Understanding Québec's education system
Discover how Québec's education system can propel you into a career in creative digital production.
Overview of Québec’s education system
Québec’s education system is divided into four main levels:Pre-school and primary
Secondary
College (CEGEPs)
University
In addition, these options are also available:
Professional training
General adult education
Continuous training
In total, more than 48 institutions offer programs in digital creation across Québec:
CEGEPs31 CEGEPs
(private and subsidized private included)
More than 75 college-level programs
Universities10 universities
More than 80 university-level programs
Private establishments7 private establishments
More than 17 programs
Source: SYNTHÈSE - October 2025
Pre-school, primary and secondary
From the age of 5, young children can take their first steps in preschool, known as kindergarten. At age 6, they move on to primary school, which lasts for six years.In secondary school, compulsory education continues until:
Age 16
Completion of Secondary School Diploma (SSD)
This course of study lasts five years and leads to many opportunities for young people who are creative or passionate about the digital arts.
Resources for young creatives (age 6 to 17)
Young people who develop a genuine passion for art and digital technology can attend creative workshops from childhood onwards.Many organizations, including the SAT Youth Workshops, Fusion Jeunesse, and Technovation provide introductory courses and workshops for young creative minds.
Resources for parents
Parents have access to a broad range of resources to provide their children with greater support in their creative pursuits.If you have a child who is passionate about video games or digital arts, organizations such as Espace parents and Le Gamer Mentor can provide support.
Resources for young creatives (age 6 to 17)
Young people who develop a genuine passion for art and digital technology can attend creative workshops from childhood onwards.Many organizations, including the SAT Youth Workshops, Fusion Jeunesse, and Technovation provide introductory courses and workshops for young creative minds.
Resources for parents
Parents have access to a broad range of resources to provide their children with greater support in their creative pursuits.If you have a child who is passionate about video games or digital arts, organizations such as Espace parents and Le Gamer Mentor can provide support.
College
Québec’s education system has a unique feature known as CEGEP. This is an educational level that plays a crucial role in the transition from secondary school to the job market or university.
There are three main types of programs provided at college level:
Pre-university training (DCS)
Technical training (DCS)
Attestation of College Studies (ACS)
Pre-university training (DEC)
Pre-university training provides general education that serves as a two-year springboard to university. It leads to a Diploma of College Studies (DEC). It represents a solid foundation that prepares students for university requirements.In creative digital production, students can pursue, for example, courses in arts, literature, and communication or visual arts, so as to immerse themselves in the world of the arts before university.
Those interested in registering must contact one of the three (3) regional admissions offices:
Montréal | SRAM →
Québec | SRACQ →
Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean | SRASL →
Technical training (DCS)
Technical programs at CEGEPs focus on preparing students for the job market. In three (3) years, students acquire specialized skills in a specific field.Some technical programs also provide a bridge between CEGEP and university (DCS-Bachelor degree), allowing students to reduce the overall length of their university studies.
In Québec, there are many technical training programs in creative digital production, including video-games programming, 3D production, digital arts, and more.
Continuous training (ACS)Short-term college training, which is aimed primarily at adults with prior work experience or training, leads to an Attestation of College Studies (ACS). ACS programs, which range from 6 to 18 months in length, provide a fast track to upgrading skills or changing careers.
Many ACS programs are available in creative digital production, including for future 3D artists, visual-effects compositors, and many more positions. As a result, this an ideal path for those wishing to develop their creative skills.
University
University studies are divided into three stages:Undergraduate studies (Bachelor degree): 3 or 4 years
Graduate studies (Master degree): 1 or 2 years
Postgraduate studies (Ph.D.): 3 years or more
There are also short-term options, including certification programs at the undergraduate level or Diplômes d’Études Supérieures Spécialisées (DESS), which consists of specialized higher education at the graduate level.