Post-Secondary Education
Post-secondary education includes any learning you choose to pursue after high school at a registered institution. It is an exciting step that opens the door to new possibilities, helping you gain specialized knowledge and practical skills that can lead to a meaningful and rewarding career. Along the way, you’ll also build confidence, independence, and strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills that are valuable in every area of life. Beyond the classroom, post-secondary education gives you opportunities to meet new people, explore new interests, and grow as a person, experiences that can shape your future in powerful and positive ways.
In Ontario, there are 56 publicly funded post-secondary institutions: 23 Universities, 24 Colleges, and 9 Indigenous Institutes. These institutions offer different types of programs such as:
Certificates (a few months to 1 year)
Certificates (a few months to 1 year)
These short programs are a good match for students who are looking for quick entry into a career, wanting to improve specific skills, and/or exploring their interests. Example areas of study include Office Administration, Personal Support Worker, and Baking and Pastry Arts. Explore certificate programs here: Certificate Programs
Diplomas (1 to 3 years)
Diplomas (1 to 3 years)
These focused programs are a good match for students who are looking for hands-on training and entry into specialized careers (such as dental hygiene, paralegal, graphic design, and many more). Explore diploma programs here: Diploma Programs
Undergraduate degrees (3 to 4 years)
Undergraduate degrees (3 to 4 years)
These academic, theory-based programs are a good match for those who are working towards professional careers (such as nursing or engineering) or those looking to gain foundational academic knowledge in order to pursue other career paths. Explore diploma programs here:
Graduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Once students have earned a certificate, diploma, or an undergraduate degree, they can continue their education in graduate programs. Explore graduate programs here:
Modified Programs
Modified Programs
The Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) program is a modified college program designed for students with intellectual disabilities or other significant learning challenges that combines academic learning, practical skill development, and workplace experiences in the community. Students in this program earn a certificate, rather than a college diploma. Learn more about CICE and explore their programs here: Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE)
In Ontario, there are 56 publicly funded post-secondary institutions: 23 Universities, 24 Colleges, and 9 Indigenous Institutes. These institutions offer different types of programs such as:
Certificates (a few months to 1 year)
These short programs are a good match for students who are looking for quick entry into a career, wanting to improve specific skills, and/or exploring their interests. Example areas of study include Office Administration, Personal Support Worker, and Baking and Pastry Arts. Explore certificate programs here: Certificate Programs
Diplomas (1 to 3 years)
These focused programs are a good match for students who are looking for hands-on training and entry into specialized careers (such as dental hygiene, paralegal, graphic design, and many more). Explore diploma programs here: Diploma Programs
Undergraduate degrees (3 to 4 years)
These academic, theory-based programs are a good match for those who are working towards professional careers (such as nursing or engineering) or those looking to gain foundational academic knowledge in order to pursue other career paths. Explore diploma programs here: University Degree Programs and College Degree Programs
Graduate Programs
Once students have earned a certificate, diploma, or an undergraduate degree, they can continue their education in graduate programs. Explore graduate programs here: College Graduate Programs and Graduate Program
Modified Programs
The Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) program is a modified college program designed for students with intellectual disabilities or other significant learning challenges that combines academic learning, practical skill development, and workplace experiences in the community. Students in this program earn a certificate, rather than a college diploma. Learn more about CICE and explore their programs here: Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE)
Choosing a Program & School
Deciding to pursue post-secondary education is an exciting milestone but it is also a big commitment of time, energy, and often money. That’s why it is important to choose a school and program that truly fit your interests, goals, and personal needs. Feeling confident in your choice can set you up for success and make your learning experience more enjoyable and rewarding.
No two schools or programs are exactly the same. Each offers a unique experience, and understanding these differences can help you find the right match. As you explore your options, consider how schools and programs may vary in areas such as:
- Campus size, location, distance from home, and overall campus culture
- Types of credentials offered, along with program requirements and prerequisites
- Program length and whether classes are full-time or part-time
- Learning formats, including in-person, online, or hybrid options
- Class sizes and learning environments, such as lectures, labs, seminars, co-ops, or work placements
- Teaching and learning styles, from hands-on and practical to more theoretical approaches
Taking the time to compare these factors can help you choose a program and school where you’ll feel supported, motivated, and ready to reach your goals.
Finding the Right Program or School for You
Choosing a program or school is a big decision but you do not have to have everything figured out right away. The best place to start is by learning more about yourself, exploring your options, and trying things out. Every step you take helps you move closer to a pathway that fits you.
1. Start with self-reflection
1. Start with self-reflection
Think about what you enjoy and where you do your best work.
- What subjects or courses do you enjoy and perform well in?
- What activities do you like doing in your free time?
- What have teachers, friends, or family members told you that you are good at?
- What style of learning seems to work best for you: hands-on, group work, or independent study?
- Do you want to move away from home, or would you feel more comfortable staying closer to home?
- Would you feel more comfortable on a smaller campus, or might you enjoy larger schools?
You can also explore careers by:
- Taking an online career quiz or personality test
- Talking with your high school Guidance Counsellor about careers and education pathways
- Visiting the Government of Canada’s Career Quizzes and Personality Tests to learn more about careers that match your interests
2. Do some research
2. Do some research
Once you have a sense of what interests you, start learning about programs and schools in Ontario.
- Explore university programs at Ontario Universities
- Explore college programs at Ontario Colleges
- Check out eCampusOntario for online and flexible learning options
To narrow down your choices:
- Visit school websites or look up programs using tools like TRG Research Schools
- Talk to friends, neighbours, family members, or former classmates who have attended college or university. Ask questions about what they liked, what they found challenging, and what surprised them.
3. Make a plan and try it out
3. Make a plan and try it out
You do not have to commit right away. Trying things out can help you feel more confident in your decision.
- Course planning: Meet with your high school Guidance Counsellor and use tools like MyBlueprint or Xello to explore programs and required pre-requisite courses
- Dual credit programs: Earn a college credit while still in high school and experience post-secondary learning
- Campus visits: Sign up for a campus tour or attend an open house at schools you are interested in