All You Need to Know About Associate Degrees in Canada

Associate degrees are generally 2-year degrees like any bachelor's degree with a primary focus on some particular field as chosen. This is called specialized technical or vocational coursework. If you want to take a general focus throughout this degree, you can take up that too. You can earn transferable college credits if you want to use them later in the future for your bachelor's degree. Furthermore, students can move at their own pace throughout associate degrees, which is not an option for bachelor's degrees. Working students can also opt for part-time coursework that will take some time to complete. However, you can also choose to fast-track the course if you can be a full-time student.

The students can take up four types of associate degrees according to their field of interest. All associate degrees generally have 60 credit hours unless specified otherwise by the concerned institution.

Associate of Arts (A.A.)

This degree is conferred in courses related to liberal arts, focusing on writing, technical, and computational skills, such as humanities and history, social and behavioural sciences, technology and math, photography, media and communication.

Associate of Science (A.S.)

This degree covers practical applications of sciences, including subjects in the fields of Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science.

Associate of Applied Business (A.A.B.)

This degree covers all market and business operations activities in sales, marketing, operations, supervision, planning, and distribution.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

This degree covers subjects related to career-specific fields and the application of scientific and anthropocentric studies to their field. This degree covers the fields of communication, science, social science, cyber operations, design, etc., with an extensive focus on practical applications in the real world.

Many countries worldwide offer exemplary associate degrees, such as the U.K., U.S., Australia, etc. Canada is not far behind. Tagged as one of the most educated countries globally, it offers jobs and placements to students pursuing all kinds of degrees that benefit their understanding and widen their learning scope. To study in Canada as an international student, you must have a valid visa and other relevant documents relating to your course, stay, and chosen university for a hassle-free journey abroad.

Students applying for an associate degree in Canada must fulfil the following -

• Must have completed their 12th grade or its equivalent.
• Proof of English proficiency, i.e., IELTS or TOEFL scores or equivalent.
• Must be 18years of age or above

• You will likely need an average of 3500 CAD to 5500 CAD annually to pay the tuition fees in public universities in Canada.
• The average annual tuition fee is between 10,000 CAD and 15,000 CAD for private universities.

• Alexander College
• Vancouver Island University
• University Canada West
• LaSalle College
• Corpus Christi College
• Thompson Rivers University
• Columbia College
• Northern Lights College
• Capilano University
• Douglas College
• College of New Caledonia

• Assistant Retail Manager
• Administrative Assistant
• Bank Teller
• Web Developer
• Chemical Technician
• Dental Hygienist
• Paralegal and Legal Assistant
• Preschool teacher
• Industrial designer
• Air Traffic Controller
• Police Officer
• Occupational Assistant

Of course, these are just some of the popular jobs for associate degree holders in different fields. There are more options wherever one strives to look.

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an Associate Degree holder is $138,094 in Canada.

Furthermore, some fields expected to have higher hiring rates and increased wages include positions in the medical sector, such as Radiologic and M.R.I. Technologists, Personal Care Aides, Medical/Nursing Assistants; in the I.T. sector, such as Web Developers, etc.

Q.1) Do associate degrees exist in Canada?

Yes, Canada is one of the famous study abroad destinations that offers associate degrees such as Science, Arts, Humanities, Medicine, Law, History, Sociology, Psychology, etc., just like any other bachelor's degree. They are 2-year degree programs comprising 60 credit hours.

Q.2) Is an associate degree the same as a degree?

No. Associate Degrees do not work like usual degrees such as a Bachelor's Degree. They have a shorter course period and are more specialization-focused from the beginning of the course, unlike a bachelor's degree, which gradually develops its level of specialization. An associate degree is a 2-year program, whereas a bachelor's degree is usually a 3-or-4-year program. Associate degrees are usually taken up as pre-degree before enrolling in a full-time bachelor's degree.

Q.3) Can I work with an associate degree in Canada?

Yes, of course. Associate degrees in Canada work like any other program. It is flexible and tailored to fit you. You can work with your student visa as per the country's regulations. You can also apply for a post-study work permit and/or permanent residency option as it fits your plans. Associate degrees also cater to working professionals who can study part-time.

Q.4) What kind of job can I get with an associate's degree?

Some of the best paying jobs with an associate degree are Computer Programmer, Dental Hygienist, Registered Nurse, Web Developer, Aerospace Technician, Occupational Assistant, Medical/Nursing Assistants, Paralegal, etc. The average salary of an associate degree holder, according to Glassdoor, is $138,094 in Canada.

Q.5) Which are the best places to study in Canada for international students for associate degrees?

The top colleges in Canada with some of the best associate degree programs are Alexander College, Vancouver Island University, University Canada West, LaSalle College, Corpus Christi College, Northern Lights College, Capilano University, and Douglas College.