What are the differences between a public and a private college in Canada?

Difference between public and private colleges in Canada

You might have read or heard the words ‘private college and public college’ frequently if you are a student planning for overseas education in Canada. But have you ever thought about what are those and what are the prime differences between those two?

Yes, one might simply tell that a private college is an institution for which someone or a corporate group other than the government takes ownership. On the other hand, a public college is a government undertaken institution that comes under the direct control of federal education regulatory bodies. That’s right!

However, there are other important differences between these public and private colleges that you should know before delving into the Canada overseas education process. Choosing between a public and private college can be a bit confusing to determine which type of institution best serves your purpose to study.

Hence, you’ve got this blog to get some insight into the above context.

Public College Vs Private College

Public colleges are run by the government which means they are funded by the government and the public while private colleges do not have any means of monetization to operate other than the tuition fees.

There is a wide range of courses offered from various disciplines and fields of study in public colleges. Also, the classes are larger in public colleges, and so is the student count. On the contrary, private colleges comparatively have only a limited number of courses with smaller classrooms.

In terms of tuition fees, private colleges are budget-friendly, unlike public colleges.

Let’s delve a bit more into it…

Major differences

Some of the major differences between private and public colleges are in terms of,

• Tuition fees
• Education
• Class size
• Career opportunities
• Academia

Tuition fees

Private colleges are a bit more affordable than public colleges and there is no much deviation in the cost of international students and domestic students. Both are likely to be the same. There are scholarships offered to international students too when an exemplary academic portfolio is substantiated. The scholarship may support your tuition cost, study materials and boarding.

Public colleges are usually cheaper for domestic students, whereas international students should pay the complete fees, however, one can apply for a scholarship to have a part of the fees exemption.

Note: even though public colleges are run by the government, some institutions will include the university operational charges (maybe a part of it!) in the student funding.

Education

Private institutions equally perform to that of public institutions. Both are well-staffed and have excellent pedagogy that directly influences the life of program participants.

It’s just that in private institutions, students might have increased interaction with staff and get proper attention whereas public colleges have large classrooms and high student numbers, so individual attention may not be possible all the time there.

Class size

Public colleges generally are massive in size with large classrooms and huge student count, however, there are some colleges with compact classrooms as well. On the other hand, private colleges generally have small classrooms and limited student count enabling student-faculty interaction.

Both public and private colleges have excellent pedagogy that directly influences the life of program participants.

Part-time Career opportunities

There are prospective job opportunities for international students in both private and public colleges. International students studying in public colleges can work part-time but those studying in private colleges will not have the provision to work part-time. However, these students happen to work but will be paid in the cash-in-hand method instead of having a payroll process like those studying in public colleges.

Academia

Public colleges will be operating in various places throughout the province or even in different provinces as they receive funds from the government and the public. Unlikely, private colleges are run by corporates or a person, or a group of members and the operating process solely depends upon the tuition fees of the students and none other than that.

So, there are financial limitations for private colleges to act in various places, while public colleges have offshoots in various places in the country.

Placement and Stay Back

Both public and private colleges in Canada offer placement assistance for international students. However, what is to be noted is, students from public colleges get to stay back through the post-study work permit. Even though a candidate failed to grab a job through college placement, he or she can breathe and search for one while staying back.

On the contrary, private college students will not have any post-study stay-back period offered. But they will have placement assistance and on successfully cracking the interview and getting an offer letter, they can lead a life as a Canadian worker and take part in the workforce.

Private colleges have an equal number of tie-ups and associations as public colleges with top government and private firms in hiring. So, there are great placement possibilities for you and one thing you must be truthful to yourself is that you will put in the efforts that you are supposed to.

Rest will all be covered…

Top private and public colleges in Canada

What next?

Are you stuck between choosing a private or a public institution to study? You have ample choices to selecting a proper college or a university in Canada. Whether it be public or private, you will have the program benefits in the wake of completing your course. You can study wherever you want, but don’t procrastinate.

Our education coordinators at CanApprove are always available to walk with you through the overseas education process. Get enlightened about colleges, universities and suitable programs along with profile evaluation in just a call or a message. You will have the promised response in no time. Connect now & thanks for reading!!

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