Private Colleges and Public Colleges in Canada

Aspiring students looking for prospective vocational colleges to study at come to CCC with many questions. Of particular concern is the difference between private colleges and public colleges in Canada, and why one would choose one over the other. Although certainly not the most important factor to consider—first-class education can be found in both types of institutions—contemplating this distinction is still worthwhile before deciding on a choice of schools.

Funding

Private and public schools derive their names from the difference in their funding. Endowment funds and tuition fees support private colleges. Public colleges take most of their funds from the federal or provincial government.

Tuition Fee

The government subsidizes public tuition, often making it cheaper than private tuition. However, public colleges do not have consistently more affordable enrolment than private colleges, and vice versa. The affordability of colleges involves several factors. Private tuition does not vary in price between domestic and international students. However, international students are offered more financial aid, and students who do well academically may be offered scholarships, grants and financial aid. For public colleges, tuition fees are the lowest for domestic students. Public colleges also offer government scholarships. As a result, private colleges tend to have a larger proportion of international students than public colleges.

Most public colleges usually open admissions once a year. On the other hand, many private schools such as CCC typically do so once a month.

Courses

There are typically fewer (but often unique) courses in private colleges to choose from with fewer students enrolled in each course’s classes. This allows instructors at these institutions to spend more time assisting each student. Furthermore, private colleges often have higher quality infrastructure and technology, which can assist with learning course material, and is especially useful to students who wish to take research-based courses.

Private colleges are unique in that they offer students the option to work up to 20 hours a week, and often offer full-time work during spring or winter breaks. Furthermore, private colleges usually have close relationships with big corporations and companies where they can offer students placements at. In contrast, public colleges typically offer international students work opportunities after completion of their courses.