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A postgraduate diploma, also known as a graduate diploma in Canada, is particularly popular in Anglo-Saxon countries. Academically, a PG diploma in Canada is considered over the level of a Bachelor's degree but under a Master's level. Diploma courses in Canada can be started after the completion of a bachelor's degree and is typically completed within one year or less.
In recent times, postgraduate diplomas in Canada have gained more popularity since they are more affordable than a Masters' degree and take less time to complete.
In many countries, the term "graduate diploma" refers to "undergraduate diploma" (Bachelor's degree), which can cause a tad bit of ambiguity. To avoid this confusion, as a student, you should always check which degree type means what in the country and the university where you wish to study.
You can take help of The Student Helpline Study Abroad consultants to check the eligibility for PG diplomas in Canada and to get deeper insights on Canada diploma courses.
Postgraduate diploma in Canada for international students is one of the most popular courses in Canada. Canada, known for its world-class, high quality universities, is one of the most strongest and stable economies in the world. Canadian cultures and its people are very welcoming and warm towards international students.
This country invests in students' safety like no other, and that is why immigration rates in Canada are higher than any other country. Moreover, students can work while studying a PG diploma course in Canada, and there are post-graduation work permits available for students who wish to explore the Canadian job market and build on their experience.
Post graduate diploma course in Canada is more or less like a very fast paced master's program, where emphasis is majorly given on skills and practical knowledge related to a specific field.
Listed below are a few benefits of pursuing PG diploma course in Canada:
Most of the students make the mistake of assuming that a master's and PG diploma are one and the same thing, but it's not. There is a huge difference among them, much like a rhinoceros and an elephant.
In this section, The Student Helpline will help you compare and distinguish the difference between an PG diploma and a Masters in Canada:
Basis |
Postgraduate Diploma in Canada |
Masters' in Canada |
Meaning |
A post-graduate qualification which imparts very specific skills and practical knowledge. |
Thesis based programs that aim to train students to conduct independent research work. |
Duration |
PG diploma duration is typically 1 year |
These programmes typically range between 1.5-2 years. |
Fees |
PG diploma in Canada fees are approx. $20,000, on the lower side. |
Masters' degree fees is approx. $35,000, on the higher side. |
Recognition
|
Valuable, but may not carry the same prestige as Masters' |
Highly valued and recognized all over the academic industry. |
Outcome |
Specialized knowledge and skills |
Advanced knowledge, critical thinking and research skills |
Post-study work visa |
One year PG diploma course leads to one year work visa. A 2 year PGDM courses in Canada leads to three year work visa. |
Two year Masters' course leads to three year work visa. |
Mostly, all the diploma courses in the world provide postgraduate level qualifications and are of 12 months duration, known as a One year PG diploma courses, providing students with specialized knowledge in respective fields. Also, there exists a 2 year PG diploma course in Canada with a duration of 24 months. Compared to a one year PG diploma, it is more in-depth and comprehensive
Feature |
1 Year PG diploma Courses |
2 Year PGDM Courses in Canada |
PG diploma course Duration |
Typically 1 year |
Post graduate diploma courses in Canada 2-year duration for international students is typically 2 years |
Course Load |
More intensive, 8-10 courses |
Broader in-depth coursework, 16-20 courses |
Focus |
Practical skills and specific topics |
In-depth study with broader topics |
Research component |
Minimal |
May include research projects |
Internships |
May include co-op placements |
Generally includes co-op placements. |
Tuition fees |
CAD 15,000-CAD 25,000/year |
CAD 20,000-CAD 35,000/year |
Academic rigor |
Fast-paced, less time for in depth study. |
More time for better comprehensive understanding. |
Post-Graduation Work Permit |
Eligible for 1 year |
Eligible for 3 years |
The wide range of PG diploma courses in Canada is the reason behind the rich Canadian job market. Many start-ups and small scale business groups hire the students who have completed a relevant postgraduate diploma from the Canadian universities.
The idea behind this steep hiring graph is that in modern day scenario, people wish to savor time and produce more results. Small scale start-ups and businesses hire a personalized, trained, skilled workforce in order to give their businesses a strong working foundation. Some jobs require skills rather than deep knowledge, and such jobs benefits the most out of thesePG diploma Canada students.
Here is a Post graduate diploma courses list for international students:
Best PG Diploma Courses |
Colleges in Canada for PG Diploma |
Average PG Diploma in Canada Fees |
Post-graduation diploma in Science and Engineering |
|
CAD 33,500 |
Post-graduation diploma in Business Management |
|
CAD 70,910 |
PGDM in Information Technology |
|
CAD 40,000 |
Post-graduation diploma in Health Science |
|
CAD 30,000 |
Post-graduation diploma in Hospitality Management |
|
CAD 16,000 |
Post-graduation diploma in Accounting
|
|
CAD 20,000 |
PGDM in HR Management |
|
CAD 13,000-CAD 18,000 |
PGDM in Marketing |
|
CAD 18,000 |
Figure 1: Average Salaries For The Best PG Diploma Courses
Some of the most prestigious universities in Canada are some of the top-most colleges in Canada for PG diploma. These universities are popular among the international students as it offer them quick entry and post study co-op placements and internships.
One more factor that makes these universities popular study abroad destinations for international students is their lower tuition fee. As compared to other countries, Colleges for PG diploma in Canada are affordable and cost-effective.
QS Ranking |
Colleges in Canada for PG diploma Name |
Annual PG Diploma In Canada Fees |
Notable PG diploma Canada areas |
25 |
CAD 30,000 |
Business, Health sciences |
|
38 |
University of British Columbia |
CAD 33,000 |
Project management, Data science |
29 |
McGill University |
>CAD 28,000 |
Education, Management |
96 |
University of Alberta |
CAD 58,000- CAD 70,000 |
Engineering, Business |
198 |
University of Calgary |
CAD 40,000 |
Environmental science, Business |
89 |
Durham University |
>CAD 14,000 |
Accounting, Business |
>150 |
Centennial College |
>CAD 15,000 |
Biotechnology |
>200 |
Niagara College |
>CAD 18,000 |
Computer programming, Data science |
>100 |
Algonquin College |
>CAD 20,000 |
Marketing, Communication |
>650 |
University of Manitoba |
CAD 18,000-CAD 20,000 |
Business, Social work |
Even though the Annual/Monthly PG Diploma in Canada Fees for the best diploma courses in Canada are on the lower side, there are some prestigious study abroad scholarships available for international students. These scholarships help the students to further reduce their financial burden, in many ways.
PG Diploma In Canada Scholarship Name |
Details |
Benefit Granted |
Paul Foundation |
Often given to students from specific backgrounds and fields. |
>CAD 20,000 |
Fork Tip Women's Innovation |
Provides financial support and innovation to women to engage in innovative fields. |
CAD 2,000 |
Humber College International Student Scholarship |
Awarded based on academic excellence, helps newcomers. |
CAD 2,000 |
Brokerfish International Student Scholarship |
Merit based scholarship. Awards: CAD 10,000/month for 10 months. |
>CAD 90,000 |
Niagara College International Student scholarship |
Aims to support diversity in Canadian campuses. |
CAD 2,000 |
Just like any other course in the world, PG diploma courses in Canada also have eligibility criteria that must be met at all costs for a successful PG diploma experience. Although these criteria varies from one university to another, listed below are some of the generic eligibility criteria conditions that any student must fulfil to pursue a program in Canada.
Figure 2: Minimum Standardized Test Score Requirements for PG Diploma Programs in Canada
Each institution and program may have specific variations in their eligibility criteria, which makes it mandatory for international students to check the requirements for the particular PG diploma in Canada they are interested in.
You must make sure to check the official websites of the university or take help from the trusted The Student Helpline study abroad consultants for a more accurate information.
Every institution has a step-by-step, systematic way of enrolling students into their courses and campus. The application process for some of the best PG diploma courses in Canada are simple, elegant and similar to the bachelor's and master's application process protocols.
Students must follow these essential steps:
The value of post-graduate diploma in the world is an ever increasing currency. The program has gained mass popularity since this course has increased employability in the industry. The Student Helpline consultants understand this data very well, and the experts here are keen to help students get enrolled in one of the best PG diploma colleges in Canada.
The highly dedicated working professionals of The Student Helpline provide an all-round service, including profile and documentation review, shortlisting universities and courses, filing the applications form, visa assistance, pre-departure briefings and much more.
A postgraduate diploma or PG diploma, also known as a graduate diploma in Canada, is particularly popular in Anglo-Saxon countries. Academically, a PG diploma in Canada is considered over the level of a Bachelor's degree but under a Master's level. For more related information, contact The Student Helpline.
Canada PG diploma courses are more or less like a very fast paced master's program, where emphasis is majorly given on skills and practical knowledge related to a specific field. To know the best PG diploma colleges in Canada, contact The Student Helpline.
A PG diploma in Canada is typically a one year course, wherein the students are taught the specific and relevant practical skills regarding their field of study. There are 2 types of PG diploma courses; one year and a 2 year PG diploma courses in Canada. To learn more about the value of postgraduate diploma courses, contact The Student Helpline.
Yes, In Canada graduate certificate and PG diploma are one in the same thing. For a better understanding about the PG diploma in Canada and the difference between PG diploma in Canada and the Masters' in Canada, contact The Student Helpline.
Yes, you can do Masters' after completing your PG diploma courses in Canada. Having a PG diploma makes it easier for students to get admitted to a Masters' program since they have relevant work experience to show, have already studied the same discipline, and have the practical and relevant course skills. For more information about Centennial College PG Diploma courses, reach out to The Student Helpline.
A Canada postgraduate diploma is not equivalent to a master's degree. A 2-year PG diploma will help you get a job soon since it is an additional degree that students opt for after bachelor's, whereas a masters' degree will help you become an expert in the field. For a better insight, contact The Student Helpline.
Both the courses have their own merits; with 1 year post graduation diploma courses, you will complete your study faster and find a job soon, whereas with 2 year PGDM courses in Canada, you will get a 3 year stay back period, and it will give you more hands-on experience.
Academic transcripts, LORs, SOPs, a valid passport, and English test scores are some of the mandatory document requirements to pursue a PG diploma course in Canada. To know more about the application process requirements, contact The Student Helpline.
Yes, there are more than 100 colleges in Canada that provide 2-year PGDM courses in Canada. With The Student Helpline, consultants find which of these colleges' best align with your academic goals for the future.
55% is the generally appreciated minimum percentage requirement that is required to study a PG diploma in Canada. This requirement might vary from one university to another. Make sure you know the requirements in advance. To know which university requires an English language proficiency test score, contact The Student Helpline consultants.
Rahul Kumar is a dynamic and seasoned writer, currently serving as a Study Abroad Expert at The Student Helpline. Specializing in crafting comprehensive study materials for international standardized exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, PTE, and SAT, he brings over five years of experience to his role. Rahul’s passion lies in guiding students through the complexities of exam preparation and the study abroad journey. His insightful articles provide students with valuable information on exam processes, college admissions, top universities, course selection, and more—empowering them to succeed in their academic goals abroad.
We'll show you what you need to do, when to do it, and how, at each step of your study abroad journey.