Education details on Background Declaration form...Please help

[lucky_CA]

Hi everyone,
I am a bit confused in filling out question 7 in the background declaration form. My post secondary education include a 4 year bachelor degree and a 2 year masters degree. However, I took longer time to complete each of the degrees. My bachelor degree took place between August, 2001 and November, 2006. My Masters degree took place between August'2008 to December'2010. I also have an incomplete post secondary education ( I quit the program and went to Canada for my Masters) of 16 months between January'2007 to April'2008 where no degree was awarded.

Now, in the numbers of years of school I have successfully completed, should I put 6 (4+2) or the actual duration of my university studies 9 years
( bachelor, 5 year 3 months+ incomplete studies 1 year 4 months+ Masters 2 year 4 months )?

Also, in the list of universities that I have attended should I include the university in which I did not complete my post secondary studies (January'2007 to April'2008) and no degree was awarded?


I would really appreciate your help.
Thanks,

 

[srionline117]

Should mention only period for which a degree or certificate issued. Write 4 yrs for bachelors degree though you took more time to complete. CIC does not care period which we just studied and discontinued. Like you I adked many people and I got the answer which I mentioned here. Wait for other seniors comments as well.

 

[yahoo7]

I had the same question since I took 5 yrs to complete my bachelors degree instead of 4. So, I wrote it as 5 years and not 4 years.

 

[CEC2013]

Personally, and this is only my opinion, I would have put the actual value of the degree in terms of years. Meaning...bachelors degree is 4 years and masters is 2 year - therefore: 4 + 2. I believe that the question is supposed gauge the level you are at, not how long you took to complete the education. Although, I could be wrong and welcome seniors to correct me here.

My bachelors degree program takes 4 years to complete, which I did in 3.5 years. But, since the degree is 4 years in length, that is the number I mentioned on the application. Reasoning: just because it took someone 6 years to get their bachelors, doesn't mean that it is more valuable than my 4 year one - in reality, both degrees will have taken the same length at normal pace.

Also, incomplete education should not be listed, as no degree or certification was awarded. CIC is only concerned with the credentials you hold.

 

[lithium002]

I think you only mention the years based on what your institution considers the length of the program. If your university says your program is 4 years, then you write 4, even if it took you 10 years to finish.