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2-Year Diploma Courses in Canada

Updated on 01 February, 2024

Shivangi Mishra

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

In the current job market, what speaks is the skill set you come equipped with. Moreover, if you are interested in technical domains, diploma courses are a good option to gain job-ready skills in the shortest period. 

Unlike master’s degrees that are wholly academic, a post-graduate diploma in Canada will expand your present abilities to further your professional aptitude in the best way possible.

Top diploma programs across major fields

There are several options for 1 and 2-year pg diploma courses in Canada for international students. Here is a list of some of the best pg diploma courses in Canada. 

  • Diploma in International Business
  • Diploma in Information System, Business Analysis
  • Diploma in Global Supply Chain Management
  • Diploma in Early Childhood Education
  • Diploma in Nutrition and Food Service Management
  • Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management
  • Diploma in Horticultural Technician

Top colleges

Now that you are aware of the best post-graduate diploma courses in Canada, let us quickly look at the top colleges in Canada for pg diploma. We have curated this list post a lot of research, and you can trust this for your future goals and academic aspirations. 

  • British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
  • Humber College
  • George Brown College
  • Seneca College
  • Fanshawe College
  • Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
  • Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
  • Algonquin College
  • Conestoga College
  • Cambrian College
  • Toronto School of Management
  • Canadian College of Technology and Business
  • College of the Rockies
  • Durham College

Eligibility

As far as the eligibility for 2-year diploma courses in Canada is concerned, there are some simple points to be noted. 

  • Passport: The students applying for the pg diploma courses in Canada should have a passport valid for at least 6 months post the intended course completion date. 
  • Relevant Immigration Documents: Overseas students should have a Canadian study permit for pursuing one or two-year diploma courses in Canada. You will also need a temporary resident visa/ travel document and an acceptance letter from the Designated Learning Institutes (DSI) in Canada.
  • Official Academic Transcripts: Students are required to present official marks/ results beginning from Class 9 and upwards. Usually with a 6-point grade average. 
  • English Language Proficiency Test Scores: Probably one of the most important steps pertaining to English language proficiency for admission. Students who don’t have a satisfactory score on the school-level English tests should submit IELTS, and TOEFL scores to satisfy their proficiency requirements.
  • Resume or CV.

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The Canada hosts the largest number of international students from across the world. Over the past few years, it has become one of the most popular destinations for studying abroad. Reasons such as best-ranked institutions, excellent support facilities, flexible academic environment, and cultural diversity contribute to making it the most preferred destination amongst students planning to study abroad.

Duration of the programs

Usually, there are two types of pg diploma courses in Canada – the first one with a duration of a year or two semesters or 8 months, whereas the second one has a duration of 2 years or four semesters or 16 months.

If you wish to study abroad in Canada, try to understand if you want a quick academic experience and get back into the workforce or if you wish to spend time genuinely learning the subject in depth. This will provide you with the right approach to take in terms of the duration of the programs.

Application cycle

Almost all top colleges in Canada offer programs for three intakes – Fall or September intake, Winter or January intake, and Summer or May intake. These intakes would vary from college to college and as per the post-graduate diploma in Canada you choose.

We advise you to check out the course page on your desired college’s website to gain deeper insights into the application intakes.

Fee

The fee for 2-year diploma courses in Canada will vary per the college and course you choose. On average, these courses will be more affordable than degrees, and students can pay off the tuition fees easily. 

Generally, the cost for a year is around CAD 8,000 to CAD 20,000. Please check out the website for your desired college to know the exact fees for the program and each semester. 

Job prospects

There are several jobs that you can aim for after completing a post-graduate diploma in Canada. These jobs could be on various levels and for different sectors such as Supply chain management, Nursing, technology, education, and more. Job roles are extensive, but here are some standard ones, along with their pay:

  • Administrative Assistant: CAD 32k – CAD 52k 
  • Digital Marketing Specialist: CAD 44k – CAD 70k
  • Graphic Designer: CAD 36k – CAD 59k 
  • Test / Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst, (Computer Software): CAD 44k – CAD 80k 
  • Marketing Coordinator: CAD 33k – CAD 51k 

Moreover, you will be provided with a work permit for three years after the completion of 2-year diploma courses in Canada. This will give you ample opportunities and time to find the best jobs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth getting a diploma in Canada?

Yes! It is worth studying for a diploma in Canada for your higher studies. Canadian schools are known worldwide for their practical studies. Moreover, you are assured of higher employability once you upskill yourself with a post-graduate diploma in Canada.


 

Which is better, a 1-year PG diploma or a 2-year diploma in Canada?

The content and duration are the main factors that differentiate a 1-year PG diploma or a 2-year diploma in Canada. If you aim to go in-depth in a particular field and enjoy the benefit of a three-year work permit, go for a 2-year diploma. 

On the other hand, if you are looking for a fast way to upskill your knowledge and get back to the workforce, a one-year diploma works. However, you only get a one-year work permit after completing a one-year diploma. 

Which one should I prefer, a PG diploma course or a degree course like an MBA in Canada for 2 years?

The choice between a PG diploma course and a degree such as an MBA depends on the student. For instance, the cost and credit required for completing a diploma are far lesser than a master’s degree. But at the same time, a degree provides you with in-depth knowledge and more points in PR. 


 

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!

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