A Post Graduate Diploma in Canada offers international students a great opportunity to gain advanced skills and specialized knowledge in various fields. The postgraduate diploma (PGD) is obtained after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a specific area. This enhances one’s career by providing expertise in a field.
Generally, it takes 1-2 years to complete a PGD which involves exams, coursework, projects and sometimes revising a thesis. This is the best for professional improvement, professional change or pre-Masters qualification.
A PGD assists in acquiring industry based skills which effectively employ graduates hence improving their employability and their salaries and their competitiveness in the job market. It is a good certification for career progression as well.
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Benefits Of A Post Graduate Diploma In Canada
A Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Canada can be beneficial to international students in so many ways. It increases employment as it imparts expertise in the chosen area. Canadian schools carry an academic weight and a Canadian PGD is in high regard by employers in all regions of the globe. Having obtained a PGD course in Canada, students also get access to working opportunities in Canada which are critical in applying for PR.
International students can work while they are studying on a part-time basis and after graduation gain employment on a full time basis, which helps them acquire considerable experience as well as professional contacts. A PGD program in Canada gives the student the opportunity to pursue permanent residency once the international student completes a PGD program.
There are several immigration programs that have been designed by the Canadian authorities for skilled immigrants such as the Express Entry to Credit. Studying in Canada also comes along with its own benefits such as cutthroat competition, famous for friendly people in their immense cities and breathtaking landscapes.
Also, International students are able to enjoy a favourable standard of living which has access to world class facilities. In Canada, international students expand their will to embark on new job opportunities and help them gather Canadian work experience as well as use the opportunity to become permanent residents.
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Documents Needed By International Students for Getting a PGD in Canada
Do you need to come to Canada to undertake a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) as an international student?
To make this application process easier, it is important to have the correct documents in order. First, how is it possible to secure acceptance from the Canadian institution offering the PGD program you are interested in?
Next, let’s gather the following essential documents:
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months
- Test scores providing proof of spoken language proficiency (like IELTS, TOEFL etc.)
- Previous academic records’ transcripts and diplomas
- Certificate of degree awarded for Bachelor training
- Financial means documents- admission requirements explained further detail (bank statement or someone to pay)
- Medical report and medical coverage
- Police clearance certificate if any
Also, some institutions might require more documents:
- Recommendation letter (for applicants)
- Statement of purpose
- Curriculum vitae
- Portfolio (for art programs)
Make sure you refer back to the institution and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to confirm the documents required. When it comes to the documents and evidence to support the application, these should be reliable and credible. Have these documents and you are good to go for an application which will lead you to pursuing a PGD in Canada.
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Cost of A Post Graduate Diploma Cost In Canada?
Tuition
The tuition costs from school to school differs but all are within the range of $2500 for a single year course to $3800 for a 2 year course.
Other Costs
Aside from tuition, there are other costs the proposed student needs to meet to love normally in Canada. Here are some of the other expenses that you would incur:
- Living Expenses
Rent, utilities, food, transportation and other daily needs.
- Student Fees
Additional charges payable towards health insurance, recreation centres and student organisations, services, among others.
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- Books and supplies
These include your program course materials like textbooks, laptop computers, software and other tools required.
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- Health insurance
International students are required by law to have health insurance like other Canadians do not cover international students.
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- Residence fees
If you decide on residing on campus, residence fees will apply and will depend on the university of choice.
- Meal plan
If you choose to have a meal plan this will also increase your costs.
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- Transportation
Coupled with additional costs, that of travelling to and fro school for instance use of a public transport or park a vehicle.
- Personal expenses
Volunteers are allowed to include expenses on services rendered for relaxation, leisure activities and other individual principles.
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- Application fees
Which applicants pay when they apply for admission, these fees generally range $50 – $150.
Normally, these costs differ from one university to another or even from one region to another. However, it is critical to include them in your budget for the period of study in order to have a smooth academic undertaking.
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Scholarships Opportunities for International Students
There are many scholarship opportunities for an international student in Canada. If you are looking for a way to reduce the financial blow of securing a post graduate diploma, securing a scholarship is the best way. Scholarships can be offered by the government, individual school or non governmental agencies. Look for scholarships that are of your course of choice and fulfil their requirements.
How Long Is the Post Graduate Diploma in Canada?
A Post graduate diploma is not like a regular undergraduate or postgraduate diploma. While an undergraduate program and PhDs last 4 years, a postgraduate diploma lasts 1 to 2 years.
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Work Opportunities While Studying
Can I Work While Studying For A PGD?
Most international students are allowed to work during their studies. There are different conditions for working on campus and off campus.
“On campus” means any of the buildings located on your college or university grounds. You can learn more about opportunities to work on campus at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
“Off campus” means outside the boundaries of your college or university campus.
You can work off-campus without a work permit, but you have to meet some requirements.
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Requirements For Working Off Campus
You can work off campus without a permit if:
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- You are a full-time student at a designated learning institution.
- You are enrolled in an undergraduate or a post graduate program.
- Your study program is for a duration of at least 6 months.
- Your program leads to the award of a diploma or certificate
- You have started your studies
Limitations On Work Duration Of International Students
Generally, you can work full time during scheduled holidays, such as winter, spring (“march break”) or summer vacation. And after completing your studies, if you have obtained a work permit. You are limited to 24 hours per week when school is in session and 40 hours when on holidays.
Can Your Spouse or Partner Work in Canada While You Study?
Do you have a spouse or partner who would like to work in Canada while you study? If he or she is eligible for a work permit, then it’s possible. Find out who can get a work permit as a spouse or partner of a student on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
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What is A Cooperative Program?
An internship or co-op program is part of your degree program that involves working on or off campus.
For example, you could be enrolled in a co-op program in environmental studies. This type of program is different from a regular environmental studies degree because it allows you to work 3 or 4 months per year in your field. This is a great way to gain practical work experience in a Canadian workplace.
When you are enrolled in a co-op program offered by a college or university, you can apply for a co-op work permit.
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Work Opportunities After PGD And Permanent Residency Path
After obtaining a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) qualification in Canada, international students may wish to work in Canada.
For instance, international students holding a PGD obtained from a Canadian institution are allowed to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) which allows them to work in Canada for three years.
Many companies in Canada are looking for skilled employees with relevant knowledge and expertise making PGD graduates very popular. Common areas of employment include information technology, health care, financial services, and commerce. Graduates may also find jobs in growing sectors such as green energy, information security, as well as business intelligence.
In fact, there are some provinces in Canada which provide jobs along with immigration options as well through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). For example the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program and the British Columbia Skills Immigration Program.
Apart from this, international students who have studied the PGD program in Canada can also use the work experience that they have in Canada to be eligible for permanent residency under the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Express Entry system.
All in all, pursuing a PGD in Canada provides the international students with a plethora of work options opening the door for employment, work experience and possible permanent residency.
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Conclusion
The Canadian Post graduate Diploma program is an easy way to study in the most renowned universities in Canada.
Compared to a full undergraduate program or a PhD, it is a lot cheaper and faster. Yet it opens up the candidate to the myriad of opportunities in the Canadian job market. If you want to pursue a postgraduate diploma and you don’t know how to go about it, you have reached the right spot.
Contact us today for a free quote. We have experience in securing admission for international students and we will love to help you achieve your goals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I offer a PGD in Canada?
Yes.
How long does the course take?
1 to 2 years
How much does a PGg in Canada costs?
An average of $2500 to $3800
Can I work while I Study in Canada?
Yes, you can.