Education Pathways In Ontario
Imagine your education journey as a pathway. It can be straight and direct. It can be winding and take many turns. But whatever pathway you choose, we are here to help you get to your destination!
Understanding education pathways means understanding 'credentials.' A 'credential' is an official document, like a diploma or a degree. When you finish a program in Ontario, you earn a credential. Learn more about different credentials.
This illustration below shows common education pathways, but the possibilities are endless.
As you can see, this means students typically transfer between Apprenticeship, Certificate, Diploma, and Degree programs, between colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes.
Are You in High School?
To apply to a college, university, or an Indigenous Institute, you will need to complete a high school diploma (Ontario Secondary School Diploma). If you did not complete these studies, you may be admitted through a GED (or General Education Development), or as a mature student.
There are several factors that influence your admission to a college, university, or Indigenous Institute.
High school courses are taught at different levels (e.g., U-, M-, C, and O-). Postsecondary institutions may require courses at certain levels to satisfy admission. For example, many programs require ENG4U and U-level courses.
- For colleges: ontariocolleges.ca
- For universities: ontariouniversitiesinfo.ca and ouac.on.ca
- For Indigenous Institutes: iicontario.ca
Thinking of going to both college and university?
Learn about collaborative/joint programs.AP & IB Courses
These courses may be eligible for credit transfer into postsecondary. Get in touch with the school(s) you're looking at apply to learn more.