The Big Picture
Ontario vs Quebec — side by side
These two systems lead to the same destination (university degree) but through different structures. Quebec students spend 2 fewer years in high school and 2 more years in CEGEP before university.
🍁 Ontario (OSSD System)
ElementaryGrades 1–8
High SchoolGrades 9–12 (4 years)
Pre-UniversityNone (direct to university)
University4-year Honours degree
Graduation age~18 from HS, ~22 from university
DiplomaOSSD → University Degree
Stream decisionGrade 8 (Academic vs Applied)
🔵 Quebec (CEGEP System)
ElementaryGrades 1–6
High SchoolSecondary 1–5 (5 years, ends at ~17)
CEGEP2 years (pre-university) or 3 years (technical)
University3-year degree (not 4)
Graduation age~19 from CEGEP, ~22 from university
DiplomaDES → DEC (CEGEP) → University Degree
LanguagePrimarily French (English CEGEPs exist)
Key insight for Eastern Ontario families: If you're in Cornwall, you're 1 hour from Montreal and 45 minutes from the Quebec border. Many Eastern Ontario families consider Quebec universities (McGill, Concordia, Université de Montréal, Laval). Understanding CEGEP helps you know what Quebec university applicants look like — and why Ontario applicants need to apply through a different process.
What is CEGEP?
Two types of CEGEP programs
CEGEP (Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel) is a Quebec-specific institution. Students attend after Secondary 5 (equivalent to Ontario Grade 11). It has two main streams:
Pre-University Program
2 years · DEC (Diplôme d'études collégiales)
- Science — for medicine, engineering, science at university
- Social Sciences — for law, political science, psychology, commerce
- Arts & Letters — for humanities, communications, fine arts
- Arts, Letters & Communications — creative paths
- Required to apply to Quebec universities (McGill, Concordia, UdeM, Laval)
- Quebec university degrees are 3 years (not 4) because CEGEP counts as year 1
- Some programs at McGill/Concordia accept Ontario Grade 12 directly
Technical / Vocational Program
3 years · DEC technique (leads directly to work)
- Technology programs — electrical, civil, industrial, computer tech
- Health programs — nursing tech, dental hygiene, medical lab
- Business programs — accounting tech, administration, logistics
- Creative programs — graphic design, animation, photography
- Similar to Ontario college diploma — goes directly to workforce
- Can be a pathway to university with additional credits
- Strong Quebec apprenticeship / career pathway connection
📍 Quebec Education Timeline
From elementary school to university degree — how it flows
Ages 6–12
Primary School
Grades 1–6
Elementary education in French or English
Ages 12–17
Secondary School
Sec 1–5 (5 years)
DES diploma. Ends 1 year earlier than Ontario HS
Ages 17–19
CEGEP
2 years (pre-uni)
DEC diploma. Required for Quebec universities
Ages 19–22
University
3 years (not 4)
Quebec university degrees are 1 year shorter
Ages 22+
Masters / Graduate
1–2 years
MSc, MBA, LLB same as Ontario
Popular CEGEP Programs
What can you study at CEGEP?
Notable CEGEP programs — including English-language CEGEPs near Eastern Ontario (Cégep Heritage in Gatineau, John Abbott in Montreal, Champlain in Lennoxville).
| Program | Type | Leads To | English CEGEP Available? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Sciences Pre-university (Sciences de la santé) |
Pre-Uni / Science | Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Sciences at university | Yes — Heritage, John Abbott, Champlain |
| Pure & Applied Science Sciences pures et appliquées |
Pre-Uni / Science | Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Math at university | Yes — Heritage (Gatineau), John Abbott |
| Social Science Sciences humaines |
Pre-Uni / Arts | Law, Political Science, Psychology, Commerce at university | Yes — all English CEGEPs |
| Arts & Letters Arts, lettres et communication |
Pre-Uni / Arts | Literature, Journalism, Communications, Fine Arts | Yes — Heritage, Champlain |
| Computer Science Technology Informatique |
Technical (3yr) | Direct employment in IT, programming, systems admin | Yes — Heritage (Gatineau) |
| Graphic Design / Animation | Technical (3yr) | Animation studios, design agencies, game companies | Limited — mostly French programs |
| Nursing Technology Soins infirmiers |
Technical (3yr) | Registered Nurse (practical route, different from university BScN) | Yes — Heritage, John Abbott |
| Business Administration | Technical (3yr) | Accounting, finance, HR roles; can bridge to university | Yes — most English CEGEPs |
For Ontario Students
Considering a Quebec university?
McGill and Concordia are English-language universities in Montreal and accept Ontario Grade 12 applicants directly — no CEGEP required. Here's what you need to know.
McGill / Concordia — Ontario Application
As an Ontario student, you apply with your Grade 12 marks just like any Ontario university. You do NOT need to do CEGEP first. McGill accepts OSSD applicants in most programs.
3-Year Quebec Degree vs 4-Year Ontario
Quebec university degrees are 3 years because CEGEP acts as year 1. As an Ontario student at McGill, your degree is still typically 3 years — you may be ahead in some ways, behind in others.
French Requirement
McGill and Concordia teach primarily in English. However, Bill 96 (passed 2022) means more coursework must be available in French. Knowing French is a genuine advantage in Montreal job market.
Lower Tuition (For Canadians)
Quebec universities charge lower tuition for Canadian students from all provinces — not just Quebec residents. McGill engineering tuition is significantly lower than Waterloo or UofT for out-of-province students.
Close to Eastern Ontario
Montreal is ~2 hours from Cornwall. McGill and Concordia are realistic options for Eastern Ontario students. Many Cornwall families have kids studying in Montreal while coming home regularly.
McGill Medicine
McGill's medical school is internationally renowned. It accepts both CEGEP graduates and Ontario undergrad applicants (through MCAT route). One of the few Canadian med schools accepting international students.
FAQ
Quebec & CEGEP Questions
Can I go to a Quebec university without doing CEGEP?▼
Yes — if you're from Ontario. McGill, Concordia, Bishop's, and UQAM all accept Ontario Grade 12 applicants directly. You apply with your OSSD and top 6 Grade 12 U courses, just like applying to Ontario universities. You do NOT need CEGEP. Only students coming from Quebec secondary school (DES) are required to complete CEGEP first before Quebec universities.
Is a McGill degree worth less than a Waterloo or UofT degree?▼
No — McGill is internationally top-ranked. In many rankings, McGill appears higher than Waterloo and UofT globally. McGill medicine, law, and engineering are world-class. Employers in Canada and internationally recognize McGill as a prestigious institution. Concordia is well-regarded especially in business, engineering, and arts, though less prominent than McGill.
What is Heritage College and is it a good option from Cornwall?▼
Cégep Heritage College in Gatineau (across the river from Ottawa) is an English-language CEGEP — one of the few in Quebec. It's about 1 hour from Cornwall. Ontario students can attend Heritage for CEGEP and then apply to Quebec universities as a CEGEP graduate (which can strengthen certain applications). Heritage offers Science, Social Science, Business, and several technical programs. Tuition is very affordable. This is an underused option for Eastern Ontario students interested in Quebec universities or bilingual careers.
Do I need to speak French to study at McGill?▼
McGill teaches primarily in English. You can complete most programs without being fluent in French. However, Bill 96 (2022 Quebec language law) now requires McGill to ensure students can access services in French and some additional French coursework requirements have been introduced. Practically speaking: you can study at McGill in English, but knowing basic French makes your life in Montreal much better — for housing, socializing, and future Quebec employment. Eastern Ontario students who already have French (from CDSBEO or CSDEO schools) have a real advantage.
My family just moved from Quebec to Cornwall — do I need to redo high school?▼
Not necessarily redo — but your Quebec secondary credits will be assessed by your Ontario school board. Secondary 5 in Quebec is roughly equivalent to Grade 11 in Ontario — meaning you may still need to complete Grade 12 U-level courses to satisfy Ontario university prerequisites, or you may be placed in Grade 12. If you completed CEGEP Science or Social Science, that may give you advanced standing at some Ontario universities. Speak to your guidance counsellor immediately and bring all original transcripts from your Quebec school.
Decision Tool
Should your family move to Quebec?
Quebec is genuinely different from Ontario — better in some ways, harder in others. This helps you think through the decision honestly.
✅ Strong reasons to move to Quebec
✓
Lowest daycare costs in North America — $10–15/day subsidized (CPE system) vs $50–80/day in Ontario
✓
CEGEP system — 2 years of post-secondary at no tuition cost for Quebec residents
✓
University tuition for Quebec residents: McGill and Université de Montréal charge ~$4,000–5,000/yr
✓
Montreal is a world-class city with exceptional food, culture, and bilingual professional opportunities
✓
Lower housing costs than Toronto — significantly more space for the same price
⚠️ Real challenges to consider
✗
French is mandatory. Bill 101 means French is the language of work and most government services. Without functional French, career options are severely limited outside Montreal.
✗
Higher marginal income taxes. A $100,000 earner in Quebec pays ~$7,000–10,000 more in provincial tax than the same earner in Ontario.
✗
School in French. Under Bill 101, most immigrant children must attend French school. Expect a 1–2 year adjustment period for children arriving without French.
✗
CEGEP delays university by 2 years vs Ontario — factor this in for competitive programs.
📋 Quebec readiness checklist — for families considering the move