Pursuing an associate degree program can help students build groundwork for their future academic development. This degree opens doors to many professions in two years and prepares them for a bachelor’s degree or the workforce. With its timeframe, it doesn’t take one to complete this program, so studying one is not much of a difference; instead, it can give students more benefits than they can imagine.
An associate degree earned in Canada can become a significant milestone for any international student, providing them with more employment options than a high school diploma. It also shows they have grit, a crucial factor in university admissions or job applications. If all those things have made you consider pursuing an associate degree program, this article is for you.
The list below shows the best institutions in Canada that can offer associate degrees to international students, so let’s take a look at them!
Top Schools Offering Associate Degrees in Canada
1. Kwantlen Polytechnic Institute
For almost four decades, Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been educating its students so they can lead lucrative professional lives. It offers several extensive study programs to international students, including associate degree courses. The primary objective of those courses is to provide a basis for higher education while also preparing students for the workforce.
An associate degree program comprises two years of college-level coursework in various disciplines. Completing diverse courses and in-depth study in a few chosen areas is mandatory.
2. North Island College
The next suggestion is North Island College, which is recognized globally for its technologically advanced courses. A substantial percentage of its student body comprises individuals who participate in online education. NIC offers two associate degree paths: the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science, which offer specialization in different disciplines. Students who begin their education here may transfer up to two years’ worth of credits (60 total) to any British Columbia institution.
Associate degree courses can even be used to fulfill conditions for Canadian medical, optometry, dental, and veterinary schools. Thus, students may concentrate on a particular field of study or branch out into others like chemistry, mathematics, and physics for an associate degree in science.
3. Douglas College
Douglas College, established in 1970, has an annual enrollment of almost 25,000 students, making it the most prominent degree-granting institution in British Columbia, Canada. These numbers help it land among the country’s best institutions offering associate degree programs to international students.
This school offers two associate degree programs: one in the arts and another in the sciences, which may lead to specialization. Students with at least 12 credits of university transferable classes are eligible for an Associate of Arts for Future Teachers, another degree program in this institution.
When completing their associate degree course credits, students may choose from many options within the same subject area. The costs for these courses are calculated per credit. However, Douglas College annually awards almost $100,000 scholarships to new yet academically outstanding international students to help cover study costs.
4. Thompson Rivers University
Through various academic programs, student-centered support services, experiential learning opportunities, and a welcoming community, Thompson Rivers University supports each student so they can thrive. TRU is proud of its long history of educating students from all walks of life and at all stages of development since its founding in 1970.
The institute offers international students a well-rounded, subject-focused Associate of Science degree. The degree expands into multiple areas with a theoretical and practical approach. Biology, chemistry, physics, geology, mathematics, and computer science are among the disciplines that might be explored in this program.
TRU also provides an Associate of Arts degree and Associate of Commerce and Business Administration diploma to those interested in pursuing a program other than science-related courses. The arts and science associate programs are online, which means students can apply anytime.
5. Okanagan College
Our final recommendation is a school acclaimed for its educational diversity and excellent teaching model. Okanagan College is highly ranked and accredited by respective authorities. Also, at this institution, students may choose between two associate degree programs, one in the arts and one in the sciences.
If students opt for the Associate of Arts or AA program, they can gain firsthand experience of other cultures and be exposed to fresh points of view. The program can also help accumulate relevant historical context while training them to share information using unconventional methods and uncover solutions to both perennial and novel problems.
Students who enroll in the AA program have access to more than 300 courses in 23 different disciplines, allowing them to hone their analytical and research abilities in only two years. The associate degree programs may have an estimated cost of almost $34,000 in total for international students.
FAQs: Getting an Associate Degree in Canada
What Is the Difference Between an Associate Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree?
A most noticeable and significant distinction between a bachelor’s degree and an associate’s degree is the period it takes to earn them. For instance, an associate’s degree program may be completed in two years, while a bachelor’s degree program takes four years as it provides a more in-depth analysis of the field.
Other differences include cost: a bachelor’s degree might be expensive, while an associate’s degree is relatively affordable. Qualifications are also less stringent, so an associate degree is a terrific choice for students who did not flourish in academics in high school or did not get exceptional SAT scores.
Can International Students Work in Canada After Completing an Associate Degree Program?
International students can work in Canada after earning their associate degree. Indeed, a two-year associate degree from a recognized Canadian college or university can qualify international students and graduates for entry-level employment opportunities. Thus, recent graduates can find work in many different industries, such as computer programming, dentistry, web development, and aerospace.
In addition, students who complete an associate degree program are eligible for a three-year post-graduate educational visa in Canada. It’s a significant factor in many students’ preference for an associate degree, as they can use the employment experience for Canadian permanent residency applications.
An associate degree from a well-regarded foreign university is the ultimate feather in the cap for many academically ambitious individuals. You can be one of them, too, so consider enrolling in an associate degree program in the best Canadian schools for international students.
We hope this article guided you toward this country’s best associate degree programs and institutions. If you’re decided in studying there, check out our Study in Canada page and the Available Programs for International Students in Canada!
