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Vocational Courses in Canada for International Students

Updated on 28 February, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

Canada is one of the most popular countries for higher education amongst international students and not without reason! The country offers a wide variety of higher education programs at competitive fees for international aspirants. It is also known for its multicultural, liberal, and welcoming environment. In recent years, demand has gone up exponentially for vocational courses in Canada for international students. These are short programs that enhance career prospects for students while charging comparatively lower tuition fees at the same time. 

Study & Settle in Canada – Know where to start!

There are several options available if you international students are seeking the cheapest vocational courses in Canada, including diverse online, distance-learning and professional courses. Simultaneously, there are on-campus programs where students can also work part-time throughout the tenure of their course. They can work for up to 20 hours each week in this period. 

Study in Canada

BBA in Canada

MBA in Canada from Carleton University

MBA from UCW Canada

Some of the top vocational courses in Canada for international students include the following: 

Healthcare Programs

Students with a strong desire towards pursuing healthcare professions and taking care of the medical needs of their communities may consider these vocational programs in Canada. Courses include massage therapy, nursing, pharmacy, medical technician, medical office assistant, pharmacy technician training and emergency medical technician. There are courses on nutrition, fitness, and chiropractic training as well. 

Leading colleges- CTS Canadian Career College, Algonquin Careers Academy, Canadian Career College of Innovative Technology and Management, etc. 

Architectural Technician

Technicians have a crucial job in the segment, collaborating with architects and engineers to implement and plan varied commercial and residential projects. Canada is home to numerous colleges offering vocational courses in the field. 

Leading colleges- Durham College, George Brown College, and Centennial College. 

Horticulture Technology

Many Canadian institutions offer vocational programs in agriculture and related fields such as horticulture technology. These courses may also include field trips and interactions with local businesses in these categories. 

Leading colleges- The University of the Fraser Valley, Durham College and the Nova Scotia Community College.

Industrial Electrician

This course is available at numerous educational institutions. The program teaches things like conduits, safety, single and three-phase theories, wiring, fitting and tubing, blueprints, security systems and fire alarms, heating systems, etc. Students may also register for an apprenticeship with the Canadian Department of Education afterwards if they are eligible.

Leading colleges- Humber College, Mohawk College, and Centennial College.

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Hospitality and Tourism

One can go for diploma courses in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Global Hospitality Operations Management, Hospitality and Tourism Operations Management, etc to upskill themselves in the latest knowledge and tools used in the sector. 

Leading colleges – Toronto School of Management, Centennial College, George Brown College, Georgian College, Seneca College.

Management and Entrepreneurship Courses

Business management and entrepreneurship are very popular courses as they help aspirants bag managerial positions or start their own enterprise. Canada offers some quality certificate and diploma programs in these vocational fields.

Leading colleges – Toronto School of Management, Fanshawe College, Centennial College, George Brown College, Georgian College.

Eligibility Guidelines for Vocational courses in Canada

Getting admission into vocational programs in Canada is different from applying for regular degree courses. Students will not require any minimum academic score or GMAT/GRE scores for admission. They will, however, require English language proficiency test scores. This can be any one of the following: 

  • IELTS- Students will be evaluated on a 0-9 score band. 
  • CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment Test)- Students will be evaluated on a 10-90 score band. 
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English)- This is another popular test of English language proficiency that is accepted in Canada. 
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)- The score band for TOEFL is between 0-120. Candidates have four sections to cover, namely Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. 

Seeking to study in Canada – Apply Now

Top Universities in Canada

OCAD University

Laval UniversityBrescia University College
Bishop’s UniversityNipissing University

Emily Carr University

St. Francis Xavier University

Acadia UniversityUniversity of Windsor
University of SherbrookeLaurentian University

Memorial University of Newfoundland

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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