Canada as a study-abroad destination offers various opportunities for international students and so, over the last couple of years, it has become one of the most preferred places to pursue higher education. Some of the essential features of pursuing higher studies in Canada are that the programs are internationally recognised, education is of premium quality, the economy is growing at a steady pace and overall, the country is a safe place for immigrants. Further, the cost of education is far less compared to that of the UK, USA, and Australia. Given the fact that most Canadian universities receive funding from the provincial and federal government, it helps the universities to offer high-quality education. Also, getting admission in most Canadian universities is easier as compared to American ones. Besides, Canada is an immigrant-friendly country and international students can work for 20 hours/week during the semester and for 30 hours/week during the holidays.
Some of the most common degrees pursued by international students in Canada are the undergraduate and graduate level programs. However, in the recent past, Postgraduate Diploma/Graduate Diploma (PGD/PG Diploma) courses have started gaining immense popularity. The reasons for the PG diploma courses in Canada gaining traction are the fact that they are a low-cost investment and can be completed in shorter duration as compared to a full-time graduate degree program.
Post-graduate Diploma in Canada/PGDM courses are typically one-two-year courses that let the students combine two one-year courses and specialise in the field of their interest. Generally, to complete a PGDM course, a student must fulfil the course criteria, score a particular set of grades and complete industry-based projects or internships. On average, the cost of pursuing a PG Diploma from Canada is typically between INR 7- 15 Lacs. After completing the program, a student can earn around an average salary of 30k – 60k CAD/year.
The one-year PG Diploma comprises 2-3 semesters and the students gain important skills that increase their employability. It ideally costs around INR 6.2- 9.3 Lacs. On the other hand, the two-year PG Diploma comprises 4-6 semesters and costs around INR 7- 11 Lacs. Nevertheless, a major reason to select the two-year PGDM course is the fact that the two-year program gives a three-year stay-back permit referred to as PGWPP (post-graduation work permit program) to pursue employment. Students can also apply for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) after completing the program.
Post-graduate diploma in Canada can be pursued after completing undergraduate studies. Some of the most lucrative PG Diploma courses in Canada are discussed below:
IT is a rapidly growing and very much an in-demand field that offers good career options in Canada. A student can apply for different IT/Networking courses such as Artificial Intelligence and can thus be a part of cutting-edge research and the present technological landscape.
After completing the PGDM course, a student can start working as a web developer, systems technician, data or cloud computing analyst, or software tester. The average salary that one draws ranges from CAD 46,000- 58,000 per year. Some of the colleges/universities offering the one-year PG diploma courses in Canada in this field are the University of Winnipeg (PG diploma in Artificial Intelligence), Douglas College (PG Diploma in Information & Communication Technology), Fanshawe College (Software and Information Systems Testing) and many more.
This is a very broad field and involves numerous specialisations/courses. This course helps one to build strong business acumen, gain a deeper understanding of important business operations, and learn important theoretical concepts/practical know-how.
After completing this course, various job opportunities are available in fields like finance and economics, either in MSME or large multinational companies. A fresh graduate can start working as a Marketing and Sales Manager, Business Manager, Management Consultant, Business Analyst, Financial Advisor, and Project Coordinator. The average salary that one draws is ~CAD 60K/year. However, top-level executives/managers can even draw up to CAD 115,000/year. Some of the colleges/universities offering the one-year PG diploma courses in Canada in this field are McGill University (Graduate Certificate in Marketing), Concordia University (Graduate Diploma in Business Administration), Toronto School of Management (Diploma in Business Administration Co-op) and many more.
Canada is believed to be the best place to pursue nursing and healthcare-related courses because it has one of the world’s best healthcare systems. After completing this course, students can find employment in the healthcare industry. Some of the graduates can even pursue leadership roles in other healthcare-related sectors. Employment can be pursued in the private sector, public/government sector, or the social services sector as well.
After completing the program, nursing practitioners can earn an average salary of CAD 55K. The highest salary that one can draw is ~CAD 104,000. Some of the colleges/universities offering two-year PG diploma courses in Canada in this field are Western Community College (Post Graduate Diploma in Health Administration), Lambton College, Toronto (Advanced Health Care Leadership) and many more.
Pursuing PG Diploma courses in these fields proves to be a lucrative career option because these fields are integral to any organisation’s success. After graduating, students can find jobs in either the public or the private sector. Broadly, this program helps one to understand the nuances of production, the flow of production, operations, and supply chain management (making the finished/processed goods reach the end customers from their suppliers).
After completing this course, a student can work in fields like marketing, operations, accounting, and finances to help meet the supply chain challenges of their respective organisations. The average salary these students draw can be ~CAD 36K/year. However, the highest salary may range from CAD 50K- 80K/year at the manager-level position. Centennial College offers a one-year Certificate in Supply Chain Management-Logistics.
This course enables the students to study the general law principles and gain practical and theoretical training in legal studies, ethics, and some business practices. After completing the PGDM course, a student can work as a law clerk, legal assistant or licensed paralegal in various firms and organisations. In terms of salary, a lawyer can earn up to CAD 135,000/year and a paralegal can earn up to CAD 65K/year.
Some of the colleges/universities offering the one-year PG diploma courses in Canada in the different fields of legal studies are Centennial College (Graduate Certificate program in Paralegal) and Sault College (Graduate Certificate in Natural Resource/Environmental Law-Inspection and Enforcement).
PGDM courses in this field help one understand the global, regional, and local level environmental issues. As part of the course, the students study different aspects of environmental studies such as soil and water conservation, natural resource management, aquaculture, and crop production.
After completing the program, a student can seek job opportunities in fields such as fisheries, agricultural-tourism industry, forestry, and some research institutes. They may also manage their own organic farming business or start a farmer’s market. The salary drawn by the students after completing the course, especially if they work as a food inspector can range from CAD 80K- 90K. Some colleges/universities offering one-year PG diploma courses in Canada in this field are Niagara College (Commercial Beekeeping), George Brown College (Food and Nutrition Management) and Vancouver Island University (Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries & Aquaculture).
Overall, Canadian universities/ colleges offer a wide range of PG courses right after graduation and these PG diploma courses in Canada have become immensely popular as they offer good employment and career opportunities, can be completed in a short duration, and incur less investment. These courses also offer internship options that help one to build their network and gain in-hand experience. Hence, a PG diploma in Canada can be the ideal course to grow in one’s academic journey and professional career.
We hope we were able to explain to you all that you needed to know about PG Courses in Canada. In case of more queries related to – Study in Canada, Canada Universities for Indian students, Canada universities for masters, MBA in Canada, Canada Study Abroad Consultant, Top MBA Colleges in Canada – Please get in touch with Manya-The Princeton Review for more information and insights.
Book your Free Counselling Session now!Some of the most popular/best PG diploma courses in Canada include PG Diplomas in marketing, project management, business analytics, and hospitality management.
Applicants for the PG Diploma in Canada must have a minimum of 60- 65% aggregate in their undergraduate program along with an English language Proficiency score of 6.0- 6.5 bands in the IELTS.
Depending on the sector and the job role sought, a fresher can be offered salaries ranging from CAD 35K- 90K/year.
Yes, it is very much possible to get PR after completing the PG diploma in Canada.
