Academic Year and Language of Instruction

Academic year is the time during which an educational institution conducts classes. The schedules adopted in various countries vary widely according to certain factors.

The Academic Year in Canada

In Canada, the academic year usually starts in the month of September and ends in the month of May. The academic year in Canadian Colleges and Universities is usually broken down into two semesters, while some of the institutes have a trimester system. The two semesters are:

• First Semester usually begins in September
• Second semester commences in the month of January

Certain institutes in Canada also allow multiple student intake in the month of January and May. Further, a number of specialized programs are offered by several institutes that usually commences in the month of May.

Language of Instruction in Canada

Canada uses either English or French as their medium of instruction at academic levels. French is a standardized language in the province of Quebec. However, in New Brunswick it is used along with English Language.

It is to be noted that the official language (which is not used as the medium of instruction in the primary level) is a compulsory subject in the primary school. However the language is optional in secondary schools.

Furthermore, in Canada many public as well as private schools work in English jurisdiction along with French. In the far north, certain aboriginal languages with the likes of Inuit and Innu are in use. Even the heritage language is quite common all across the public and private schools of Canada.