What Is a CEGEP?
A CEGEP, from the French collège d'enseignement général et professionnel, is a publicly funded college in the province of Quebec, Canada. CEGEPs sit between secondary school and university. They offer two-year pre-university programs that prepare students for university and three-year technical programs that lead directly to employment, and there are English-language and French-language institutions.
How the system works
Quebec's secondary school finishes at grade 11, one year earlier than in most of Canada and the United States. Students then enter CEGEP, either in a pre-university program in subjects such as social sciences, pure and applied sciences, arts or business, or a technical program such as nursing technology, computer science technology, early childhood education or engineering technology. Pre-university programs take two years, and technical programs three. A successful graduate receives a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC).
Students are admitted by application, usually through a centralized service, and admission may be competitive for popular programs. Tuition is low or free for Quebec residents, with fees for non-residents and international students.
How CEGEP leads to university
Quebec universities typically offer three-year bachelor's degrees to students who have completed a DEC, since CEGEP counts as a year of general education. Students from outside Quebec who enter a Quebec university directly usually take a four-year degree. Many universities in other provinces and countries evaluate a DEC for transfer credit or admission. Check each institution's policy.
Courses and structure
Programs include general education courses in French or English, humanities, philosophy and physical education, plus specialization courses. Students also complete a comprehensive assessment in their program at the end.
Considerations for students
- Language: the language of instruction may be French or English, but all students must meet French requirements, with some exemptions.
- Cost: low fees for Quebec residents make CEGEP attractive.
- Flexibility: the technical programs let students enter the labor market quickly or continue to university.
- Transfer: check how courses and the DEC are recognized by your target university outside Quebec.
Related terms
See OUAC, polytechnic, transfer student, articulation agreement and baccalaureate.
Frequently asked questions
What does CEGEP stand for?
Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel, meaning college of general and vocational education.
Do I need CEGEP to go to a university in Quebec?
Generally yes, for students who completed secondary school in Quebec. Students from elsewhere may enter a Quebec university directly but often need an additional year.
How long is CEGEP?
Two years for pre-university programs and three years for technical programs.