The Canadian Education System is governed, funded and supervised by federal, provincial, and local governments, but it is the responsibility of the provincial (territorial) government. Universities have their own administration, while the educational programs of the schools are administrated by the school boards.
The majority of the elementary and secondary schools are public, the education being free of charge and available for everyone. There are also catholic schools and private schools (about 8% of students are in private schools).
There are variations between provinces, but generally the Education in Canada is divided into Elementary Education, followed by Secondary (High School) and Post Secondary (University, College). Education is compulsory up to the age of 16 in every province in Canada, except for New Brunswick and Ontario, where it is compulsory up to the age of 18.
Canada offers two parallel systems of education after high school, each requiring a high school certificate for admission and each playing a key role in the development of knowledge and skills.
According to Statistics Canada, 61% of individuals aged 25 to 34 have qualifications beyond high school.
According to an annual study done by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Canada ranks fourth overall in the proportion of its working-age population with a university degree, thus is a world leader in education.
Canada spends about 7% of its GDP on education.
Average fees for full-time undergraduate students, 2008-2009
(Source: Statistics Canada)
Canada – $4,724
N. L. – $2,632
P.E.I. – $4,530
Nova Scotia – $5,932
New Brunswick – $5,590
Quebec – $2,167
Ontario – $5,643
Manitoba – $3,276
Saskatchewan – $5,015
Alberta – $5,361
British Columbia – $5,040