PG Diploma Courses in Canada for Indians: Ignite Your Future
Raj Abhisar Agarwal
Overview
For those looking to climb corporate ladders, PG diploma courses in Canada are a pathway to many career opportunities. After several years, you don’t want to find out you can’t get to higher-level positions because you didn’t do any post-graduate studies. If you’re aspiring to higher positions or aiming for a more advanced field of research, the PG diploma courses in Canada will improve your knowledge base and opportunities.
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Overview
For those looking to climb corporate ladders, PG diploma courses in Canada are a pathway to many career opportunities. After several years, you don’t want to find out you can’t get to higher-level positions because you didn’t do any post-graduate studies. If you’re aspiring to higher positions or aiming for a more advanced field of research, the PG diploma courses in Canada will improve your knowledge base and opportunities.
Raj Abhisar Agarwal
Take it Higher: PG Diplomas in Canada
“I’m planning to go to Canada to study” is repeated so often that it would be trending viral if hashtags worked with real-life conversations. You hear it from friends, co-workers, and even your relatives telling you their kid is on their way to Canada. The reason Canada is such a popular place for people to study is that it has amazing educational institutions, excellent quality of life, friendly immigration policies, and a whole lot of desi people who have crossed the bridge and built beautiful lives on the other side.
PG diploma courses in Canada can qualify you for the next level in whatever line of work you’re in. Aside from the high quality of education, you’ll be exposed to a different world throughout your time in Canada, making way for new opportunities all over the world. The PG diploma fees in Canada and the cost of living for students are also much lower in comparison to the UK and USA. With the immigration policies in Canada, every student stands a chance of making it to the big leagues.
Now, once you complete PG diploma courses in Canada, you can be granted a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years. This is the immigration policy that has students flocking to Canada since it allows you to study, live and work there, giving you a very good chance at becoming a permanent resident.
Let us take an in-depth look at the advantages of studying in Canada and some of the top-tier universities offering PG diploma courses in Canada.
The Great Canadian Student Ecosystem
For more than a decade, Canada has been at the top of the list for students looking to study abroad. The benefits of studying in Canada for Indian students are so attractive that there are more than 3,00,000 Indian students in Canada as of 2023.
Canada’s constantly evolving education system focuses on research and practical learning, giving students a thorough and complete learning experience. This prepares you to find jobs after a PG diploma in Canada in various industries and job markets.
Thanks to lower living costs and tuition, a postgraduate diploma in Canada for international students is also cheaper compared to the UK or the US. This is one of the benefits of studying in Canada for Indian students who may have to take up education loans for their higher studies abroad.
Due to the large number of international students who come to study in Canada each year, it has become a great melting pot of culture that helps with networking and personal growth. A large portion of international students in Canada are from India, and many Indian immigrants are already settled down and a part of the workforce. This Indian-friendly ecosystem goes a long way toward finding suitable employment opportunities and jobs after a PG diploma in Canada.
As of 2023, a postgraduate diploma in Canada for international students can bring you a starting salary of around 35,000 Canadian Dollars and can go up to 80,000 CAD, depending on the industry and role. These attractive packages and work opportunities are one of the key reasons behind more than 2,00,000 Indians applying for PG diploma courses in Canada every year.
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College Hunting: What You Should Be Looking For
All colleges in Canada that are allowed to accept international students are referred to as Designated Learning Institutions or DLIs. You can find the list of approved DLIs online on the official Canadian government website. You can look through the accreditations of the colleges offering PG diploma courses in Canada and see how well they are recognised online. This transparent system is another reason why PG diploma colleges in Canada are such an attractive option for international students.
Each college and course will have its own ranking both within Canada and worldwide, making it easy to pick the right PG diploma courses in Canada. The program diversity of colleges is another important aspect of making the right decision. Colleges with a greater depth of courses will offer unique career paths that you would not be able to find elsewhere. You can negotiate your course path based on the cost, what courses you are interested in and even how long it will take to finish the course to meet your unique requirements.
A great way to understand the quality of education is to research the alumni base. Through LinkedIn and other sources, you can get an idea of the kind of career growth the past graduates have had. Even the faculty will be available on LinkedIn so you can get a closer look at their qualifications and reputation in the educational and professional ecosystem.
Finally, you can look through the industrial connections that the college has and the kind of companies that you can find in their placement process. This will allow you to aim for a more structured career path that shapes your education and professional journey.
Top Colleges for PG Diplomas in Canada
1. Western University
Western University has a sprawling 1,100+ acre campus intersected by the river Thames in London, Ontario. Yes, these names are all straight out of England. Still, the university is one of the best colleges in Canada for PG diplomas, with more than 6,000 students pursuing their PG studies every year at the university.
Unique Features: The WindEEE dome on the campus is the world’s first hexagonal wind tunnel and allows research on the challenges of wind-related phenomena.
Programs Offered: Accounting, Applied Health Sciences, Business and Sustainability, Climate Risk Assessment and Opportunity, Engineering Leadership and Innovation, Mining Law, Finance, Sustainability, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner, and Public Administration.
Western University was founded in 1878, and its campus was purchased in 1916. Among the university’s alumni is Kevin O’Leary, also known as Mr. Wonderful, on the famous business reality show Shark Tank. Another notable alumni is the leader of the New Democratic Party in Canada, Jagmeet Singh.
Average Master’s Tuition Fee: ₹25.76 to ₹35.03 lakhs per year
2. University of Calgary
Around 8,000 active postgraduate students study at the University of Calgary. The campus covers almost 500 acres and has students from all over the world.
Programs Offered: Data Science and Analytics, Precision Health, Quantum Computing, and Radiation Oncology Physics.
The university was founded in 1959 and currently operates out of an almost 1,000-acre campus in Waterloo, Ontario. The university’s co-op education programs are widely celebrated as a positive step in the future of education.
Average Master’s Tuition Fee: ₹16.10 lakhs per year
3. University of Waterloo
More than 6,000 active postgraduate students study at the University of Waterloo. The university is ranked #2 in Canada with regard to graduate employment rates, which is why it is among the best colleges in Canada for PG diplomas.
Unique Features: Home to the largest co-op education program in the world. Students are able to learn and work (paid internships) as part of their courses.
Programs Offered: Climate Risk Management, Geography and Environmental Management, Cognitive Science, Computational Data Analytics for the Social Sciences and Humanities, Electric Power Engineering, Business and Entrepreneurship, Data Analytics, Design Engineering (co-op program option), Fire Safety, Planning, Taxation, and Theoretical Neuroscience
The university was founded in 1959 and currently operates out of an almost 1,000-acre campus in Waterloo, Ontario. The university’s cooperative education programs are widely celebrated as a positive step in the future of education.
Average Master’s Tuition Fee: ₹9.4 – ₹20 lakhs per year
4. McMaster University
Serving more than 5,000 active postgraduate students, McMaster University is a powerhouse of technological education and one of the best colleges in Canada for PG diplomas. This is because of the strong emphasis on research in the institution. It is reported that the faculty of health sciences is responsible for $130 Million worth of research every year.
Unique Features: The university offers a graduate diploma in Nuclear Engineering through UNENE.
Programs Offered: Clinical Behavioural Sciences, Clinical Epidemiology, Community and Public Health, Gender and Social Justice, Nursing, Advanced Neonatal Nursing, Professional Accountancy, Social Work, UNENE Nuclear Engineering, and Water Without Borders.
Founded in 1887, McMaster University is located in Hamilton, Ontario, on a 300-acre campus near the Royal Botanical Gardens. The university was originally opened in Toronto and moved to Hamilton later.
Average Master’s Tuition Fee: ₹5.2 L – ₹10.5 L per year
5. University of British Columbia (UBC)
The UBC is one of Canada’s biggest public research universities and reportedly funds over 8,000 projects annually. On average, there are over 10,000 postgraduate students at UBC every year. The PG diploma courses at the college are highly focused on the education and learning field.
Unique Features: The university is home to Canada’s national particle and nuclear physics laboratory, TRIUMF. This is the location of the world’s largest cyclotron.
Programs Offered: Adult Learning and Education, Educational Leadership and Administration, Higher Education, and Technology-Based Learning for Schools (TBLS)
The University of British Columbia was established in 1908 near Vancouver. Three alumni from the college went on to become the prime minister of Canada, including the current Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, who studied Bachelor of Education at UBC.
Average Master’s Tuition Fee: ₹5 L – ₹34.7 L per year
6. Humber College
Widely regarded as one of the top colleges in Toronto for PG diplomas, Humber College offers a wide range of programs to choose from. The institution strongly emphasises practical learning and offers a lot of flexibility in how students attend and complete the programs.
Programs offered: Business Administration, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, International Business, and Data Science.
Founded in 1967, Humber College is one of the best colleges in Toronto for PG diplomas and is also the go-to for international students who want to quickly transition into working professionals in Canada.
Average Master’s Tuition Fee: ₹10.3 L – ₹12.9 L per year
7. Centennial College
The Centennial College in Toronto is one of Ontario’s oldest colleges. As one of the best colleges in Toronto for PG diplomas, it has a strong international student community and is a preferred destination for students who are looking for a flexible program structure.
Unique Features: The Downview Aerospace Hub is a part of the Centennial College campus sites and is an excellent display of the history of Canadian aviation.
Programs offered: Marketing Management, Human Resources Management, and International Business Management.
The College was founded in 1966 in Toronto and was among the first community colleges in the state of Ontario. Starting off with a single campus, the college now has several campuses and even an Aerospace Hub.
Average Master’s Tuition Fee: INR 9.4 L – 15.4 L/year
8. Seneca College
The Seneca College of Applied Arts and Sciences is one of the best colleges in Toronto for PG diplomas, especially in technological fields. It has an active student base of around 30,000 full-time students and as many as 60,000 part-time students in a year.
Programs offered: Event Marketing (Sports, Arts, Entertainment), Financial Planning, and International Business Management.
Founded in 1967 in Toronto, Seneca College is a multi-campus institution with a new campus currently being developed to start the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE).
Average Master’s Tuition Fee: INR 9.2 L – 15.8 L/year
9. George Brown College
It is one of the best colleges in Toronto for PG diploma thanks to its flexible part-time courses and the wide range of continuing education opportunities. George Brown College will present you with opportunities to be able to network with many professionals in the Canadian workforce and create a pathway for yourself.
Unique Features: The Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts in the college provides excellent, hands-on training to students in the culinary and hospitality spaces.
Programs offered: Financial Planning, Marketing Management and Hospitality, Hotel & Resort Services Management.
Established in 1967 in Toronto, Ontario, the George Brown College was founded to provide a rich technical education to residents of Ontario before branching out to the rest of the country and, finally, to international students.
Average Master’s Tuition Fee: INR 9 L – 16.2 L/year
10. Fanshawe College
With more than 20,000 in both full-time and part-time programs, this is one of the best colleges in Canada for PG diplomas. Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, offers more than 200 courses and has some of the most popular courses among international students.
Unique Features: The range of advanced diplomas and part-time programs makes this college a great place for students who may have to work their way through their studies. This is further enabled by the co-op opportunities provided at the college.
Programs offered: Business Analytics, Wireless Networking, and Digital Marketing.
The college was founded in 1964 in London, Ontario, and since then, Fanshawe College has grown into a far-reaching provider of arts and technology education. The name of the college comes from old English and means “the temple in the woods”.
Average Master’s Tuition Fee: INR 8.6 L – 17.8 L/year
11. Niagara College
If you’re looking to make a career in hospitality, tourism, or the culinary arts, then the PG diploma courses at Niagara College, Ontario, are a great fit for you. About 12,000 full-time and more than 6,000 part-time students study here. There are also business and technology-based PG diplomas and co-op programs for those who want a more hands-on learning experience.
Unique Features: The Canadian Food and Wine Institute is on campus and offers students a first-hand experience of the challenges in the culinary and hospitality industry.
Programs offered: Event Management, Human Resources Management, Game Design, Computer Programming & Analysis and International Business Management.
Established in 1967 in Niagara, Ontario, Niagara College strongly focuses on applied arts in its programs. It has three campuses and some operations overseas in Asia.
Average Master’s Tuition Fee: INR 11 L – 14.9 per year
Found your dream college in Canada? Get started by applying for your Canadian visa today.
PG Diploma Programs That Sell Like Hotcakes
If you’re looking to study in Canada and eventually settle there, you might be on the hunt for an affordable education program that also improves your chances of getting a job in Canada. The PG diploma fees in Canada are cheaper than those for a normal degree course. Since the courses are also more professionally oriented, you can leverage the connections you build during your student life before finding a job with your PG work permit (PGWP) that you can apply for after completing your course. The PGWP is one of the reasons for the popularity of PG diploma courses in Canada.
1. Business Analytics
Learn to collect, clean, and analyse data to create business insights and become a tactical resource that drives upper management decisions. That’s the life of a professional business analyst. The average salary for someone with a PG diploma in business analytics is around 60,000 CAD – 80,000 CAD a year and goes up much more once you reach the level of a senior business analyst. The salary range varies based on the skill sets you are proficient in.
The course is usually between 1-2 years long, depending on which college you enrol in. There can be up to 3 semesters, but it is common to have just 2. The course will teach you the foundations of business analytics so you can use statistical and data-based approaches towards understanding business environments. You will learn how to collect, maintain, and present data to execute predictive analytics and create business intelligence with big data after completing the relevant PG diploma courses in Canada.
Here are some of the best colleges in Canada for PG diploma courses in business analytics.
| Cost of Business Analytics Courses in Canada | |
| Name of Institution | Estimated Tuition Fee (CAD) |
| University of Calgary | 35,000 |
| Humber College, Toronto | 20,000 |
| Seneca College, Toronto | 18,000 |
| Fanshawe College, London | 17,000 |
Source: Individual College Websites – Required no. of courses X average cost of course
2. Information Technology
The everlasting IT (Information Technology) boom of the 21st century isn’t stopping anytime soon. It is the perfect time to improve your professional capacity with PG diploma courses in Canada. The versatility of an IT skill set is applied in databases, programming, and security systems. You will build the knowledge you can use to act on your ideas or find a high-paying job. The average salary for an IT professional in Canada is 50,000 CAD – 70,000 CAD.
Though it varies among PG diploma colleges in Canada, an IT program can be between 3-6 semesters long. It will give you an understanding of the interaction between hardware and software. You will also learn programming and software development. Once these basics are completed, you will learn about databases, system administration, cloud computing, data analytics, and project management. Choosing the right electives in your course can be a game changer, so consult your teachers once you know what roles you are aiming for after completing your PG diploma courses in Canada.
Roles you will be eligible for and their expected salaries
- IT Support Specialist: CAD 50,000 to CAD 70,000 per year
- Network Administrator/Technician: CAD 50,000 to CAD 70,000 per year
- Software Developer/Programmer: CAD 55,000 to CAD 80,000 per year
- Database Administrator: CAD 50,000 to CAD 75,000 per year
- Web Developer: CAD 45,000 to CAD 70,000 per year
- Systems Administrator: CAD 60,000 to CAD 80,000 per year
- IT Security Analyst: CAD 65,000 to CAD 90,000 per year
- Data Analyst: CAD 55,000 to CAD 80,000 per year
- Project Coordinator/Manager: CAD 60,000 to CAD 90,000 per year
Source: Glassdoor
Here’s an approximate amount for the PG diploma fees in Canada for programs in IT
| Cost of Information Technology (IT) Courses in Canada | |
| Name of Institution | Estimated Tuition fee (CAD) |
| Humber College, Toronto | 20,000 |
| Seneca College, Toronto | 18,000 |
| George Brown College, Toronto | 20,000 |
| Centennial College, Toronto | 20,000 |
Source: Individual College Websites – Required no. of courses X average cost of course
3. Hospitality
If you’re interested in tourism and hospitality or the culinary arts, there are a multitude of excellent PG diploma courses in Canada to choose from. With this education, you can find jobs after your PG diploma in Canada and also in international businesses and world-class hotels. With a PG diploma in any of these disciplines, you can expect an average yearly salary of 60,000 CAD.
The best colleges to look for are in Ontario, namely, George Brown College, Niagara College and Seneca College. Not only do they have excellent course structures, but they also have a variety of electives and many opportunities for students to get hands-on experience in a very dynamic field.
Depending on the course and the electives you choose, you will have a wide range of roles available. To name a few – Hotel Manager, Resort Manager, Tourism Manager, Event Coordinator, and Hospitality Marketing Specialist.
Here’s an approximate amount for the PG diploma fees in Canada for programs in the hospitality and tourism industries.
| Cost of Hospitality Courses in Canada | |
| Name of Institution | Estimated Tuition fee (CAD) |
| George Brown College, Toronto | 20,000 |
| Niagara College, Niagara | 18,000 |
| Humber College, Toronto | 20,000 |
| Seneca College, Toronto | 18,000 |
Source: Individual College Websites – Required no. of courses X average cost of course
4. Healthcare
Canada is well known for its healthcare system and is always looking for skilled healthcare specialists to enter their workforce. A lot of people from India have moved to Canada, working hard in their studies to validate their credentials as healthcare professionals despite having MBBS, BDS or other medical degrees due to the potential and improved quality of life.
The postgraduate diploma in Canada for international students is the perfect route to get involved with the healthcare industry in a country reputed for its healthcare. Nursing and auxiliary healthcare services are heavily in demand and are excellent opportunities for students.
Expected roles and their salaries after a PG diploma in healthcare sciences
Medical Office Assistant: 30,000 – 40,000 CAD
Personal Support Worker: 30,000 – 45,000 CAD
Health Unit Coordinator: 35,000 – 50,000 CAD
Medical Laboratory Assistant: 35,000 – 50,000 CAD
Here are some PG diploma courses in Canada for healthcare education
Western University – Applied Health Sciences, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner
McMaster University – Clinical Behavioural Sciences, Clinical Epidemiology, Community and Public Health, Gender and Social Justice, Nursing, Advanced Neonatal Nursing
PG diploma fees in Canada for healthcare are a little higher than other courses, but these universities have an excellent international reputation.
| Cost of Healthcare Courses in Canada | |
| Name of Institution | Estimated Tuition fee (CAD) |
| McMaster University, Hamilton | 25,000 – 30,000 |
| Western University, London | 27,000 – 35,000 |
Source: Individual College Websites – Required no. of courses X average cost of course
Applying to Colleges: What it Takes
Once you’ve decided what your expectations of a PG diploma in Canada are, it is time to get started on applying to the colleges of your choice. You’ll need to meet certain requirements and be ready with the relevant documents before you can start applying.
The general eligibility criteria for PG diploma courses in Canada are
- An undergraduate degree from an accredited university in your country.
- Language proficiency test scores that meet the requirements of the college. This is typically an IELTS or TOEFL score. Note that a minimum IELTS score of 6 is required for Indians to apply for universities in Canada and a TOEFL score of 90 for PG diploma courses in Canada.
- Certain courses may require an undergraduate degree in a relevant field or specialisation. Make sure you read the specialised requirements for the course you are applying for.
A well-written cover letter, relevant certificates/work experience (if any) and a clear statement of purpose about your application will improve your chances of acceptance.
If you are looking for a scholarship, highlight your highest test scores and include an essay stating your case for the scholarship you wish to qualify for.
Finding Scholarships and Financial Aid For a Few Dollars Less
This is where the value of being a good and consistent student really pays off. Reducing your tuition and cost of living expenses with the help of scholarships and financial aid programs is a game changer for international students.
The most widely available scholarships are from the educational institutions themselves. Another way to get a scholarship is through government programs, although these are extremely competitive and require thorough preparation. Finally, there are external institutions that provide scholarships for postgraduate diplomas in Canada for international students. These institutions are usually invested in a field of study or the growth of a specific country or community.
Also remember to look into the scholarship programs available in India for students applying in the PG diploma colleges in Canada and other countries before you start applying.
Higher Education Scholarship Test (HEST)
HEST is an initiative by WeMakeScholars to secure scholarships funded by the govt. of India for Indian students who wish to study abroad. The scholarship can help you with up to ₹1 lakh towards your tuition for a PG diploma course.
WeMakeScholars is an innovative platform that empowers students worldwide to explore numerous scholarship opportunities. Through its user-friendly interface, you can easily search and apply for scholarships that align with your academic pursuits and aspirations.
Here are the requirements for a HEST scholarship
- Indian citizen with a valid passport
- Minimum of 60% in 10th and 12th exams
- Intention to study abroad within two years from the date of application
- Applicable for courses from any recognized foreign university
- Proof of IELTS/TOEFL/GRE test results or proof of admission
Students with exceptional academic performances can apply to certain open scholarship programs. However, you must check if the course you are taking will be eligible for a scholarship with these programs.
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program.
- University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
- Humber International Entrance Scholarships
- Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence
- University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award
- University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
While applying for a scholarship, along with the application, you will need to submit all evidence of your academic performance and a written statement of purpose highlighting your academic intent and the reasons you think you should be granted the scholarship.
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The Student Life Of Your Dreams: Studying in Canada
Being out on your own in Canada, surrounded by fresh faces, cultures, and an education system you would never have imagined, is a very exciting experience. Making new friends, becoming a part of and sometimes even forming communities is a life-changing experience for many Indian students.
Campuses in Canada have an overwhelming number of activities. Pristine swimming pools, perfectly level playing fields, cute cafes, and spacious and well-maintained libraries. You can learn skateboarding and set up your easel to paint the image of 100-year-old trees on the college campus. If your dreams of college life abroad are based solely on movies or TV shows, one thing that will meet your expectations for sure is the infrastructure and quality of the campus.
Even on the least attractive aspect of the student experience, studying in Canada does not disappoint. Classes are engaging and require you to be actively involved with the class. You can have one on one conversations with your teachers about how to improve your grades and how to tackle your assignments.
Finally, planning your free weekends will be a tough job, because there are so many things to choose from. You can visit the world-famous Niagara Falls, one of the largest and most turbulent waterfalls in the world. Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park, located in Alberta, and just a short train ride from Vancouver. Banff is just one of Canada’s many pristine outdoor attractions. There are national parks all over the country that encourage outdoor sports and activities.
You can also explore the culinary delights of Montreal on the Eastern side of Canada. Famed for its French culture and cuisine, you’ll find the most rich, creamy and fluffy confections in the cafes of Montreal. It’s not just the cafes or bakeries either, Montreal is like a pocket of France that just fits perfectly into Canada.
Time To Get To Work: What's Next?
If you’ve finished a postgraduate diploma in Canada from a recognized Canadian DLI, then you are eligible for a work permit under Canada’s PGWP system. This allows you to get the work experience you need to meet the requirements of a permanent residence status.
If the program was more than 8 months long but less than 2 years long, you are eligible for a 12-month work permit. A study program that is longer than 2 years makes you eligible for a 3-year work permit. If you have completed more than 1 program, then the combined duration of the program needs to be more than 2 years for you to get a 3-year work permit.
For students entering Canada through the Student Direct Stream visa, this gives a huge advantage. It is easy to enter Canada after being accepted into a registered DLI, after which you can apply for a work permit and transition your visa into the general category towards permanent residency.
You can apply for jobs after your PG diploma in Canada through campus placements and the network you build during your course. Apply to as many jobs as possible and provide cover letters to support your application. Also, be involved in making connections on LinkedIn so that you will be more visible to potential employers.
You can also start working alongside your study program through a cooperative course or by finding opportunities on campus. You can also look for internships or jobs that do not conflict with the conditions of your stay in Canada. This may require a certificate from the college and/or the employer who wishes to hire you.
The permanent residency pathways heavily reward work experience in Canada. Therefore, the PGWP system is ideal for those who are studying in Canada with the goal of securing a permanent residence. One pathway that is open to international graduates who are gainfully employed in Canada is the provincial nominee. Each province is allowed to grant express and non-express entry towards a PR for skilled workers, business experts, students and semi-skilled workers if the provincial administration believes that they will benefit its economy.
You can also directly apply through express entry without a provincial nomination if you are eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or The Canadian Experience Class if you have the relevant points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
To summarise, all pathways to permanent residency reward Canadian work experience, so getting a job under the PGWP system makes settling in Canada much easier.
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Wrapping It Up With Why a PG diploma in Canada is Part of the Perfect PR Plan
Whether it is the student life, the professional life, or life in general, the people who have settled in Canada only have the weather and being away from home to complain about. Hundreds of thousands of Indians who have settled there are great advertisements for why you should choose Canada. The chances of success are high, and thanks to everyone who’s gone there before you, you also know what success will look like.
A PG Diploma in Canada has become one of the most popular entry methods, and the subsequent effort to get a PR. This is because of the changes made to the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa and the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) by Immigration Canada. These changes allow international students to study and work in Canada, giving them a valuable education and work experience.
There are several amazing colleges and course structures for international students for a postgraduate diploma in Canada. They may not be as similar or structured as we are used to back home, but they provide unique education that fits the work ecosystem in Canada. Make sure you go through the curriculums online and the roles you can get in jobs after your PG diploma in Canada before applying to a particular course. Canadian colleges will likely have a course for you, even if you’re looking to learn game design or pastry cooking.
With everything that’s there to see, do and experience in Canada, I bet you can’t wait to start your journey. You are almost guaranteed a work permit once you’ve completed your education, which is usually the difficult part of settling down in a foreign country. This means you can work to recover the cost of your education, and you’ll also be able to enjoy Canada as an independent, working adult. So what are you waiting for?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the language proficiency requirements for international students applying for PG Diploma programs in Canada?
- IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.5 out of 9
- TOEFL: Internet-based test – Minimum Acceptable Score is typically 80-90 with no individual scores below 20
- PTE: Average minimum accepted score is 60
These scores vary from college to college, and because of certain changes made in 2023, the IELTS no longer has a monopoly in language proficiency testing for PG diploma colleges in Canada.
2. Are there any specific PG Diploma programs in Canada that offer co-op or internship opportunities for practical experience?
Here are some examples of PG diploma colleges in Canada with co-op programs
- Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo
- Human Resources Management at Fanshawe College
- Financial Planning at George Brown College
- Project Management at Humber College
- Global Hospitality Business Development at Seneca College
3. How does the job placement assistance vary among colleges for international students completing their PG Diplomas in Canada?
It is important to choose colleges with good industrial and business networks. Taking a course with a co-op program, for example, would give you work experience and access to people within an industry even before your study is completed.
PG diploma colleges in Canada with industry-specific focus typically have companies waiting to select and hire fresh talent every year.
4. Can international students apply for permanent residency while studying for a PG Diploma in Canada?
Ideally, you should first finish your PG diploma and find a job using the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). Once you have secured a job and have some Canadian work experience, your qualifications will be more impressive, and it will be easier for you to transition towards permanent residency.
5. What are the possibilities of transferring credits from a PG Diploma program to a Master’s degree program in Canada or other countries?
This depends on the country, college, grade, and course compatibility. The accepting university will review and evaluate your transcript to understand how many credits you have earned. The accreditation of the university from where you have secured a PG diploma, also needs to be recognised by the university you are applying to. The best way to find out is to indicate that you wish to transfer the credits in your application to the master’s degree program.
