Colleges and institutes offer diploma and certificate programs, while some offer degrees in areas of particular specialization. Where they are offered, degree programs may be two-year associate degrees or four-year applied degrees. Generally speaking, University diplomas and certificates require one or two years of study in a specific field or discipline. However, these programs vary widely from institution to institution, and from province to province.

Community colleges are government-regulated post-secondary institutions offering one- to two-year academic and pre-professional certificates, diplomas, two-year associate's degrees and even three- and four-year specialized bachelor's degrees. Thousands of international students come to Canada for community college study each year.

Canada's community colleges are also sometimes called institutes, institutes of technology, technical colleges, regional colleges; CEGEPS (an acronym for Collège d’enseignement general et professionnel) in Québec, university colleges or simply colleges. You can also transfer their Certificate or Associate's Degree from a Community College to a bachelor degree granting institution for further study.

A Bachelor degree is awarded by colleges and universities. Successful completion of the secondary school program is the normal requirement for admission to undergraduate study. Bachelor's degrees in Canada normally require three or four years of full-time study, depending on the province or whether the program is general or specialized. At some universities, an honours degree may require an additional year of study.