College Education
College education is a particular feature of Québec’s education system. It constitutes an intermediary level between compulsory elementary and secondary education, and university education.
There are some 50 public general and vocational colleges, known as CEGEPs, and 21 private subsidized colleges. All of these institutions offer two-year pre-university programs and three-year technical programs leading to a Diploma of College Studies (DCS) as well as shorter technical programs leading to an Attestation of College Studies (ACS).
A Diploma of College Studies (DCS) is required for admission to university. Pre-university programs lead directly to university, whereas technical programs generally lead to the labour market, but can, under certain conditions, also lead to university.
CEGEPs are governed by a separate, specific law. Each institution is administered by a board of directors made up of teachers, students, and community representatives.