College Programs

what is cegep ?

CEGEP education is a unique feature of Québec’s education system. It constitutes an intermediary level between secondary education and university education. In other words, CEGEP is the both bridge to university studies in Quebec and a technical training college. Québec CEGEPS offer two-year pre-university programs and three-year career/technical programs which both lead to a Diploma of College Studies (DCS). They also offer a Continuing Education sector that provides shorter technical programs leading to an Attestation of College Studies (ACS).


For anyone under the age of 21, a Diploma of College Studies (DCS) is required for admission to university in Quebec. Graduates from either stream can continue to University studies, however only technical graduates are directly ready for the workforce upon graduation.


Did you know? CEGEP stands for Collèges d’Enseignement Général et Professionnel !

what programs are there in cegep ?

Pre-University Programs

Pre-University College programs typically last two years. They are designed to prepare you for studies in university, and do no directly lead to specific careers. While all college programs require you to have a High School Diploma, certain programs have specific prerequisites you need to meet before applying. 


Technical/Career Programs

Technical or Career College programs usually take three years to complete. They are designed to prepare you for a specific career or profession, and may also make you eligible for certain programs in university. While all college programs require you to have a High School Diploma, certain programs have specific prerequisites you need to meet before applying. 

Preparing for CEGEP Studies:

Where can I find information about CEGEP ?

What activities or tool(s) are available to assist me in my career exploration? 

Where can I find more information on scholarships and/or QC financial aid?

The Quebec student loans & bursary program can help many students offset costs throughout their post-secondary time of study. The application for financial assistance can be found online at www.afe.gouv.qc.ca Students are encouraged to complete the assessment simulator before making an application to get an idea of what kind of assistance they can expect to receive. Students are also encouraged to seek out information and assistance from the personnel in the Financial Aid offices of the various post-secondary institutions. CEGEPs may also offer entrance scholarships to incoming students with exceptional academic averages.


There are a wide variety of scholarships available to post-secondary students. Awards and Scholarships are generally selected on the the basis of excellent grades, volunteer work/community service, extracurricular activities/school involvement, and leadership abilities. The application deadlines vary, so please visit the websites below for more information:


What will the CEGEPs be specifically looking at to determine my eligibility at their college?

What is the application deadline for CEGEPs?

Applying to post-secondary education:

How do I apply? 

 Please see other CEGEP websites for the links to their applications.

What do I need to apply to CEGEP? 

Note: your grades will automatically be sent from the school board to the college application systems for SRAM CEGEPs, Dawson and Marianopolis. If you completed Secondary 4 outside QC or are applying to Champlain (St. Lambert) orother private CEGEPs, you will need to provide your grades. 

How do I submit documents?

How much does it cost to apply to CEGEP? 

How many CEGEPs can I apply to? 

Am I required to write an English and/ or French placement test? 

Following up on an application:

I applied to a CEGEP, when will I hear back? 

My friends have gotten a response and I haven’t, what does that mean? 

What if I am refused? 

What if I have been accepted to a CEGEP but it is not the CEGEP I am hoping to attend? (for example, I applied to Dawson and John Abbott, I have heard back from Dawson but I’m hoping to go to John Abbott from whom I haven’t heard

Do I need to pay any additional application fees when applying for round 2 or 3 in a SRAM CEGEP? 

Do I need to re-submit any documents when applying for round 2 or 3 in a SRAM CEGEP? 

What if I paid to confirm my spot, but have since changed my mind. Can I get my money back? 

How do I let a college know that I plan to accept their offer of conditional acceptance? 

Why is it a “conditional” acceptance? 

What are my other options for post secondary education if  I'm not accepted in CEGEP?:

What if I don’t get in at any CEGEP? 

What is Continuing Education in CEGEP? 

please contact your GUIDANCE PROFESSIONAL for more information.