The postsecondary education system in Quebec is described in CICIC's Postsecondary Education Systems in Canada, Provinces and Territories. The system includes two major categories of postsecondary program delivery belonging to two education sectors:
University programs are offered solely in universities, institutes, and schools recognized under the Loi sur les Établissements d'enseignement universitaire (Act Respecting Educational Institutions at the University Level). By way of illustration, institutions can be recognized under various provisions of the act.
College education is offered in four types of institutions:
Quality Assurance Mechanisms
Quality assurance mechanisms in Quebec's postsecondary education system vary by type of institution and program. They include
Universities
Legislation
The most recent major government document in the field is the Quebec policy on universities entitled Priorities for Our Future.
That policy states: "The configuration of Quebec's university system is a historical legacy. Its development was not guided by any legislation nor master plan...."
Although no specific piece of legislation defines the university system, each university was created by royal charter or by special act.
For example, the Université du Québec, founded in 1968, was created under a specific act that provides for the issuance of letters patent by the government.
The Loi sur les établissements d'enseignement de niveau universitaire (Act Respecting Educational Institutions at the University Level), in which Quebec's university institutions are listed, provides that the term "university" is reserved for the ends set out in the act.
Program quality control is performed via the Conférence des recteurs et des principaux des universités du Québec (CREPUQ), a voluntary university coordinating body. Each university has created an assessment policy for existing programs. Assessment practices are reviewed by CREPUQ's Commission de la vérification de l'évaluation des programmes. New programs leading to a university degree (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) are submitted to CREPUQ's Commission de l'évaluation des projets de programmes (CEP), which renders an opinion as to academic quality.
The Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport reviews the opinion. Decisions on funding enrolment in new programs are taken based on the provisions in the document entitled Procédure liée à l'examen d'opportunité des projets de programmes conduisant à un grade présentés au ministre de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport aux fins de financement.
These complementary mechanisms are designed to assess each institution's proposed programs and to ensure the relevance of university program offerings.
University financing is largely provided by the Quebec government. In return, the government expects that institutions will use these funds efficiently and account for their management. University funding policy is designed on the one hand to guarantee the quality of training and research, taking into account the specific situation of each institution, and on the other hand to support the goals set out in the Politique québécoise à l'égard des universités. The Politique québécoise de financement des universités is reflected in budget rules set each year by the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport.
Affiliation
The École Polytechnique (created in 1873) and the École des Hautes Études Commerciales de Montréal (created in 1907) are degree-granting institutions that were created by special acts prior to the creation of the Université de Montréal and that decided in 1920 to conclude an affiliation agreement with the latter institution. This affiliation agreement governs and affirms the status of degrees granted by these institutions as being also degrees granted by the Université de Montréal. The three institutions have separate boards of governors. However, some institutions (either in the same sector or in different sectors) have entered into agreements covering specific programs. Such agreements are governed by protocols that the institutions concerned are responsible for applying. Thus quality control measures are the same as for new programs. Students in those programs have library privileges in all institutions involved, under a CREPUQ-governed agreement.
Such programs exist at all levels and include the following models:
- joint programs (involving resources from several institutions)
- extension programs (under the responsibility of the originating institution)
- network or associated programs (involving two faculties within an institution, or several different institutions)
Credit Transfer and Program Equivalencies
To facilitate mobility for students wishing to change institutions, prior studies may be recognized under a credit transfer mechanism between recognized universities, up to a maximum of two thirds of credits for a specific program, according to policies that vary between institutions. Since programs vary between institutions as well, a number of mechanisms such as exemption or course substitution are also provided. Such mechanisms are under the responsibility of the host institution and the program committee concerned. Transfers are not automatic and require enrolment in the host institution to become valid.
A mechanism is also available to recognize prior learning in order to grant equivalency for educational or employment experience. Here again, such recognition is not automatic and requires in-depth study of a candidate's file by the host institution.
The cégep-to-university transition can occur through program equivalencies governed by a memorandum of understanding. So-called "DEC-BAC" (college diploma to bachelor's degree) programs are governed by specific agreements between institutions and allow students to obtain a number of university credits for their college studies. These agreements apply only to technical courses, since general-stream courses are prerequisites to university admission in the first place. There is no provincial guide covering equivalencies or transfers, but Quebec university registrars use specific resources, in particular to determine possible equivalencies. One such resource is the Guide des niveaux de formation pour l'admission générale des candidats non québécois published under the auspices of the Conférence des recteurs et principaux des universités du Québec.
Responsibility for recognizing training from another country lies with Quebec institutions (schools, colleges, and universities). As well, the Ministère de l'Immigration et des Communautés culturelles provides academic equivalency assessments, mostly for labour market purposes, but these can also be used by educational institutions.
External and Internal Review
Each institution is required to set a periodic program assessment policy, using its own professors and lecturers as well as students and graduates, employers if appropriate, and external specialists and international experts. These periodic assessment processes are reviewed by CREPUQ's Commission de vérification de l'évaluation des programmes.
Teacher training programs must be approved by the Comité d'agrément des programmes de formation à l'enseignement (CAPFE).
Professional Accreditation
The Règlement sur les diplômes délivrés par les établissements d'enseignement désignés qui donnent droit aux permis et aux certificats de spécialistes des ordres professionnels was adopted under the Code des professions. Professional governing bodies ensure that training is adequate to acquire the professional skills required for the practice of a profession. Professional governing bodies generally create an advisory committee on training to review the quality of training in respect of (a) the objectives of training programs leading to a diploma entitling the holder to a licence or specialist certificate; (b) the aims of other conditions for the issuance of a licence or specialist certificate; and (c) diploma or training equivalency standards set out by regulation by the executive committee of the professional governing body and entitling the applicant to a licence or specialist certificate.
The Code des professions du Québec (Chapter C-26, Revised Statutes of Quebec) provides an overview of Quebec professions and each governing body's procedures. The Office des professions du Québec is responsible for implementing the Code des professions.
Some professional governing bodies (such as the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec) may be members of an association that includes several governing bodies (such as the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers). Such associations may exercise accreditation functions in respect of university training programs, based on Canadian or international standards. However, such certification practices are distinct from the quality assurance mechanisms described above.
Other Mechanisms
In addition to CREPUQ membership, Quebec universities are also members of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). AUCC has adopted quality assurance principles to which leaders of university institutions subscribe. AUCC imposes membership criteria that address the primary mission of institutions, the range of program offerings, the breadth and depth of programs, the nature of their relationship with parent institutions, the size of enrolment, institutional focus on scholarship, academic inquiry and research, and compliance with the principles of academic freedom and responsibility. Institutions applying for membership must host an AUCC visiting committee that reports to the AUCC Board of Directors on a variety of items and recommends a decision on whether the applying institution is providing education of university standard.
Many provincial and pan-Canadian professional associations of administrators and universities are also concerned with promoting quality. Student associations are active as well in ensuring that both programs and conditions of learning are at the highest possible level.
In addition to the l'Office des professions du Québec, the Association of Accrediting Agencies of Canada (AAAC) is a national organization composed of professional associations involved in promoting good practices by its members in accreditation of educational programs.
Colleges
This education sector, created in 1967, is unique in the world. It provides both a transition between secondary school and university, through two-year pre-university programs, and three-year labour-market-focused technical training programs. College programs lead to the Diplôme d'Études Collégiales (DEC), granted by the minister, and Attestations d'Études Collégiales (AEC), granted by institutions. Regardless of the DEC program they choose, students undergo a core general-stream program.
The college sector includes 48 public cégeps, 25 subsidized private institutions, 11 public institutions governed by an authority other than the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport, and 32 private licensed institutions. A complete list can be found on the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport Web site.
The Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport is responsible for developing pre-university and technical training based on three principles:
- accessible training adapted to needs
- harmonized programs between the secondary and college levels
- sustained cooperation with community partners
The ministry is thus responsible for quality control and evaluation, including
- defining orientations and strategies
- identifying and prioritizing program development or review needs
- assuming responsibility for prior learning assessment and program evaluation
Programs are delivered by private colleges, cégeps, and other institutions are governed by the quality control rules described below.
Legislation
The public college network is governed by the General and Vocational Colleges Act (Loi sur les collèges d'enseignement général et professionnel). Private colleges are governed by the Act Respecting Private Education (Loi sur l'enseignement privé). The government mandates the minister responsible for the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport to approve all programs and authorize their delivery. Private institutions wishing to offer a DEC or AEC program must also receive a licence from the minister. Institutions are assessed under the Act Respecting the Commission d'Évaluation de l'Enseignement Collégial (Loi sur la Commission d'évaluation de l'enseignement collégial).
Affiliation
Quebec's colleges and cégeps have no formal affiliations with universities or other colleges or institutes.
Credit Transfer and Program Harmonization
Since college programs are authorized by the minister, transfers between colleges are generally smooth. Such transfers are under the responsibility of individual colleges. Cégep admission applications are centralized and processed in regional centres in Montreal, Quebec City, and Saguenay-Lac St-Jean, to ensure uniform province-wide processing. Harmonization of vocational and technical training can fall under individual agreements between colleges and school boards. These are used to harmonize programs and prevent duplication of curriculum in the vocational and technical sector in order to smooth the transition between secondary and college programs.
More and more equivalencies are set between college and university programs, leading to "DEC-BAC" (college diploma to bachelor's degree) programs in technical fields (see above under Universities - Credit Transfers and Program Equivalencies. Most universities have also made arrangements to admit students with a technical DEC.
External and Internal Review
Quality assessment for college programs is provided by the Commission d'évaluation de l'enseignement collégial, which assesses the following in each institution:
- institutional course content assessment policies
- institutional program assessment policies
- the implementation of curricula set by the minister responsible for the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport, taking into account institutional objectives and needs
Quality control is provided systematically both for pre-university and for technical programs under the Act Respecting the Commission d'Évaluation de l'Enseignement Collégial (Loi sur la Commission d'évaluation de l'enseignement collégial) (C-32.2). It is important to note that this process is superimposed on each institution's internal policies.
Other Mechanisms
The Fédération des cégeps is a voluntary grouping of public colleges that plays a key role in ensuring representativeness and cohesiveness in the college network. That organization, together with others including the Conseil du Patronat du Québec, helped set up the Centre de liaison entreprises-éducation, mandated to raise the profile of vocational and technical education.
Cégeps and privates colleges are generally members of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), whose aims are similar to those of the Fédération des cégeps, but at the pan-Canadian level. In addition, ACCC is very active on the international scene and manages joint college-level international funding programs. However, ACCC largely focuses on the technical areas, while the Fédération des cégeps is also concerned with pre-university programs. ACCC does not perform formal quality assurance functions with respect to its members, but it does promote quality programming and high academic standards by conducting research and facilitating broad discussion on quality assurance issues.
Professional accreditation
The Association of Accrediting Agencies of Canada (AAAC) is a national organization composed of professional associations involved in promoting good practices by its members in accreditation of educational programs.
Some professional governing bodies under the Professional Code (Code des professions) (C-26) are also concerned with the quality of college-level technical training for certain professions. The Conseil interprofessionnel du Québec, under its public protection mandate, is also involved in this area.
Private Subsidized or Non-Subsidized Colleges and Institutes
Legislation
Private colleges are governed by the Act Respecting Private Education (Loi sur l'enseignement privé). Institutions are assessed under the Act Respecting the Commission d'Évaluation de l'Enseignement Collégial (Loi sur la Commission d'évaluation de l'enseignement collégial).
Private institutions are required to be licensed by the minister and are subject to the same quality control mechanisms as cégeps in terms of obtaining authority to deliver programs leading to a DEC or an AEC.
Private colleges are required to make their status clear in any advertising, especially by specifying those educational services they are authorized to offer as well as the programs for technical specialties set out in their licence. In addition, private colleges are prohibited from implying that their courses of study guarantee a job, from advertising courses in a way that implies that a job offer is involved, or from mentioning any service or program not included in their licence.
The nomenclature of private institutions generally reflects their level. They are usually called "colleges," but some are also called "institutes." The name cégep can only be used by public institutions.
Private subsidized institutions also deliver pre-university and technical training. This training is governed by the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport. They are represented by the Association des collèges privés du Québec.
Programs delivered by private colleges are also governed by quality control requirements set out above.
Public Institutions Regulated by an Authority Other Than the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport
Eleven institutions are regulated by an authority other than the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport:
- seven conservatories of music under the authority of the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications
- the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) under the authority of the Quebec Government, which names a board of governors
- two institutes of agrifood technology under the authority of the Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation
- MacDonald College under the authority of McGill University
Legislation
These public institutions are regulated by specific legislation under an authority other than the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport. However, the minister responsible for the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport approves programs leading to a DEC and authorizes these institutions to deliver them. Like all other public institutions, they are assessed under the Act Respecting the Commission d'Évaluation de l'Enseignement Collégial (Loi sur la Commission d'évaluation de l'enseignement collégial).
Affiliation
These institutions have no formal affiliations with universities or other colleges or institutes.
Credit Transfer and Program Equivalencies
Because the programs in these institutions are authorized by the minister, transfers between colleges are generally smooth. Such transfers are under the responsibility of individual colleges.
External and Internal Review
Programs delivered by these institutions are also governed by quality assurance requirements set out above.
Apprenticeship and Qualification Programs
In Quebec, apprenticeship and qualification programs are generally governed by school boards and are part of secondary-level vocational training.
However, when required to ensure continuity between secondary-level vocational programs and college-level technical programs, the development of technical curricula takes into account the provisions of various applicable acts, including the Act Respecting Workforce Vocational Training and Qualification (Loi sur la formation et la qualification professionnelle de la main-d'oeuvre).
Legislation
The Act Respecting Workforce Vocational Training and Qualification establishes vocational training and qualification programs. These programs may in particular determine
- the activities that are part of a trade or vocation
- the conditions for admission to apprenticeship and examinations and for obtaining a certificate of qualification
- the subjects of the examinations and the certificates of qualification awarded upon completion of the programs
- the fees to be paid for taking examinations and for issuing or renewing a certificate of qualification and an apprentice booklet
- any other related or suppletory provision deemed necessary for the efficient implementation of these programs
The government may make regulations consistent with this act to ensure the efficient carrying out thereof. It may in particular
- determine the qualification required to carry on trades or vocations
- render obligatory apprenticeship and the certificate of qualification for the carrying on of a given trade or vocation
- determine the conditions for admission to apprenticeship and to the examinations for qualification, for obtaining and renewing certificates of qualification, and generally for admission to the carrying on of trades or vocations
- determine the number of persons who may be admitted to apprenticeship in a trade or vocation in relation to the number of qualified employees in an enterprise or in a given territory and determine, after consultation with the parties concerned, the rate of the minimum wage of an apprentice in relation to the wages of a qualified employee
- determine the subjects of the examinations for qualification and the certificates to which they lead
- fix the fees to be paid for taking examinations and for issuing or renewing a certificate of qualification
- generally, adopt any other related or suppletory provision for the efficient carrying out of this act and for the proper functioning of the bodies which it establishes, including any exceptional provision to facilitate the implementation of intergovernmental agreements in respect of workforce mobility or the recognition of the qualifications, skills, or work experience in trades or vocations
External and Internal Review
The mandate of the Direction de l'Apprentissage (Apprenticeship Branch) is to promote the development and recognition of workforce skills to respond to labour market needs.
The branch manages the qualification plan, the apprenticeship program, and regulated professional qualifications; administers the Interprovincial Standards "Red Seal" Program to promote employment mobility; devises notebooks and guides for the introduction of new occupations within the qualification plan; devises and administers qualification exams for apprentices in regulated occupations; and provides the support and consulting expertise pertaining to management of optional and regulated plans to all the regions.
Professional Accreditation
Accreditation of apprenticeship and qualification programs is governed by the applicable acts.
Relevant Legislation
Universities
Acts governing university teaching and research administered by the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport:
Colleges
The following acts governing college education are administered by the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport:
College education administered by a ministry other than the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport
Apprenticeship and Qualification
Provincial legislation can be accessed through the Internet at http://www2.publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca/.
Additional Sources of Information
- Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport
- Secteur de l'enseignement supérieur
1035, rue de la Chevrotière, 15e étage
Québec (Québec) G1R 5A5
Tel.: (418) 643-3810
Fax: (418) 644-3090
Web site: http://www.mels.gouv.qc.ca/
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- Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport
- Direction générale des affaires universitaires et collégiales
- 1035, rue de La Chevrotière, 18e étage
Québec (Québec) G1R 5A5
Tel.: (418) 643-6671
Fax: (418) 646-7447
Web site: http://www.mels.gouv.qc.ca/Ens-sup
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- Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport
- Direction générale de l'aide financière aux étudiants
Direction de l'attribution de l'aide financière
1035, rue de la Chevrotière, 21e étage
Québec (Québec) G1R 5A5
Tel.: (418) 643-5313
Fax: (418) 528-0779
Web site: http://www.afe.gouv.qc.ca/
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- Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation
- 710, place D'Youville, 3e étage
- Québec (Québec) G1R 4Y4
- Tel.: (418) 691-5950
- Toll Free: 1 866 680-1884
- Fax: (418) 644-0118
Web site: http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/
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- Conférence des recteurs et des principaux des universités du Québec
- 300, rue Pariseau, bureau 1200, 12e étage
Case postale 952, succursale du Parc
Montréal (Québec) H2W 2N1
Tel.: (514) 288-8524
Fax: (514) 288-0554
Web site: http://www.crepuq.qc.ca/
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- Fédération des cégeps
- 500, boulevard Crémazie Est
Montréal (Québec) H2P 1E7
Tel.: (514) 381-8631
Fax: (514) 381-2263
Web site: http://www.fedecegeps.qc.ca/
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- Association des collèges privés du Québec
- 1940, boulevard henri-Bourassa Est
- Montréal (Québec) H2B 1S2
- Tel.: (514) 381-8891
- Fax: (514) 381-4086
- Web site: http://www.cadre.qc.ca/acpq
Other government agencies with responsibilities in the area of postsecondary education
- Conseil supérieur de l'éducation (organisme consultatif)
- 1200, route de l'Église, porte 3.20
Sainte-Foy (Québec) G1V 4Z4
Tel.: (418) 643-8022
Fax: (418) 644-2530
Web site: http://www.cse.gouv.qc.ca/
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- Commission d'évaluation de l'enseignement collégial
- 800, place D'Youville, 18e étage
- Québec (Québec) G1R 5P4
- Tel.: (418) 643-9938
- Fax: (418) 643-9019
- Web site: http://www.ceec.gouv.qc.ca
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- Le Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la nature et les technologies (research grants)
- 140, Grande-Allée Est, bureau 450
- Québec (Québec) G1R 5M8
- Tel.: (418) 643-8560
- Fax: (418) 643-1451
- SiteWeb: http://www.fqrnt.gouv.qc.ca/
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- Fonds de recherche sur la société et la culture (research grants)
- Quebec City
- 140, Grande-Allée Est, bureau 470
- Québec (Québec) G1R 5M8
- Tel.: (418) 643-7582
- Fax: (418) 644-5248
- E-mail: fqrsc@fqrsc.gouv.qc.ca
- Web site: http://www.fqrsc.gouv.qc.ca/
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- Montreal
- 500, boul. René-Lévesque Ouest, 17e étage, bureau 100
- Montréal (Québec) H2Z 1W7
- Tel.: (514) 873-1298
- Fax: (514) 873-9382
- E-mail: fqrsc@fqrsc.gouv.qc.ca
- Web site: http://www.fqrsc.gouv.qc.ca/
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- Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (research grants)
- 500, rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Bureau 800
- Montréal (Québec) Canada
- H3A 3C6
- Tel.: (514) 873-2114
- Fax: (514) 873-8768
- Web site: http://www.frsq.gouv.qc.ca
List of recognized degree-granting and non-degree-granting postsecondary institutions in Quebec
Revision: April 10, 2008