Opening a university in Canada is a complex process that requires careful planning and adherence to the regulations of each province and territory. Each region has its own accreditation criteria, and it is important to work with the relevant authorities to ensure that the institution meets the necessary standards. In addition, some provinces have eliminated the vaccination requirement for universities, while others have extended their mask and vaccination mandates until the end of the semester. Furthermore, universities must adhere to the policies and procedures outlined by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, as well as the Private Education Act and its regulations.
In order to open a university in Canada, it is important to understand the process for obtaining and maintaining approval for vocational programs taught by private professional universities. The Ministry of Colleges and Universities is responsible for approving registrations for new private vocational training institutes. Once you complete the pre-selection application, you will receive an email from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities within four to six weeks. The Private Occupational Training Branch, under the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, oversees the registration process for new private vocational schools in New Brunswick.
To ensure that a program prepares students for the expectations of their industry, the Superintendent of Private Professional Colleges may issue a policy directive requiring a private professional institute to meet a program standard. In Nova Scotia, the Division of Private Professional Colleges of the Ministry of Advanced Education manages the registration of private training institutions offering vocational training in this province. These private institutes are governed by the Private Education Act and its regulations, as well as by the Higher Education Regulations of the General and Vocational Colleges Act. This division also administers the Private Professional Associations Act, to which all professional associations must adhere. Private professional universities in Alberta are required to apply for and receive a license to offer professional training programs. The Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration oversees private vocational institutes in Manitoba.
Part of the program approval process involves a vocational program being evaluated by a qualified third party who has experience evaluating the program and has been approved by the Superintendent of Private Professional Colleges. Each program evaluation report is completed in PARIS and sent directly to the Superintendent of Private Professional Associations. Private professional universities submit applications for program approval through PARIS as well. It is also recommended that private career school owners and operators consult the associated policies and procedures described in the “Standard Operating Procedures for Private Training Institutions in Newfoundland and Labrador” document. When applying to any program offered by a public university in Ontario that has places available to international applicants, it is important to note that priority is given to permanent residents of Ontario and Canada for admission to highly competitive programs. Canadian study permits are only granted to students enrolled in designated learning institutions. Finally, it should be noted that financing any part of studies in Canada through money received from part-time employment while attending college is not recommended.
