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 info@nccpeterborough.ca Fleming College Diversity Office (705) 749-5530 ext. 1179 or diversity@flemingc.on.ca 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) 748-1805, 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 Sutherland Campus 599 Brealey Drive Peterborough, ON K9J 7B1 Tel (705) 749-5530 Fax (705) 749-5540 www.flemingc.on.ca Upgrading Coordinator ext.1263 Fleming College McRae Campus 555 Bonaccord Street P.O. Box 4350 Peterborough, ON K9J 7B1 Tel (705) 749-5530 Fax (705) 741-3279 16
Fleming College Frost Campus Albert Street South P.O. Box 8000 Lindsay, ON K9V 5E6 Tel (705) 324-9144 Fax (705) 878-9312 Upgrading Coordinator ext.3558 Fleming College Cobourg Campus The Fleming Building 1005 Elgin St W Cobourg, ON K9A 5J4 Tel (905) 372-6865 Fax (905) 372-8570 Upgrading Coordinator ext. 334 Durham College Oshawa Campus 2000 Simcoe Street North Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4 Tel (905) 721-2000 Fax (905)721-3113 www.durhamcollege.ca Universities in Peterborough and surrounding area Trent University Peterborough Campus 1600 West Bank Drive Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8 Tel (705) 748-1011 Fax (705) 748-1629 Admissions: (705) 748-1215 www.trentu.ca Trent University Oshawa Campus 2000 Simcoe Street North Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4 Tel (905) 721-3003 or (905) 721-3107 Fax (905) 721-3014 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 in Peterborough and surrounding area Trillium College Peterborough Campus 1135 Lansdowne St. West Suite 201A Peterborough, ON K9J 7M2 Tel (705) 742-5565 Fax (705) 742-1160 www.trilliumcollege.ca Trillium College Cobourg Campus Northumberland Mall 1111 Elgin Street West Cobourg, ON K9A 5H7 Tel (905) 372-8978 Fax (905) 372-5789 TriArch Educational Services 261 George Street North Suite 206 Peterborough, ON K9J 3G9 Tel (705) 750-0006 Fax (705)750-1683 www.triarch.ca Career Essentials 159 King Street Suite 301 Peterborough, ON K9J 2R8 Tel (705) 745-3777 Fax (705) 745-4155 www.career-essentials.com Community Training and Development Centre Peterborough Campus 681 Monaghan Road Peterborough, ON K9J 5J5 Phone (705) 742-7277 Fax (705) 749-3450 www.ctdclearningplace.com Community Training and Development Centre Cobourg Campus 300 Alexandria Drive Cobourg, ON K9A 4R5 Tel (905) 372-9967 Fax 372-9703 18
helpful internet sites Government Websites Government of Canada www.gov.on.ca Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities www.edu.gov.on.ca Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) osap.gov.on.ca Application Centres Ontario Universities Application Centre compass.ouac.on.ca Ontario Colleges Application Service www.ontariocolleges.ca 19
Local Resources Fleming College www.flemingc.on.ca Durham College www.durhamcollege.ca Trent University www.trentu.ca Immigration New Canadians Centre Peterborough www.nccpeterborough.ca Settlement.Org www.settlement.org 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 diversity@flemingc.on.ca