USA - Higher Education

HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
The vast expanse of USA is divided into seven regions through which are spread out almost 3300 higher education institutions generally termed as `college' or `university'. These colleges/universities offer almost 500 different fields of study, providing international applicants with a variety of options and opportunities for education. There are 1,200 community and junior colleges, and 1,800 colleges and universities. The variety includes public colleges and universities, private institutions, liberal arts college, specialized institutions, men’s' colleges, women’s' colleges, military colleges, etc. Federal academies provide free education to a select group of qualified students. Colleges vary in size; some are large while others are quite small. In some colleges an applicant may find students from many different States, while in others the student community may belong to a particular State. In terms of costs the total cost for tuition, room, board and fees in a college may be $10,000 per annum while in other colleges cost is much more. The most competitive colleges may even cost more than $30,000 per annum. Besides costs there are colleges in USA which cater to the special needs of students, e.g., colleges catering to the needs of learning disabled students providing special facilities. Institutions with these diverse characteristics have been attracting students from across the globe.
The liberal arts colleges, also called liberal arts and science colleges, provide academic studies of subjects in the Humanities (Languages, Literature, Philosophy, Arts), the Social Sciences (Economics, Sociology, Anthropology, History, Political Science) and the Sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry). Institutes of technology offer higher education in specialized science and technology subjects. Some universities are considered most reputable as they form an Ivy League. Considered to be highly selective, these institutes are renowned the world over for their educational programs.
There are several types of institutions imparting higher education

Universities
Universities comprise of undergraduate colleges and graduate or professional schools. They are located on a large campus with colleges and schools spread out on the campus. Generally each college/school has all facilities for day-to-day functioning.
They are specialized institutions imparting professional education and training in science and engineering along with basic science, social sciences and even humanities courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. There are also technical schools imparting 2-year training for Para professional occupations. They do not grant degrees.

4-year colleges and 2-year community colleges
There are 4-year colleges offering bachelor's degree programs and community colleges which offer 2-year courses after class 12. These are cheaper in costs. Courses offered in community colleges are of 3 months to 2 years duration. 3 months courses are certificate courses while 2 years courses are associate degrees in technical and Para professional trades, e.g., data processing, auto mechanics, electrical and electronics, etc. The 2 years courses at community colleges are also preparatory courses for transfer to 4 years degree colleges, i.e., the degrees awarded by community colleges are either `terminal' or `transfer'. Terminal associate degrees prepare students for employment in technical and Para professional fields and are similar to vocational courses in India. Transfer associate degrees allow students to study for 2 years at a community college or junior college and then transfer to a degree course in a 4 years college where they receive a bachelor's degree.

Professional training schools
Professional courses in medicine, law, dentistry, veterinary schools are of 3 to 4 years duration. Only undergraduates can seek admission to these courses. Limited openings are offered for residency training to foreign medical graduates.

Short-term study programs - Courses and seminars of a few days to a years duration are conducted by community colleges, technical schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and research centres. Application procedures to these are much simpler than that followed for college and university programs.

ACCREDITION
Before seeking admission to any educational institution in USA a foreign student should determine whether the institution is currently accredited. Accredition is a certificate given by an accrediting association after the institution has been judged to meet established standards.
This is a periodic assessment carried out not by the government but by committees of education and other private organizations. Institutions are visited by committees deputed by one of the 6 regional accrediting bodies. The regional accrediting bodies are:

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• North West Association of Schools and Colleges
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

These accrediting associations are recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council on Postsecondary Accredition (COPA).
In the absence of a Ministry of Education responsible for regulation of educational institutions, institutions are self-regulatory, i.e., they have institutional and professional accredition. While institutional accredition is granted by regional accrediting bodies, professional accredition exists only in programs which concern occupational competence. Professional accredition is granted to a program only after institutional accredition has been granted to the school conducting the program. Professional accredition is of particular importance in fields such as business, engineering, medicine and law.
The advantage of studying in an accredited institution is that you would be in a more secure position as an applicant to a graduate school. Most accredited graduate schools prefer to select students from accredited undergraduate schools. Secondly, if you wish to change college midway, your credits would easily get transferred from one college to the other. Most accredited institutions offer financial aid, fellowships and grants. Even on return to India only accredited degrees and diplomas are viewed favorably.

RANKING OF UNIVERSITIES
Some directories publish ranking of colleges and universities in terms of competitiveness. This is based on the ratio of the number of students who apply to the number admitted. Such rankings are useful because they give the applicant an idea of the chance of admission. There is, however, no official ranking of colleges and universities in USA. Some rankings are based on opinion surveys of professionals in the field or on Federal Governments' allocation of funds for research grants. For an international applicant these may be rough indicators about the criteria for admission but it is only the application process that would give a true picture of what the chances are for entering a college. However, when a school is ranked high, it must not be presumed that it is the best option for every applicant. A student's academic and professional ambitions as well as financial resources, schools location and size need to be considered to decide which the best choice is.

INTER-SCHOOL TRANSFERS
US higher educational institutions have the unique characteristic of allowing transfer from one course to another, from one campus to another and even one university to another. Students transfer from 2-year colleges to universities or even midway during graduation. Some universities even consider Indian degrees for allocating credits for courses covered at an Indian university. While choosing a university it may be worthwhile scrutinizing the transfer policies - what has been the average GPA, the acceptance rate, the year when transfer has been readily accepted, can your course credits be transferred, etc.

UK - Higher Education

HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

It is necessary for an Indian applicant to understand the distinction between the various types of institutions existing in the United Kingdom for post-school education.

Universities

Britain has 95 universities. Universities in the UK are autonomous (self-governing) and have been incorporated as such by the British Parliament. Each university provides courses for all the major professions. Universities in Britain are located in diverse settings, e.g., in large cities, in smaller towns or in the country side. Besides the location, universities vary in size from a thousand students to 10,000 students. Manchester universities are really large. Leeds and London Universities are in city centers while Nottingham University is in a suburb. There are universities on the coasts such as Aberdeen University, in towns and those which have a country campus such as the University of Keele.

Colleges and institutes of higher education (CIHE)

CIHE in UK offer a variety of courses leading to degree level and professional qualifications. The courses are either full time or part time. Their certificates or diplomas are validated by external bodies, councils and professional organizations. These institutions are not as large as universities and hence a closer personal contact is fostered between students and tutors. The colleges of higher education must not be confused with colleges that are part of universities such as Oxford or London. Higher education colleges offer degrees or specialized professional qualifications such as in teaching, physiotherapy, art, music, agriculture, etc. These colleges award their own degree or alternatively are affiliates of universities.

Colleges of further education

Further education implies post-secondary education pursued at institutions other than universities. There are almost 600 colleges of further education funded by Further Education Council. Further education is also offered at independent and private colleges of varying sizes, e.g., there are colleges which have over 20,000 students while others have just 200 students. Further education colleges form a link between schools and university. The courses are offered by schools at secondary level (GCSE/GCE - A levels) or higher diploma courses offered by universities. Some further education institutions allow for transfer to or the first year of university or higher diploma courses after one year intensive access or bridging course.

Colleges of further education offer training at many levels:

• The pre-vocational and vocational courses
• Access to higher education courses (bridging and foundation courses of 1 year duration)
• Specialized courses for craftsmen and technicians
• Professional courses (secretarial/business courses, etc.)

Graduate level courses

Further education institutions also offer general education courses that allow people without formal qualifications to enter further education at the most elementary level and eventually get the highest qualification available.

Hence the choice is between an academic, vocational or intermediary option. The academic route leads to university degrees, vocational route to skilled training and the intermediary route to a mix of academic and vocational training allowing entry to both academic/vocational options.

Colleges of education:

These are teacher training colleges.

Colleges of art and design:

Art and Design courses at all levels are conducted at these colleges.

Private colleges (Accredited):

While most primary and secondary schools are managed privately in the higher education sector there are several accredited institutions offering correspondence and regular courses which are privately managed.

ACCREDITION:

Accrediting organizations lay down standards for private colleges. They inspect and assess them against standard criteria. Many private colleges which have got accreditation offer national qualifications such as of Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) and City and Guild of London Institute (CGLI) which are widely accepted by employers and the academic bodies. The recognition of their courses is monitored by the Department of Education in Britain.

Independent Further Education Colleges are accredited by the British Accreditation Council.

Professional accreditation

Most professional courses are accredited by professional organizations in the UK. They review course content and training standards from time to time and conduct professional qualifying examinations.

Accrediting organizations in Britain

There are several accrediting bodies the major ones being the Council for the Accreditation of Correspondence Colleges, the British Association Council for Independent Further and Higher Education (BACIFHE) or (BAC), British Council English Language Schools Recognition Scheme.

These professional organizations also provide accreditation of courses; these are for different subjects. Those seeking admission in a private college may verify its course validity from the professional body.

QUALITY ASSURANCE:

The UK government and higher education institutions are partners in monitoring quality of higher education. There is a council which monitors quality and ensures that laid down requirements are adhered to. Colleges of further education are inspected regularly. Since course participants have to take exams set by independent organizations, these bodies also give a constant feedback about the quality of teaching thereby maintaining excellence. Such a system helps to maintain a uniformly high system of education in all institutions.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION

The learning process demands maximum participation from students. Students are generally expected to spend many hours on self-study after guidelines are given through lectures.

Teaching methods:

Lectures, tutorials, seminars and practicals in different combinations are used by most institutions for teaching. The group size varies. Generally a very large group may have 150 to 200 students. Lectures may be for 4 hours a week and up to 15 hours a week. Often notes or summary may be given as handouts. However, emphasis is on `reading' rather than on directive teaching. Most tutors concentrate on research work at the postgraduate level.

EVALUATION SYSTEM: Marking system

Students get a degree in first, second or third class or just `pass'. `Honors' degrees. The class you would pass determines to a large extent whether you would be admitted to a Master's program.

New Zealand - Admission Requirements & Application Procedure

Universities

There is no established rule for selection of students to various academic degrees and programs. Each university in New Zealand has established its own academic entry criteria for various courses of study. For specific details applicants need to correspond with the university. Here are some basic requirements.

Academic record of AISSCE of CBSE or Indian School Certificate would be equivalent to Form 7 (matriculation) of New Zealand Secondary Education. However, the university may advise the applicant if the scores or subjects are inappropriate. For postgraduate course appropriate graduate academic records are required.

Students from abroad may satisfy the general requirement for admission if they are holders of the International Baccalaureate or A level exams of any of the UK examining bodies. All (A) passes must be gained at the same sitting. Passes in 5 approved subjects include 2 at GCE (A), or passes in 4 approved subjects include 3 at (A), or any comptable SAT score may also be considered.

Language requirement - Evidence of an adequate level of competence in English is required from overseas students seeking entry to a university in New Zealand.

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language
Undergraduate students require a minimum score of 550.
Postgraduate students require a minimum score of 600.

IELTS: International English Language Testing System
Undergraduate students require a minimum score of 6.0.
Postgraduate students require a minimum score of 6.5.

Application - Enquiries should be made before 1 September from the universiti es directly.

Postgraduate students must also submit the following:

• Brief statement outlining the area of research interests, or intended research project.
• Two recent academic references.
• Copy of the Abstract of Evidence from a previous thesis (PhD only)

Colleges of education
Information is given by the Institutes directly. General requirements are the same as for university admission.

Polytechnics
Qualification for entry for Indian students would generally be Class XII in the relevant subjects or an exam recognized by New Zealand Polytechnics. Evidence of English Language proficiency is needed. On an individual basis applicant academic credentials can be evaluated and credits too can be transferred.

Private institutions
Details of entry requirements are available with the Institutions individually. General requirements are similar to those in universities.

Management institutions
For admission to an MBA degree from a recognized institution with a relevant major will be required.
GMAT score should be around 550+and for English Proficiency IELTS 6.5 minimum, plus sub scores or TOEFL score of 550-600 will be required. Work experience of 2 to 5 years is generally asked for.
Some schools require an interview, which can be conducted by telephone or videoconference. Most schools require referees reports from previous employers. The duration of the MBA course is 14 months to 16 months.

Tuition cost : US$11,800 to US$14,000, INR595,000 to INR685,000

Some schools may have an application fee. Fees are usually full program tuition fees. Course Starts in February, July and September.

TIME FOR ADMISSION
Students may begin applying soon after their results have been received. In July some universities admit students to Commerce courses, e.g., University of Otago, University of Waikato and Lincoln University. Victoria University takes in students for Arts and Science subjects.

New Zealand - Degrees and Courses

UNIVERSITY COURSES

Undergraduate degree

Bachelor's degrees are conferred after three years, honors degrees after four years and professional degrees take upto six years. The curriculum for a degree course consists of units, papers and courses. In each subject lectures, tutorials and where required library work has to be completed. In each subject there are usually first-year (stage 1 or 100-level), second-year (stage 2 or 200 level) and third-year (stage 3 or 300 level) courses. A second-year course may be commenced only after prescribed passes in the subject at stage 1 and a third-year course only after passing 12th.

Courses in colleges of education:

Colleges of education offer a variety of course options:
Diploma of education (3 years)
Bachelors degree in education (4 years)
Postgraduate diploma for secondary teachers (1 year)
Higher diploma of teaching/advanced diploma of teaching for practicing

Graduate diploma

This is a one-year, full-time course of study for graduates. It does not always require its students to have prior learning or experience in the subject matter of the diploma.

Postgraduate diploma

A one-year's full-time study, designed for graduates, which builds on the subject matter in the academic field of the previous degree.

Master's degree

Post graduation is of two years duration after a graduate degree. However, after honors course, Masters Degree can be completed in a year's time. At the Master's level, study can be pursued as a taught course or through research.

The Master's degree is open to those who have completed a Bachelor's degree. The course of study is usually one or two years of full-time study or its equivalent in part-time study. The work required normally builds upon the prior knowledge gained in the major part of the Bachelor's degree, and most or all of it is in that discipline. It is at a more advanced level. That is normally reflected in the content of the work; in the mode of teaching which is likely to emphasize seminar presentation; and in provision of research experience for the candidate. A thesis is an account of a substantial piece of research. Many Masters' degrees include a thesis component, and in some cases, particularly those which are taken after a four-year Bachelor's (Honors) course, the degree may be thesis-only. However increasingly, Masters' degrees by papers, or papers plus research, are becoming available. The successful student is expected to show, as the title implies, a real grasp of the subject, demonstrated by an understanding of the discipline, a capacity to reflect upon it, and an ability to undertake research into it.

Doctorate

The main doctorate offered by New Zealand universities is the PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy. This, of course, is not offered merely in the subject Philosophy, but in the wide range of subjects universities offer. Almost invariably, a student is required to prepare under supervision a substantial thesis that represents original research into an approved topic normally carried out over a minimum of three full-time years.

Candidates prepare a thesis on the conduct and results of their research. This is marked by a panel of examiners including at least two external to the University. In most cases this is followed by an oral examination of the thesis and the candidate's knowledge in the area before the degree is awarded. Admission to PhD study requires a first or good second class honors Bachelors degree, or a Masters degree at first or good second class honors standard or comparable qualifications. Acceptance is also subject to the availability of staff for supervision, and appropriate facilities.

Research in New Zealand universities

New Zealand university faculty is involved in a high level of research activity which has been recognized the world over. The teacher, involved in research and interesting findings, brings to the students unique dimensions in terms of classroom instruction and inspires students to enquiry and discovery.

Research by New Zealand University covers a wide spectrum and forms a vital aspect of university teaching. Research is the principal characteristic which distinguishes universities from other tertiary education institutions. New ZealandNew Zealand universities. Further evidence is provided by the large number of awards and distinctions achieved by New Zealand research leaders. maintains a high level of research activity, the caliber of which continues to be internationally recognized. The proof of this research quality is theimpressive list of publications; many of them refereed journals, which emanate from New Zealand Universities. Further evidence is provided by the large number of awards and distinctions achieved by New Zealand research leaders.

Foundation Studies

Foundation Studies is a one year full-time academic program designed to prepare students from non-English speaking backgrounds for university study in New Zealand. A graduate of Foundation Studies has a university entrance qualification, recognized by all New Zealand universities and widely accepted by Australian universities.

Foundation Studies applicants must:

• be 16 years of age or over; and
• have completed a secondary school equivalent to New Zealand sixth form (year 12), including a pass in Mathematics and English OR have an overseas entry qualification; and
• Have an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score, or a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score, which may vary across the universities
  

All universities offer courses in Humanities, Commerce and Science and generally specialize in teaching certain subjects. Some universities offer a comprehensive double qualification in association with local colleges, e.g., Bachelor in Education with diploma in teaching.

Universities offering specialist courses are:
University of Otago - Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Physical Education) and surveying
University of Canterbury - Forestry, Engineering, Fine Art
University of Lincoln - Agriculture, Horticulture
University of Auckland - Law, Architecture, Planning, Engineering, Medicine, Optometry and Fine Arts
University of Victoria - Architecture, Public Administration and Social Work
Massey University - Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Technology and Veterinary

Specializations - Postgraduate certificate/diplomas can be taken in special education, reading recovery, educational management, library science, information technology, guidance, English teaching (ESL), social work. The institutes offer consultancy services in education.

Academic Year - The academic year for colleges of education is from February to November with a vacation in May and August/September.

Degree programs in polytechnics

Polytechnics offer the first or even the first two years of degree courses on their campus after which a student can transfer to a university. Such conjoint options are available in subjects related to Business, Nursing, Science, etc. Full degrees are offered in Polytechnics in Accounting, Architecture, Design, Technology, Business, Commerce and Communication.

Academic Year - February to June and July to November completes the academic year. Intake is generally in February with restricted entry in July also.

Courses in private institutions

Degree, diploma and certificate courses are offered by these institutes in a range of subjects.

Academic Year - There are three systems in vogue, the 2 term, 3 semester and 4 term systems. The year begins in March and extends till November generally with a break in summer.

New Zealand - Higher Education

HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

In New Zealand in the higher education sector there are universities, colleges of education, polytechnics, private institutions and private training establishments.

There are 8 universities and nearly 40 institutes of technology, colleges of education, and private tertiary education providers. These are located all over the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

New Zealand bases its education programs and degrees on the British system. Indian qualifications are well recognized for entry into New Zealand institutions. Students are taught in English, in an English speaking environment and earn qualifications that are internationally recognized. State of the art study facilities, safe, conducive environment, pastoral care and excellent student support systems are available to all students.

The courses are in effect Government guaranteed. The New Zealand education system is 'seamless' and has flexible entry levels. Qualifications are designed to allow students to enter and exit at different levels appropriate to their academic level and English language ability. They can enter straight after higher secondary school or at post graduate level. Qualifications range from post graduate and undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and National Certificates at both introductory and advanced levels. Doctoral studies are available at universities.

All New Zealand institutions work closely and have articulation agreements in place. Therefore cross-crediting between institutions is possible.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

New Zealand Ministry of Education has introduced a new mandatory Code of Practice for all New Zealand education providers and institutions that become signatories to the Code of Practice are allowed to enroll international students or continue existing enrolments.

All New Zealand education programs offered to international students are approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), a New Zealand government organization responsible for quality control.

Universities

Universities offer standard degree programs in academic and professional studies. University education was established in New Zealand in 1870 and has a similar tradition like the British University system. There are eight state-funded universities in New Zealand, all of them internationally respected for their academic and research performance. In addition to a centrally coordinated system of quality assurance audits at both institution and program level, each university undertakes internal quality checks.

Some of the universities are almost a century old, the oldest being University of Otago. The universities are predominantly government funded national institutions offering undergraduate, graduate degree, diploma and certificate courses. All New Zealand universities offer a broad range of subjects in Arts, Commerce and Science. Each has developed its own specialist subjects such as Medicine, Engineering, Veterinary Science, Computer Studies, Agriculture and Environmental Studies.

The central coordinating body of the New Zealand universities is the Vice Chancellor's Committee with its office in Wellington. The committee involves itself in formulating, promoting and coordinating inter-university policies for which they meet on a regular basis. The Vice Chancellor of each university is an active member of this committee.

Academic year - In New Zealand the academic year begins in March. Each year has either three terms or 2 semesters. The 1st term extends from March to May, the 2nd from June to August and the 3rd from September to November. The semesters are from March to June and July to November. Summer in New Zealand is from December to February. The long vacation is from November to February. Mid- semester or term breaks are for 2-3 weeks. During the vacation there are short courses which the universities conduct for those who wish to enrich their coursework or improve on their performance. Research work continues even during the breaks.

Universities now offer an increasing number of summer schools.

Status of degrees from New Zealand - It has been seen in the past few years that graduates from New ZealandUK, USA and Canada. Even in job positions New Zealand universities are accepted readily in postgraduate courses in graduates and postgraduates compare well with their counterparts from other countries.

How is quality of education assured - Unlike the US universities which have to seek accredition, the university programs in New Zealand are monitored and overseen by New Zealand Vice Chancellors' committee. They scrutinize the program to check if it follows the laid down norms. The Qualifications Authority checks that appropriate criteria are being followed while approving new programs.

Colleges of education

New Zealand colleges of education offer courses for training of teachers for primary and secondary schools, as well as for early childhood education schools and special educators. Continuing or in-service education is part of their on-going training programs.

There are six institutions of which five receive their funds from the state and are autonomous while one institute is affiliated to the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Professional accredition - While the colleges are autonomous, the activities, programs and all aspects of the programs offered are under the Supervision of the New Zealand Council of Teacher Education (NZCTE). The council has been constituted of the Chairpersons of the governing body of each college of education and the principal of each college. The Council promotes excellence in various programs of teacher education and also formulates the national policy on educational issues. It has also been delegated by New Zealand Qualification Authority to accredit member institutions to offer approved teacher education and other courses. From these colleges of Teacher education NZCTE sponsors teachers through exchange programs to some leading countries.

Addresses for reference:

Massey University College of Education, Leon Wickham,Community Relations Officer, Centennial Drive,Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North,New Zealand

The International Manager, Christchurch College of Education, PO Box 31065

Christchurch, 8030, New Zealand

Selection Coordinator, Dunedin College of Education, Private Bag, 1912 Dunedin 9020, New Zealand

University of Waikato, School of Education, The International Centre, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand

Association of Colleges of Education in New Zealand (ACENZ), PO Box 10298

Wellington, New Zealand

Polytechnics

Polytechnics or, in some cases, institutes of technology, form the New Zealand polytechnic system. These institutions are state funded and provide education and training at many levels, from introductory studies to full degree programs.

There are 24 polytechnics & institute of technology in New Zealand located in rural as well as urban settings. The Polytechnics offer many programs which are short duration as well as full degree programs in the following disciplines: Science, Business Studies, Arts, Health Care Training, Architecture, Trades, Languages and Social Science. A combination of academic and vocational courses is offered at polytechnics, funded by the government, which also has linkages with industry and business organizations.

All polytechnics are members of an Association of Polytechnics formed by principal members of each polytechnic. This council or association monitors all curriculum development programs and communicates with sister organizations. Most universities have agreements which recognize the successful completion of a course of study at a New Zealand polytechnic or institute of technology as an entrance qualification. Some students are able to enter a university course of study with credit towards their chosen degree program.

Private tertiary institutes

There is an increasing number of private tertiary institutes and training establishments in New Zealand. These providers offer a wide range of courses including English language study options. International students often enroll in these courses either to improve their English language prior to commencing university study or to pass examinations required for university entrance.

The degrees offered by private tertiary institutions have received their accredition (recognition) from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority which, as mentioned earlier, is a government agency with responsibilities for setting and reviewing education qualification standards. It offers tertiary courses as an alternative to state funded education in New Zealand. Private tertiary institutions grant degrees from the NZPTIC or New Zealand Private Tertiary Institutes Council. The NZPTIC acts as a link between the government and industry.

Addresses for reference:

Design & Art College of New Zealand Ltd.,Jo Winfield, Registrar, 116 Worcester Street, PO Box 539, Christchurch, New Zealand

Communications Manager, Auckland Institute of Studies at St. Helens,

PO Box 2995,Western Springs Auckland 1050, New Zealand

Faith Bible College, The Registrar, Private Bag, Tauranga, New Zealand

Whitecliffe College of Art & Design, PO Box 8192,Symonds Street, Auckland,New Zealand

Canadian Universities - Diverse, Vibrant & Dynamic

Canada's universities share a key strength: their high quality. Canadian universities have a long record of providing an accessible university education to students from across Canada and around the world. Reflecting the rich history many cultures and traditions, Canadian universities offer a mix of opportunities in a variety of educational settings.

The 89 Universities that are members of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada are located across the country, with institutions in every Canadian province. Taken together, they offer a wide range of courses.

In addition to universities, Canada's postsecondary system includes 175 community colleges, which respond to the training needs of business, industry and the public service, as well as the educational needs of vocationally oriented secondary school graduates. These colleges, also known as institutes of technology, university colleges or CEGEPS, historically offered diplomas and certificates rather than degrees. Today, some offer degrees themselves, and a number offer university transfer programs or provide programs jointly with neighbouring universities.

A Range of Choices

Canadian universities provide a full spectrum of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with faculty undertaking research of national and international importance.

Universities in Canada range from large urban, multi-campus and research-intensive universities, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, to small liberal arts colleges with a focus on undergraduate education. Others provide specialized professional programs in fields such as business, engineering, art and design or agriculture.

You will find that Canada is nothing if not diverse! University colleges represent a new model for postsecondary education, combining practical vocational programs with more theoretical offerings. Since Canada is a bilingual country, our universities demonstrate this by offering instruction in English, French, or even both!

Three universities are devoted entirely to distance education - a field in which Canada, a country of vast spaces and outstanding achievements in telecommunications, is a world leader. In fact, most universities in Canada offer a wide selection of courses through distance education, with formats ranging from traditional print or audiotape correspondence courses, to teleconference or computer conferences. Support systems for students who study at a distance are common, including counselling and study skills seminars, tutorial assistance by phone, fax or computer, and direct online links to campus libraries.

A Reputation for Excellence

Canadian universities have earned an international reputation for excellence. Their faculty have recognized research and teaching strengths in areas such as computer sciences, business (including MBA programs), health sciences, law, ocean studies, natural resources and agriculture.

In addition to their teaching, universities play a vital role in their local communities, offering concerts and plays, day care centres, sports and fitness facilities, lectures, museums, on-campus radio stations and art galleries open to all. Research is central to the mission of Canadian universities. In fact, 25% of Canada's research capacity is found in our universities - a far higher proportion than most others countries. Universities in Canada employ about one-third of the country's PhDs, who spearhead the national research effort. Students at Canadian universities are frequently involved in research projects, often during their early undergraduate years. Professors see research as an integral component to their classroom teaching. Canadian university research has yielded a wealth of innovations as important as insulin, Pablum, the artificial pacemaker, improved strains of wheat, and the identification of the genetic causes of diseases such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and Lou Gehrig's disease. Today, Canadian researchers are world leaders in areas such as helping people cope with pain and stress, improving human memory, pulp and paper chemistry, dealing with the impact of technology in the workplace, and finding new treatments for cancer, osteoporosis and arthritis.

The System in Profile

Universities in Canada operate under provincial government charters. There is no formal system of university-wide institutional accreditation. Instead, membership of AUCC, in conjunction with the university's provincial government charter, is seen as serving in lieu of institutional accreditation, both in Canada and abroad. In addition, graduate programs and professional schools such as law, nursing, medicine and engineering have rigorous discipline-specific accreditation procedures. Computer science is also developing its own accreditation system.

There are currently 500,000 full-time undergraduates at Canadian universities, 200,000 part-time undergraduates, 75,000 full-time and 40,000 part-time graduate students. Student profiles have changed dramatically over the past decade, with older students, more women and a greater multicultural mix. The social sciences remain by far the largest field of study in Canada, followed by education and the humanities. Biochemistry and computer science have been among the fastest growing disciplines at the bachelor's level in the last five years, closely followed by nursing, sociology and psychology. A wide range of student services is offered by most universities, including special tutoring in writing and math skills, help in finding off-campus housing, academic, career or personal counselling, and health services.

Many universities provide support to students with special needs, including single parents, women, those with physical, sensory or learning disabilities, aboriginal students, part-time students, gays and lesbians, mature students, and students of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Special programs are also often available to help first-year students improve their chances for success at university. Some offer for-credit courses aimed at integrating students to university life and studies. Many universities provide such assistance on an on-going basis throughout the academic year, with workshops in areas such as essay and exam writing, study and research skills.

A Lasting Reward

A university education translates into new skills, better job prospects and higher salaries. University graduates also have a better chance at promotion throughout their career, better health and benefit packages, as well as better pension plans. Clearly, the rewards of a university education last a lifetime.