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Classification Of Instructional Programs (CIP): What You Need To Know

For international students moving to Canada, the study world can be fascinating and challenging. With many programs and areas of study to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This is where the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) comes in. The CIP system, designed to classify academic programs across Canada and other nations like the United States, is a straightforward tool that simplifies the process for students, especially those from overseas, to understand the programs offered by various institutions.

Understanding the Classification of Instructional Programs is a powerful tool for international students to explore their options for their educational journey in Canada. The CIP system now plays a significant role in determining eligibility for a post-graduation work permit. Therefore, it is essential for students planning to study in Canada to familiarize themselves with the CIP system, as it empowers them to make informed decisions about their program selection.

Meaning Of CIP

The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) is a structure utilized to arrange and categorize various academic programs, mainly in institutions. It assists in classifying programs based on what students understand or study.

How CIP Work

The classification of instructional programs possesses three levels of classifications that get more explicit as they go:

Series (First Level): These are recognized using two-digit codes. The series are the most common groupings of associated programs. The Classification of Instructional Programs Canada in 2021 comprised 50 series.

Subseries (Second Level): These are smaller, more particular groups within the series. Every subseries has the two-digit code of the first level, followed by a duration and then another two-digit code.

Instructional Program Courses (Third Level): These are the most particular groups with six-digit totals. Instructional program courses represent specific programs and are at the most explicit level with the Classification of Instructional Programs. Classification of Instructional Program Canada 2021 comprises 2119 instructional program courses.

What CIP Is Used For

The classification of Instructional Programs ensures that when individuals discuss education in the US or Canada, they all use the same classes and terms. This is crucial for governments, researchers, and schools who want to track how many students are studying a specific subject or how many graduates are coming from a particular program. For instance, it can help a government track the number of students studying engineering or the number of graduates from a nursing program. It also facilitates the comparison of academic information between nations, primarily Canada and the US, because they use similar versions of the Classification of Instructional Program.

Understanding a planned study program’s Classification of Instructional Program code is crucial for an international student. Furthermore, to arrange programs into clear classes, the Classification of Instructional Program enables a comparison of similar alternatives across various institutions.

Understanding the classification of an Instructional program is also crucial for international students to determine whether the program is a Postgraduate work permit-qualified program, a requirement for working in Canada after studies. The CIP system plays a vital role in ensuring that students are aware of their eligibility for the PGWP, thereby providing a sense of security and preparedness for their post-graduation plans.

If the program description does not state this, students are required to ask the academic institution for the classification of the instructional program they are interested in.

CIP And PGWP

If you are a student who intends to study in Canada, you may know about the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The Post-Graduation Work Permit enables students who have concluded their studies in Canada to remain and work in Canada. There have been some considerable modifications to the postgraduate work Permit conditions, and it is crucial to know how this could impact your intentions to work after concluding studies.

Institutional graduates who applied for their study permit after 1 November 2024 must graduate from a postgraduate work permit-qualified program to be qualified for a PGWP. IRCC uses the Classification of Instructional Program to categorize post-secondary academic programs based on the area of study in Canada. Presently, 966 out of 2119 Classification of Instructional Programs are recognized as PGWP-qualified.

Remember that as an international student in Canada, knowing the ClP is significant to making notified determinations concerning your studies. The Classification of Instructional Program assists you in selecting the appropriate program, ensuring it is identified and satisfies crucial qualification conditions, such as those for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Using the Classification of Instructional Program system, you can assuringly choose programs matching your occupational objectives while ensuring your eligibility is valued in Canada and overseas.