Accredited and Non-Accredited Universities in Canada

Accreditation refers to deciding if a college meets specific standards and achieves the missions it claims to have. The accreditation system in Canada is a bit different. According to the council for higher education (CHEA), accreditation reviews the quality of higher education institutions and programs. This can entail an institution or just a specific academic program. Accreditation agencies were originally formed to ensure the transferability of credits between institutions. However, it has many subparts as it directly affects various aspects of an institution and a student’s academic journey. Now, what exactly are Accredited and Non-Accredited Universities?

Accredited means that the university or education institution has been certified that the institution meets specific standards and can fulfill its mission. It’s a way of telling that the institution is legit and worth your money, time, and effort. Non-Accredited means that the university hasn’t been checked by experts for its authenticity and may or may not be worth your money, time, and effort. In Canada, each province and territory is responsible for every educational institution inside it, and they oversee the accreditation process. In Manitoba, the Department of Advanced Education handles the process. There’s no federal accreditation in Canada. However, some universities seek evaluation from American regional accreditation agencies. To confirm if an educational institution is recognized and accredited, you’ll have to contact your provincial or territorial student financial aid authority. 

The core difference between the two:

Accredited   –   When you are in an accredited university, there’s no questioning its standard of education, methods, skills they equip you with, its validity in the market, and authenticity. You will be eligible for federal government aid and loans. There is no risk of getting rejected by the government or other big corporations. 

Non-Accredited – In Non-Accredited universities, there are no federal government loans or aid, so you’ll have to pay from your pocket or depend on private aiding organizations.

 Unless your institution is accredited, some organizations don’t allow you to apply for a permit. The institution might be a scam, and their education and programs might not be legit. If you ever transfer to another school, credit transfer to accredited universities would not be possible.

Benefits of Accredited Universities:

• Financial Eligibility: according to CHEA, to seek to offer federal financial aid, the school must be accredited. Only schools that meet those standards and have been certified as authentic can get the benefits with no exception.

• Academic Rigor:  The academic requirements and course contents are reviewed and ensured to be met by an external curriculum. 

• Up-to-Date Knowledge and skills: with accreditation, the quality of education, its relevancy, and currency are guaranteed. It means academic programming- the tools and resources used- is updated with industry standards and best practices. 

• The faculty reputation helps to determine an institution’s positive reputation, including the expertise of its faculty members demonstrating expertise in their field and among peers.

•  Employment Opportunities: Many employers require graduates to be from accredited schools or programs. Some industries require specific certifications or licensure, and accreditation can make a difference in taking these exams or completing additional application requirements. Plus, having an accredited school listed on a resume could distinguish among candidates.

• Student Service Support:  If a school is accredited, it is evident that students’ support meets standard requirements. Having access to a library and other resources is often required to be accredited.

Going to an accredited school isn’t a must to thrive in the future. Great renowned schools aren’t accredited but are a plus point for you. Depending on the plan, the accreditation of your school will affect your student life like if you want to get a Ph.D., not being from an accredited school might create problems.