Post-secondary education in Canada (also called tertiary education) is any education after high school. It includes colleges, universities, trade schools, and CEGEPs in Quebec, and it is where most international students begin their Canadian study journey.
If you have seen the term "post-secondary" on a study permit application, a program listing, or a university website and were not sure what it meant, this guide explains it clearly. You will learn what types of programs exist, how post-secondary differs from secondary school, and what your qualification means for working in Canada after graduation.
What does post-secondary education mean?
Post-secondary simply means "after secondary." Secondary school is high school (grades 9 to 12 in most provinces). Post-secondary is every level of education that comes after you finish high school and earn your diploma.
In Canada, "post-secondary education" and "tertiary education" mean the same thing. Canada tends to use "post-secondary" while many other countries, including those in South Asia, Africa, and Europe, use "tertiary." If you are used to the word tertiary, you are already familiar with the concept.
Note: "Post-secondary education," "tertiary education," and "higher education" all refer to the same thing in the Canadian context: any accredited study program you complete after high school.
Types of post-secondary education in Canada
Canada has four main types of post-secondary institutions. Each one offers different programs, credentials, and career outcomes.
Colleges focus on practical, career-ready training in fields like business, healthcare, technology, and hospitality. Universities focus on academic theory, research, and professional degrees like law and medicine. Most international students apply to either a college or a university depending on their career goals and budget.
Tip! Not sure whether college or university is right for you? See our full comparison guide to understand the key differences in cost, program length, and career outcomes.
Secondary vs post-secondary education: what is the difference?
Secondary school (high school) and post-secondary education are two separate levels of the Canadian education system. Secondary school comes first, post-secondary comes after.
- Secondary school covers grades 9 to 12 for students aged roughly 14 to 18. You finish with a high school diploma. It is mandatory in most provinces up to a certain age.
- Post-secondary education is voluntary. You choose to continue studying after high school at a college, university, trade school, or CEGEP. You finish with a diploma, certificate, or degree depending on the program.
As an international student, your study permit application will almost always be for a post-secondary program. Secondary school programs in Canada are available to international students in some provinces, but they follow a different application and permit process.
Want to understand secondary school first?
Read our guide on what secondary school in Canada is, including grades, ages, and how it leads into post-secondary study.
What credentials do you get from post-secondary education?
The credential you earn depends on the type of institution and the length of your program. Here is a quick overview.
- Certificate: Usually one year. Focused on a specific skill or trade.
- Diploma: Usually two to three years. A broader career-focused program, most commonly at a college.
- Advanced diploma: Three years. A more specialized college credential.
- Bachelor's degree: Three to four years at a university. An undergraduate academic degree.
- Master's degree: One to two years after a bachelor's degree. A graduate-level academic qualification.
- Doctorate (PhD): Three or more years after a master's degree. A research qualification.
The credential matters beyond the classroom. For international students, your program level and field of study affect whether you qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after you finish. See the section below.
Post-secondary education and your study permit
To study at a post-secondary institution in Canada as an international student, you need a study permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You must apply to and be accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), which is a school approved by its province to host international students.
You can easily find the DLI status for any of our partner institutions directly on the ApplyBoard platform. Your acceptance letter from a DLI is one of the key documents you need to apply for your study permit.
Note: A study permit is required if your program is longer than six months. If your program is shorter, you may be able to study without one, but confirm this with IRCC before you apply.
Post-secondary education and the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
After you finish a post-secondary program in Canada, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This lets you work in Canada for up to three years after graduation, depending on your program length.
Not all post-secondary programs qualify. The key rules are:
- Your program must be at least eight months long.
- You must study full-time at a DLI.
- Bachelor's, master's, and PhD graduates are automatically eligible regardless of their field of study.
- College diploma and certificate graduates are only eligible if their program is in a specific field, including healthcare, STEM, agriculture, trades, or transport.
Warning! PGWP eligibility rules changed significantly in 2024. If you are choosing a college program, confirm your field of study is eligible before you apply. An ineligible program means you cannot get a PGWP after graduation.
Frequently asked questions
Post-secondary education in Canada is any accredited study program completed after high school. It includes colleges, universities, trade schools, and CEGEPs in Quebec. It is also called tertiary education.
Post-secondary means "after secondary school." Secondary school is high school (grades 9 to 12). Post-secondary is every level of education that comes after: college, university, trade school, or CEGEP.
Secondary school is high school, grades 9 to 12, and it is mandatory up to a certain age. Post-secondary education is voluntary study after high school at a college, university, or trade school. As an international student, your study permit will almost always be for a post-secondary program.
Yes. Post-secondary and tertiary education mean the same thing. Canada uses "post-secondary" while many other countries use "tertiary." Both refer to any education after high school.
Yes, if your program is longer than six months. You must be accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) before you can apply for a study permit through IRCC.
You may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after finishing an eligible post-secondary program of at least eight months at a DLI. Bachelor's, master's, and PhD graduates qualify from any field. College diploma and certificate graduates must be in an eligible field of study such as healthcare, STEM, trades, agriculture, or transport.
Understanding post-secondary education in Canada is your first step to choosing the right program and planning your path to graduation and work. Whether you choose a college diploma or a university degree, Canada offers world-class options for international students from every background.
Ready to choose your Canadian program?
Compare college and university options, or explore programs on ApplyBoard to find the right fit for your goals.