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Diploma Courses In Canada- Eligibility, Duration and more

Updated on 28 February, 2024

Akansha Semwal

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

The diploma courses provided in Canada are just as beneficial as any full-time course. The teaching is extensive and detailed, even for short-term advanced diploma courses. Specific diploma courses are available for summer, fall, or winter. You can choose to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate diploma courses in Canada. Moreover, students would get the chance to opt for diploma courses with co-op. 

Some of the classes are offered online, on weekends or evenings. While others are seasonal depending on the course and the university you are applying to. 

Here are some details on the diploma courses in Canada for international students.

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Top Diploma Courses in Canada 

The diploma courses in Canada for international students specialize in various fields, as given below: 

  • Computers and Information Technology
  • Indigenous Business Management 
  • Public Administration and Governance
  • Applied Cyber Security
  • Business 
  • Health and Social Services
  • Technology 
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Specialized Learning
  • Management Sciences
  • Data Analyst
  • Education
  • Home Economics 
  • Physical Education 
  • Technology Studies
  • Hospitality and Tourism Management 
  • Art Education
  • Adult Learning and Education

Top Colleges

The top colleges in Canada for diploma courses are as follows:

  • McGill University: The university offers an array of graduate-level diploma programs. You can opt for Diploma in Accounting, Diploma in Digital Analytics and Business Intelligence, Diploma in Management: International Business Concentration, Diploma in Supply Chain and Operations Management, Diploma in Public Relations and Communications Management, and more. It is ranked 31 among other universities, as per QS World University Rankings 2023. 
  • University of British Columbia: Diploma programs like adult learning and education, guidance science, health education, visual and performing arts, computing studies, etc., are taught here.  The university has been listed at the 47th position, as per QS World University Rankings 2023. 
  • University of Alberta: They provide diploma programs in the department of education. The current diploma programs offered by the university — Diploma Program for Internationally Educated Teachers, Teaching English as a Second Language Diploma Program, and Secondary Education Diploma Program. 
  • Mc Master University: Diploma programs in business, health and social service, technology, marketing, and communications, and other specialized learning are offered. 
  • University of Waterloo: They provide a diploma in data analytics. The university features among the top 200 universities, as per QS World University Rankings 2023. 

Eligibility 

Here are the requirements to enroll in these diploma courses in Canada. 

McGill University

  • Management courses at McGill university require the students to have an undergraduate degree from an approved college. 
  • The applicant must also meet the English language requirements, i.e., a minimum score of 90 in TOEFL or 6.5 in IELTS

University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia requires students to complete their education at UBC or other colleges with 50% of the credits required for the program while registered. They must also complete 300 to 400 level credit upper divisions for the applied program.

TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score of 90, reading and listening with 22 each, and writing and speaking with 21 each.

IELTS Academic: overall score of 6.5 with no part less than 6.0.

University of Alberta

To apply for a diploma course provided by the University of Alberta, students must have completed a four years baccalaureate degree from a reputed institution. They must also have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Moreover, an English proficiency test might be required. 

McMaster University

The minimum age requirement for a diploma course is 21 years. Students must have received an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or its international equivalent. For online courses, they require technical skills such as proficiency with a computer. 

University of Waterloo

At the University of Waterloo, the diploma in data analytics is not a stand-alone course. The students must apply to the Master of Management Science course. For that, they will require a 4-year BA with a minimum of 75% grade average and must have experience with quantitative methods. 

Top Universities in Canada
OCAD UniversityLaval UniversityBrescia University College
Bishop’s UniversityNipissing UniversityEmily Carr University
St. Francis Xavier UniversityAcadia UniversityUniversity of Windsor
University of SherbrookeLaurentian UniversityMemorial University of Newfoundland

Duration of Programs

The duration of programs for diploma courses in Canada is usually one to two years (on rare occasions, three years). The time differs based on the university and programs. 

  • Some courses are held only during weekends, evenings, or on allotted days on weekdays. 
  • While other courses are held seasonally like Fall, Winter, and Spring/ summer. 

Application Cycle 

The cycle and duration for diploma courses in Canada are given below.

McGill University

All the diploma courses are available for winter 2022, spring/ summer 2022, fall 2022, and winter 2023.  

Application dates for international students are as given below:

  • Fall starts on March 1st
  • Winter begins on July 1st 
  • Spring/summer begins on November 1st

University of British Columbia

  • Summer sessions: The application starts in May and ends on January 15th 
  • Winter sessions: Application begins in September and ends on January 15th 

The deadline for application may vary depending on the institution the applicant completed their previous degree. Also, note that not every diploma course accepts summer applications.

University of Alberta

International students’ deadlines can close as early as 12 months before the program. The applicants must contact the respective department for details and clarification. The deadlines for the applicants are here below. 

  • July 1st for September admissions
  • November 1st for January admission
  • March 1st for May admission
  • May 1st for July admission

Mc Master university

  • Winter 2023: Admissions open on October 1st, 2022, and close on January 31st, 2023
  • Spring 2023: Admissions open February 1st, 2023, and close April 30th, 2023

University of Waterloo

  • Fall term (Sept to Dec 2022): Applications open on March 3rd, the last day to apply is June 30th, and the last day to apply is August 2nd, 2022.
  • Winter Term (Jan to April 2023): Applications open in July 2022; the last day to apply is November 3rd, 2022, and the last day to apply is November 30th, 2022.
  • Spring term (May to Aug 2023): Last day to apply is March 1st, 2023, and the last day for applying is March 9th, 2023.
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Cost of attendance 

Here is a cost of attendance for diploma courses in Canada for international students

McGill University

The fee structure for diploma/ distance courses.

  • Tuition: CAD 4,344
  • Registration fee: CAD 28.00
  • General administrative charge: CAD 58
  • Transcripts and diploma charge: CAD 5
  • Copyright fee: CAD 3
  • Information and technology charge fee: CAD 27

University of British Columbia

Certificate programs or diplomas range from CAD 470.63 to CAD 1,413., depending on the program for international students. 

University of Alberta

For a diploma, the tuition fee may vary depending on the course. This is a fee structure for Alberta’s diploma courses in Canada for international students willing to stay on campus.

  • Tuition fee: CAD 27,540 
  • Residence: CAD 15,689 
  • Academic support: CAD 524

Mc Master university

The tuition fees are assessed on a term-by-term basis, and most university degree tuition fees go up to CAD 1,000. There are cases where this cost may go higher depending on the course. 

McMaster also offers advanced diploma courses for specific subjects under these programs. 

  • Business 
  • Health and social services
  • Technology 
  • Marketing and communications
  • Specialized learning

Applicants can use the fee estimator on their website, mainly for full-time courses. 

University of Waterloo

The fee for courses in Waterloo depends on the subject you choose, which you can determine using the fee estimator on their website. 

However, here is the cost of living at the University of Waterloo on a monthly basis:

  • Accommodation: CAD 700- 1700
  • Food: CAD 350
  • Entertainment: CAD 125 
  • Transportation: CAD 25
  • Books and supplies: CAD 240 

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Career Prospects 

Upon completion of a diploma course, you can ladder up in your career. There are a plethora of lucrative job options available in Canada as well as globally. These pay scales are based on average yearly salaries. (The pay scale might not be the same for students who have applied for diploma courses in Canada after 12th). 

Popular Job Titles after Diploma Courses in Canada

Job Title Average Annual Salary 
Marketing SpecialistCAD 69,547 
Health WorkerCAD 43,096
Data AnalystCAD 62,306 
Business Manager CAD 87,106
Accountant CAD 56,998

Source: Glassdoor 

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FAQs

Is it worth doing a postgraduate diploma from a Canadian college?

PG diplomas are affordable for students who do not want to spend much on education loans but want to study in Canada. Many PG diplomas bring in excellent work opportunities.

What are the best diploma courses for Indians in Canada?

The best diploma courses for Indians to study abroad/ Canada are:

  • Computer science and technology
  • Accounting and finance 
  • Business administration 
  • Engineering
  • Renewable energy and earth sciences

Which is the best PG diploma course for commerce students to move to Canada?

PG diploma in management and business administration are the best pathway for commerce students to move to Canada.

How do I get PR after a two-year diploma course in Canada?

You have to work in your field of study for a minimum of one year after obtaining two post-graduate work permits. 

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.

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