How to Apply for a Postgraduate Diploma in Canada
Canada is one of the most preferred study destinations for international students. Reasons being that the country has one of the best educational systems in the world. Prospective studies often choose Canada for their postgraduate diploma (PGD) studies, due to so many reasons.
Certificates obtained at Canadian universities are acceptable globally. Additionally, the standard of living in Canada is high. If you desire to study for your PGD abroad, Canada is one of the best places to consider.
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What is a PG Diploma?
A postgraduate diploma is a relatively shorter qualification than a masters degree, although it is at the same academic level. It is often offered as an intermediary course between a bachelor and master degree.
There are a variety of courses that come under the heading of a postgraduate diploma. It can be a vocational course, a legal practice course, or it can be an academic course. A postgraduate diploma is most commonly offered outside of the U.S. in countries such as Canada, Australia, and England.
In Canada, a PGD program is offered for 12 months program but can also be 24 months. Students are expected to meet up with a number of learning credits before graduating from the program.
Postgraduate Diploma Courses Available in Canada
The most popular PG Diplomas are in the following subjects:
- Biological Sciences
- Engineering (Electronics and Mechanical)
- Health Sciences
- Networking & Information Technology
- Business, Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Pharmacy, Nursing, and Midwifery
- Early Childhood Studies
There are several other courses aside from the above. All you need to do is to enquire from the institution of your interest to find out if they are offering your course of interest at PGD level.
Universities Offering Postgraduate Diploma Courses in Canada
Some of the leading institutions in Canada, which offer a PG Diploma are:
- Durham College
- Sheridan College
- George Brown College
- Algonquin College
- Seneca College
- Humber College
- Confederation College of Applied Arts & Technology
- Centennial College of Applied Arts & Technology
Take note however that there are several other colleges and universalities offering PGD in Canada. The above are just some of them.
The beauty of it is that virtually all the colleges and universities offering Postgraduate Diploma in Canada accept foreign students, including students from Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa etc). The application process is equally very easy and straightforward.
PG Diploma Entry Requirements in Canada
To enrol for a postgraduate diploma course in Canada, you are expected to at least complete any relevant undergraduate degree program from a recognized institution. Additionally, applicants are expected to have a cumulative score of at least 60% (Convert your CGPA to Percentage).
Specific diplomas, especially the ones related to Project Management or Business Administration, sometimes may require candidates to have one to two years of work experience.
So if you’ve been asking can I do masters in Canada with a 2.2 or 3rd class? A PGD programme offers you the opportunity of enrolling for a masters program in Canada.
You’re also expected to meet the English Language requirements. Some colleges ask for the IELTS scores of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each module. For PGD in Nursing, students are expected to have an IELTS score of 7.0.
READ ALSO: How to Calculate IELTS Band Score.
Depending on the College, you might be asked to pay a non-refundable application fee ranging anywhere from 50-100 CAD. In some Canada colleges, there are no application fees.
Documents Needed for PGD in Canada
In addition to the basic requirements listed above, it’s important to take note of the documents that may be required during your application process.
- Copy of your bachelor degree diploma
- Transcript of all the courses you have already taken
- CV
- Passport photocopy
- Recommendation letter (usually, two or three of them)
- English language test scores (you have to prove you know the language via TOEFL/CPE/IELTS/CAE)
- Your portfolio (depending on which program you would like to study)
- Proof of financial support (funds, scholarship, etc.)
- Completed application form along with a professional letter of intent
It is necessary to note, that you have to double-check the enrollment requirements with the university because each university and college has its own set of rules. Luckily, every Canadian institution also has a user-friendly website where you can find all these details and information and even apply online.
How to Apply for a Postgraduate Diploma in Canada
With your documents ready, you can now proceed to apply for a PGD program in Canada by visiting the website of the institution of interest. Canadian universities have a user-friendly website for easy navigation.
Fill the admission application form and attach all the necessary documents listed on the application page. Depending on the college, you may be required to pay for a non-refundable application fee before your admission is processed.
The colleges will take their own time to process the application and revert. It can be two to three weeks, and it can be more than that, too. Some colleges will also not process the application sent too early. So make sure you send it before 8 to 10 months of the term beginning.
