By Piyush Kumar

Canada has emerged as a global education hub, attracting thousands of international students seeking quality education and promising career prospects. Indian students have found Canada to be a popular destination to study abroad. There are currently more than 8 lakh international students across all study levels who had study permits in Canada in 2022, according to information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

While pursuing an undergraduate degree equips students with a solid foundation, many aspirants choose to enhance their knowledge and skills further by enrolling in Postgraduate (PG) Diploma programs after graduation. These postgraduate programs offer specialized training and development of practical skills and help build a competitive edge in the job market.

All PG Diploma programs in Canada provide high-quality education, with several Canadian universities having agreements with local companies to provide their students with a variety of internships and prospective post-study job options. One would have the option to enroll in co-op programs as a student in Canada, which entails a work-internship requirement for the degree course. By doing so, one can gain practical business experience while studying.

Pathway to Further Education

Postgraduate diploma courses in Canada also serve as a pathway to further education. Many students use diploma programs as a stepping stone to pursue a higher level of education, such as a Master’s degree. The practical experience gained during the diploma prepares them for advanced studies.

Specialisation & Costings

A PG Diploma is a 1 year or 2 years program offered by Canadian universities that offer students the option to combine two one-year courses and specialize in a particular area. Students must meet certain requirements (which vary depending on the college) to pass the PG Diploma courses in Canada, as well as conduct industrial projects as part of their coursework. The cost of studying PG diploma in Canada can reach up to 20,000 CAD (12 lakhs INR).

Requirements for Pursuing Diploma in Canada

The following qualifications are required to be eligible for the PG Diploma program:

An undergraduate degree in the relevant discipline with a total score of at least 60%
Certain number of work experience adds value to postgraduate diploma programmes
A score of 6.5 in IELTS (varies depending on each PG course)
A few programs require a Letter of intent with details of academic and career goals in conformity with the program structure
Please note that each university may have different eligibility criteria for each PG diploma program.

Earnings post PG Diploma

After completing a course in PG Diploma from a Canadian College, one can expect to earn between 38,000 to 1 lakh Canadian dollars per year, depending on the industry one chooses.

Students will also be qualified for a post-study work visa for a one-year stay back if the PG diploma program is full-time. Another choice available to overseas applicants enrolled in two-year PG diploma degrees is to avail up to a 3-year work permit.

In-demand PG Diploma programs in Canada

Engineering (Electronics and Mechanical)
Health Sciences
Computers and IT
Business
Tourism and Hospitality Management
Pharmacy, Nursing, and Midwifery
Marketing
International Business
Project Management

Pursuing a PG diploma program after completing graduation in Canada offers numerous advantages, including a diverse range of programs, practical skills development, enhanced chances of employability, pathways to further education, and networking opportunities. These programs bridge the gap between academia and employment, equipping students with specialized knowledge and hands-on experience necessary for career success. By pursuing a PG Diploma program, graduates can unlock new career prospects and position themselves as highly qualified professionals in their chosen fields.

( Author is Regional Director- South Asia and Mauritius, IDP Education)