Thinking about post-secondary education? Whether you’re considering college or university, post-secondary education opens the door to new opportunities. Learn what you need to know to get started, explore your options, and prepare for what’s ahead.
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:
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
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
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:
Once students have earned a certificate, diploma, or an undergraduate degree, they can continue their education in graduate programs. Explore graduate programs here:
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:
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
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
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
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
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)
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:
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.
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.
Think about what you enjoy and where you do your best work.
You can also explore careers by:
Once you have a sense of what interests you, start learning about programs and schools in Ontario.
To narrow down your choices:
You do not have to commit right away. Trying things out can help you feel more confident in your decision.
