Cégep

Cégep, short for collège d’enseignement général et professionnel, refers to the public post-secondary colleges in Quebec, Canada. Introduced in 1967 during the Quiet Revolution, the system restructured higher education to provide both general and vocational training and to serve as a bridge between secondary school and university or the workforce. Cégeps are publicly funded and administered under the authority of the Quebec government.

The core function of a cégep is to offer two main types of programs. Pre-university programs, typically two years in length, prepare students for university study by covering foundational subjects such as science, humanities, and social sciences. Technical or vocational programs, usually three years, lead to the Diplôme d’études collégiales (DEC) and prepare graduates for direct entry into a skilled trade or technician role. Some programs may be offered part-time or through continuing education formats, and many cégeps provide services such as language courses, counseling, and student life activities.

Admission to cégep generally requires completion of secondary education, with specific prerequisites varying by program. The DEC serves as the standard credential for graduates who proceed to university or enter the labor market. While most cégeps are public, some private colleges in Quebec also offer DEC programs under provincial oversight. The cégep system thus functions as a distinctive educational stage in Quebec, emphasizing broad-based education, practical training, and a clear pathway to further study or employment.