Project Managers (PMs) are in high demand in Canada. As a PM, your duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to initiating, planning, executing and controlling a project. That way, you’re able to see the success and the implementation of all the relevant steps to the end.
To get started, you need to have a post-graduate diploma in project management. Over 30 schools and colleges in Canada offer this program. Learn more about which of the schools offer this and the requirements to become a student.
What is a Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management?
It is an educational program that prospective Project Managers (PMs) enrol in to become experts at initiating, executing and controlling the phase of a project until the achieved goals are derived.
Where to Get a PGD in Project Management
Holland College, Canadian Imperial College and Keystone College are some of the schools offering post-graduate diplomas in project management. A couple of other educational institutions in the country also offer this type of program.
1. Holland College
Located in Charlottetown in the Prince Edward Island province; Holland College is one school that offers PDG in project management. Here, you’re taken through the different learning curves to gain practical experience in this field.
What does the Program Cover?
Applicants can be sure of learning the following:
- Hands-on skills that can be applied to managing projects in a wide range of industries.
- You’ll be grounded in the best practices and principles needed for the successful realization of a project’s objectives.
- You’ll be guided on the development of relevant skills and knowledge for an effective initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling of projects.
| Program Name | Project Management Post-Graduate Certificate |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Credential | Post-Graduate Certificate, Project Management |
| Who Can Apply? | Canadian and international students |
| Program Availability | Fall term |
Admission Requirements:
- Resume including volunteer and work experience with applicable dates, awards and distinctions, athletics or associations and membership in groups.
- Either a two-year post-secondary diploma or a post-secondary degree.
2. Vancouver Island University (VIU)
The Graduate Diploma in Project Management at Vancouver Island University (VIU) is ideal for applicants who wish to learn more about how to manage a project or business.
As an integrated, cohort-based program, it helps the learners to first gain insights into the core theories before demonstrating their knowledge in an integrated Applied Project.
| Program Name | Graduate Diploma in Project Management Program |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Total Program Credits | 30 |
| Start Date | September |
| Open to? | Domestic (Canadian) and international applicants. |
| Program Fees | $18,575.68 (domestic) and $24,747.58 (for international applicants). |
Admission Requirements:
- An acceptable Undergraduate or Master’s degree in business from a recognized university with a minimum “C+” (2.33) grade point average on the most recent 60 credits. A minimum “C+” (2.33) grade point average in VIU’s Graduate Certificate in Business (GCIB) is also accepted.
3. Royal Roads University
This school is located in the British Columbia (BC) province of Canada. It offers a Graduate Diploma in Project Management and Organizational Leadership. Read on to know what it covers.
| Program Name | Graduate Diploma in Project Management and Organizational Leadership |
| Duration | |
| Program Delivery | On-campus delivery in both Spring and Fall semesters; Blended delivery (online and residency) in the Fall semester. |
| Course Credits | 18 credits, with each credit representing 33 hours. |
| Intakes | September |
Application Requirements:
- Personal Statement
- Detailed Resume, including professional affiliations/memberships, education and work/voluntary experience.
- Official academic transcripts.
- Application form.
- Two (2) reference letters.
4. Saskatchewan Polytechnic
The School of Business at Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers the Project Management Post-Graduate Certificate (PMPGC) at the Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert and Regina campuses/locations.
| Program Name | Project Management Post-Graduate Certificate |
| Duration | 32 weeks |
| Start Dates | January to April; and September to December. |
| Admission Method | First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) |
| Course Credits | 30 (15 per semester). |
| Tuition and Fees | $12190 |
Admission Requirements:
- A conferred bachelor’s degree in any discipline (effective 2024).
- English language proficiency requirement.
- Earned a Bachelor’s degree in either Engineering (Applied Science) or Information and Communications Technology (ICT) from a recognized university.
5. Canadian Imperial College
You’re welcome to apply for the Post-Graduate Diploma in Project Management offered by the Canadian Imperial College. Keep in mind that at this time, foreign nationals on a study permit are ineligible to enrol or this program.
Home or domestic students are expected to undergo the program on-site, using the blended delivery option.
| Program Name | Post-Graduate Diploma in Project Management |
| Course Length/Duration | 2 years of four semesters. |
| Credit Total | 60 |
| Hourly Commitment | 20 hours weekly by 68 weeks. |
| Offered | Fall, Winter and Spring |
| Credential Offered | Diploma |
Admission Requirements:
- Proof of IELTS overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. This applies to applicants from non-English speaking countries.
- A 3-year Advanced Diploma, a Bachelor’s degree or a Higher Diploma.
- Provision of the subject-specific requirements for applicants with International transcripts.
6. The University of Winnipeg
Through the Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (PACE), The University of Winnipeg offers a post-degree diploma in Project Management.
Students of this program can expect to learn and master the analytical framework and essential project management tools needed for the following:
- Reporting
- Budgeting
- Measuring
- Procuring
- Modelling and;
- Scoping
| Program Name | Project Management Post-Degree Diploma |
| Start Dates | May and September |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Delivery Method | Hybrid |
| Tuition and Fees | $19,950 including UWSA and health insurance fees. |
Admission Requirements:
- Applicants must submit proof of meeting the English language proficiency requirements, through any of the following: UWinnipeg ELP, Duolingo, IELTS Academic, International Language Academy of Canada, TOEFL MyBestScore/TOEFL iBT, or Heartland International English School.
- A minimum of an undergraduate degree by international students.
- A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience.
7. Keystone College
Your application for a PGD in Project Management should be directed to Keystone College. This school partnered with the University Canada West. The collaboration allows students who excelled at project management at Keystone College with a cumulative average of 75% and a minimum of 75% in each of the courses at the college will get a 4-course credit towards the completion of a Master of Business Administration at University Canada West.
8. Acadia College
Located in King George Boulevard in Surrey; Acadia College offers a Post-Graduate Diploma in Project Management. It is a 640-hour course that helps students learn the skills needed to move a project through conceptualization, initiation, planning, execution, control and closing.
| Program Name | Post-Graduate Diploma in Project Management |
| Duration | 640 hours |
| Delivery Method | Blended and in-class |
| Tuition | $8,500 (domestic) and $13,500 (international). |
Admission Requirements:
- IELTS 5.5 Overall for international students.
- 18 years of age or older.
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
9. Central College of Business & Technology
This educational institution offers a PDG in project management. This program is available in Mississauga. Applicants are imparted with the skills and valuable knowledge, taking into account management practices and the latest trends.
| Program Name | Post-Graduate Diploma in Project Management |
| Duration | 1 year; 620 theory hours or 650 total hours. |
| Certifications | CBAP, CAPM, PMI-ACP |
Admission Requirements:
- Proficiency in English using the IELTS test.
- Post-secondary diploma/degree or equivalent.
Final Thoughts
The PGD offered at any of the universities and colleges in this article will impart you with the knowledge and skills needed to initiate, execute and evaluate the outcome of a project.
Be sure to meet the requirements, including English language proficiency, previous academic qualifications and work (both paid and unpaid) experience before applying.