Canada is a popular destination for international students to continue their higher studies. The vast number of course options, affordable education and several career opportunities make it an ideal location. Those who want to migrate here for education but are also looking for more affordable options can now opt for diploma courses in Canada. These are short-term courses that focus on vocational training and skill development to provide students with the necessary industry knowledge. Our guide compiles everything you need to know about pursuing a diploma in Canada. Continue reading to find out!
Why Pursue Diploma Courses In Canada?
Not only is it one of the most sought-after places for higher education, but Canada is also known for its world-class standard of education. There are several reasons why an international student may want to pursue a diploma course here. Some of these are mentioned below –
- The cost of tuition for a diploma course in Canada is comparatively more affordable when compared to the average fees in other countries.
- Canadian Universities permit students to work while studying to help them explore their options and gain practical experience.
- Upon graduating, students can apply for a full-time job immediately.
- Canadian Universities allow their students to seamlessly transition to a full-fledged master’s course in the middle of their diploma.
- The procedure for visa procurement for Canada is simple and uncomplicated.
Postgraduate Diploma Courses
The average duration of a PG diploma course ranges between one to two years, depending on the curriculum and coursework. Students can opt for one-year courses which cover two or three semesters. Or students can choose 2-year courses. Although these are slightly higher in cost, they provide the opportunity of staying back in Canada for three years to work.
List Of Diploma Courses To Pursue In Canada
Canadian Universities offer numerous courses to their students so they can pursue their interests and gain the necessary skills. Students should select a course that aligns with their interests, future aspirations and career goals. Consider the following diploma courses list to analyse the best options.
- Artificial Intelligence
- Business Administration
- Data Science
- Paralegal
- Sales and Marketing
- Telecommunications
- Economics
- Graphic Designing
- Human Resource Management
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Business Intelligence
Types Of Diploma Courses In Canada
First and foremost, understand what is diploma course. It is vastly beneficial since the objective is to instil a specific skill set that will help the students compete in today’s job market. There are two types of diploma courses that students can pursue – UG and PG courses.
Undergraduate Diploma Courses
The average duration of a diploma course after completing your 10+2 is two years. However, if you opt for an advanced course, it will be completed in around three years since it includes internship opportunities.
Postgraduate Diploma Courses
The average duration of a PG diploma course ranges between one to two years, depending on the curriculum and coursework. Students can opt for one-year courses which cover two or three semesters. Or students can choose 2-year courses. Although these are slightly higher in cost, they provide the opportunity of staying back in Canada for three years to work.
Top Canadian Universities Offering Diploma Courses
Considering the top universities for any course is crucial since they often have better opportunities than others. Similarly, some of the top colleges in Canada that offer diplomas are listed below according to the courses.
The top universities offering courses related to Engineering are as follows –
| Engineering Courses | University |
| Mechanical Engineering | Humber College, Centennial College, George Brown College, Seneca College and St.Clair College. |
| Electronics Engineering | University of Windsor, Centennial College, George Brown College, Seneca College, St.Clair College and Lambton College |
| Civil Engineering | University of Windsor, Centennial College, George Brown College, Seneca College, Durham College and Niagara College |
| Architecture | McGill University, Humber College, Centennial College, George Brown College, Seneca College and St. Claire College |
| Automotive | Durham College |
Some of the best universities offering courses in Humanities are as follows –
| Humanities Courses | University |
| Arts | McGill University, George Brown College, Canadore College, Durham College and Queen’s University |
| Media | George Brown College, Canadore College, Durham College, Seneca College and Douglas College |
| Education | George Brown College, Canadore College, Durham College and the University of Fraser Valley |
| Social | George Brown College, Canadore College, Durham College, University of Fraser Valley and Camosun University |
| Fashion & Design | George Brown College, University of Fraser Valley, LaSalle University and Lakeland College |
Find the best institutes for Management courses here –
| Management Courses | University |
| Marketing | Humber College, McGill University, Centennial College, George Brown College and Ryerson University |
| Hospitality | Centennial College, George Brown College, Seneca College, Fanshawe College and Thompson Rivers University |
| General Management | Humber College, McGill University, Centennial College and Conestoga College |
| International Business | Centennial College, George Brown College, Seneca College, Fanshawe College and Thompson Rivers University |
| Human Resource | Humber College, McGill University, Centennial College and George Brown College |
| Finance | Humber College, McGill University, Centennial College and George Brown College |
Cost Of Studying Diploma Courses In Canada
The average cost of tuition for pursuing diploma courses in Canada for Indian students is tabulated below.
| University | Average Annual Cost Of Tuition |
| Centennial College | CAD 18,444 |
| Humber College | CAD 16,394 |
| Fleming College | CAD 17,552 |
| Durham College | CAD 14,184 |
| George Brown College | CAD 17,841 |
| Mohawk College | CAD 16,510 |
| North Island College | CAD 14,045 |
| Luther College | CAD 47,510 |
| St. Lawrence College | CAD 16,950 |
| Sault College | CAD 17,907 |
Post-Study Work Opportunities
A PG diploma focuses on technical skills and practical knowledge that will help students progress ahead in their careers. Since diploma courses in Canada are highly career-oriented, finding a relevant job in the same field will be easy for graduates. The average salary for a diploma graduate in Canada ranges between CAD 35,000 to CAD 90,000 per year. Some of the most popular job profiles for a diploma graduate and their respective average salaries are tabulated below.
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary |
| Programmer Analyst | CAD 63,300 |
| Graphic Designer | CAD 47,520 |
| HR Manager | CAD 73,300 |
| Project Manager in IT | CAD 85,200 |
| QA Technician | CAD 45,600 |
| Accounts Manager | CAD 57,100 |
| Executive Assistant | CAD 57,300 |
| Marketing Specialist | CAD 55,000 |
Scholarships
Scholarships, grants, awards or other forms of financial aid can help students pursue their higher education without hurdles. The universities and colleges in Canada offer several scholarships to students based on academic performance, merit, scores in exams and financial needs. Students can also avail financial aid from the government, non-banking finance companies and NGOs. Some of the top scholarships available for international students are as follows –
| Scholarships | Amount |
| International in Canada – offered by Niagara College | CAD 2,000 |
| Paul Foundation Scholarships | CAD 26,900 |
| Forktip Women Innovation Scholarships | CAD 2,000 |
| Brokerfish International Student Scholarships | CAD 1,300 |
Difference Between A PG Diploma And A Master’s Degree
A PG Diploma Vs Degree – Which Is A Better Choice For You? The best way to answer this question is to compare their significant differences and evaluate which course suits your needs more. A PG diploma is specifically designed to imbibe practical skills that will help students face real-world challenges. A master’s degree, on the other hand, is an advanced course that students can pursue in a specific discipline. Some of the other key differences are highlighted in the table below.
| Particulars | Master’s Degree | PG Diploma |
| Eligibility | Maximum universities require a four-year UG degree. | A three to four years long UG degree |
| Offered by | Universities/colleges | Universities, colleges, and community colleges |
| Coursework | Research-based, theoretical, practical knowledge | Practical knowledge, skill enhancement, vocational courses |
| Cost of Tuition | CAD 6,000 – CAD 74,110 | CAD 14,045 – CAD 47,510 |
| Post-study work visa | 3-year work visa for a 2-year master’s course | 1-year work visa for a 1-year PG diploma course |
FAQs
Q1. What is the cost of a 2-year diploma in Canada?
Ans: The average cost of tuition for a PG Diploma ranges between CAD 14,045 and CAD 47,510.
Q2. What is a 2-year diploma called in Canada?
Ans: A 2-year diploma course is typically called an associate degree in Canada. It involves four semesters or 60 credits.
Q3. Which course is best for PR in Canada?
Ans: Diploma courses in Canada for international students that would get them a PR are Business Management, Hospitality, Accounting, Marketing and Data Analytics.
Q4. Can we get PR after a 1-year diploma in Canada?
Ans: Students can acquire a 1-year work visa after completing a 1-year PG diploma course.
Q5. Who is eligible to pursue a diploma in Canada?
Ans: Anyone who has completed a three to four years long UG degree is eligible to pursue a diploma in Canada.
Q6. Which Canadian institutions are renowned for their diploma courses?
Ans: Centennial College, Humber College, Fleming College, Durham College and George Brown College are some of the top colleges that offer the best diploma courses in Canada.
Q7. What are the job prospects in Canada after completing a diploma course?
Ans: Graduates with a PG diploma can acquire job profiles like Programmer Analyst, Graphic Designer, HR Manager and Project Manager in IT.
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1 thought on “Top PGDM Courses In Canada: Universities, Specialisations & Eligibility”
I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further