Home to more than 6,00,000 international students, Canada is a popular study abroad country for Indian students. Known for its liberal and multicultural environment, world-class universities and immense career opportunities, it surely makes for a perfect choice for international education.
Here’s why students opt for Canada for their post-graduate studies:
Global perspective: Canadian society is known to be one of the most diverse in the world with more than 200 nationalities represented by the Canadian student body. This multicultural environment is great cultural exposure for students who want to work in multinationals and develop more cultural sensitivity
Education investment: Canadian tertiary education sector secures a huge amount of government spending, which ranks the country amongst the top OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) nations in terms of state backing for higher education
High standards of living: Canada is a country famous for its high standard of living, with five of the top 100 best student cities in the world*
Bilingual country: With two official languages – English and French, studying in Canada opens doors to many opportunities for students who also get a chance to learn a new language, and/or improve existing skills
Post-study work opportunities: In Canada, a student is eligible for a work permit after finishing their studies, which allows them to work in the country for the same duration as their program
Let’s compare the types of study programs in Canada after graduation
Basis | Post-graduate (PG) Diploma | Masters |
---|---|---|
Meaning | A post-graduate qualification (usually vocational) which imparts specific skills and practical knowledge in the chosen field | Thesis-based programs at a post-graduate level that aims to train students to conduct independent research in the chosen field |
Duration | These courses range between 1-2 years | These degree programmes usually range between 1.5-2 years. But, can extend to three years for specific courses |
Fees | The tuition fees for the course is approx. $20,000 per year* | The tuition fees for the course is approx. $30,000 per year* |
Post-study work visa | One-year of a PG Diploma course leads to one-year of work visa | Two-year master’s degree leads to three-years of work visa |
Scope | These courses are more specific to the field | The structure of a degree program covers a wide spectrum |
Undergraduate credits | The colleges require three to four-year undergraduate degree | Most universities require a four -year undergraduate degree |
Offered by | These are offered by community colleges and few universities | Offered by universities and also includes a combination of course work and research |
*Indicative
To get admission into a postgraduate study program in Canada, you’ll need to fulfil certain academic and other conditions as required by the institution you are applying to. Most common requirements include:
Bachelor’s degree: Undergraduate degree or equivalent from a recognised educational institution
Work experience: One to two years of work experience to gain entry into a Canadian university or college for a post-graduate course
English language proficiency: Proof of English proficiency such as IELTS with a minimum band of 6 overall
GMAT or GRE: Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score to pursue an administrative or specific business program such as an MBA, Master of Finance, etc. For some specific study programs, you might need to clear the Graduate Record Admissions (GRE) test. However, the main parts of both tests are quantitative aptitude, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing skills
There are two major intakes for admission to a postgraduate degree in Canada i.e., fall intake which starts in September and winter intake which starts in January. However, the deadlines for each intake may vary from institution to institution.
We recommended that you begin your application process at least five to six months in advance so you have enough time to shortlist your choice, arrange for documents and funds, take tests and fulfil all formalities if accepted.
Source: https://www.educanada.ca/why-canada-pourquoi/reasons-raisons.aspx?lang=eng