WHS 2026-27 Post-Secondary Presentation Slides for Students: Graduation and Beyond
What's the difference between Colleges and Universities? In general:
Universities grant degrees (e.g. Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Commerce, Master's of Arts). They are institutions of higher learning, and not necessarily focused on leading to employment. University degrees, however, are required for many jobs (like teacher, lawyer, social worker). Undergraduate degree programs are usually 3 or 4 years long.
Colleges grant diplomas and certificates (e.g. Certificate in Marine Technology, Diploma in Cosmetology, Advanced diploma in International Business). Most colleges offer programs that align with current trends and needs in the workforce, and most focus on the goal of employment.
Many colleges and universities have partnership agreements, so students can combine the hands-on, real-world experience of a college program with the academic rigor and in-depth learning of a university degree)
Want to Explore Career Options? Check out the following resources:
MyBlueprint - students can log into their gnspes account and have access to MyBlueprint through the launch page underneath the Classroom tab. Students can complete surveys about personality and learning styles, etc and enter in the courses they have completed in high school. This helps the system determine which programs fit and if the student meets requirements.Â
NSCC Career Exploration has great resources and links to help you explore occupations and programs that might be a great fit for you. Here is the link: https://subjectguides.nscc.ca/career/exploration
If students are interested in exploring trade/apprenticeship opportunities: https://www.nsapprenticeship.ca/
The province of NS provides a career exploring site with labour market information: https://explorecareers.novascotia.ca/
The government of Canada has a job bank site that also has tabs for Career Planning: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home. It includes occupation descriptions, labour market information, wages, and more, broken down by province
What is Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is a post-secondary pathway that leads to certification in a skilled trade. 80% of an apprentice’s time is spent on-the-job training where aspects of a chosen trade are learned directly from a certified journeyperson. The remaining 20% is spent in technical training which is delivered at a college, vocational school or union training centre. Students can enter the trades directly after graduation, as long as they're matched with a journeyperson, or after completing a training program at an institution like NSCC. There may also be options to begin to earn apprenticeship hours while you are still in high school.
Earn while you learn!
This is a unique feature of apprenticeship. As a registered apprentice, you are in fact, an employee and will be paid while you are on the job learning. This means, much less student debt and an increase in wages as you move through each level of your apprenticeship.
Check out the following resources:
Acadia University-Â Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Founded in 1838, Acadia University is one of the oldest and most respected liberal education universities in Canada. Located just one hour from Halifax, Nova Scotia and the international airport, Acadia is an integral part of the quintessential college town of Wolfville, overlooking the Annapolis Valley and the Bay of Fundy. When you step onto campus, you will find yourself in a place like nowhere else.
The small size of the university and the corresponding class sizes allow each student to be an individual and not a number. Every student is welcomed to the university community and supported like family. For students searching for a smaller university experience, Acadia University is exactly what you are looking for.
By choosing Acadia, you have opportunities to work closely with professors, volunteer in the community, study abroad, enjoy co-op placements, and be engaged in real-world research. Acadia’s four faculties – Arts, Pure and Applied Sciences, Professional Studies, and Theology – offer more than 200 degree combinations in its undergraduate academic programs and graduate programs. Some of our most popular majors are in biology, marketing, English, psychology, environmental studies, and kinesiology.Â
Canadian Student Admission Requirements
International Student Admission Requirements
Acadia University's Applications are open: https://www2.acadiau.ca/apply_undergraduate.html
Bishop's University- Sherbrooke, Quebec
Bishop’s University is a predominantly residential, mostly undergraduate university. Our primary concern is offering students a quality education in the fine arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business and education. The residential aspect of our small size (2,900 full-time students) encourages students to immerse themselves in the complete Bishop’s experience.Â
Canadian Student Admission Requirements
International Student Admission RequirementsÂ
Admission Deadlines & Online Application
Check out this link for future students, and sign up for their mailing list to stay up-to-date on upcoming dates and events.
https://www.ubishops.ca/future-current-students/
The Canadian College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (CCATCM) is a leading institution dedicated to excellence in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) education. With a strong foundation in acupuncture, herbal medicine, and holistic healthcare, we equip students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed for a successful career in TCM. Â
Acupuncture is a way to bring healing into communities. We welcome students from all backgrounds who want to make a real impact through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Our Acupuncture Diploma Program provides the hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and strong clinical foundation to practice confidently.
Whether you’re starting a new career, deepening your understanding of holistic health, or expanding your medical expertise, you’ll find a place here.
CCMH has been providing first-class education in massage therapy since 1946. Located in midtown Halifax, adjacent to the Halifax Shopping Centre, with excellent access to transit and free parking, coffee shops and restaurants, the 12,000 sq. ft. campus is home to approximately 100 students and over 20 faculty. In addition to academic and practical education, the campus includes a busy public Student Intern Clinic that operates 5-6 days a week.
Upon successful completion of our massage therapy diploma program, graduates are qualified to practice massage therapy in all non-regulated Canadian provinces and are prepared to confidently complete certification exams for entry to practice as a Registered Massage Therapist, in all regulated Canadian provinces (currently NL, NB, PEI, ON, and BC).
Cape Breton University- Sydney, Nova Scotia
A diverse campus and welcoming environment are waiting for you at Cape Breton University. Here, you’ll get more than just a world-class education. You’ll build life-long friendships, gain global perspectives and experience the vibrant culture of Cape Breton Island. Live and study alongside students just like you from over 70 countries around the world while receiving the support you need to succeed.
Program Areas:
Arts & Social Sciences
Education & Health
Nursing
Science & Technology
Shannon School of Business
Canadian Student Admission Requirements
International Student Admission Requirements
Canadian Student Admission DeadlinesÂ
International Student Admission Deadlines
College of the North Atlantic- St. John's, Newfoundland and LabradorÂ
We are Newfoundland and Labrador’s public college – one of the largest post-secondary educational and skills training centres in Atlantic Canada, with a history dating back 50 years. We offer over 100 programs in 9 different areas of study throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.Â
As part of its commitment to create pathways for further post-secondary education for students and graduates, College of the North Atlantic (CNA) has entered many articulation agreements, commonly known as transfer agreements, with other post-secondary institutions, both domestic and abroad. These formal agreements allow students to transfer their program and/or course credits to partnering institutions, or from other post-secondary institutions to CNA. This, in turn, allows students to continue their studies with advanced standing.Â
Program areas:
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism
Business & Information Technology
Engineering Technology
Health Sciences
Natural Resources & Industrial Trades
Canadian Student Admission Requirements
International Student Admission Requirements
Admission Deadlines (note that this is from a site outside of CNA)
Concordia University- Montreal, Quebec
As a next-generation university, we reimagine the future of higher education. Concordia’s innovative approach to experiential learning and cross-functional research benefits our 50,000 students.
Located in vibrant Montreal on the traditional lands of the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation, Concordia has consistently ranked as a top young university in North America. We strive to be socially responsible and create a more equitable and sustainable world.
Program areas:
Arts & Sciences
Fine Arts
Engineering & Computer Science
Business
Viewbook (scroll down for link)
Cosmetology Schools in Nova Scotia
This site lists details of all training programs available in the province in the areas of:
Hairdressing
Aesthetics
Nail Technology
Makeup Artistry
Eyelash Extensions
Body Hair Removal
It also provides information about licensing, permits and health & safety
Crandall University: Moncton, NB
The mission of Crandall University is that of Transforming lives through quality university education firmly rooted in the Christian faith. The initial form of this school began in 1949, to address the issue of students leaving the area to trin in the Christian ministry. However, they now offer a variety of programs in:
Arts & Sciences
Business & Organizational Management
Education
Theology
Dalhousie University- Halifax, Nova Scotia Â
Located in Nova Scotia, Canada (Mi'kma'ki) with four campuses in Halifax and Truro, and satellite locations in Yarmouth and Saint John, New Brunswick, our broad range of academic programs attract and retain a diverse mix of incredible students, scholars, researchers and staff who work together with interdisciplinary perspective and a focus on service.Â
In addition to arts, science, music, computer science, kinesiology, nursing, commerce and other programs, Dalhousie offers unique programs in
Architecture
Costume Studies
Community Design
Environment, Sustainability and Society
International Food Business
Landscape Architecture
General Admission RequirementsÂ
International Student Admissions
Dalhousie understands that humanitarian crises are occurring worldwide and cause unique challenges for students. We are committed to assisting students in these situations, including asylum-seekers, refugees, and other learners who have been forcibly displaced due to reported persecution, violence, conflict, human rights violations; political instability, weak governance, and state repression; or natural hazards, disasters, and man-made environmental crises. If you are facing any barriers to completing your application to Dalhousie or providing official academic documentation due to the situations outlined above, please let us know by contacting us at admissions.documents@dal.ca so we can aim to assist you.
Holland College- PEI (Campuses in various parts of the province)
A wide variety of programs, small class sizes, and plenty of hands-on learning: these are some of the reasons that students from all across Canada choose to come to Prince Edward Island’s community college, Holland College. The college offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of areas including culinary, policing, marine training, applied sciences and engineering technology, trades and industrial technology, health and community services, communications and media studies, computer studies, business studies, sport and leisure studies, performing arts, and tourism in 13 campuses and centres across the province. Holland College has 90+ degree pathways with universities and institutes across the country and around the world.Â
General Admission Requirements (scroll down)
Marine Institute of Newfoundland- St. John's and Stephenville, Newfoundland & Labrador
We are North America's most comprehensive institute dedicated to education, training, applied research and industrial support in ocean industries. As part of Memorial University, the Marine Institute provides you with credentials that are recognized around the world.
As the largest institute of its kind in Canada, Marine Institute offers a suite of programs that are found nowhere else in the country. A cutting-edge education from the Marine Institute is one of the most affordable in Canada and gives you credentials that are recognized around the globe. Programs are a mix of classroom work and in-the-field training
They offer both degree and diploma programs. Program areas:
Diploma/degree in different Marine & Naval Technologies, including ocean mapping, naval architecture and maritime studies
Maritime Studies Bachelor Degrees
Technical diploma/certificate in operating remote vehicles, bridge watch, fire rescue, marine diesel mechanic
General Admission Requirements
Additional Information for International Students
Admission Deadlines (click on each program for deadlines)
As always, we are here for you. If you would like to connect with us, please contact us through learnatmi.ca to book a meeting.Â
Maritime Business College: Sackville, NS
Founded in 1899, Maritime Business College has provided advanced career training to thousands of students in Nova Scotia.
The instructors at Maritime Business College are trained and experienced experts in the industry. Insightful classroom instruction is complemented by practical training.
Program Areas include:
Animation & Digital Arts
Business Admin & Marketing
Corrections & Law Enforcement, Paralegal
Counselling Skills
Medical Reprocessing Technician
Veterinary Assistant
For application information, click on the "Get Details" link and request information
Memorial Univeristy: St. John's and other communities, Newfoundland
As Newfoundland and Labrador’s only university, Memorial has a special obligation to the people of this province. Established as a memorial to the Newfoundlanders who lost their lives on active service during the First World War and subsequent conflicts, Memorial University draws inspiration from these sacrifices of the past as we help to build a better future for our province, our country and our world.
At Memorial University more than 19,000 students from over 115 countries come together to discover. From the classics to advanced technology, Memorial offers certificate, diploma, undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs across five campuses and online. MUN also partners with colleges around the province to provide hands-on, industry-focused experiences for students.
Tuition is lower at MUN than many other universities, and so it can be an affordable way to go to school away from home.   Â
Program Areas:
Business
Education
Engineering
Human Kinetics & Recreation
Humanities & Social Sciences, Social Work
Music
Nursing, Pharmacy, Medicine
Science
Mount Allison University- Sackville, New Brunswick
Tracing its roots to 1839, Mount Allison University is a primarily undergraduate liberal arts and sciences university. It has been named the top undergraduate university in Canada many times.
Program Areas:
Arts
SciencesÂ
Social Sciences
Commerce
Music
Fine Arts
Also has a partnership with MFC Training, to provide flight and ground school training as part of your university degree
Admission Requirements (Canadian and International Students)
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU)- Halifax, Nova Scotia
Mount Saint Vincent University is committed to being a model of creative teaching and research that nurtures socially responsible global citizens. With a unique blend of passion and individuality, MSVU is a university with unparalleled social impact at home, across the country and around the world. With our unique collection of programs, undergraduate research opportunities and some of the smallest class sizes in Canada, you’re sure to find the right path for you at MSVU.
Did you know?
-We offer the only four-year bachelor’s degree program in Public Relations in Canada.
-Our Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Study is the only one of its kind in the Atlantic region.
-We have the only freestanding Cultural Studies program in Atlantic Canada.
-MSVU was the first university in Canada to establish a program dedicated to Tourism and Hospitality Management.
Program Areas:
Arts
Science
Professional Studies
Education
NSCC: Nova Scotia Community College- various campuses across NS
We deliver a unique experience that’s different from other post-secondary institutions.
You become part of a tight-knit learning community. You often study alongside the same group of peers and forge relationships that continue after you graduate into the workforce. And, you get to know our instructors and they get to know you. NSCC features hands-on learning, flexible ways to learn, and a supportive learning environment\
Program areas inclue:
Academic Upgrading and Skills Development, Language Learning
Building and Manufacturing, Engineering Technologies
Business
Creative Industries, Tourism & Culinary
Environment, Sustainability and Natural Resources
Health & Wellness, Social & Community Supports
It & Data Analytics
You graduate from NSCC ready for the workforce, but you also have options to enhance your skills with more learning. Learn about your options after graduation.Â
Grade eleven students are encouraged to apply for NSCC programs. Move through the waitlist for your chosen program while you're finishing high school, or guarantee you get the program you want. Applications are accepted year-round.
Post-Care Tuition Bursary Program for students who have lived in care in the NS child welfare system, including Mi'kmaw Family & Children's Services of NS
Oulton College: Moncton, NB
Making History Since 1956
Our story is one of educating people to engage fully in an ever-changing job market. Since our origin as Oulton’s Business College in 1956, we have built on a tradition of relevance and excellence. Some programs are connected with Crandall University, also in Moncton
Program areas:
Business
HealthÂ
Human Services
Information Technology
Admissions Info for Canadian students
Saint Thomas University: Fredericton, NB
We believe smaller is better. Our small size is the reason we are able to give each one of our students a big university experience full of opportunity.
St. Thomas University is a small, primarily undergraduate university dedicated to excellence in liberal arts education. The Bachelor of Arts is the heart of our academic community, with more than 30 programs offered in the humanities and social sciences. For more than 100 years, our small, supportive community has been bonded by a shared commitment to the liberal arts and social justice. In addition, Saint Thomas offers Social Work degrees and a Bachelor of Education
Domestic and International Viewbooks
Saint Mary's University: Halifax, NS
SMU is a vibrant, highly-respected university nestled in the heart of downtown Halifax! Get ready to embark on an incredible journey where the possibilities are truly limitless.
Here, you'll discover a close-knit community that offers a one-of-a-kind experience, where you never have to choose between amazing opportunities and small class sizes. With our impressive student-to-professor ratio, you'll enjoy personalized attention and apply what you learn in real-world settings, and great support when you need it.Â
Program Areas:
Arts & Science
Science
Commerce
Engineering
Environmental Studies
Admissions and Important Dates for Canadian Students
Admissions and Important Dates for International Students
St. Francis Xavier University: Antigonish, NS
St. Francis Xavier University has a reputation as one of Canada's finest undergraduate universities. Our small, supportive campus offers academic and social benefits that you simply won't find at a larger school. Xaverians feel a deep sense of connection to both the university community and the incredible town of Antigonish.Â
Program Areas:
Arts, including Public Policy, Gender Studies, Celtic Studies, Anthropology, Music and Philosophy
Business, including Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Management & Leadership
Education
Science, including Forensic Psychology, Environmental Studies, Aquatic Resources, Computer Science, Chemistry
(note that some programs are offered through both arts and science routes- see specifc programs for details)
Admissions Information for all Students
University of Calgary- Calgary, Alberta
We’ve earned our place as a top 5 research university in Canada by consistently pushing boundaries, embracing new ideas and seeking knowledge wherever it leads us. By challenging the status quo and never settling for the conventional, we foster a culture of curiosity and innovation. This commitment to exploration and the open sharing of discoveries has been the driving force behind our continued growth and success since 1966, earning us the distinction of being Canada’s Entrepreneurial University.
Admissions Information for all Students Â
University of King's College- Halifax, ScotiaÂ
At King’s you’ll enjoy the benefits of a smaller university, while gaining access to the extensive and specialized resources and opportunities of Dalhousie University. We are best known for our humanities programs, journalism programs, science and music degrees. Common to each of these programs and degrees is King’s interdisciplinary approach to education.
Whether you begin with the renowned Foundation Year Program or opt to create your own first year experience, King’s will help you gain the skills you need to succeed as you customize your degree and determine your path. Along with an exceptional education, you’ll find a supportive learning community, as well as opportunities for internships, varsity athletics and creating inclusive student societies that form the heart of the King’s experience.
Program Areas:
Arts & Humanities
Journalism & Media
Music
Science
University of Prince Edward Island- Charlottetown, PEI
Whatever your passion and whatever your goals, UPEI has what you need to carve your niche. Our programs offer personalized learning experiences, small class sizes, great access to professors and instructors, and career-focused outcomes. Prince Edward Island is a beautiful place to live, and the University of Prince Edward Island is an amazing place to study, but its people are our greatest accomplishments. Our faculty, our staff, and our community make UPEI unique and offer students an unforgettable university experience—an experience specifically designed for personal success.
Program Areas:
Arts (including journalism, music eduation, Acadian studies and more)
Science (including paramedicine, climate change & adaptation, chemistry and more)
Business (including business studies, tourism & hospitality, financial mathemativs and more)
https://www.upei.ca/future-students
Admission deadlines- refer to indivudal programs of study sites
University of New Brunswick- Fredericton & Saint John, NBÂ
UNB has among the best student-to-faculty ratios of Canada’s comprehensive universities. We offer world-class programs with a small-university experience.UNB is focused on teaching excellence, world-class research and helping students to achieve their academic goals, making it a great place for students to learn and broaden their skills. With campuses in Fredericton and Saint John, you'll find a welcoming community with lots to do.
Program Areas include:
Arts & Sceince
Environmental Management
Business
Health Sciences
Social Work
Software Engineering
Admission Requirements for all Students
University of Waterloo-Â Waterloo, Kitchener, Stratford and Cambridge, Ontario
In 1957, the University of Waterloo opened its doors to 74 engineering students with co-operative education as its cornerstone. Today, with more than 41,000+ students attending annually, Waterloo is #1 in Canada for experiential learning and employer-student connections.  With a global network spanning more than 270,000 alumni in 160 countries, Waterloo attracts world-class scholars including a Nobel Laureate, leads in providing work-integrated learning opportunities with 8,000+ active co-op employers and fosters an entrepreneurial spirit.
Program Areas include:
Arts
Engineering
Environment
Health
Math & Science
Accounting & Finance
Admission Requirements for all Students