Top 5 Postgraduate Courses in Canada: Canada has become a top destination for international students pursuing postgraduate (PG) courses. With its world-class education system, diverse culture, and numerous job opportunities, Canada offers a promising future for students seeking higher education.
In this article, we will explore Canada’s top 5 postgraduate courses, their course duration, and fees.
What is a Postgraduate Diploma?
In Canada, a Postgraduate Diploma, also known as a Graduate Diploma, is offered to students who have completed their undergraduate studies. While a Master’s Programme is generally of 2-3 years duration, on the other hand, A PG Diploma’s time is of 1-2 years (maximum). It can be divided into two or four semesters, depending on the university.
We will discuss some of the top 2-year Postgraduate Diploma Courses in Canada for International Students in addition to 1-year Postgraduate Diploma Courses in Canada.
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Canadian Colleges Offer Postgraduate Diploma?
The majority of Canadian colleges and a few community colleges offer PG programs. Given below is a list of some colleges that provide PG Diploma courses in Canada:
Here is the list of colleges that offer postgraduate diploma in Canada:
- Fanshawe College, Ontario (Integrated Program Options)
- Humber College, Ontario
- Centennial College, Ontario
- Fleming College, Ontario
- St. Lawrence College, Ontario
- College of New Caledonia, British Columbia
- North Island College, British Columbia
- Sheridan College, Ontario
- Algonquin College, Ontario
- University of Alberta, Alberta
- Durham College, Ontario
- Niagara College, Ontario
Top 5 Postgraduate Courses in Canada: Course Duration, Fees.
Below is the list of the top five postgraduate courses in Canada.
1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of Canada’s most sought-after postgraduate courses. It is a two-year program that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in business—The average fees for an MBA in Canada range from CAD 30,000 to CAD 60,000 per year.
Universities Offering MBA or PGDM Courses in Canada:
| University/College | Duration | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Rotman School of Management | 2 years | CAD 67,532 (1st Year)CAD 70,909 (2nd Year) |
| McGill Desautel | 20 months | CAD 99,500 (2025 Entering Class) |
| University of Alberta | 20 months | CAD 30,578 (Annually) |
| Queen’s Smith School of Business | Two years | CAD 105,100 |
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2. Master of Engineering (MEng)
For students interested in the field of engineering, a Master of Engineering (MEng) degree is a great choice. This program typically lasts one to two years, depending on the specialization. The average fees for an MEng in Canada range from CAD 10,000 to CAD 25,000 per year.
Universities Offering Postgraduate Diploma in Canada in Science & Engineering:
| University/College | Duration | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto (Master of Engineering – MEng) | 2 years | CAD 33,178 (1st year) |
| McGill University (MSc Computer Science – Non-Thesis) | 16 months | CAD 13,505 (1st year) |
| University of Calgary (MEng Chemical and Petroleum Engineering) | 1-2 years | CAD 36,180 (1st year) |
| Thompson Rivers University (MSc Environmental Science) | 2 years | CAD 6,296 (per semester) |
3. Master of Science (MSc)
The Master of Science (MSc) degree offers various specializations, including computer science, biology, chemistry, and physics. An MSc program in Canada varies from one to two years. The average fees for an MSc in Canada range from CAD 10,000 to CAD 30,000 per year.
4. Master of Arts (MA)
Students interested in humanities and social sciences can pursue a Master of Arts (MA) degree. Depending on the study area, this program typically lasts one to two years—the average fees for an MA in Canada range from CAD 10,000 to CAD 25,000 per year.
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5. Master of Public Health (MPH)
The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is ideal for students passionate about public health and healthcare management. This program usually takes one to two years to complete—the average fees for an MPH in Canada range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 30,000 annually.
Universities Offering Postgraduate Diploma in Canada Health Sciences Courses:
| University/College | Duration | Tuition Fee (1st Year) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto (Master of Public Health) | 4 Sessions (Full-time)12 Sessions (Part-time) | CAD 45,830 |
| The University of British Columbia (Master of Public Health) | Three terms | CAD 19,547 |
| University of Alberta (Master of Public Health – Health Policy & Management Specialization) | 20 months | CAD 16,163 |
| McGill University (MSc Occupational Health – Non-Thesis) | 3 terms | CAD 13,505 |
Other Postgraduate Courses in Canada
Apart from those mentioned above top five postgraduate courses in Canada, here are a few programs and disciplines that are gaining importance in academia:
| Artificial Intelligence | Data Analytics | Mechatronics and Robotics |
| Information Technology | Wireless Networking | Information Systems |
| Computer Science | Pharmacy | Biotechnology |
| Logistics and Supply Chain Management | Nursing | Microbiology |
Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate Diploma Courses in Canada
To be eligible for the above-mentioned programmes, one must have:
- At least 50% of your Bachelor’s degree
- No more than two backlogs per year
- IELTS minimum of 6 bands overall
Students are advised to visit the official websites of the universities to where they wish to apply. You can look at the average IELTS scores required to study courses at the best Universities in Canada.
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Postgraduate Diploma Courses in Canada Fees
A Postgraduate Diploma in Canada costs between CAD$ 15,000 and CAD$ 20,000 annually.
Postgraduate Diploma Courses in Canada: Salient Features
Direct admission to a master’s programme in Canada is quite tricky due to the below-mentioned reasons:
- A minimum of 16 years of education is required, whereas, in Nigeria, we generally have 15 years of education (B.A., B.Com. B. Sc., etc.).
- Master’s degree courses are generally research-based.
- Only a few seats are available for international students, and priority for admission is given to Canadian citizens and students already studying in Canada.
Thus, students choose to study graduate diploma courses offered by SPP colleges of one or two years. The advantages are as follows:
- Helps in fulfilling the 16-year study requirement for admission to a master’s degree.
- The teaching-based course offered by SPP College helps adjust to the teaching techniques.
- The fee is cheaper as compared to university programmes.
- After completion of the course, students can apply for the work permit – if they have studied for a course duration of one year, then they can apply for a work permit for up to one year, and if they have learned a course of two years duration then they can apply for work permit up to three years.
- Students often ask, “Is Canada’s PG certificate valid in other countries?” Canada PG certificates and PG diplomas are recognized globally. However, these are not a substitute for a regular Master’s degree.
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Post-Study Work Permit after Postgraduate Courses in Canada
A post-study work permit in Canada allows a student who has graduated from a designated learning institute (DLI) to work in Canada and gain Canadian work experience. This Canadian work experience is beneficial for obtaining a PR in Canada. Getting a post-graduation work permit in Canada (PGWP Canada) depends on the duration of your post-graduation in Canada. The following points will help you understand the course of your PGWP Canada:
- If the PG course in Canada is less than eight months, you are not eligible for a PGWP.
- If the Postgraduate course in Canada is more than eight months but less than two years, the PGWP duration will be equal to the duration of the course.
- If the PG course in Canada is two years or more, you may receive a PGWP that is three years in duration.
- If you pursue two or more academic programmes, the duration of PGWP will be the combined duration of those programmes. However, all the programmes must be at least eight months.
Conclusion: Top Five Postgraduate Courses in Canada
Canada offers various postgraduate courses catering to various interests and career goals. Whether you are interested in business, engineering, science, humanities, or public health, there is a program for everyone.
While the fees for these courses may vary, the quality of education and job prospects make them a worthwhile investment. Consider Canada your destination for postgraduate studies and pave the way for a successful future.
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