Are you a recent graduate who is considering pursuing PG courses in Canada? Are you wondering whether Canada is the right choice for postgraduate studies? Or are you stuck between two alternatives – should I go for masters or PG diploma courses in Canada?
You are probably here because you have your eyes set on pursuing postgraduate courses in Canada, but you have many unanswered questions. Worry not, this article aims to answer all your queries regarding PG diploma courses in Canada and help you take the right step toward your ambition!
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Reasons to Choose Canada for Post Graduate Courses
Before discussing the top PG courses in Canada, you must understand why Canada is the most preferred destination to study abroad.
- Canada is one of the most-coveted places and outranks other countries due to its welcoming nature, friendly immigration policies, high research standards, promising job opportunities, and more.
- Canada has witnessed an exponential surge in the number of Indian students year after year. According to reports, in the year 2019, more than 1.3 lakh study permits (approx. 34.5% of the total number) were issued to Indian students.
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- Canada is home to some of the world’s best universities. According to QS World Universities Rankings 2020, 3 Canadian institutions bagged places among the top 50. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021, 30 of the world’s best institutions are located in Canada, among which 8 institutes are in the top 200.
- Canada’s post-graduation work permit program (PGWPP) is immigration-friendly and allows its postgraduates to work in the country for three years after completing their degree. Students can also apply for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) after the program.
- Canada is an excellent choice for Indian students as the average tuition fee is cheaper than in other countries like the USA, the UK, and Australia.
- You can pay for your living expenses because Canada allows international students to work while studying. Students can do part-time work for 20 hours/week during regular days and full-time during holidays for 30 hours/week.
Top 10 PG Courses In Canada
Now that we have established the incredible benefits of studying in Canada, you must start exploring the best courses available in your field of interest. To help you further in your research, Leap Scholar has collated a list of the best PG diploma courses in Canada in different specializations and areas:
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Information Technology & Networking
According to studies, IT is one of the fastest-growing and in-demand niches in the Canadian job market. You can apply for a diploma in various IT and networking courses to excel in the continuously evolving cutting-edge innovation and technological landscape.
- Job Prospects: After completion, you can aim for job positions like web developer, data analyst, systems technician, cloud computing analyst, software tester, and more.
- Salary offered: The highest salary these courses offer can go up to 94,000$ per year. However, the average salary ranges from $46,000 to $58,000 annually.
- Colleges/Universities: Many institutions offer PG diplomas in various domains of IT and networking. Here is a comparative study of some of the best options.
| Course Name | College/University | Duration | Fees for International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG diploma in Artificial Intelligence | University of Winnipeg | 1 year | CAD 22,104 |
| Computer Systems Technician – Networking | Centennial College | 1 year | CAD 15,437 |
| Diploma in Network Security | The University of Winnipeg, in partnership with Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology | 1.4 years | CAD 23,180 |
| PG Diploma in Information & Communication Technology | Douglas college | 1 year | CAD 18,000 |
| Software and Information Systems Testing | Fanshawe College | 1 year | CAD 14,750 |
Business Management PG Courses In Canada
Business Management, in itself, is a broad category that involves various specializations and courses. If you wish to pursue a business career, gain a clear understanding of essential business operations and learn relevant theoretical & practical skills, you can apply for this course.
- Job Prospects: There are numerous job opportunities in various business, financial, and economic sectors in MSMEs and large-sized corporations. You can aim for roles as Business Manager, Business Analyst, Marketing and Sales Manager, Management Consultant, Financial advisor, and Project coordinator.
- Salary offered: The average salary for this job category is 60,000 CAD, but executives at major companies make more, and the highest salary can go up to 115,000 CAD.
- Colleges/Universities: Here is a comparative study of some of the best options.
| Course Name | College/University | Duration | Fees for International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Marketing | McGill University | 1 year | CAD 12,104 |
| Graduate Diploma In Business Administration | Concordia University | 1 year | CAD 27,200 |
| Diploma in Business Administration Co-op (full time) | Toronto School of Management, All locations | 1 year | CAD 12,495 |
| Diploma in Business Management | Toronto School of Management, All locations | 2 years | CAD 19,000 |
| Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (part-time) | Simon Fraser University – Beedie School of Business, All Locations | 2 years | CAD 16,800 |
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Nursing & Health Sciences PG Courses In Canada
Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare industry. Canada is considered an ideal place to pursue nursing and health sciences courses. According to the QS World Rankings of 2020, 10 Canadian nursing colleges fall under the top 100 nursing colleges globally.
- Job Prospects: After completing any of the courses, you can aim to take up leadership roles in hospitals and other health-related sectors. You can work in social services or government jobs as well.
- Salary offered: Nursing practitioners can earn the highest salary, up to 104,000 CAD and more. The average salary for this job category is 55,000 CAD.
- Colleges/Universities: Here is a comparative study of some of the best options.
| Course Name | College/University | Duration | Fees for International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post Graduate Diploma in Health Administration | Western Community College | 2 years | CAD 22,000 |
| PG Diploma in Nursing Practice | Gateway College, Vancouver | 45 weeks | CAD 16,000 |
| Diploma in Health: Science, Technology and Policy | Carleton University | 1 year | CAD 19,000 |
| Advanced Health Care Leadership | Lambton College, Toronto | 2 year | CAD 27,000 |
Supply Chain Management & Logistics
Logistics and Supply chain management are integral to organisations’ success, both in the private and public sectors. A PG Diploma in supply chain management will help you understand the flow of production and operation from suppliers to end customers.
- Job Prospects: After completing this course, you can work with operations, marketing, finance, and accounting to meet the logistics challenges of your organisation.
- Salary: These courses offer an average salary of around CAD 36,000 annually. The highest salary can go from CAD 50,000 to 80,000 at the managerial level.
- Colleges/Universities:
| Course Name | College/University | Duration | Fees for International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Supply Chain Management – Logistics | Centennial College | 1 year | CAD 16,532 |
Legal Studies PG Courses In Canada
These programs allow you to understand the law’s general principles and receive theoretical and practical training in specific legal subjects, legal ethics, and small business practice.
- Job Prospects: You can work as a licensed paralegal, law clerk, or legal assistant in various firms and organizations.
- Salary offered: The highest pay of a Lawyer can go up to 135,000 CAD/year, and paralegals can earn up to 65,000 CAD /year. The pay scale of legal administration jobs is lower, with court support staff and law clerks at the comparatively higher end.
- Colleges/Universities: Many institutions offer a PG diploma in different fields of legal studies. Here is a comparative study of some of the best options.
| Course Name | College/University | Duration | Fees for International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate program in paralegal | Centennial College | 1 year | CAD 22,000 |
| Graduate Certificate in Natural Resource/Environmental Law – Inspection And Enforcement | Sault College | 1 year | CAD 15,899 |
| Ontario College Diploma in Law clerk | Centennial College | 2 years | CAD 14,937/year |
| Diploma in Paralegal | Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology | 2 years | CAD 13,207/year |
Agriculture & Environmental Studies
These programs will allow you to understand local, regional and global environmental issues. You can study the theoretical and practical aspects of crop production, soil and water conservation, agriculture science, natural resource management, aquaculture, and more.
- Job Prospects: You can apply to various research institutions, fisheries, forestry, Agri-tourism industries, and more. You can also start small-scale farm operations or manage farmers’ markets.
- Salary offered: Highest salary offered by these courses depends on which position you hold and the industry. For instance, the highest salary of a food inspector can go up to 80,000 – 90,000 CAD.
- Colleges/Universities: Here is a comparative study of some of the best options.
| Course Name | College/University | Duration | Fees for International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Agriculture Co-op | Fleming College, Frost campus | Three semesters | CAD 8,906 for two semesters plus CAD 558 co-op fees |
| Advanced Water Systems Operations and Management Co-op | Fleming College, Frost campus | Three semesters | CAD 9,788 for two semesters plus CAD 558 co-op fees |
| Commercial Beekeeping | Niagara College | 1 year | CAD 25,800 |
| Food and Nutrition Management | George Brown College | 1 year | CAD 14,600 |
| Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture | Vancouver Island University | 1 year | CAD 16,680 |
Financial Planning PG Courses In Canada
The field is a blend of topics like Hedging, Capital Raising, and Portfolio Making that will help you improve business strategies and achieve your enterprise’s long-term financial goals.
- Job Prospects: There are many lucrative job opportunities for Financial Controllers, Risk and Insurance Managers, Credit Managers, Treasurers, Accounting technicians, Finance Officers, and more.
- Salary offered: The highest salary for financial managers can go up to CAD 96,000, depending on experience and skills.
- Colleges/Universities:
| Course Name | College/University | Duration | Fees for International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Management Diploma | The University of Winnipeg | 2 years | CAD 24,680 |
Biological Sciences PG Courses In Canada
Canada is home to various research institutions, world-class laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies. If you pursue PG in this multifaceted domain, you are guaranteed to come across numerous opportunities for R&D, innovations, and internships. These opportunities can help you gain practical knowledge and ease your transition from education to employment.
- Job Prospects: These programs will prepare you to apply to entry-level positions in diverse life-sciences-based sectors such as biotechnology, bioinformatics, health microbiology, agriculture, food and beverage bioprocesses, and more.
- Salary offered: The highest salary these courses offer can go up to 110,000 CAD per year. However, the average salary ranges from CAD 48,000 to 60,000 annually.
- Colleges/Universities: Many institutions offer PG diplomas in various domains of Biosciences. Here is a comparative study of some of the best options.
| Course Name | College/University | Duration | Fees for International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Biotechnology (Fast-Track) | Centennial College | 1 year | CAD 15,900 |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Microbiology | University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon | 1 year | CAD 6,536 |
| Diploma in Biotechnology | Humber College | 2 years | CAD 17,000/year |
| Biomedical Engineering Technology (Fast-Track) (Optional Co-op) | Centennial College | 2 years | CAD 17,155/year |
Tourism & Hospitality Management PG Courses In Canada
There are numerous opportunities to work in this multifaceted industry and hone your skills to deal with various aspects.
- Job Prospects: PG Diploma in various fields of tourism and hospitality management will sharpen your skills in dealing with events, airlines, hotels, travel companies, transportation, housekeeping, human resource planning, food and beverage management, and more.
- Salary offered: In starting the salaries are on the lower end, but after gaining experience, the highest salary can go up to CAD 100,000 or more per year.
- Colleges/Universities: Here is a comparative study of some of the best options.
| Course Name | College/University | Duration | Fees for International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Hospitality Management (Optional Co-op) | Conestoga College, Waterloo | 1 year | CAD 17,108 |
| Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Event Management | Centennial College | 1 year | CAD 15,000 |
| Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management | Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax | 2 years | CAD 15,200/year |
Early Childhood Studies PG Courses In Canada
These programs are designed to enable you to support youth and children who have experienced various emotional, behavioural, or social challenges. You will also learn the necessary skills of the child and youth care practice and other strategies.
- Job Prospects: You can work with service programs, community shelters, education boards, and childcare centres. You can also open a childcare home following legislative requirements.
- Salary offered: Wages for early childhood education professionals vary based on the job description and location. Generally, salaries start from CAD 27,000 annually to CAD 33,000/ year on the high end.
- Colleges/Universities: Here is a comparative study of some of the best options.
| Course Name | College/University | Duration | Fees for International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma In Early Learning And Child Care | Norquest College, Alberta | 16 months | CAD 32,900 |
| Diploma In Child And Youth Care | Norquest College, Alberta | 16 months | CAD 36,900 |
| Diploma in Early Childhood Education | Centennial College | 2 years | CAD 15,000/year |
The Differences Between Master’s & PG Courses IN Canada
| Parameters | Postgraduate diplomas | Masters programs |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Mostly 1 year, but some have 2 years duration as well. | Mostly 2 years |
| Tuition Fees | Comparatively lesser than Master’s, however courses with more duration can have higher fees. | Mostly higher than PG diploma but few universities like UoM offer master programs with the lower fee structure. |
| Future Prospectus | Students are eligible to work or pursue a Master’s. | Students are eligible to work or pursue a PhD. |
| Post-study work permit | It depends on the duration of the course. Generally, if the course duration is one year, you can get a post-study work permit for one year. | Students pursuing masters can get up to 3 years of post-study work permit. |
Requirements for PG Courses In Canada for Indian students
- A relevant or related UG degree with a minimum of 60% marks or a four-year Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3 is required.
- IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6, or TOEFL – 86 with no part under 20. Some diplomas, like Nursing, require an IELTS score of 7.
- Some diploma courses like Business Administration or Project Management may require work experience.
- Some institutions might ask for written samples, portfolios, or copies of published work.
- It is advisable to check the university/college website before applying or choose Leap Scholar, a one-stop destination for all your study abroad needs.
Conclusion
Canadian universities/colleges offer a wide range of postgraduate courses like Masters’s or PG diplomas. Both programs have advantages, but PG diploma courses in Canada are gaining popularity because of their low-cost investment, lesser duration, and lucrative employment opportunities.
Many PG courses in Canada are designed with co-op options, allowing you to intern with various organisations, build constructive relationships with employers, and gain hands-on experience in real-job scenarios.
A PG Diploma in Canada can be the right pedestal to take the next step in your educational journey and professional career. You can choose Leap Scholar for everything you need to fulfil your dream of studying in Canada.
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FAQ
1. What level is the postgraduate diploma?
Ans: According to the National Qualification Framework (NQF), postgraduate diplomas are considered at a comparable level to a Master’s degree. The difference is that the PG diplomas require fewer study credits (120 Credits) than a master’s degree (180 credits). The employment rate and pay scale are higher in popular cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver. Canadian organizations value essential skills, good industrial relationships, and hands-on experience. A good PG diploma offers all these proficiencies and leads to better job prospects.
2. Can we apply for a PG diploma in Canada with 6 bands in IELTS?
Ans: Yes, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6 for each ability (Writing, Listening, Speaking, Reading).
3. What are the best PG diploma courses in Canada?
Ans: The list of all the top PG diploma courses mentioned here is carefully curated with the best options. If you are confused, choose Leap Scholar to help you assess what is best suited for your goals.
4. Are there 2 years PG diploma courses in Canada?
Ans: Yes, there are many 2 years PG diploma courses in Canada, and some are mentioned in this article. These diploma courses are designed to give you a broad spectrum of knowledge and better job prospects.
5. What is the highest salary after PG in Canada?
Ans: The wages vary from company to company. The highest salary after PG in Canada can go up to 104,000$ – 110,000$ per year. However, the average salary ranges from $46,000 to $58,000 annually.
6. Are Canadian qualifications recognized worldwide?
Ans. Yes, certifications and diplomas from reputed institutions are recognized worldwide.
7. Are there scholarships available to international students?
Ans. Yes, there are scholarships available for students, depending on the institutions and courses. You can choose Leap Scholar for the best global financial products and collateral-free loans for your pg diploma in Canada.
8. How many backlogs are allowed for a PG diploma in Canada?
Ans. You can apply for PG diplomas in Canada as some institutions accept 5-6 backlogs, and some acknowledge up to 10 or 12 backlogs.
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