School System
Public (state) education is usually conducted in French, is non-denominational and usually mixed. It is free up to college level for all Quebec residents. There is also a network of private schools recognised by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Leisure. Private institutions are fee-paying and set their own admission requirements.
All children aged between six and sixteen must attend school. The school year begins in late August or early September and usually ends before 24 June, making a total of at least 180 days.
All children must attend primary school from the age of six, regardless of whether they attended kindegarten or not. Primary school lasts for six years and is organised into three two-year cycles.
Secondary school lasts five years. Having successfully completed their secondary education, pupils receive a Secondary School Diploma (DES) which grants them access to higher education. There are also vocational programmes which train students for specialised and semi-specialised trades. These programmes can lead to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (diplôme d'études professionnelles – DEP), an Attestation of Vocational Specialization (attestation de spécialisation professionnelle - ASP) or an Attestation of Vocational Education (attestation de formation professionnelle - AFP).
College is the first stage of the higher education scheme in Quebec. Admission to college requires either a DES, DEP, or equivalent. There exist colleges of general and professional education, known as cégeps as well as private colleges. At college level students can choose between
Universities in Quebec are autonomous institutions and set their own policies regarding course content, teaching and admissions. Quebec has several universities, higher education establishments and research institutes, most of which are concentrated in Montreal, Quebec City and Sherbrooke. Higher education is often accessible outside these centres thanks to sub-branches of several of the major institutions.
All children aged between six and sixteen must attend school. The school year begins in late August or early September and usually ends before 24 June, making a total of at least 180 days.
Stages in the school system
1.Preschool education (la maternelle)
Preschool education, or kindegarten, is not compulsory but the majority of parents do choose to enroll their children.2. Primary school
All children must attend primary school from the age of six, regardless of whether they attended kindegarten or not. Primary school lasts for six years and is organised into three two-year cycles.
3. Secondary school
Secondary school lasts five years. Having successfully completed their secondary education, pupils receive a Secondary School Diploma (DES) which grants them access to higher education. There are also vocational programmes which train students for specialised and semi-specialised trades. These programmes can lead to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (diplôme d'études professionnelles – DEP), an Attestation of Vocational Specialization (attestation de spécialisation professionnelle - ASP) or an Attestation of Vocational Education (attestation de formation professionnelle - AFP).
4. College education
College is the first stage of the higher education scheme in Quebec. Admission to college requires either a DES, DEP, or equivalent. There exist colleges of general and professional education, known as cégeps as well as private colleges. At college level students can choose between
- preuniversity preparatory programmes lasting two years
- technical programmes of a two-year duration, which prepare students for a career as a technician or technologue or, sometimes, university.
5. University education
Universities in Quebec are autonomous institutions and set their own policies regarding course content, teaching and admissions. Quebec has several universities, higher education establishments and research institutes, most of which are concentrated in Montreal, Quebec City and Sherbrooke. Higher education is often accessible outside these centres thanks to sub-branches of several of the major institutions.