Three Routes Start
Other route

Structured gap year

None, by design

22 of 30 verified for Quebec; "start something" routes use national figures · How we verify
Quebec works differently: trades are a nearly free DEP then a CCQ apprenticeship; college is a 3-year DEC at a cégep (tuition-free for residents); university is 3 years after a 2-year pre-university DEC. Numbers from IMT en ligne, CCQ, FIQ scales and the Relance surveys.
Years to credential0
First real paycheque~a month
Time in a classroom0%
Total cost$0
Typical debt after$0
Demand in QuebecSteady

The first ten years

earnearnearnearnearnearnearnearnearnearn
Mostly in schoolEarning

Earnings by year, roughly

What's in "net by year 10"
Earnings, years 1 to 10$345k$34,500 rising to varies by year five, flat after
Program cost−$0ktuition and fees
Typical (medians)dependsthe number on the card
Low to highdependspay 15% under or over the median, cost 15% more or 10% less

Not counted: income tax, rent, food, loan interest, inflation, and unemployment gaps. They apply to every route, so they change the size of each number more than the order. Pay is the Quebec median before tax from the sources on this page.

The picture

What the day-to-day isFull-time work, a trade pre-apprenticeship, travel with a budget, or volunteering, with a written plan and a return date.
What actually stops peopleDiscipline. Unstructured gap years turn into two, then three.
The downsideUniversities and colleges accept deferrals, but you must apply first. Earnings are minimum-wage-level. Year-five earnings depend entirely on what you do next.
If you're the parentReasonable if there is a plan and a deadline. Harmful if it is just avoidance. Ask for the plan in writing.
Local opportunities in Quebec

Ready to explore this for real?

Eight quick questions about whether this route fits your life, not just your grades. You'll get a readiness check, and if you want, we'll introduce you to employers, unions or programs in your region.

Check my readiness

How to enter

What you need
  • No specific courses or average; Grade 12 (or equivalent) and a willingness to show up
Deadlines in Quebec
  • Depends on the program

Next steps in Quebec

  1. 1
  2. 2

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In QuebecNext revision May 1, 2027.
www.quebec.ca

✓ Verified 2026-10-09 for Quebec Sources: Quebec general minimum wage $16.60/h from May 1, 2026 (MTESS announcement, Jan 2026)

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