PG Diploma Courses in Canada: In Depth Guide for International Students

A postgraduate diploma has become one of the most popular courses among international students due to a wide range of reasons; from having a shorter course duration to minimal course fees, a PG diploma course can fulfill all the necessary requirements of the students to get a few of the best career opportunities around the world.
Canada is a popular destination for diploma courses as there are several top-notch colleges and universities which offer affordable education for international students.

Note: In some colleges, the term “graduate diploma” is synonymous with “postgraduate diploma.”

Table of Contents:

• What is a PG Diploma Course?
• Why study for a postgraduate diploma in Canada?
• What are the types of PG Diploma courses in Canada?
• What is the cost of postgraduate diploma fees?
• 1 year or 2 year PG diploma: Which one is best ?
• What are the best 1-year pg diploma courses in Canada?
• What are the best 2-year pg diploma courses in Canada?
• How to apply to post a graduate diploma in Canada?

PG diploma

A PG diploma is a purely career-oriented course that is for a duration of 1 to 2 years and will give the learner a hands-on experience in the field of study. A Postgraduate Diploma program can normally be started after the completion of a Bachelor’s degree and is normally available in all areas of studies. In Canada, there are many popular colleges and educational institutions where the postgraduate diploma program is extremely popular.

Canadian educational institutions also allow the students to combine two PG diploma courses which are for a duration of one year each; through this, the student will get to specialise in the respective area of study.

The main aim of this program is to make the student career ready and to impart all the necessary skills and hands-on experience to work in the respective field of interest. This short course can upskill the student’s knowledge in a particular field as there will be a lot of practical classes and short internships involved in the course.

Diploma and beyond

There are also colleges and educational institutions where students can extend a PG diploma course towards achieving a full-time master’s program. In some educational institutions, they consider a PG diploma course as a base course for a master’s program; by doing a base course, the student will gain all the necessary knowledge in the field of study, and this will help to have a good foundation in the area of study chosen for a masters course. From business to language studies to engineering to health care, a PG diploma program is available in almost all areas of study.

With the best quality education, path-breaking research outcomes, pro-immigration policies, attractive lifestyle, and affordable education, Canada has become one of the most popular and preferred global ed destinations for international students. According to the official data from the government of Canada, more than 600,000 international students were admitted with a study visa for programs of a duration of six months or more.

Canada is also home to a few of the best and top-ranked universities and colleges around the world, so now let’s see the most important factors that make Canada the favourite destination for pursuing a postgraduate diploma program for international students.

Top-quality education

Top-notch education has always been the hallmark of educational institutions in Canada; known for their academic excellence and advanced teaching methods, Canada is home to some of the best educational institutions in the world. The University of Winnipeg, Thompsons Rivers University, the University of Alberta, Humber College, and Fanshawe College are the most popular colleges for pursuing a PG diploma course.

Affordable education

Global ed is no more just a dream but a dream which can actually be a reality for many aspiring students. Without incurring huge debts by taking an education loan or by looking for scholarships, students can pursue a PG diploma course in Canada, as this program will not be a burden on their financial status.

Internship opportunities

To have hands-on experience in the area of study, Canadian universities and colleges provide internship opportunities both on campus and off campus for students who pursue PG diploma programs. This can also maximise the career opportunities of a graduate student. Most of the PG diploma programmes come with co-op options, which means the students will get a chance to intern with various industries and institutes outside the campus.

Better job opportunities after graduation

After completing the PG diploma program from an institution in Canada, the graduate student can get a well-remunerated and reputed career opportunity around the world. The post-graduate diploma program from Canada is recognised internationally, and a graduate certificate from an educational institution in Canada holds high value around the world.

Affordable living expenses: Canada is a country that is really affordable to international students from all walks of life. The cost of education and living in Canada is really affordable compared to countries like the USA, the UK, or Australia, and international students will have to spend very less money on accommodation, travel, food, and other miscellaneous expenses in Canada.

There are two types of PG diploma courses available in Canadian educational institutions; 1-year and 2-year PG diploma courses. The main difference between a one-year PG diploma and a two-year PG diploma is the duration and content.

A one-year postgraduate diploma program in Canada typically consists of coursework and may include a final project or practicum component.

A two-year postgraduate diploma program will also include coursework but typically includes a more extensive research component, such as a thesis or major research paper. The curriculum and requirements for these programs will differ, with the two-year program likely covering more advanced and in-depth material. Additionally, a two-year program will have more opportunities to specialise in a particular field or industry.

The cost of a postgraduate diploma program can vary depending on the type of institution, duration and program. Factors such as the location of the school and whether the program is online or in-person can also affect the cost.

On average, postgraduate diploma programs in Canada can cost between CA $10,000 to CA $50,000 for international students. Additionally, some universities may charge additional fees like student services fees, health insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Now let’s explore the cost of studying a one-year and a two-year PG diploma program in detail:

The University of Toronto, Fanshawe College, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Red River College, McMaster University, and Thompson Rivers University are a few top colleges and universities offering a one-year PG diploma course in Canada.

Centennial College, University of Manitoba, Humber College, Conestoga College, Mohawk College, St. Stephen’s College, and North Island College are a few popular colleges and universities in Canada which offer a two-year PG diploma course.

PG Diploma programs are offered in two types in Canada, one as a one-year program and the other as a two-year program. A one-year program will be suitable for those who want to quickly gain specialised skills and enter the workforce, while a two-year program will be more suitable for those students who want a more in-depth educational experience or to pursue further studies in a selected field of study. It is important to research and compare the curriculum, job prospects, and other factors of both options before finalising a course.

Accounting and finance, computer science and information technology, business administration, engineering, and engineering management, biosciences, teaching and career counselling, medicine & healthcare, marketing, advertising, public relations, pharmacy, nursing, and Education are the popular fields of study in which a one year PG diploma program is offered.

Tourism experience management, business administration, innovation and entrepreneurship in tourism, destination development, media convergence, computer system technology, energy systems, engineering technology, data analytics, HR, financial management, automation and robotics, and global business management are the popular fields of study in which a two year PG diploma program is offered.

A one-year program is shorter and typically covers a specific set of skills or knowledge, while a two-year program is longer and typically covers a broader range of skills or knowledge. Additionally, a two-year program will offer more in-depth study and research opportunities compared to a one-year program. The one-year PG diploma course will include 2-3 semesters and will provide all the essential skills to improve your employability chances in the respective field of study.

A two-year PG Diploma course will be for a duration of four to six semesters and the students can also combine two one-year PG diplomas to make a two-year PG Diploma program. Pursuing a two-year PG Diploma course can provide a three-year work stay-back option.

• Professional Accountancy
• Early Childhood Education and Development Diploma
• Human Resource Management
• Business Administration
• Biotechnology

Established in 1887, McMaster University is a public research university located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. McMaster University is one of the oldest universities in Canada and is popular for its innovative approaches in the field of teaching and research. The university offers over 70 undergraduate programs and more than 150 graduate programs and diploma programs across six faculties.

Some of the popular 1-year postgraduate diploma courses offered at the university are in the following fields:

• Business Administration
• Human Resources Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Project Management
• Digital Marketing
• Health Services Research
• Gerontology

Why choose this course?

The graduate diploma in Professional Accountancy program is a specialty-designed diploma program that prepares students to pursue the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, and the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario accredit this program.

This program can be completed in a duration of 14 weeks, and the program gives an opportunity to start Capstone 1 (Integrative Module) of the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) directly after graduation. The course comprises four electives which are, Assurance, Taxation, Performance Management, and Finance.

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee at McMaster University to study PG diploma in Professional Accountancy will be approximately CA $ 10,000 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.
Students will have to pay a CA $110 non-refundable application fee.

This program is not eligible for OSAP funding; OSAP stands for the Ontario Student Assistance Program.

OSAP is run by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and is funded by the federal and provincial governments. Through OSAP, students can apply for assistance as full-time students, part-time students, or a student of a micro-credential program.

Eligibility

• Applicants who completed their education outside of Canada are not eligible for this program
• A four-year honours Bachelor’s degree with:
• A minimum of a B average in each of the last two years of study
• A minimum of B+ average in the final year in all courses in the accounting discipline
• TOEFL iBTs score of 92
• IELTS score of 6.5
• GMAT/GRE if asked

Established in 1965, Bow Valley College is a popular public, board-governed college that offers certificates, diplomas, post-diploma certificates, and English language learning courses. Bow Valley College is a member of the Alberta Rural Development Network and Colleges and institutes in Canada. The college presently has a student strength of more than 17,000 students from all around the world and is a hub for international students and a melting pot of cultures.

Why choose this course?

Through the early Childhood Education and Development Diploma program at Bow Valley College, you can make a difference in the lives of children, families, and communities. This program will help you to provide quality child care in a wide variety of settings and plan emergent play experiences for the children.

By studying this course, you will gain knowledge in child development, family dynamics, play, and program planning that will equip you to support the healthy development of children through child-centered learning experiences.

This program combines theory and practice, and graduates are eligible for Level 3 Early Childhood Educator certification from the Alberta Government. The program also has an award-winning curriculum; the Program Excellence Award by the Association of Canadian Community Colleges 2010 and the Innovation of the Year award by the League for Innovation in the Community College 2009.

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee at Bow Valley College to study Early Childhood Education and Development Diploma courses will be approximately CA $ 27,609 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses. Students will have to pay an estimated Book Cost of around CAD $1,400.

The Alberta Government provides scholarships to high school students for post-secondary learning. Students can apply through their dedicated website and also the international Education Department at Bow Valley College offers scholarships to international students each academic term. The scholarship program is divided into two main categories: Entrance scholarships, and In-Course Scholarships, based on the needs and qualifications – students can apply for this.

Eligibility

Following will be the eligibility criteria for the course :

• Successful completion of the General Educational Development test (GED) test
• It should consist of five tests, with a minimum score in the following sections:
• Writing Skills: 520 minimum standard score
• Interpreting Literature and Art: 520 minimum standard score
• Credit in either English 30-1 or 65% in English 30-2 or equivalent
• Or satisfactory results on the Bow Valley College Admissions Test
• TOEFL iBTs score of 83
• IELTS score of 6.0

Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) is a publicly funded college located in Nova Scotia, Canada. It offers a wide range of programs in areas such as business, health sciences, technology, and trades. NSCC also provides continuing education and customized training for businesses and organizations. The college has 13 campuses throughout the province and serves over 30,000 students annually from all around the world.

Why choose this course?

The diploma course in Human Resource Management at the Nova Scotia Community College is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field of human resources and managerial roles. The program covers a wide range of topics, such as recruitment, selection, training, labour relations, and compensation. Students will also learn about current trends and best practices in human resource management.

The program includes a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on experience, and fieldwork, and the students will have the opportunity to participate in internships or co-op placements to gain practical experience in human resource management. This program is accredited by the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Nova Scotia (CPHRNS), and this accreditation is also recognised at the national level by the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Canada.

After the completion of this course, the graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of roles within the field of human resources, such as human resource generalist, recruitment specialist, training and development coordinator, or compensation and benefits analyst.

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee at Nova Scotia Community College to study Human Resource Management diploma course will be approximately  CA $ 11,690 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) offers a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and awards to help students finance their education. These include scholarships for academic achievement, specific programs of study, students with disabilities, and for students who are members of underrepresented groups.

Following are the popular scholarships :

• The NSCC Entrance Scholarships
• The NSCC Alumni Scholarship
• The NSCC Women in Trades Scholarship

Eligibility

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent
• Official post-secondary documents for assessment
• Copy of Statement of Marks/Mark Sheet for Grade 12
• TOEFL iBTs score of 80
• IELTS score of 6.0

Established in 1970, Thompson Rivers University is a public university located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, diploma and graduate programs in various fields, such as business, education, law, health sciences, and trades. TRU also offers open learning, distance education, and continuing education opportunities, and the university has a diverse student population with over 20,000 full-time and part-time students from different countries.

Why choose this course?

The Graduate Diploma course in Business Administration at Thompson Rivers University will provide the student with all the necessary foundational knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the career option that awaits the student.

The program covers a wide range of topics, including accounting, marketing, human resources, and operations management. Students will also have the opportunity to take elective courses in areas of interest such as entrepreneurship, international business, and e-commerce.

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee at Thompson Rivers University to study the Business Administration course will be approximately CA $ 15,097 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses. Students who receive GDBA course waivers will only pay for the number of required courses.

Thompson Rivers University offers a variety of scholarships to students to help with the cost of their education. Some of the scholarships which are available for the students are as follows:

• Entrance scholarships
• Departmental scholarships
• External scholarships
• Athletic scholarships

Eligibility

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent
• Official post-secondary documents for assessment
• Letter of Intent
• Letter of Recommendation
• TOEFL-IBT: 88
• IELTS: 6.5

Established in 1967, Durham College is a public college located in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. The college offers a wide range of programs in fields such as business, health sciences, media studies, and skilled trades. The college also has a number of partnerships with universities, allowing students to transfer credits and continue their education at the bachelor’s degree level. Durham College has a strong reputation for applied and hands-on learning, and it is well-reputed around the world for the quality of education it provides and the path-breaking research outputs.

Why choose this course?

Essential laboratory skills, including learning how to isolate and manipulate DNA, purify and characterise proteins and grow and maintain cells in tissue culture, will be an integral part of this course, and this will help the student conduct extensive experiments in cell and molecular biology. In the final semester, the student will use biological organisms to manufacture a chemical product used in an industrial process actively.

The program includes a mix of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and hands-on experience through co-op and field placement opportunities. Graduates of the program may find employment in fields such as biomanufacturing, quality control and assurance, research and development, and laboratory analysis. The program also prepares students for further studies in related fields.

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee at Durham college to study the Biotechnology course will be approximately  CA $ 7,823 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Following are a few scholarships that the students can look out for :

• The President’s Scholarship
• The Entrance Bursary
• The Continuing Education Scholarship
• The Community Involvement Scholarship

Eligibility

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent
• Official transcripts
• Financial statements
• Financial support proof
• Statement of purpose
• TOEFL iBTs score of 80
• IELTS score of 6.0

• Computing Science Diploma – Thompson Rivers University
• PG Diploma in Network Security- University of Winnipeg
• Clinical Behavioural Sciences- McMaster University
• Developmental Services Worker- St. Clair College

Established in 1970, Thompson Rivers University is a public university located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, law, and science. The university also has a strong reputation for its trades and technology programs, as well as its distance education offerings.

TRU is known for its commitment to student success and offers a range of services and resources to support students throughout their academic journey. The university also has a strong focus on research, with a number of research centres and institutes dedicated to areas such as mining, health, and Indigenous studies.

Why choose this course?

Computing Science Diploma combines technical and computer skills with communication skills and business skills. This is a truly career-based course that prepares the student job ready and to meet the needs of the career provider. The program covers topics such as programming, data structures, algorithms, software engineering, and databases.
Graduates of the program will have the skills and knowledge needed to work in a wide range of industries, including software development, web development, network administration, and data analysis. Additionally, the program allows students to transfer to the Bachelor of Computing Science degree program at TRU or other universities.

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee at Thompson Rivers University to study the Computing Science Diploma course will be approximately  CA $ 15,786 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Following are the popular scholarships available at the university for international students:

• International Athletic Scholarships
• Engineering Scholarships
• TRU Law International Student Award
• International Social Media Ambassador Award

Eligibility

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent
• Official transcripts
• Letter of Intent
• SOP
• Official Transcripts (Min. GPA 3.0)
• Letter of Recommendation
• TOEFL iBTs score of 88
• IELTS score of 6.5

Established in 1967, the University of Winnipeg is a public university located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, diploma, and graduate programs in various disciplines, including arts, business, education, science, and theology.

The university strongly focuses on Indigenous education, environmental sustainability, and social justice. The university is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), the Canadian University Society for Intercollegiate Debate (CUSID), and a member of U Sports.

Why choose this course?

PG Diploma in Network Security is one of the most popular diploma courses offered by the university. The course will provide the students with a hands-on learning experience in state-of-the-art labs along with enough theoretical education to make them job ready.

This program is offered in partnership with the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT); they bring a wealth of knowledge to the program with state-of-the-art Cisco Labs and an integrated hands-on approach to learning.

The program covers topics such as network security, cybercrime, cryptography, and secure software development. It is designed for individuals who have already completed a degree in a related field, such as computer science, and want to gain specialised knowledge and skills in network security.

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee at the University of Winnipeg to study the PG Diploma in Network Security course will be approximately CA $ 23,080 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Following are the popular scholarships available at the university for international students :

• PACE Student Awards
• Curtis Nordman Bursary in Continuing Education
• Louis Riel Bursary
• Henry Rieff Stewart Memorial Scholarship for Adult Learners
• Helen S. Maroy Memorial Bursary

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s Degree in IT , Computer Science, or Design
• Or a Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of one year of technical experience working in IT
• Official Transcripts
• Minimum 60% in undergraduate studies
• Letter of Recommendation
• TOEFL iBTs score of 86
• IELTS score of 6.5

Established in 1887, McMaster University is a public research university located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It is known for its strong programs in the sciences, engineering, and health sciences, as well as humanities, social sciences, and business. The university has a reputation for providing high-quality education, cutting-edge research, and an innovative approach to learning.

Why choose this course?

The Clinical Behavioural Sciences Program was established in 1968, and, since this time, it has evolved to meet the changing needs of our students. The Clinical Behavioural Sciences program is specially designed for professionals who wish to work in the health service field or for people who are presently part of the field.

Through this course, the students will learn comprehensive strategies for formulating client problems and choosing treatment interventions. The length of the program is for 1 to 2 years and the entry happens in September and January.

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee at McMaster University to study PG diploma in Clinical Behavioural Sciences will be approximately CA $ 12,000 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Students will have to pay a CA $110 non-refundable application fee.

This program is not eligible for OSAP funding; OSAP stands for the Ontario Student Assistance Program.

Eligibility

• Honours Bachelor’s degree with at least a B+ average in the final year in all courses in the discipline in which the applicant proposes graduate work
• Applicants must be currently occupying positions, either full-time or part-time, in counselling, psychology, psychiatry, nursing, or social services.
• TOEFL iBTs score of 92
• IELTS score of 6.5

Established in 1966, St. Clair College is a public college of applied arts and technology in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It offers a wide range of programs, including business, health sciences, technology, media studies, and community studies. The college has several campuses, including the main campus in Windsor and satellite campuses in Chatham and Wallaceburg. It also offers continuing education and corporate training programs. St. Clair College has grown to become one of the largest colleges in Ontario, serving over 10,000 full-time students and 20,000 continuing education students.

Why choose this course?

The Developmental Services Worker (DSW) program at St. Clair College is a two-year diploma program that prepares students for a career working with individuals who have developmental disabilities. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience through field placements in a variety of settings, such as group homes, day programs, and community agencies.

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including human growth and development, understanding and supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, communication and interpersonal skills, health and safety, crisis intervention and behaviour management, and community integration and inclusion.

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee at St. Clair College to study PG diploma in Developmental Services Worker will be approximately CA $ 15,684 per year, and this includes tuition fees and also material charges, but this doesn’t include housing or other expenses.

Excellence in Global Leadership Scholarship is the popular scholarship available at the college for international students.

Eligibility

• Canadian Study Permit
• High school diploma and Grade 12 transcript
• IELTS score of 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5
• PTE (Pearson Test of English) score of Level 51
• Duolingo score of 100.

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