All you need to know about the Post Graduate Diploma in Canada

Canada needs a younger working force and skilled professionals to keep up with its aging population. Hence, the country has been coming up with relaxed norms for immigration may it be education or permanent residency. The country has been welcoming people from all over the globe which has increasingly attracted several Indian students to consider pursuing a post-graduate degree in this foreign land. Studying in Canada has, therefore, been a promising prospect and undoubtedly, leaping the number of students applying to Canada each year. 

Post Graduate Diploma Programs are increasingly becoming popular among overseas students for their study in Canada. The shorter duration and low-cost investment of these courses are the major attractions. These programs also permit students to blend chosen 2 courses of 1-year duration and obtain specialization in the chosen field. You are required to obtain specific grades for completing Post Graduate Diploma Program in Canada. This varies depending on the University/College. You must also participate in industry projects as a part of the program. The Canada Study Permit must be obtained for pursuing Post Graduate Diploma Program in Canada. The enrollment also requires completing an Undergraduate course. Your prospects of obtaining a job in Canada are also enhanced by completing the PGDP. You can also qualify for a Post-Study Canada Work Visa for 1 year if your PGDP is full-time. Overseas students who pursue a 2-year PGDP can also qualify for a few immigration programs in Canada. You can obtain additional CRS points for completing a 2-year PGDP and obtaining a job. This enhances your chances of receiving a Canadian Permanent Residence.

Did you know?

Canada wants to welcome 465,000 new permanent residents in 2023, 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.Canada is well known for being very welcoming of immigrants, which also includes international students. If you plan on studying and settling in countries abroad, then Canada should definitely be on your list. Canada has some of the top universities in the world.Canadian universities offer plenty of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes. But the majority of Indian students look for PG Diploma courses in Canada after completing their Bachelor’s.

Why study PGDP in Canada?

A Post Graduate Diploma is regarded to be above Undergraduate Degree and below Master’s Degree academically. If you wish to study in Canada a PGDP, you must have completed an undergraduate degree or equivalent. Many overseas students are now enrolling in a PGDP than a Master’s program. 

Shorter duration courses like PGDP or Certificate Programs permit students to gain valuable industry exposure during their studies. The following are chief reasons for the increasing number of overseas students enrolling in a PGDP in Canada: 

Eligibility requirements for PG Diploma courses in Canada.

Some of the basic requirements for PG Diploma courses include

• An undergraduate degree
• A good IELTS score

Some institutions might require that candidates complete specific courses.

Visa required to study for PG diploma in Canada

The student visa to Canada is called the Study Permit. You should apply for a study permit before you come to Canada. If the duration of your programme is longer than 6 months, you require a ‘Study Permit’ to study in Canada. It can be applied online or on paper. Get the details from the official website of the Canadian government.

Work permit 

Is a PG Diploma eligible for Post-study Work Permit?

The duration of the post-study permit depends on the course itself and the length of the programme. For a regular 2-year course, you can get up to 3 years of PGWP. If you completed a 1-year diploma course, you can get up to 1-year PGWP.To be eligible for a post-graduate work permit, the minimum duration of the program should be of 8 months and students should have graduated from a recognized Canadian institution. 

Job opportunities 

Being one of the most industrialized countries in the world, Canada offers ample job opportunities for international students after the successful completion of a PG diploma course. Most Canadian colleges have a training and placement centre for providing overall guidance to international students that helps them in securing a lucrative job. Colleges also organize job fairs from time to time wherein various local companies participate and students may walk-in to get the desired job as per their merit and profile. In short, PG Diploma Courses in Canada prepare students for the cutthroat global job market. Now that you are aware about various Post-Graduate (PG) Diploma Courses offered by Canadian institutions, chart your overseas journey with us. Enquire now and our Canada Admission Experts will assist you in your application process for a Canadian College. 

What is Post Graduate (PG) Diploma?

A PG Diploma is a short-term course that offers the student an opportunity to learn from a range of industries of his/her choice through an experiential learning process. Most of these courses comprise of work-integrated learning or an internship making it a co-op program which provides the student a real-time practical experience. This program aids the student hone his/her skillset to tackle challenges in the demanding work environment. Among the rapidly rising number of international students landing in Canada, almost 70% of the students enroll for a postgraduate diploma.

Difference between PG Diploma and PG Certificate:

PG Diploma and PG Certificates are usually less expensive as compared to a Master’s program in Canada. The PG Certificate acts as an educational credential by providing students with advanced skills in a particular specialization. This certification gives an individual the eligibility to pursue a profession in Canada without completing a two-year long Master’s program. Similar to PG Diploma, the student must hold a Bachelor’s degree to enroll for a PG Certificate. Moreover, this certification is much easier on your pocket as compared to a full-fledged Master’s program. A PG Certificate equips you with the necessary skillset to explore different career options by focusing on helping students build their practical skills in a particular domain.

Comparison between PG Diploma and Master’s:

Master’s programs in Canada are generally classified into two types: Thesis-based and Course-based. A thesis-based master’s program trains a student to conduct independent research wherein the theory course work is followed by a thesis. This program is stretched out for a duration of two years. A course-based master’s program is packed with courses and is usually completed between 1.5 to 2 years. For the PG Diploma program, the student is expected to complete around 120 credits over a period of one or two years. The tuition fees for PG Diploma program is in the range of 10,000 to 30,000 CAD depending on the program and the institution. This is far more economical as compared to the Master’s program.

Entry Requirements for a PG Diploma Course:

1. Transcripts from your University (Bachelor’s degree) along with the copy of your degree certificate. A student with an average grade in the undergraduate program can surely choose to pursue PG Diploma in Canada.

2. Proof of English Proficiency:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL
• Pearson Test of English (Academic)

3. Complete online application

Are you eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after pursuing PG Diploma?  

PG Diploma not only offers value to your Curriculum Vitae but also aligns your skills to get a decent job along with building your points for Permanent Residency in Canada. The students who complete a PG Diploma can either take up a job in the relevant field or may pursue a Master’s degree after completion of the diploma. The Post-study work permit depends solely on the duration of your PG Diploma program. If the PG Diploma is for a duration of one year, the student gets a PGWP up to 1-year whereas if the PG Diploma is for two years, the student is eligible for a PGWP up to 3-years. 

If you wish to start your journey to a Canadian education and eventually Permanent Residency, please get in touch with us to get more clarity on the same.

How to Study Post Graduation in Canada? Get in touch with us!

FAQ’s for Post Graduation Study in Canada

1. What is a Post-Graduate Diploma in Canada?
   A: A Post-Graduate Diploma in Canada is a specialized program that provides advanced practical training in a specific field of study.
2. How long does it take to complete a Post-Graduate Diploma in Canada?
   A: Generally, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Canada takes one to two years to complete.
3. What are the admission requirements for a Post-Graduate Diploma in Canada?
   A: The admission requirements vary depending on the program and the institution. However, in general, applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and may need to meet language proficiency requirements.
4. Can international students apply for a Post-Graduate Diploma in Canada?
   A: Yes, international students can apply for a Post-Graduate Diploma in Canada, but they need to have a study permit and meet the admission requirements of the institution.
5. What is the difference between a Post-Graduate Diploma and a Master’s degree in Canada?
   A: A Post-Graduate Diploma is a shorter program that focuses on practical training, while a Master’s degree is a longer program that involves more theoretical research.
6. What are the career prospects after completing a Post-Graduate Diploma in Canada?
   A: Completing a Post-Graduate Diploma in Canada can improve your chances of finding employment in your field of study, and can also lead to higher salaries and career advancement.
7. How much does a Post-Graduate Diploma in Canada cost?
   A: The cost of a Post-Graduate Diploma in Canada varies depending on the institution and the program, but it can range from $10,000 to $30,000 CAD per year*.
8. Can I work while studying for a Post-Graduate Diploma in Canada?
   A: Yes, international students with a valid study permit can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during their studies, and full-time during scheduled breaks.
9. Can I apply for permanent residency after completing a Post-Graduate Diploma in Canada?
   A: Yes, completing a Post-Graduate Diploma in Canada can improve your chances of obtaining permanent residency through various immigration programs.
10. What are some popular Post-Graduate Diploma programs in Canada?
    A: Some popular Post-Graduate Diploma programs in Canada include Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Hospitality and Tourism, and Health Sciences.

Let us help you.