Universities Canada, an organisation composed of Canadian universities, defines two distinct types of post-secondary institutions in Canada: universities and colleges. Universities grant university degrees, which include bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees; and colleges, also known as community colleges, provide diplomas.

Universities in Canada are established and operate under provincial government charters. Most schools are members of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). Higher education institutions in Canada are prevented from becoming diploma mills by provincial legislation and regulation.