Quebec City

🎓

Education System

Introduction to the education system in Quebec City, from primary schools to higher education institutions.

Sections

1. Structure of the Education System

The education system in Quebec is divided into several levels, each with its own characteristics and requirements:

A. Preschool (Éducation préscolaire)

  • Age Group: 4-5 years old.
  • Preschool is optional but highly encouraged to prepare children for primary school.
  • Public preschools are often attached to primary schools and are free for residents.

B. Primary Education (École primaire)

  • Age Group: 6-12 years old (Grades 1-6).
  • Primary education is mandatory and free for all residents in public schools.
  • The curriculum includes subjects such as French, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and physical education.

C. Secondary Education (École secondaire)

  • Age Group: 12-17 years old (Grades 7-11).
  • Secondary education is also mandatory and free in public schools.
  • Students complete their studies with a Diplôme d'études secondaires (DES), which is required to pursue higher education.

D. CEGEP (Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel)

  • Age Group: 17-19 years old (2-3 years).
  • Unique to Quebec, CEGEP is a pre-university or technical college system that bridges secondary school and university.
    • Pre-university programs: 2 years, preparing students for university.
    • Technical programs: 3 years, preparing students for the workforce.
  • CEGEP is free for Quebec residents in public institutions, though there may be small administrative fees.

E. Higher Education (Université)

  • Age Group: 19+ years old.
  • Quebec City is home to several prestigious universities offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
  • Tuition fees vary depending on residency status and program of study (details below).

2. Languages of Instruction

  • French: The primary language of instruction in Quebec City is French, reflecting the province's Francophone culture. Most public schools and institutions operate in French.
  • English: There are a limited number of English-language schools and institutions, primarily for students who meet specific eligibility criteria under Quebec's language laws (Bill 101).
    • Immigrants and non-native French speakers may need to enroll their children in French-language schools unless they qualify for English-language education (see below).

3. Costs of Education

A. Public Schools (Primary and Secondary)

  • Tuition: Free for residents of Quebec.
  • Additional Costs: Parents may need to pay for school supplies, uniforms (if applicable), extracurricular activities, and lunch programs.
  • For Non-Residents: International students or temporary residents may need to pay tuition fees, which vary by school board.

B. CEGEP

  • Tuition: Free for Quebec residents.
  • Administrative Fees: Typically range from CAD 100-300 per semester.
  • For Non-Residents: International students may pay tuition fees ranging from CAD 6,000-12,000 per year, depending on the program.

C. Universities

  • Tuition for Quebec Residents: Approximately CAD 3,000-4,000 per year for undergraduate programs.
  • Tuition for Canadian Non-Residents: Approximately CAD 7,000-10,000 per year.
  • Tuition for International Students: Varies widely, ranging from CAD 15,000-25,000+ per year, depending on the program and institution.
  • Additional Costs: Books, materials, and living expenses.

4. Admission Procedures

A. Public Schools (Primary and Secondary)

  1. Registration: Parents must register their children with the local school board (e.g., Commission scolaire de la Capitale or Centre de services scolaire des Découvreurs).
  2. Documents Required:
    • Proof of residency in Quebec (e.g., lease, utility bill).
    • Child’s birth certificate.
    • Immigration documents (if applicable).
  3. Language Placement: Non-French-speaking children may be assessed for placement in a welcome class (classe d'accueil) to help them learn French before integrating into regular classes.

B. CEGEP

  1. Application: Students apply through the centralized system, Service régional d'admission au collégial de Québec (SRACQ).
  2. Documents Required:
    • High school transcript (DES).
    • Proof of residency (for tuition purposes).
  3. Deadlines: Applications are typically due in March for the fall semester.

C. Universities

  1. Application: Students apply directly to the university or through a centralized system like Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire (BCI).
  2. Documents Required:
    • High school or CEGEP transcript.
    • Proof of language proficiency (e.g., French or English tests, depending on the program).
    • Immigration documents (for international students).
  3. Deadlines: Vary by institution and program but are generally in January for the fall semester.

5. Unique Aspects of the Quebec Education System

  • Language Laws (Bill 101): Immigrant children are generally required to attend French-language schools unless their parents received English-language education in Canada. This law aims to preserve the French language and culture in Quebec.
  • Welcome Classes: These are specialized programs for non-French-speaking students to help them integrate into the French-language education system.
  • CEGEP System: Quebec is the only province in Canada with this unique pre-university/technical college system.

6. Considerations for Immigrants and Non-Native Speakers

  • Language Support: Quebec City offers extensive language support for immigrants, including free French-language classes for adults through programs like Francisation Québec.
  • Cultural Adaptation: Schools often provide resources to help immigrant families adapt to the Quebecois culture and education system.
  • Eligibility for English Schools: Immigrant families must verify their eligibility for English-language education under Bill 101. If ineligible, children must attend French-language schools.

7. Notable Schools and Institutions in Quebec City

A. Primary and Secondary Schools

  • École Saint-Jean-Baptiste: A well-regarded French-language primary school.
  • St. Patrick’s High School: An English-language secondary school for eligible students.

B. CEGEPs

  • Cégep de Sainte-Foy: Offers a wide range of pre-university and technical programs.
  • Cégep Limoilou: Known for its technical and vocational training programs.

C. Universities

  • Université Laval: One of Canada’s oldest universities, offering a wide range of programs in French. It is particularly renowned for its research and programs in medicine, law, and engineering.

8. Additional Resources

  • Ministère de l'Éducation du Québec: The provincial government body overseeing education.
  • Francisation Québec: Offers free French-language courses for immigrants.
  • Service régional d'admission au collégial de Québec (SRACQ): Centralized application system for CEGEPs.

By understanding the structure, costs, and unique aspects of the education system in Quebec City, immigrants and residents alike can make informed decisions about their or their children’s education. If you need further assistance with specific schools or programs, feel free to ask!