As a popular career field for network professionals, Information Technology (IT) promises immense prospects to students interested in computing, hardware, software, telecommunications, and information transmittal. When it comes to choosing the right study-abroad destination for a technological course, Canada makes for a top choice.
Canadian institutions provide co-op options as well as regular programs in the IT field. The curriculum encourages problem-solving, analysis, design, and implementation skills. All in all, the program strengthens course skills by teaching fundamental concepts in detail and enhances specialised skills by encouraging innovation and application. Here is everything you need to know about zeroing in on the right IT course in Canada.
There are several benefits of taking an IT course in Canada. Here are some of the reasons that make it a favourite with students across the world:
Canada, as a growing country with multiple multinational corporations, has a significant demand for experienced IT professionals
In addition to degree programmes, you can enrol in specialised trade requirement-based diploma and postgraduate diploma programmes
The Canadian education system places a strong emphasis on offering hands-on experience through actual projects, internships, and case studies, ensuring that you are immediately employable upon completion of your studies
Project management, IT service management (ITIL), soft skills, leadership, and teamwork are just a few of the topics covered in this useful programme
While the specific requirements for your chosen course may vary from one university to another, here are the standard requirements that you will need to meet:
Eligibility for admission into an IT course of a Canadian institution | ||
For Diploma | For Undergraduate Courses | For the Postgraduate Diploma/Master's Program |
It's mandatory to complete higher secondary school along with a good IELTS score | Complete 12 years of formal education with a minimum of 50%-55% scored in academics. Also, a good IELTS score is necessary for entry. | For PG Diploma: Complete 3 years bachelor’s degree in relevant IT field with minimum 50%- 55% aggregate score For Masters: Complete 4 years of bachelor’s degree in relevant IT field with minimum 60 - 65% aggregate score Few universities/colleges may require prior work experience as well as a good IELTS score |
When you choose a university for pursuing your desired IT course, you may want to check the following:
If the university curriculum is updated in line with the current trends
Does the university hold a good overall and subject-specific rank?
How well-qualified and reputed is the faculty
Do the infrastructure and campus placements look promising enough for you to predict a good return on your investment
The applicable tuition fees on the available IT courses in Canada differ as per cities and universities. However, here’s the average cost and specified duration of each for your reference:
Education Level | Average cost | Time frame |
Graduate certificate | CAD 12,000-CAD 40,000 | 1 to 2 years |
Graduate diploma | CAD 14,000 (minimum) | 1 to 2 years |
Bachelor's degree | CAD 18,000-CAD 1,05,000 | Approx. 2 years |
Bachelor's degree with Honours | CAD 70,000-CAD 92,000 | 2 to 4 years |
Master's degree | CAD 17,000-CAD 40,000 | Approx. 2 years |
PhD | CAD 64,000 (approx.) | Approx. 4 years |
Read more: Cost of studying in Canada
IT is a constantly evolving stream, therefore professionals in the field are always in demand. Studying IT at a Canadian institution will help you learn hands-on advanced technical concepts and project management skills. With those, you can fit into the following popular job roles:
IT consultant
System designer
Business analyst
Information system manager
Application developer
Project manager
Hardware engineering
Games developer
Technical author
For working in Canada post your studies, you’ll need to apply for Postgraduate Work Permit that is valid up to three years from the date of your graduation. The minimum requirement for getting the permit is to complete at least 8 months of full-time study from a recognised Canadian college/university.
For pursuing your studies in Canada, you’ll need to apply for a Study Permit along with Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). To obtain the same, you need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI), a valid passport or travel document, financial proofs exhibiting that you can support yourself, and details of any family members who come with you, while you’re in Canada.
Read more: Student visa assistance in Canada
Post your study of an IT course from a Canadian institution, you’ll be able to discover new ways in which technology trends are changing the world. This can help you secure your dream job in any part of the world.