Appendix A: The status of postsecondary institutions in Canada

An overview

Issues and trends

Appendix B: Sources for additional information

Competent authorities responsible for education in the provinces and territories of Canada collaborate to maintain the CICIC Directory of Educational Institutions in Canada. The following table provides a general overview of terminology used to describe these institutions.

Legislative Status	Academic Credential Type	Administrative Status	Sample Nomenclature	Government Funding
· Recognized or authorized	· Degree granting	· Public	· University, university college, college, institute, polytechnic	· Yes
	· Degree granting	· Private	· University, university college, college, institute, theological school	· In certain cases
	· Non-degree granting	· Public	· College, institute, cégep	· Yes
	· Non-degree granting	· Private	· College, institute	· In certain cases
· Registered/licensed	· Non-degree granting	· Private	· Private career college, vocational school, language school, flight school	· No
· Other	· Non-degree granting	· Private	· Language school, flight school, other designated learning institution (DLI)	· No

You can read more information about the Directory of Educational Institutions in Canada, which includes a complete listing of terminology and definitions in use.

Comprehensive review of this information: March 2021

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