The ÉTS Academic System
Every year, ÉTS welcomes more than 1,000 students from 60 countries. Students at the doctoral, master’s, and specialized graduate studies diplomas (DESS) levels represent nearly 55% of the entire student community. Who knows? You could be one of them, too!
What do ÉTS degrees correspond to in my country of residence? Why do you receive a bachelor’s degree after completing an engineering program at ÉTS? How is an academic year structured? How do evaluations work? What is the “student-centred approach” typical of North American universities? Don’t worry, it’ll all become clear after you read through this page.
Understanding the Québec university system and ÉTS programs
The Québec university system has three levels of study (undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral), with several different program types of varying lengths.
Engineering programs
As an international student, you can enrol at ÉTS in a bachelor’s degree, which is equivalent to an engineering program.
Learn about the admission requirements for bachelor’s degrees (engineering programs)
DESS and master’s programs
Have an engineering degree or master’s degree (M2) in science and technology or in engineering and interested in developing skills in engineering, research, and technology project management? The DESS and master’s programs will enable you to obtain a Québec graduate degree. In Canada, these degrees are equivalent to advanced post-engineering training. We invite you to learn more about the differences between these programs, so you can pick the best one for you.
ÉTS master’s and DESS programs are designed to meet today’s needs and anticipates tomorrow’s by focusing on industry issues. No matter what field you’re passionate about, you’ll find a master’s degree or DESS program that’s right for you.
Learn about the admission requirements for these graduate programs.
Doctorates
Looking to acquire advanced engineering knowledge? Want to work at a company in research and development? Or are you thinking about pursuing a career in academic research? The ÉTS doctoral program is for you. The ÉTS doctorate has an applied research component, while adhering to the traditional standards of this degree.
You may also be eligible for one of the mobility programs offered through an agreement with your home higher education institution or one of ÉTS’s partner organizations. This would allow you to study for one or more semesters at ÉTS while continuing your current course of study.
Experience a different teaching approach
Active pedagogy
As is often seen in the student-centred approach, classes are small and based on student interaction and active participation. The result is dynamic classes that foster a competitive spirit and problem-solving skills.
Semesters vs. sessions
In Québec, the school year is not divided into two half-year sessions, but rather three 4-month semesters. ÉTS is open year-round, with three consecutive semesters:
- Fall (September to December)
- Winter (January to April)
- Summer (May to August)
You can start engineering training at the beginning of September or January. Master’s and Ph.D. programs can also start during the summer semester.
During each semester, students are either in the classroom or on an internship. A full-time semester corresponds to about 35 hours of work per week, including personal work. Each semester includes:
- 13 weeks of courses and 2 weeks of exams
- 4 to 5 different teaching units in the engineering program and 3 to 4 in the master’s program
Continuous assessment
Each course is evaluated on a continuous basis. Tests, grades for practical work and labs, and midterm exams are considered in the assessment. Final exams usually constitute no more than 50% of the final grade.
Unlike the French system, there is no catch-up period at the end of semesters.
Tailor-made university studies
Within the program you’re interested in, you can choose your courses in the order you want and at a pace that works for you, based on the various standard academic pathways available. You can also choose your specializations, based on your plans and interests. You can plan your internships at the time of year that best suits you. Time spent in class is shorter in Canada than in most other countries, as the focus is more on personal and group work.
Every semester, you can participate in university competitions, work on an association or personal project, go on an internship or international exchange, or take a “big vacation” during the summer session.
Close ties with your professors
In Québec, professors are approachable and available. It’s very common to have good working relationships with them. For example, it’s not uncommon for teachers and students to be on a first-name basis. This builds everyone’s sense of trust, making courses more fun and interactive. However, silence is usually the norm, and students rarely talk to each other during class.