Canada is one of the top destinations for foreign nationals who wish to study abroad. Irrespective of the high cost of studies, there are a couple of programs one can enrol in and spend less. Post-graduate diplomas are one such and can readily be accessed from some of the leading universities and colleges in the nation.
This article discusses the list of PGD courses you can enrol in the country, and the schools offering these.
How Much is the Cheapest Post-Graduate Diploma in Canada?
The fee for international students is twice or more higher than what domestic/Canadian students pay. You can expect between $15,000 and $25,000 per academic year, either inclusive or exclusive of additional fees, such as textbooks and ancillary fees.
Schools Offering the Cheapest Post-Graduate Diploma Programs
This section discusses some of the educational institutions that offer different courses across a variety of topics for graduate students and professionals. These programs are short courses (usually between 8 months and 2 years). On completion, you must have gained the hands-on skills and experience needed to excel in your career.
1. George Brown College
The post-graduate programs offered at George Brown College range from 8 and 12 months. In addition to helping students make valuable contact; these programs also enable hands-on industry experience and help students develop real-world job skills.
Program categories range from Computer Technology, Design, Media & Performing Arts, Human Resources, Marketing, Accounting & Finance, Dental Health and Management.
The following is a list of post-graduate programs you can afford at the college:
- Health Informatics: $18,913
- Project Management Program: $17,854
- Analytics for Business Decision Making: $18,253
- Sound Design & Production: $32,441
2. Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
This college is one educational institution that makes post-graduate studies cheaper for international students. Most diploma programs are full-time and either delivered online or in-person at any of the campuses: Ottawa, Pembroke or Perth.
Different areas of interest are also covered:
- Construction and Skilled Trades
- Transportation
- Business
- Advanced Technology
- Health Sciences
- Recreation and Wellness
- Arts and Design
- Creative Media and Communications
- Culinary, Hospitality and Tourism
- Public Safety and Legal Studies
- Community and Social Services
- Environmental and Applied Sciences
As a student, the 2-year diploma programs offered here are designed to “help prepare you for a specific field of work.” These also include a broad base of study, which enables graduates to proceed in pursuit of different career opportunities.
Here is a list of affordable post-graduate diploma programs at Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology for international students:
- Business – Management and Entrepreneurship
- Business – Accounting
- Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety (Co-op and Non Co-op Version)
- Computer Programming
- Film and Media Production
3. Seneca Polytechnic
Located in Toronto, Seneca Polytechnic offers two and three-year programs with over 500 career options in a range of industries. During studies, you’re also made to realize the real-world application of your chosen program through an internship, work-integrated learning or field placement.
International students pay between $16,000 and $25,000 per academic year to study any of these post-graduate diplomas. The list below contains some of the cheap programs at the polytechnic:
- Chemical Laboratory Technician (CLT): $16,466
- Behavioural Sciences (BHS): $16,407
- Arts and Science – University Transfer (ASU): $16,254
- Fitness & Health Promotion (FHP): $16,407
4. Fanshawe College
This college is located in London, Ontario, Canada. Fanshawe College offers over 50 post-graduate program options available in many delivery options, such as full-time, part-time and online.
At the core of the programs is the college’s designation to use these to help students leverage their existing university or college education with specialized, employable skills. On completion, you can be sure of launching your dream career in the shortest time.
Here are some of the cheapest post-graduate diploma programs for international students:
- Social Service Worker (Fast Track): $18,530 (at the Simcoe campus); $18,865 (at the London campus).
- Business Administration – Marketing: $15,788
- Developmental Services Worker (Fast Track): $23,533
- Business Administration – Leadership and Management: $15,788
5. Toronto Film School
If you’re looking to take to filming, the Toronto Film School is where you should look to take a post-graduate diploma at a cheaper rate. Located in Toronto, it ranks #1 for the Film School in Canada for International Students.
Here, you can learn anything from video game design, graphic design and acting. The fees are also affordable, so foreign nationals like you apply to study here.
Below, we talk about some of the top programs that you can enrol for in the Toronto Film School (TFS):
- Video Game Design & Animation Diploma Program
- Graphic Design & Interactive Media Diploma
- Video Game Design & Development Diploma
- Acting for Film, TV and the Theatre Diploma
6. The University of Winnipeg
This university is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It is one of the best and cheapest schools for international students, with tuition ranging from $23,620 and $25,800.
As an international student, an array of programs are readily available for you to take. Below, we discuss what some of these cover:
Financial Management Post-Degree Diploma
This PGD program provides you with both the accounting and managerial knowledge that comes in handy for taking up financial management positions in the accounting and financial industry.
Marketing Management Post-Degree Diploma
The Marketing Management post-degree program is ideal for candidates who want to understand effective ways to build efficiencies and reduce costs in the distribution system. You’ll also understand product positioning strategies and how to create an effective pricing system.
Network Security
This post-degree diploma is delivered as a joint program between The University of Winnipeg and the Manitoba Institute of Trade and Technology. On completion, graduates are equipped with in-depth knowledge of network standards, several protocols and both design and security solutions.
7. Langara College
Langara College offers several post-degree diplomas to professionals and graduates who wish to become skilled and versed in other important subjects.
The Arts & Science (General) program allows graduates to get in-depth knowledge in a wide variety of academic disciplines, including microbiology and literature. All these are learned while earning credits and working towards the preferred designation of choice.
The post-graduate diploma in Canadian Studies is a “mirror” through which international students will get a deeper understanding and appreciation of Canadian society, origins, unique character and challenges.
8. Centennial College
This college is located in Toronto, Ontario. Its range of graduate certificate programs range across various facets, including Health Sciences, Business, Applied Science, Media, Communications, Engineering Technology, Arts & Design and Hospitality.
Professional Writing – Communication
Centennial College’s Professional Writing – Communication is a year diploma program offered through the School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design. It covers a wide range of vocational skills and communication disciplines, including:
- Proposal writing
- Web copywriting
- Technical writing
International students pay up to $16,164 for the 2 semesters of the program.
Advertising – Media Management
This is a 1-year program that prepares graduates for a stunning career in media planning and buying. During studies, you’ll learn the latest trends in emerging media, as well as develop expertise in reaching target audiences using creative messages.
Tuition and fees for international students include $24,246 for the 3 semesters, and up to $1,995 worth of ancillary fees.
Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion
This diploma program is offered at Centennial College’s Morningside Campus. Among other areas covered are:
- How to leverage a variety of presentation strategies and techniques to develop a business case for wellness.
- Strategic promotion of the well-being of groups and individuals within community and corporate contexts.
International students pay $16,164 for 2 semesters of this program and $1,595 for ancillary fees.
9. North Island College
North Island College (NIC) offers a variety of post-graduate diplomas across Fine Arts, Criminology, and Health.
The Aquaculture Technician Diploma guides you on best practices in hatchery production and equipment and facility maintenance. The course also includes industry-informed training on how to become an aquaculture technician, site manager or fisheries researcher.
Interested in uncovering crime? The Criminology Diploma helps you gain insight into the justice system via various experiences:
- Class discussions
- Correctional facility tours and;
- Mock trials
You can also enrol for the Practical Nursing Diploma that helps you develop the abilities, knowledge and skills expected of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
10. Kwantlen Polytechnic University
This university is located in Surrey in the British Columbia province of Canada. The Post-Baccalaureate programs offered here are designed to allow you to specialize in your current or new field of study. You’ll also benefit from the enhanced career opportunities and the preparation for consideration into a Master’s program.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University also offers a variety of diplomas, ranging from supply chain management, accounting and technical apparel design.
The Operations and Supply Chain Management diploma helps you understand the best practices and proven models for managing both operations and supply chains.
The post-baccalaureate diploma in accounting is your shortest pathway to becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). You’ll also develop critical skills in finance and taxation, financial reporting, audit and assurance and management accounting.
The post-baccalaureate diploma in Human Resources Management (HRU) is ideal for graduates who want to work with people to implement strategic and operational decisions based on human resource, business and operational decisions.
Tips on Applying to Cheaper Post-Graduate Diploma Schools in Canada
International students must be wary of schools that promise to subsidize their tuition and fees, only to offer below-the-par programs. The key to getting your application right has been detailed below:
Research about the School
Do in-depth research about the cheapest post-graduate diploma schools in Canada. Take note of the quality of courses/programs delivered, the graduation rate and the employability of the graduates.
Compare Your Options
This article covered some of the top universities and colleges offering low tuition for PGD studies. However, other schools offer less. Do well to look up more of these institutions to compare your options.
Check Review Sites
Use online forums like Quora to find out how the university or college you wish to apply to has fared over the years. Pay special attention to the quality of the courses & programs and the sustainability of the lower tuition and fees offered.
Benefits of Enrolling for a Cheaper Post-Graduate Diploma in Canada
When you study at schools like Seneca Polytechnic, George Brown College and The University of Winnipeg; you’re sure of getting value for your money.
Regardless of the affordable tuition and fees, these institutions’ education is worth it. These reasons should encourage you to apply:
Several Course Options
Each of the cheapest post-graduate schools reviewed in this article offers up to five (5) different programs. Thus, you have ample choices to make across different fields.
Real-World Learning Opportunities
Studying at the cheapest post-graduate schools in Canada is also a medium for you to gain real-world and hands-on experience. Through strategic collaborations, these schools provide internships, field placement and work-integrated learning opportunities for the students.
Affordable Tuition & Fees
This is the reason why you’re looking up the schools in the first place. The affordability of the tuition makes the post-graduate diploma programs more attractive.
As an international student, you can be sure of finding programs that cost less than $20,000 per academic year (ancillary and textbook fees inclusive).
Abundant Career Opportunities
At least, three (3) career options come with each of the post-graduate diploma programs. Given the robustness of the Canadian economy, the likelihood of getting a good-paying job after graduation is high.
Conclusion
Enrolling for the cheapest post-graduate diploma in Canada for international students is a medium for you to learn modern skills and knowledge that not only make you relevant in society but also increase your chances of getting a well-paying job after graduation.
Make sure to meet the English language proficiency requirements, which certify your flexible usage of the English language (the major medium of instruction). Lastly and most importantly, find out other related fees, such as ancillary fees, textbook fees and living expenses. Those give you an idea of how much it truly costs to complete a post-graduate diploma in Canada.