Experience tertiary education in Australia and you will be opening the door to a world of study that will fill your life with knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm.
The Australian higher education sector offers a complete range of programs and courses that lead to highly regarded and internationally recognised qualifications. Australian is now the destination of choice for students from around the world looking for a quality education at an affordable price in a safe and supportive environment.
Click here to find an alphabetical List of Universities in Australia
Click here for a State-based search of universities
Learning and studying in Australia is the perfect way to launch your career. Employment opportunities open up to those who have degrees from any one of the universities, whether they study in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, or at any of the other higher-education institutions located around Australia.
You can read these brief descriptions about some of the institutions before you select from the menu on the left and search their websites.
University of Western Sydney (UWS) Sydney, NSW. With over 32,000 students, the University of Western Sydney (UWS) is one of the largest of the universities Australia has to offer. Over 2,800 international students from 70 different countries choose to study at UWS each year. UWS is a young, energetic and rapidly growing university with six campuses located in the Sydney region
Victoria University Melbourne, Victoria. Victoria University is one of Australia's largest dual-sector institutions of higher education, with a TAFE college offering a unique combination of academic and vocational skills in a modern and supportive environment. It has built a strong reputation for providing a broad range of courses that are up-to-date and relevant to the modern employment environment and is considered an innovative institution amongst the universities in Victoria.
Deakin University Melbourne, Victoria. Deakin University is one of Australia's most progressive and visionary universities. It has been noted for providing a superior and student-centered education, Deakin has become increasingly popular as a destination for international, with around 70,000 students studying on its various campuses, including ELICOS studies.
Bond University Gold Coast, Queensland Bond University is Australia's first and largest private Australia university and has grown to become one of the Queensland universities with an excellent international reputation. At Bond you will experience personalised education by highly qualified teachers, innovative courses and teching methods, an international student body and a beautiful secure campus. Bond's staff to student ratio is the best in Australia
The University of Adelaide. Adelaide, South Australia. The University of Adelaide is one of Australia's oldest and one of the highest ranking universities Australia has in any guide to higher education institutions and is regarded as one of the best Australian universities. Established in 1874, it is a member of the 'Group of Eight'. There are more than 1,800 international students among the 14,000-strong student population.
Southern Cross University Lismore, Tweed Heads/Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour, Queensland Southern Cross University is an internationally-recognised Australian government university. It has a reputation for academic excellence, and has won many prestigious international and Australian awards and grants. The quality programs offered by the University have high academic standards.
Griffith University, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Queensland Griffith University, one of Australia's leading universities has over 2,500 teaching staff, 27,000 students including 4,000 students from over 80 nations. Griffith has become an popular choice for students deciding that they want to study at one of the universities in Australia. Learning never got more enjoyable or rewarding than this.
The University of Southern Queensland Toowoomba, Queensland. USQ has been recognised as a world leader in the fields of and tertiary study initiatives. USQ is a dynamic, flexible and innovative University whose staff and students pride themselves on being responsive to the technologically aware global market place.
Swinburne University of Technology Melbourne, Victoria. Established in 1908, Swinburne has a strong reputation in Australia and overseas as a provider of career oriented education. Swinburne is a small, innovative university, which is rapidly forming a distinctive character including the study of accounting business commerce computing law management marketing nursing tourism a character which reflects purpose, achievement and the genuine quality of its educational outcomes.
University of Tasmania Hobart - Launceston - Burnie, Tasmania The University of Tasmania is the fourth oldest University in Australia. It is highly regarded internationally as a teching and research institution. The University of Tasmania offers a pleasant, enjoyable environment for study at all levels of higher education.
Northern Territory University Darwin, Northern Territory, NT The Northern Territory University was established on 1 January 1989 through the amalgamation of the University College of the Northern Territory and the Darwin Institute of Technology. The NTU is the major tertiary education institution in the Northern Territory and is unique in that it offers both vocational and research based programs and substantial student guidance.
Queensland University of Technology - Brisbane - is a dynamic and innovative institution that not only satisfies the requirements of its local and international student body but also has one of the highest MBA Australia rankings according to the Financial Times 2004 world listings.
Macquarie University Sydney, NSW Macquarie University is one of the leading NSW universities and is a modern, sophisticated and cosmopolitan leading provider of education in Australia. With over 24,000 students including 4,000 international students, Macquarie is a university which prides itself on outstanding academic achievement and has excellent resources for distance learning and study online.
Edith Cowan University Perth, Western Australia. Edith Cowan University is noted for its innovative course content, specialised research and creative pursuits. Responsive and forward thinking, it is one of the universities in Perth that is internationally focused and an Australian leader in the provision of professionally focused degree programs.
University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) Sydney, NSW The University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) is well known as a leader of professional career-focused education and is regarded as one of the best in Australia. It offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of innovative and internationally recognised degrees in Australia. When people consider one of the universities in Sydney then UTS in a natural choice.
University of Canberra Canberra-ACT, ACT Internationally focused, the University of Canberra enjoys a diverse student population from more than 80 countries worldwide on the Canberra Campus. Offshore, the University teaches programs in countries such as Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
Monash University Melbourne, VictoriaMonash University is one of the top Australian universities and is leading the way with its international focus, ground-breaking research and academic excellence. Since its first student intake in 1961, Monash has grown into a diverse, multicultural and energetic institution with six campuses around the state and has an excellent international reputation that attracts many students.
The University of Notre Dame, Australia Perth, Western Australia Inspired by one of the greatest Catholic universities in the world, the University of Notre Dame in the United States, Notre Dame Australia brings to Australian education the vibrant traditions of a Catholic university together with the rich history.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
About Dubai- Education
English is the medium of instruction in most schools in Dubai. Annual fees for nursery and pre-school vary greatly.
Some primary schools conduct entrance tests. Most schools cater to one or more expatriate communities. Our Own English High School, Modern High School, and Indian High School offer either a CBSE or an ICSE Indian syllabus. Modern Renaissance School, the Horizon School, Dubai English Speaking School, Jumeirah Primary School, Jumeirah English Speaking School, and Jebel Ali Primary School all offer British style primary education to the age of eleven.
St. Mary's High School, Dubai College, English College, and Jumeirah College are all British style eleven-to-eighteen secondary schools which offer GCSE and A-Levels. The Emirates International School and Cambridge International High School are also secondary schools that offer a combination of GCSE, IGCSE, and IB courses to the expatriate community. The International School of Choueifat and Emirates International offer both British and American curricula.
A growing number of K-12 schools offer the American syllabus. The American School of Dubai (ASD), which is located in Jumeirah, and Dubai American Academy (DAA) have been around the longest. ASD offers an accredited American high school diploma; DAA offers both an American-accredited high school diploma and the International Baccalaureate [IB] diploma. There are also some primary and high schools that offer Canadian and Japanese syllabuses.
Many expatriates tend to send their children back to their home country for university education. However, a sizable number of foreign accredited universities have been set up in the city over the last ten years. Some of these universities include the American University in Dubai (AUD),The American College of Dubai, Al Ghurair University, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Middlesex University, Dubai, Dubai Women's College, University of Wollongong in Dubai, and Zayed University.
Al Imam Malik School Dubai UAE
The official web site of Al Imam Malik School in Dubai. Valuable and free resources for educators and students in both English and Arabic.
American University of Dubai
The Mission of The American University in Dubai is to provide for the varying educational needs of a culturally diverse and geographically dispersed student body with the goal of preparing students academically, personally, and professionally for successful careers.
Dubai Men's College, Higher Colleges of Technology
The network of HCT colleges offers various training programmes with a combination of theory, practical training and on the job experience. Programmes have been developed in consultation with employers and are regularly reviewed and updated through employer advisory committees. The four types of study programs (Certificate, Diploma, Higher Diploma and Bachelor's Degree) offered by the HCT are grouped at Dubai Men's College under three divisions:
Dubai Polytechnic Online
Our activities are guided by values such as continuous improvement, professional ethics, Islamic principles, creative and critical thinking and maintaining relationships with alumni and employers.
Dubai Women's College Expat
Dubai Women's College is the largest college within the HCT system with 2035 students enrolled in 2000/2001. The college has the reputation for dynamism and for strong relations with the local community. Its new permanent campus is situated on the edge of Dubai City near Dubai International Airport.
The college concentrates its academic efforts in Business Studies, Information Technology, Health Science and Applied Media Technology. The college also offers the only engineering program for women in the HCT - a Higher Diploma in Software Engineering Technology.
St.Mary's Catholic High School
St. Mary's Catholic High School has been at the forefront of education in Dubai. Without trying to sound presumptuous, the fact is that every year we churn out some of the best results around. This is not only due to the efforts of our students, but also our distinguished faculty, academic facilities, and atmosphere. Academics at St. Mary's is of the highest priority. Competition for admissions is high, mainly because we retain the discipline of a convent education, merged with the diversity of an international student background.
The American School of Dubai Online
The American School of Dubai is fully accredited by The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools based in the United States.
Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum with the use of over 280 computers located in four full-size labs, 3 mini-labs, all classrooms, as well as in the media center. An extensive school-wide network connects computers throughout the school. Computer instruction is offered at every grade level. Labs supplied with Macintosh computers are available for class work or independent projections. The Internet is available for every classroom in the school.
Some primary schools conduct entrance tests. Most schools cater to one or more expatriate communities. Our Own English High School, Modern High School, and Indian High School offer either a CBSE or an ICSE Indian syllabus. Modern Renaissance School, the Horizon School, Dubai English Speaking School, Jumeirah Primary School, Jumeirah English Speaking School, and Jebel Ali Primary School all offer British style primary education to the age of eleven.
St. Mary's High School, Dubai College, English College, and Jumeirah College are all British style eleven-to-eighteen secondary schools which offer GCSE and A-Levels. The Emirates International School and Cambridge International High School are also secondary schools that offer a combination of GCSE, IGCSE, and IB courses to the expatriate community. The International School of Choueifat and Emirates International offer both British and American curricula.
A growing number of K-12 schools offer the American syllabus. The American School of Dubai (ASD), which is located in Jumeirah, and Dubai American Academy (DAA) have been around the longest. ASD offers an accredited American high school diploma; DAA offers both an American-accredited high school diploma and the International Baccalaureate [IB] diploma. There are also some primary and high schools that offer Canadian and Japanese syllabuses.
Many expatriates tend to send their children back to their home country for university education. However, a sizable number of foreign accredited universities have been set up in the city over the last ten years. Some of these universities include the American University in Dubai (AUD),The American College of Dubai, Al Ghurair University, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Middlesex University, Dubai, Dubai Women's College, University of Wollongong in Dubai, and Zayed University.
Al Imam Malik School Dubai UAE
The official web site of Al Imam Malik School in Dubai. Valuable and free resources for educators and students in both English and Arabic.
American University of Dubai
The Mission of The American University in Dubai is to provide for the varying educational needs of a culturally diverse and geographically dispersed student body with the goal of preparing students academically, personally, and professionally for successful careers.
Dubai Men's College, Higher Colleges of Technology
The network of HCT colleges offers various training programmes with a combination of theory, practical training and on the job experience. Programmes have been developed in consultation with employers and are regularly reviewed and updated through employer advisory committees. The four types of study programs (Certificate, Diploma, Higher Diploma and Bachelor's Degree) offered by the HCT are grouped at Dubai Men's College under three divisions:
Dubai Polytechnic Online
Our activities are guided by values such as continuous improvement, professional ethics, Islamic principles, creative and critical thinking and maintaining relationships with alumni and employers.
Dubai Women's College Expat
Dubai Women's College is the largest college within the HCT system with 2035 students enrolled in 2000/2001. The college has the reputation for dynamism and for strong relations with the local community. Its new permanent campus is situated on the edge of Dubai City near Dubai International Airport.
The college concentrates its academic efforts in Business Studies, Information Technology, Health Science and Applied Media Technology. The college also offers the only engineering program for women in the HCT - a Higher Diploma in Software Engineering Technology.
St.Mary's Catholic High School
St. Mary's Catholic High School has been at the forefront of education in Dubai. Without trying to sound presumptuous, the fact is that every year we churn out some of the best results around. This is not only due to the efforts of our students, but also our distinguished faculty, academic facilities, and atmosphere. Academics at St. Mary's is of the highest priority. Competition for admissions is high, mainly because we retain the discipline of a convent education, merged with the diversity of an international student background.
The American School of Dubai Online
The American School of Dubai is fully accredited by The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools based in the United States.
Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum with the use of over 280 computers located in four full-size labs, 3 mini-labs, all classrooms, as well as in the media center. An extensive school-wide network connects computers throughout the school. Computer instruction is offered at every grade level. Labs supplied with Macintosh computers are available for class work or independent projections. The Internet is available for every classroom in the school.
Study in the USA: Search Top USA Colleges-Universities and USA Schools
Why Study in the USA?
Why do so many international students choose to study in the USA? This section explains what the USA education system has to offer each international student and why you should study in the US. Discussed are common misconceptions about USA study. Why are there so many top schools, colleges and universities in the USA education system? There even is a list of some famous international students who obtained a USA education at one of the many top USA universities, USA colleges and USA schools. A must read for those considering US study.
USA Education System
Want to study in the US but confused about the American education system? This section includes international student info on USA universities, USA colleges, ESL schools, USA high schools, vocational schools, boarding schools, etc. Get info about the USA education system and how it works. What is the difference between a bachelors degree and associate degree?
What are the differences between universities in the USA, USA colleges, and USA community colleges? Detailed information on associate degree, bachelor degree, masters degree, and PhD degree programs, academic credits, elective course options, types of USA schools, types of USA universities, what a liberal arts college is, and general USA education and graduation requirements for the international student.
Financing Your USA Education
Can international students work while enrolled in USA universities, colleges or schools? This section offers advice and information on paying for your education in the USA. Includes information on the cost of study in the USA and attending USA universities, USA colleges and other types of USA schools. Financial aid for US study, international student loans, grants and international student scholarships.
International Student Admissions
How should I apply to study in the USA? A look at how the USA admissions process works. What do US universities, US colleges, boarding, ESL and other USA schools look for in international student applications? Plan your application in advance using our calendar. This section includes advice on choosing your major, selecting the right US Universities, US colleges or USA schools, US college entrance exams such as SAT, GRE and TOEFL, English as a second language (ESL) schools, college admission essay help, and other essential reading for students wanting to study in the USA.
USA Immigration
How does one get an international student visa to study in the US? Get information on immigration issues confronting each international student wanting to study in the US. Does the USA still welcome international students wanting to study in the USA? Which USA universities, USA colleges and USA schools are authorized to enroll international students? Includes international student visa application info, passports, USA embassy information, USA visa regulations, US green card lottery application, and even the new SEVIS immigration rules. Obtain USA immigration forms and read about some of the recent USA immigration changes that will affect your study in the USA.
Life in the USA
Provides a look into life and culture for those wanting to study in USA universities, USA colleges and USA schools. What is really it like to study in the US? Learn about starting your USA education on the right foot. Includes international student health insurance, USA money and banking information, international student housing, dormitories at USA universities and colleges, the student culture at schools, colleges and universities in the USA, USA regions, transportation, international student life, etc. Be prepared for your USA study experience at colleges, schools and universities in the USA.
For Parents of International Students
Is your child interested in attending a USA university, USA college, or school? This section is designed exclusively for parents of children obtaining a USA education. It addresses many of the questions and concerns that parents have when sending their children to study in the USA at USA universities, USA colleges, boys and girls boarding school, etc. Highly recommended reading for parents with children who want to study in the US.
Why do so many international students choose to study in the USA? This section explains what the USA education system has to offer each international student and why you should study in the US. Discussed are common misconceptions about USA study. Why are there so many top schools, colleges and universities in the USA education system? There even is a list of some famous international students who obtained a USA education at one of the many top USA universities, USA colleges and USA schools. A must read for those considering US study.
USA Education System
Want to study in the US but confused about the American education system? This section includes international student info on USA universities, USA colleges, ESL schools, USA high schools, vocational schools, boarding schools, etc. Get info about the USA education system and how it works. What is the difference between a bachelors degree and associate degree?
What are the differences between universities in the USA, USA colleges, and USA community colleges? Detailed information on associate degree, bachelor degree, masters degree, and PhD degree programs, academic credits, elective course options, types of USA schools, types of USA universities, what a liberal arts college is, and general USA education and graduation requirements for the international student.
Financing Your USA Education
Can international students work while enrolled in USA universities, colleges or schools? This section offers advice and information on paying for your education in the USA. Includes information on the cost of study in the USA and attending USA universities, USA colleges and other types of USA schools. Financial aid for US study, international student loans, grants and international student scholarships.
International Student Admissions
How should I apply to study in the USA? A look at how the USA admissions process works. What do US universities, US colleges, boarding, ESL and other USA schools look for in international student applications? Plan your application in advance using our calendar. This section includes advice on choosing your major, selecting the right US Universities, US colleges or USA schools, US college entrance exams such as SAT, GRE and TOEFL, English as a second language (ESL) schools, college admission essay help, and other essential reading for students wanting to study in the USA.
USA Immigration
How does one get an international student visa to study in the US? Get information on immigration issues confronting each international student wanting to study in the US. Does the USA still welcome international students wanting to study in the USA? Which USA universities, USA colleges and USA schools are authorized to enroll international students? Includes international student visa application info, passports, USA embassy information, USA visa regulations, US green card lottery application, and even the new SEVIS immigration rules. Obtain USA immigration forms and read about some of the recent USA immigration changes that will affect your study in the USA.
Life in the USA
Provides a look into life and culture for those wanting to study in USA universities, USA colleges and USA schools. What is really it like to study in the US? Learn about starting your USA education on the right foot. Includes international student health insurance, USA money and banking information, international student housing, dormitories at USA universities and colleges, the student culture at schools, colleges and universities in the USA, USA regions, transportation, international student life, etc. Be prepared for your USA study experience at colleges, schools and universities in the USA.
For Parents of International Students
Is your child interested in attending a USA university, USA college, or school? This section is designed exclusively for parents of children obtaining a USA education. It addresses many of the questions and concerns that parents have when sending their children to study in the USA at USA universities, USA colleges, boys and girls boarding school, etc. Highly recommended reading for parents with children who want to study in the US.
Study in Canada
Canada's universities share a key strength: their high quality. Canadian universities have a long record of providing an accessible university education to students from across Canada and around the world. Reflecting the rich history many cultures and traditions, Canadian universities offer a mix of opportunities in a variety of educational settings.
The 89 Universities that are members of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada are located across the country, with institutions in every Canadian province. Taken together, they offer a wide range of courses.
In addition to universities, Canada's postsecondary system includes 175 community colleges, which respond to the training needs of business, industry and the public service, as well as the educational needs of vocationally oriented secondary school graduates. These colleges, also known as institutes of technology, university colleges or CEGEPS, historically offered diplomas and certificates rather than degrees. Today, some offer degrees themselves, and a number offer university transfer programs or provide programs jointly with neighboring universities.
A Range of Choices
Canadian universities provide a full spectrum of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with faculty undertaking research of national and international importance.
Universities in Canada range from large urban, multi-campus and research-intensive universities, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, to small liberal arts colleges with a focus on undergraduate education. Others provide specialized professional programs in fields such as business, engineering, art and design or agriculture.
You will find that Canada is nothing if not diverse! University colleges represent a new model for postsecondary education, combining practical vocational programs with more theoretical offerings. Since Canada is a bilingual country, our universities demonstrate this by offering instruction in English, French, or even both!
Three universities are devoted entirely to distance education - a field in which Canada, a country of vast spaces and outstanding achievements in telecommunications, is a world leader. In fact, most universities in Canada offer a wide selection of courses through distance education, with formats ranging from traditional print or audiotape correspondence courses, to teleconference or computer conferences. Support systems for students who study at a distance are common, including counseling and study skills seminars, tutorial assistance by phone, fax or computer, and direct online links to campus libraries.
A Reputation for Excellence
Canadian universities have earned an international reputation for excellence. Their faculty have recognized research and teaching strengths in areas such as computer sciences, business (including MBA programs), health sciences, law, ocean studies, natural resources and agriculture.
In addition to their teaching, universities play a vital role in their local communities, offering concerts and plays, day care centres, sports and fitness facilities, lectures, museums, on-campus radio stations and art galleries open to all. Research is central to the mission of Canadian universities. In fact, 25% of Canada's research capacity is found in our universities - a far higher proportion than most others countries. Universities in Canada employ about one-third of the country's PhDs, who spearhead the national research effort. Students at Canadian universities are frequently involved in research projects, often during their early undergraduate years. Professors see research as an integral component to their classroom teaching. Canadian university research has yielded a wealth of innovations as important as insulin, Pablum, the artificial pacemaker, improved strains of wheat, and the identification of the genetic causes of diseases such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and Lou Gehrig's disease. Today, Canadian researchers are world leaders in areas such as helping people cope with pain and stress, improving human memory, pulp and paper chemistry, dealing with the impact of technology in the workplace, and finding new treatments for cancer, osteoporosis and arthritis.
The System in Profile
Universities in Canada operate under provincial government charters. There is no formal system of university-wide institutional accreditation. Instead, membership of AUCC, in conjunction with the university's provincial government charter, is seen as serving in lieu of institutional accreditation, both in Canada and abroad. In addition, graduate programs and professional schools such as law, nursing, medicine and engineering have rigorous discipline-specific accreditation procedures. Computer science is also developing its own accreditation system.
There are currently 500,000 full-time undergraduates at Canadian universities, 200,000 part-time undergraduates, 75,000 full-time and 40,000 part-time graduate students. Student profiles have changed dramatically over the past decade, with more older students, more women and a greater multicultural mix. The social sciences remain by far the largest field of study in Canada, followed by education and the humanities. Biochemistry and computer science have been among the fastest growing disciplines at the bachelor's level in the last five years, closely followed by nursing, sociology and psychology. A wide range of student services is offered by most universities, including special tutoring in writing and math skills, help in finding off-campus housing, academic, career or personal counseling, and health services.
Many universities provide support to students with special needs, including single parents, women, those with physical, sensory or learning disabilities, aboriginal students, part-time students, gays and lesbians, mature students, and students of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Special programs are also often available to help first-year students improve their chances for success at university. Some offer for-credit courses aimed at integrating students to university life and studies. Many universities provide such assistance on an on-going basis throughout the academic year, with workshops in areas such as essay and exam writing, study and research skills.
A Lasting Reward
A university education translates into new skills, better job prospects and higher salaries. University graduates also have a better chance at promotion throughout their career, better health and benefit packages, as well as better pension plans. Clearly, the rewards of a university education last a lifetime.
The 89 Universities that are members of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada are located across the country, with institutions in every Canadian province. Taken together, they offer a wide range of courses.
In addition to universities, Canada's postsecondary system includes 175 community colleges, which respond to the training needs of business, industry and the public service, as well as the educational needs of vocationally oriented secondary school graduates. These colleges, also known as institutes of technology, university colleges or CEGEPS, historically offered diplomas and certificates rather than degrees. Today, some offer degrees themselves, and a number offer university transfer programs or provide programs jointly with neighboring universities.
A Range of Choices
Canadian universities provide a full spectrum of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with faculty undertaking research of national and international importance.
Universities in Canada range from large urban, multi-campus and research-intensive universities, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, to small liberal arts colleges with a focus on undergraduate education. Others provide specialized professional programs in fields such as business, engineering, art and design or agriculture.
You will find that Canada is nothing if not diverse! University colleges represent a new model for postsecondary education, combining practical vocational programs with more theoretical offerings. Since Canada is a bilingual country, our universities demonstrate this by offering instruction in English, French, or even both!
Three universities are devoted entirely to distance education - a field in which Canada, a country of vast spaces and outstanding achievements in telecommunications, is a world leader. In fact, most universities in Canada offer a wide selection of courses through distance education, with formats ranging from traditional print or audiotape correspondence courses, to teleconference or computer conferences. Support systems for students who study at a distance are common, including counseling and study skills seminars, tutorial assistance by phone, fax or computer, and direct online links to campus libraries.
A Reputation for Excellence
Canadian universities have earned an international reputation for excellence. Their faculty have recognized research and teaching strengths in areas such as computer sciences, business (including MBA programs), health sciences, law, ocean studies, natural resources and agriculture.
In addition to their teaching, universities play a vital role in their local communities, offering concerts and plays, day care centres, sports and fitness facilities, lectures, museums, on-campus radio stations and art galleries open to all. Research is central to the mission of Canadian universities. In fact, 25% of Canada's research capacity is found in our universities - a far higher proportion than most others countries. Universities in Canada employ about one-third of the country's PhDs, who spearhead the national research effort. Students at Canadian universities are frequently involved in research projects, often during their early undergraduate years. Professors see research as an integral component to their classroom teaching. Canadian university research has yielded a wealth of innovations as important as insulin, Pablum, the artificial pacemaker, improved strains of wheat, and the identification of the genetic causes of diseases such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and Lou Gehrig's disease. Today, Canadian researchers are world leaders in areas such as helping people cope with pain and stress, improving human memory, pulp and paper chemistry, dealing with the impact of technology in the workplace, and finding new treatments for cancer, osteoporosis and arthritis.
The System in Profile
Universities in Canada operate under provincial government charters. There is no formal system of university-wide institutional accreditation. Instead, membership of AUCC, in conjunction with the university's provincial government charter, is seen as serving in lieu of institutional accreditation, both in Canada and abroad. In addition, graduate programs and professional schools such as law, nursing, medicine and engineering have rigorous discipline-specific accreditation procedures. Computer science is also developing its own accreditation system.
There are currently 500,000 full-time undergraduates at Canadian universities, 200,000 part-time undergraduates, 75,000 full-time and 40,000 part-time graduate students. Student profiles have changed dramatically over the past decade, with more older students, more women and a greater multicultural mix. The social sciences remain by far the largest field of study in Canada, followed by education and the humanities. Biochemistry and computer science have been among the fastest growing disciplines at the bachelor's level in the last five years, closely followed by nursing, sociology and psychology. A wide range of student services is offered by most universities, including special tutoring in writing and math skills, help in finding off-campus housing, academic, career or personal counseling, and health services.
Many universities provide support to students with special needs, including single parents, women, those with physical, sensory or learning disabilities, aboriginal students, part-time students, gays and lesbians, mature students, and students of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Special programs are also often available to help first-year students improve their chances for success at university. Some offer for-credit courses aimed at integrating students to university life and studies. Many universities provide such assistance on an on-going basis throughout the academic year, with workshops in areas such as essay and exam writing, study and research skills.
A Lasting Reward
A university education translates into new skills, better job prospects and higher salaries. University graduates also have a better chance at promotion throughout their career, better health and benefit packages, as well as better pension plans. Clearly, the rewards of a university education last a lifetime.
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