Deciding to continue your studies or go back to school can be a good choice if you want to acquire new knowledge or remain up to date in your field. Educational institutions in Québec offer numerous programs of study. You can study full time or part time, in a classroom or through distance training.
A wide range of programs of study
Québec's education network offers a variety of programs to people who want to study, including
- Vocational training
- College education
- University education
Vocational training
School boards and private vocational training institutions provide students with a wide range of opportunities. Vocational training programs can lead to the following:
- Diploma of Vocational Studies
- Attestation of Vocational Specialization
- Skills Training Certificate
Consult Inforoute FPT 
to find out what programs are available.
College education
College-level educational institutions offer various programs of study, including pre-university and technical programs. These programs can lead to the following:
- Diploma of College Studies
- Attestation of College Studies
Other types of training may also be available, including:
- Springboard to the Diploma of College Studies pathway
- Remedial activities
- Activities fostering student success
- University prerequisites pathway
- Customized training
- Services for business and industry
To learn more about training, see the Studying at CEGEP page.
University education
Québec has 18 university-level educational institutions. Visit the website of the various universities for information, including:
- Available programs of study
- Academic regulations
- Student services
To learn more about university education, see the Studying at university page.
Types of training
Training is more accessible than ever. Here is a description of the various types of training offered by educational institutions.
Distance education and online training
Distance education and online training allow students to study at their own pace, where and when they want. Many vocational-, college- and university-level educational institutions offer these types of training. Visit the website of the institution that interests you to find out what training is available.
Bridges
Bridges facilitate a student's transition from, for example, one program of study to another for which the student would normally be required to obtain a diploma. Bridges are used to ensure continuity from one program of study to the next.
Contact the educational institution that offers the program that interests you to find out if it offers bridges.
Taking general education courses and vocational training concurrently at the secondary level
Students in Cycle Two of secondary school who would like to take general education courses and start to learn a trade more rapidly can take part in a program that is specially designed for that purpose.
In particular, this program enables students to take the general education courses they need to obtain a Diploma of Vocational Studies.
To find out if you’re eligible for this type of training and obtain more details, contact a secondary-level educational institution.
Alternating work-study programs
Alternating work-study programs offer students enrolled in vocational or technical training the opportunity to take at least 2 on-the-job training sessions while they are in school.
The on-the-job training allows students to acquire or upgrade, in the workplace, the skills they need to practice the profession or trade they have chosen.
For more information, visit the Alternance travail-études page (French only) or contact the educational institution that offers the program of study that interests you.
On-the-job training
On-the-job training allows students to learn a trade while working with an experienced worker. Students who take part in this type of initiative usually receive a salary throughout their training.
On-the-job training may be provided under the Workplace Apprenticeship Program for example. In that case, apprentices receive a certificate of vocational qualification or an attestation of competency from the government at the end of their training.
Find out which trades are covered by the Workplace Apprenticeship Program.
Adult education
Adult education allows adults to maintain or upgrade their skills, by providing them with services that are organized so as to facilitate their participation: for example, part-time or evening courses.
To find out more about adult education, contact a school board .
Last update: March 11, 2024
