees
You will be required to pay a processing fee
when you apply to a college or university. It costs
about $100 to apply to 3 university programs or 5
college programs.
Tuition fees
You will be required to pay tuition fees to go to college or university.
Fees can range from $1500 - $5000 per year. Fees for college
programs are generally lower than fees for university programs, and
specialized programs. Since fees vary greatly between schools and
programs, and change year-to-year, please check with the schools
you are interested in for an up-to-date fee schedule.
Books and student supplies
Depending on your program, you should expect
to spend about $1000 each year for books and
school supplies. If you are entering a specialized
course like architecture or dentistry, this cost may
be higher.
Living on campus
All Ontario universities, and many colleges, offer student residences.
Costs vary depending on the type of residence, whether you share
a room, and the type of food plan you choose. A year in residence
could cost anywhere from $2500 for a shared room to $14,000 for a
single room with meals.
6
Living off campus
If you choose to find housing
on your own, you will need
to calculate the costs of rent,
electricity, heat, telephone
and food. These will vary
depending on your tastes, and
the area you live in. You can also
find accommodations where the landlord provides meals for an
additional fee. Most schools have off-campus housing centres that
can help you find a place to live, or other students with whom to
share housing.
Other fees
In most cases, you will be asked to pay extra fees. These cover
campus facilities and services, student union dues, support for
various clubs and organizations, health insurance, and other costs.
Depending on your academic program, you may also be charged
fees for participating in co-operative education work placements.
7
HOW DO I AFFORD POST-SECONDARY
EDUCATION?
Although post-secondary school may seem expensive, you may be
eligible for scholarships, grants and bursaries, federal and/or provincial
loans, or bank loans.
Government Student Loans are provided by the provincial and
federal governments. These loans are available to full-time students
who demonstrate financial need. Loans must be repaid once you
complete school.
8
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
OSAP is Ontario’s student loan program. To apply for assistance
through OSAP, you must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident
of Canada (landed immigrant) or Protected Person/ Convention
Refugee. You must have resided in Canada for 12 consecutive months
before receiving OSAP. Six months after graduating, you will have to
start paying interest until you have repaid the full amount of your loan.
Scholarships are generally awarded based on academic merit. Many
agencies and business grant scholarships, including government
agencies, school boards, high schools, post-secondary institutions,
local businesses, private donors, and community organizations.
Scholarships do not need to be repaid.
Grants and Bursaries are awarded to students based on financial
need. They are also offered by a variety of organizations. Grants and
bursaries do not need to be repaid.
Student Bank Loans are loans issued directly from a bank or other
financial institution. Unlike OSAP, banks will begin charging interest
immediately. You will need to pay interest until you have repaid the
full amount of the loan.
For more information on loans, scholarships and bursaries, visit:
http://osap.gov.on.ca
You may also want to inquire at the following places:
• the schools you are applying to
• your high school
• your bank
• your parents’ place of employment
• local non-profit organizations
9
What kind of support can I receive
while studying?
Cultural Resources and Student Groups
Once you have enrolled in college or university you will have access
to many different student organizations. These groups are often
affiliated with the student council/union and are based on faith,
culture, human rights/social action and other common interests.
Joining these types of organizations is an excellent way to make
friends and build a community within your school. For more
information on student groups at Trent and Fleming, visit www.
trentu.ca/stuorg and www.flemingsac.com/clubs.
10
Human Rights Advisor
Most colleges and universities have a human
rights advisor. This person will assist you if you
feel your human rights have been violated in
some way.
What English as a Second Language
(ESL) resources are available?
As an ESL student at college or university, you may need extra
support to complete your program.
Tutoring / Support Groups
Post-secondary institutions have tutoring services and support
groups, which help students who need assistance in particular areas.
Academic Skills
Most schools have an academic skills centre that can assist you with
your course work.
If you would like to build more confidence in your English abilities,
you may want to study ESL either before or during your postsecondary studies.
11
What ESL programs are available in
the Peterborough area?
Language Instruction for
Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
LINC is a Government of Canada ESL program for landed
immigrants and convention refugees who are older than high school
age. In Peterborough, you can take LINC classes at Fleming College
for 15 hours per week.
What if I can’t attend LINC programs?
LINC offers a home study program for those who cannot attend
regular LINC classes. To participate in this program, all you need is a
telephone and a cassette tape player.
To be assessed and registered for the LINC program, please contact
the New Canadians Centre at (705)743-0882.
12
English Conversation Classes are offered for free one evening
per week at the New Canadians Centre. This is a casual way to
practise speaking English with people of all levels.
Fleming ESL/English for
Academic Purposes Certificate Program (EAP)
Fleming College offers four levels of ESL: I, II, III and EAP, which
prepares you for college acceptance. There is a fee for this program.
For more information, call (705) 749-5530, ext. 1242 or 1262.
Trent University offers an English language and academic skills
program that provides a strong foundation for success at university.
Students at the advanced level can take other university courses
while studying ESL. There is a fee for this program.
For more information on this program, please contact (705) 7481805, or visit www.trentu.ca/admin/tip/esl.
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
The School Board offers ESL classes at Fleming College free of
charge. Anyone is eligible for these classes, regardless of status or
language ability. For more information, contact the New Canadians
Centre at (705) 743-0882.
13
What else should I consider?
Distance learning
If it is difficult for you to get to school, because of transportation,
children, or your work schedule, you many be interested in distance
learning. This type of education allows you to work independently
using the Internet. An instructor is available to answer questions,
lead discussion, provide feedback and facilitate learning. You can
choose from about 300 courses. For more information, visit
www.ontariolearn.com.
Auditing courses
You can apply to audit (observe) courses at the post-secondary level.
Although you will not receive credit for this, you can participate in
course discussions, while paying a smaller fee. Check with the course
instructor to gain permission to audit a course.
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship is hands-on training for people
who enjoy learning by doing. Apprentices are paid
while gaining work experience. Wages increase
with level of skill. Several government agencies can
help you get started in the more than 140 skilled trades that can be
learned through apprenticeship training.
14
Continuing education
Continuing education is part-time study intended for adult learners
who are currently employed or want to make a career change. If you
are taking time to evaluate the credentials you earned outside of
Canada, you may choose to enrol in Continuing Education courses at
the same time. Continuing education courses can be taken either for
credit or non-credit.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR is a process that acknowledges your previous education,
training, and experience, and helps you to transfer that learning
into academic credit. There are two main ways to assess your prior
learning:
In portfolio development, you collect all the documents required to
verify your prior learning achievements, and then relate them to the
requirements of the program you are applying for.
During the challenge process, the school you are applying to may
offer you tests, projects, interviews or case studies to measure your
knowledge and skills in a specific area.
If you are successful in a challenge or with a portfolio, you can earn
credit for some courses, and save time in obtaining your degree.
For more information on PLAR visit:
www.capla.ca
www.cicic.ca (click on “Foreign Credentials Recognition”)
15
resources
Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology in
Peterborough and surrounding area
Fleming College
Fleming College
Sutherland Campus
McRae Campus
599 Brealey Drive
555 Bonaccord Street
Peterborough, ON K9J 7B1
P.O. Box 4350
Tel (705) 749-5530
Peterborough, ON K9J 7B1
Fax (705) 749-5540
Tel (705) 749-5530
www.flemingc.on.ca
Fax (705) 741-3279
Upgrading Coordinator ext.1263
16
Fleming College
Universities in
Frost Campus
Peterborough and
Albert Street South
surrounding area
P.O. Box 8000
Lindsay, ON K9V 5E6
Tel (705) 324-9144
Fax (705) 878-9312
Upgrading Coordinator ext.3558
Trent University
Peterborough Campus
1600 West Bank Drive
Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8
Tel (705) 748-1011
Fleming College
Fax (705) 748-1629
Cobourg Campus
Admissions: (705) 748-1215
The Fleming Building
www.trentu.ca
1005 Elgin St W
Cobourg, ON K9A 5J4
Tel (905) 372-6865
Fax (905) 372-8570
Upgrading Coordinator ext. 334
Trent University
Oshawa Campus
2000 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4
Tel (905) 721-3003
Durham College
or (905) 721-3107
Oshawa Campus
Fax (905) 721-3014
2000 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4
Tel (905) 721-2000
Fax (905)721-3113
www.durhamcollege.ca
University of Ontario
Institute Technology
2000 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4
Tel (905) 721-8668
Fax (905) 721-3178
www.uoit.ca
17
Private Career Colleges
Career Essentials
in Peterborough and
159 King Street
surrounding area
Suite 301
Peterborough, ON K9J 2R8
Trillium College
Tel (705) 745-3777
Peterborough Campus
Fax (705) 745-4155
1135 Lansdowne St. West
www.career-essentials.com
Suite 201A
Peterborough, ON K9J 7M2
Community Training and
Tel (705) 742-5565
Development Centre
Fax (705) 742-1160
Peterborough Campus
www.trilliumcollege.ca
681 Monaghan Road
Peterborough, ON K9J 5J5
Trillium College
Phone (705) 742-7277
Cobourg Campus
Fax (705) 749-3450
Northumberland Mall
www.ctdclearningplace.com
1111 Elgin Street West
Cobourg, ON K9A 5H7
Community Training and
Tel (905) 372-8978
Development Centre
Fax (905) 372-5789
Cobourg Campus
300 Alexandria Drive
TriArch Educational
Cobourg, ON K9A 4R5
Services
Tel (905) 372-9967
261 George Street North
Fax 372-9703
Suite 206
Peterborough, ON K9J 3G9
Tel (705) 750-0006
Fax (705)750-1683
www.triarch.ca
18
helpful internet sites
Government Websites
Application Centres
Government of Canada
Ontario Universities
www.gov.on.ca
Application Centre
compass.ouac.on.ca
Ministry of Training, Colleges and
Universities
Ontario Colleges
www.edu.gov.on.ca
Application Service
www.ontariocolleges.ca
Ontario Student Assistance
Program (OSAP)
osap.gov.on.ca
19
Local Resources
Immigration
Fleming College
New Canadians Centre
www.flemingc.on.ca
Peterborough
www.nccpeterborough.ca
Durham College
www.durhamcollege.ca
Settlement.Org
www.settlement.org
Trent University
www.trentu.ca
Ministry of Citizenship and
Immigration
www.citizenship.gov.on.ca
20
The New Canadians Centre Peterborough is here to assist
newcomers. We offer English conversation, LINC assessment,
volunteer tutors, employment services, counselling, computer
training, and more. We can help guide you through the process of
choosing your path to post-secondary education. Please visit us:
205 Sherbrooke St., Unit D
(705) 743-0882
www.nccpeterborough.ca
The Diversity Office at Fleming College was also involved in the
production of this guide. The Diversity Office acts to build a
welcoming learning and working environment and serves anyone
who might face discrimination based on the prohibited grounds of
the Human Rights Code.
Diversity Coordinator
705-749-5530 ext. 1179
[email protected]