Malazan Empire War College

Almost everyone with any ambition to become a notable Mage is trained at the College. However, there have been cases of Wizards training under grand Mages and not attending the college or Sorcerers growing up away from castles and learning their craft under a mentor or by themselves. The Eye, the Empresses High Mage is rumored to have never attended the College himself.
 * Mages usually serve in positions of high prestige at castles
 * The bulk of trained Mages are part of army sects
 * Some Mages work as mercenaries

Mages that don’t attend the College usually do it because of its close connection with the army
 * Few roam the land and train apprentices that don’t want to join the College. While this is not outlawed, most College Mages disapprove of them.