USCIS Essentials: Assessing Degrees from Quebec, Canada

Quebec has one of the most unique higher education systems in North America. While it shares many similarities with other Canadian provinces, its structure sets it apart in key ways.

Students in Quebec often begin their university journey earlier than their peers elsewhere in Canada. That’s because of the province’s distinct two-stage post-secondary system, which includes the well-known DEC diploma.

Understanding Quebec’s degrees is important for students, educators, and professionals. Whether you're planning to study in Quebec or evaluating a Quebec credential abroad, context matters.

This guide will walk you through how Quebec's higher education system works. We'll also cover everything from the DEC diploma to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, and how these compare both within Canada and internationally. Finally, we’ll go over how to evaluate your Quebec diploma for USCIS-compliance when immigrating to the United States. Let’s get right into it!

Understanding the DEC Diploma: Quebec’s Pre-University Bridge

In Quebec, students don’t go straight from high school to university. Instead, they attend a public college known as a CEGEP. CEGEP stands for Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel. It’s a unique institution found only in Quebec. At the end of their CEGEP studies, students earn a DEC diploma.

DEC stands for Diplôme d’études collégiales, or Diploma of College Studies. It's a formal credential that serves as a bridge between high school and university. There are two types of DEC programs:

• Pre-University DEC: Lasts two years. Designed for students who plan to attend university.
• Technical DEC: Lasts three years. Prepares students to enter the workforce directly, although many still go on to university.

The DEC system allows students to explore a broad range of subjects before choosing a university major. It also shortens most bachelor's degrees in Quebec to three years. This middle step might seem unusual to people outside Quebec, but it's a core part of the province’s educational identity.

By itself, the DEC degree or diploma doesn’t equate to a Bachelor’s degree in the U.S. It’s only in conjunction with a regular Bachelor’s degree from Quebec that it becomes equivalent to the standard U.S. degree.

Degree Options in Quebec: Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorates

Once students complete a DEC, they’re ready to enter university. Quebec’s universities offer a full range of degrees, just like those in other provinces.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Quebec

Bachelor’s programs in Quebec are usually three years long for students who already hold a DEC. That’s because the DEC covers what would be the first year of university elsewhere. If a student enters university directly from high school, without a DEC, the bachelor’s degree typically takes four years. So, even if a student doesn’t receive the DEC degree, a Bachelor’s degree from Quebec is comparable to a U.S. Bachelor’s degree.

Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), and many other specialized degrees. The programs are available in both French and English, depending on the institution.

Master’s Degrees in Quebec

After earning a bachelor’s degree, students can pursue a master’s. These programs usually take one to two years.

There are two main types of master’s programs:

• Thesis-based, which focus on research
• Course-based, which are more practical or professional in nature

Doctoral Degrees (Ph.D.) in Quebec

Ph.D. programs in Quebec are research-intensive and usually take three to five years to complete. Students work closely with supervisors and must complete an original dissertation.

Together, these academic options form a clear path from college to graduate school, with flexibility for both academic and career goals.

Required Documents for Quebec, Canada Degree Assessment

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How Quebec's Higher Education System Compares to the Rest of Canada

Quebec’s education system is noticeably different from other provinces in Canada. The biggest difference? Students in Quebec finish high school a year earlier. While most Canadian students graduate after Grade 12, Quebec students finish in Grade 11. After that, they attend a CEGEP to earn their DEC diploma. In other provinces, students go directly from high school to university. In Quebec, the DEC acts as a required stepping stone, especially for university-bound students.

Because of the DEC, most bachelor’s degrees in Quebec take three years to complete. Elsewhere in Canada, they usually take four years. This means Quebec students often start university younger and finish faster than their peers in other provinces.

Despite these structural differences, degrees from Quebec are recognized and respected across Canada. There are systems in place to transfer credits and support mobility between provinces. Still, anyone evaluating Quebec degrees—especially outside of Canada—should understand these differences to make accurate comparisons.

Language and Culture: The French Influence in Quebec Education

French is more than just the language of instruction in Quebec. It’s a core part of the province’s identity and education system.

Most colleges and universities in Quebec operate primarily in French. This reflects Quebec’s history and its strong connection to the Francophone world.

Students often read, write, and take exams in French. That said, some institutions—like McGill University and Concordia—offer many programs in English.

This cultural blend gives Quebec students a unique advantage. They become comfortable working in more than one language, which opens doors in Canada and internationally.

French influence also shapes the academic style. Quebec schools often follow traditions similar to those found in France, especially in research and humanities programs.

For students coming from outside Quebec, adapting to a French-language environment may take time. But it also offers a rich, immersive educational experience.

Translating and Evaluating Quebec Academic Documents for USCIS

If you plan to use your Quebec academic credentials for U.S. immigration purposes, you’ll need to follow USCIS documentation rules closely. USCIS requires all foreign-language documents to be submitted with a certified English translation. This includes diplomas, transcripts, and any official letters from your school.

The certified translation must include a signed statement from the translator or translation company. This statement confirms that the translation is complete and accurate, and that the translator is qualified to do the work. Photocopies of the original documents in French must also be included, along with the English translations.

For many immigration cases, especially employment- or education-based applications, USCIS also expects a credential evaluation. This is a report from a professional service that explains how your Quebec education compares to U.S. standards. Because most Quebec bachelor's degrees are only three years long, and students first earn a DEC diploma, it's important that evaluators explain how this structure works. A well-prepared evaluation will describe how the DEC adds an academic year before university, making a Quebec degree more comparable to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree.

Without this explanation, USCIS officers may view a Quebec degree as incomplete—even if it meets U.S. academic standards when fully understood.

In short, for USCIS:

• Always include certified English translations of French-language documents
• Provide photocopies of the original French documents
• Use a credential evaluation service familiar with Quebec's education system, like MotaWord’s!
• Make sure your DEC is included, not just your university degree

These steps can prevent delays, misunderstandings, or denials during your immigration process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a DEC diploma?

A DEC, or Diplôme d’études collégiales, is a college-level diploma earned in Quebec. Students receive it after completing a CEGEP program, which comes after high school.

Is a DEC degree the same as an Associate’s Degree?

Not exactly. A DEC is more academic and often prepares students for university. It covers subjects similar to the first year of university in many other systems.

How long is a Bachelor’s degree in Quebec?

For students with a DEC, most bachelor’s degrees take three years. If a student skips the DEC and enters university straight from high school, the degree usually takes four years.

What is the DEC equivalent in the U.S.?

A DEC alone is not equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree. However, a DEC combined with a three-year Quebec bachelor’s degree is often evaluated as equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's.

Do I need certified translations of my Quebec academic documents?

Yes. If you're submitting documents to U.S. institutions or USCIS, and they're in French, you must include certified English translations along with copies of the originals.

Can I use my Quebec degree for U.S. immigration purposes?

Yes, but you’ll need a credential evaluation and certified translations. USCIS needs to understand how your degree compares to U.S. standards, especially if your program lasted only three years.

Quebec Degrees on the Global Stage: How to Prepare and Succeed

Quebec offers a rich and respected education system that prepares students for careers and studies anywhere in the world. But because it’s different from other systems, you’ll need to help others understand your credentials. Start by keeping all your academic documents organized. That includes your DEC diploma, university degrees, transcripts, and course descriptions if available.

If you’re applying to study or work in the United States, be ready to submit:

• Certified English translations of any documents issued in French
• Photocopies of the original documents
• A credential evaluation report from a trusted provider

These steps are especially important for U.S. immigration processes like USCIS. A strong evaluation can explain how your DEC and three-year bachelor’s degree meet the same standards as a typical four-year U.S. degree. If you're applying to a university, make sure the admissions office understands the structure of your education. Some schools may not be familiar with CEGEPs or the DEC diploma.

The good news is, once your credentials are properly presented, Quebec degrees are well-respected around the world. With the right preparation, you can avoid confusion, speed up your applications, and highlight the real value of your education.

Need help with certified translation or credential evaluation?
MotaWord offers fast, accurate, and affordable academic evaluation services tailored to Quebec degrees. Let our experts guide you through the process and ensure your education gets the recognition it deserves.