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CEGEP

A CEGEP is a publicly funded post-secondary college in Quebec, Canada, offering pre-university and technical programs.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A CEGEP is a publicly funded post-secondary college in Quebec, Canada, offering pre-university and technical programs. The system is unique to Quebec and serves as the main transition between secondary school and university or the workforce.

Overview

CEGEP is the French acronym for Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel. It refers to Quebec’s publicly funded colleges that provide the first stage of higher education.

History

The CEGEP network was established in 1967, with the first colleges opening that year. It emerged from Quebec education reforms aimed at restructuring access to post-secondary study.

Programs and purpose

CEGEPs offer pre-university programs, typically leading to university admission, and technical programs that prepare students for the job market. Students in both streams take general education courses. Pre-university programs generally prepare students for university study, while technical programs are designed to lead directly to employment.

Role in Quebec education

CEGEPs occupy a distinct place between secondary school and university or employment. In Quebec, university-bound students usually complete a CEGEP program before entering university. Students typically enter after completing Grade 11 in Quebec.

Key facts

  • CEGEPs are exclusive to Quebec’s education system.
  • They were created in 1967 as part of education reform in Quebec.
  • Students typically enter after completing Grade 11 in Quebec.
  • Pre-university programs generally prepare students for university study.
  • Technical programs are designed to lead directly to employment.
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Canadian context

CEGEP is a distinctly Quebec institution and a defining feature of Canadian education in that province. It is often referenced in discussions of admissions, educational pathways, and Quebec’s different school structure.

Frequently asked questions

What does CEGEP stand for?
It stands for Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel, which means college of general and professional education.
Is CEGEP the same as university?
No. CEGEP is a post-secondary college level that usually comes before university in Quebec.
How long is CEGEP?
Pre-university programs are generally two years, while technical programs are generally longer.
How many CEGEPs are there in Quebec?
There are 48 CEGEPs in Quebec.
Are all CEGEPs French-language?
No. Most are French-language, but five use English as their medium of instruction.

References

  1. Fédération des cégeps — https://fedecegeps.ca/en/what-is-a-cegep/
    Supports: Founded in 1967; 48 CEGEPs; pre-university and technical programs; role as first stage of higher education
  2. Statistics Canada — https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/81-004-x/def/4068720-eng.htm
    Supports: Quebec’s postsecondary system is unique; CEGEPs are required for university entry in the general program
  3. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/college-denseignement-general-et-professionnel-cegep
    Supports: Definition of CEGEP as a public school providing the first level of post-secondary education; first CEGEPs opened in 1967
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CEGEP
    Supports: Name usage; 48 CEGEPs in Quebec; five English-language institutions