Top Courses for PG Diploma in Canada 2022 - 2023

A PG diploma in Canada is also called as a Graduate diploma and it is offered to students who have completed their undergraduate studies. The duration of PG diploma courses in Canada is a maximum of 1 or 2 years. International students prefer to pursue Masters courses in Canada to be able to get better job prospects on completion of their postgraduate degrees.

International students who are not able to pursue a postgraduate degree take up PG diploma courses in Canada. PG courses in Canada offered at the community colleges and SPP colleges in Canada are popular among international students. PG diploma in Canada fees for international students ranges between $20,000- $35,000 per year.

International students pursuing a one year PG diploma in Canada are eligible for a 1-year PG work permit on completion of their studies. The value of a PG diploma in Canada is similar to that of a postgraduate certificate or postgraduate degree course. The average salary after completion of a PG diploma in Canada is around $54,000 and is much more in popular cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, etc.

Some of the best colleges in Canada for PG diploma, top PG diploma courses in Canada, and other details related to PG diploma in Canada are discussed. 

Table of Contents

• Top PG Diploma Courses in Canada for International Students
• Best Colleges in Canada for PG Diploma for International Students
• Cheap PG Diploma Courses in Canada
• Top Universities Offering Cheap Diploma Courses in Canada
• Why Study a PG Diploma in Canada?
• Difference between One and Two-Year PG Diploma in Canada
• PG Diploma in Canada Eligibility for International Students
• Canada Student Visa Requirements
• Application Deadlines
• Cost of Pursuing PG Diploma Courses in Canada
• Cost of Living in Canada
• PG Diploma in Canada with Scholarships
• Jobs after PG Diploma in Canada
• PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada

Top PG Diploma Courses in Canada for International Students

PG diploma is a base course for a masters degree in Canada and is available in a variety of disciplines ranging from engineering to health sciences to business. The PG diploma in Canada course list consists of some of the most popular areas of study preferred by international students. Some of the popular PG diploma courses in Canada are listed below:

• Computer Science and Information Technology
• Accounting and Finance
• Business Administration
• Engineering and Engineering Management
• Biosciences, Medicine & Healthcare
• Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations
• Pharmacy, Nursing, and Midwifery
• Education, Teaching & Career Counselling

Best Colleges in Canada for PG Diploma for International Students

Both 2-year and one year pg diploma in Canada are offered at some of the SPP and community colleges in Canada. The Canada colleges for PG diploma offer PG diploma courses in various disciplines to international students at affordable fees. Some of the best colleges in Canada for PG diploma are listed below:

1. Durham College
2. Dawson College
3. George Brown College
4. Algonquin College
5. Seneca College
6. Humber College
7. Confederation College of Applied Arts & Technology
8. Centennial College of Applied Arts & Technology
9. Nova Scotia Community College
10. Columbia College

Cheap PG Diploma Courses in Canada

Canadian universities offer a variety of affordable PG diploma courses for international students. Some of the cheap PG diploma programs in Canada are tabulated below:

Course	University	Duration	Annual Tuition Fees (CAD)
Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner	McMaster University	1 year	4,593
Advanced Neonatal Nursing	McMaster University	1 year	13,988
Marketing Management	University of Winnipeg	2 years	12,032
Financial Management	University of Winnipeg	2 years	12,032
Biotechnology (Fast-Track)	Centennial College	1 year	16,249
Environmental Technician (Fast-Track)	Centennial College	1 year	16,249
Biotechnology - Advanced (Fast-Track)	Centennial College	2 years	16,249
Computer Systems Technology - Networking (Fast-Track)	Centennial College	2 years	16,249
Computer Systems Technician - Networking (Fast-Track)	Centennial College	1 year	16,249
Energy Systems Engineering Technology (Fast-Track)	Centennial College	2 years	16,249

Top Universities Offering Cheap Diploma Courses in Canada 

Students from abroad can find cheap diploma courses offered by various Canadian colleges and universities in like computer science, finance, human resources, marketing, business, etc. Listed below are some universities that provide cheap diploma courses in Canada:

• Algonquin College
• Centennial College
• Durham College
• Fanshawe College
• Fleming College
• George Brown College
• Humber College
• The Sheridan College
• Niagara College
• University of Winnipeg
• Royal Roads University
• Simon Fraser University
• Sault College
• Mohawk College
• St. Stephens College
• North Island College
• Luther College
• St. Lawrence College

Why Study a PG Diploma in Canada?

PG courses in Canada are one of the most demanded study abroad in Canada options for international students from all over the world. Students prefer to pursue a PG diploma which serves as a base for a masters degree in Canada. A PG diploma is accepted by both public and private sector companies in Canada for job opportunities. Some of the reasons why international students prefer to pursue a PG diploma course in Canada are given below:

• PG diploma courses are much more affordable than a regular masters degree course in Canada. PG diploma courses from reputed Canadian universities are globally recognized.
• Several PG diploma programs are designed as co-op options which enable international students to intern with the respective companies. This helps the students to build professional relationships and contacts which help them in securing a job after completion of their studies thus easing the process of getting a permanent residence in Canada in the future.
• Canadian universities are known for high academic standards and provide research-oriented pg courses for students from all over the world. A PG diploma is a short term course for international students who wish to study and work in Canada.
• A PG diploma costs less and is valid throughout Canada and other countries. Canada has a high employability rate that enables students with a PG diploma to be able to be employed within 6 months of completion of their course.
• The Canadian visa process is straightforward and simpler for international students as compared to other countries such as the UK and the US. International students are eligible to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week with a valid study permit that helps the students to sustain themselves for the duration of the course.
• PG diploma courses in Canada are flexible and accept 3-year undergraduate degree programs for admission. The entry requirements for a PG diploma in Canada are much more basic than that for an MS degree in Canada.

Difference between One and Two-Year PG Diploma in Canada

One-year PG diploma in Canada: These are one-year graduate diplomas that include two to three semesters and typically cost between 10,000-15,000 CAD. A one-year PG diploma in Canada will help you develop the necessary skills to enhance your employment prospects.

Two-Year PG diploma in Canada: Two-year PG diploma courses in Canada generally last four to six semesters and cost between 13,000 CAD and 20,000 CAD (7-11 lakhs INR). It is also possible to combine two one-year PG diploma programs and create your own two-year PG diploma course. In Canada, the main advantage of pursuing a 2-year PG diploma course is the possibility of working for three years after graduation. 

PG Diploma in Canada Eligibility for International Students

International applicants with a 3-year undergraduate degree with good academic scores are eligible for a PG diploma in Canada. The course duration is 1-2 years depending on the course chosen by the candidate. Several short-term PG diploma courses of 8 months are also available for international students in Canada. Some of the eligibility requirements for international students seeking admission into PG diploma programs in Canada are listed below:

• International applicants should have a valid undergraduate degree with a cumulative percentage of 55%-60% or higher.
• Certain specialized PG diploma courses in Canada require the students to have a valid work experience of 1-2 years for admission.
• International applicants are also required to provide English language proficiency test scores such as TOEFL, IELTS, etc.

In addition to the above requirements, the following documents are also required:

• Academic transcripts
• Study permit
• Statement of Purpose
• Letter of Recommendation
• Proof of finances

Canada Student Visa Requirements

You must meet the following requirements in order to qualify for a study permit in Canada:

• Candidates must attend a designated learning institution in Canada.
• The candidate must demonstrate that he or she has sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation costs. 
• Applicants must be law-abiding citizens with no criminal record and must not pose a threat to Canadian security. If necessary, the authorities may ask for a police certificate.
• It is essential that applicants are in good health, and a valid medical certificate may be required.
• The applicant must prove to a Canadian immigration officer that he/she intends to leave Canada at the end of the permitted period of stay.

Application Deadlines

In order to be admitted to PG diploma colleges in Canada, you should prepare your application by the end of January. Listed below are the deadlines for applying to some of the top colleges in Canada in 2022:

College	Deadline
Algonquin College	Fall- Oct 1 to Feb 1 Winter 2022- Jan 10
Centennial College	Feb 1
Durham College	Fall: Feb 1 Winter: Oct 1
Lambton College	Feb 1
Seneca College	Rolling
Humber College	Feb 1
Douglas College	Fall: May 31 Winter: Sep 30
Fanshawe College	Mid Oct- Feb 1

Cost of Pursuing PG Diploma Courses in Canada

Tuition fees constitute a major part of the total cost of studying PG Diploma in Canada. PG Diploma tuition fees for Indian students in Canada are as follows:

College	Average Fees (INR)
Algonquin College	8.8 Lakhs
Centennial College	8.0 Lakhs
Durham College	7.4 Lakhs
Fanshawe College	4.18 Lakhs
Fleming College	10 Lakhs
George Brown College	2.73 Lakhs
Humber College	9.48 Lakhs
The Sheridan College	10.5 Lakhs
Sault College	8.86 Lakhs
Mohawk College	9.83 Lakhs
St. Stephens College	5.57 Lakhs
North Island College	8.92 Lakhs
Luther College	11.60 Lakhs
St. Lawrence College	4.76 Lakhs
Niagara College	8.22 Lakhs

Cost of Living in Canada

Various factors influence the cost of living in Canada. The major factors are accommodation type, location, lifestyle, etc. The following table details the costs associated with living in Canada:

Category	Cost
Flight Expense	INR 1,00,000- 2,00,000/- per flight
Study Permit Fees	INR 11,123
Work Permit Fees	$155 (INR 11,493)
IELTS test Fees	INR 14,700
Accommodation	INR 2,67,000-INR 5,39,000 per annum
Travel Costs	INR 4,300-INR 6,000 per month
Health Insurance	INR 17,000-INR 44,000
Food	INR 17,50- INR 23,344 (monthly)
Entertainment	43,770 INR (monthly)

PG Diploma in Canada with Scholarships

There are several college-specific and government scholarships available to international students who wish to pursue PG Diploma programs in Canada. The following are a few of the popular scholarships:

Scholarship	Amount (CAD)
International Students in Canada Scholarship	2,000
Paul Foundation Scholarships	26,900
Forktip Women Innovation Scholarships	2,000
Brokerfish International Student Scholarships	1,300

Jobs after PG Diploma in Canada

After completing the PG Diploma, a student may receive salaries ranging from 35,000 CAD to 50,000 CAD. Listed below are some of the most popular roles held by PG Diploma graduates in Canada, as well as their salaries:

Job Role	Annual Average Salary (in CAD)
Graphic Designer	42,000
Marketing Specialist	45,000
HR Manager	80,000
Executive Assistant	54,000
Accounts Manager	44,000
QA Technician	37,000
Project Manager (IT)	94,000
Programmer Analyst	61,000

PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada

A PG diploma is a shorter version of a masters degree in Canada and is much more affordable than a masters degree. The main PG diploma vs masters in Canada is shown below:

PG Diploma	Masters Degree
A PG diploma in Canada is made up of 120 credit hours.	A masters program in Canada is made up of 180 credit hours.
A 3-year undergraduate degree candidate is eligible for admission.	Applicants are required to have a 4-year undergraduate degree.
Students with over 55% marks at UG level are eligible to apply.	Students with a minimum of 70%-75% are eligible to apply.