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Quick answer
The essentials at a glance
You can study a post graduate diploma in Canada from Nepal after a bachelor's degree, and Ontario colleges offer it as an Ontario College Graduate Certificate. This page explains how these programs differ from a master's degree, what entry and English scores colleges ask for, what fees look like on official pages, and how the post-graduation work permit field of study rule applies.
Key takeaways
Main points from this page
- A post graduate diploma is a college credential for graduates, and it is not a master's degree.
- In Ontario the usual name is Ontario College Graduate Certificate, and programs often last two semesters or two years.
- Most programs ask for a bachelor's degree, though some ask for a degree in a related field.
- College programs need an eligible field of study for the post-graduation work permit, and degrees do not have that rule.
- Check the program on the IRCC field of study list before you pay any deposit.
What Is a Post Graduate Diploma in Canada?
A post graduate diploma is a short college program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, and it is not a master’s degree.
This guide is part of our study in Canada from Nepal series. It is a level guide, so it explains the route and links to the subject guides. Many Ontario colleges call these programs an Ontario College Graduate Certificate.
The program is shorter and more job focused than a master’s. It teaches practical skills for one field, and many include a work placement. If you want a research or teaching career, a masters in Canada may fit better.
Amounts below are in Canadian dollars. Use our CAD to Rs forex converter to see them in rupees.
- Level: college credential after a bachelor’s degree, not a master’s degree.
- Length: two semesters at the shortest, up to two years with co-op.
- Entry: a degree or diploma, sometimes in a related field, and an English test.
- Work permit: needs a program on the IRCC field of study list.
How Do You Get Into a Post Graduate Diploma in Canada?
You usually need a bachelor’s degree, and some programs ask for a degree in a related field.
Lambton College lists a university degree or equivalent for its Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning graduate certificate. Admission is competitive, and meeting the minimum does not secure a place, as the Lambton program page says.
Other programs are stricter. Fleming College asks for a health or health science diploma or degree for its Health Care Management program. Durham College’s Sport Business Management program asks for a college diploma or degree, or three years of related industry experience.
So choose a program that matches your bachelor’s subject. Keep your transcript and degree certificate ready, and read our guide on transcripts in Nepal.
What English Score Does a Post Graduate Diploma in Canada Need?
Fleming College asks for IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 for its graduate certificates.
The same page lists PTE Academic 56 and Duolingo 120. Colleges set their own scores, as the Fleming language requirements page shows. Our minimum IELTS and PTE for Canada guide lists the usual range.
If you have a study gap, read our guide on a study gap for the Canada student visa.
Which Ontario Colleges Can You Look At for a Post Graduate Diploma?
Good places to start are Fleming, Lambton and Durham, which all run graduate certificates in Ontario.
These are examples from official program pages. Programs and start dates change often, so open the page for each one.
Fleming College
The Health Care Management graduate certificate has two semesters and is taught at the Sutherland Campus in Peterborough. International tuition is CAD 9,377 a semester, or about Rs 9 lakh. See our Fleming College profile.
Lambton College
The Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning graduate certificate is a two year program with a co-op term. International tuition is CAD 28,428 in total, or about Rs 28 lakh, without books and living costs. See our Lambton College profile.
Durham College
The Sport Business Management graduate certificate has two semesters, about eight months, with a 500 hour field placement. It is taught in Oshawa. See our Durham College profile.
How Much Does a Post Graduate Diploma in Canada Cost?
Cost depends on the college and the length, and the examples above run from about CAD 9,377 a semester to CAD 28,428 for a two year program.
Tuition does not include books, supplies, insurance or living costs. Lambton says its fees are estimates that can change each year.
For a full first-year budget, read our cost of studying in Canada guide. For the money you must show for the visa, see Canada proof of funds. You can also check scholarships to study in Canada.
What Should You Check Before Choosing a Program?
Check four things: the entry rule, the length, the work placement and the PGWP field.
First, match the entry rule to your bachelor’s subject. A program for health graduates will not take an unrelated degree.
Second, check the length. A two semester program costs less in total, but a two year program with co-op gives more work experience.
Third, ask whether the placement is arranged by the college or whether you must find it yourself. Fourth, ask the college in writing which classification code the program uses, then check it on the IRCC list.
Also check that the campus is open to international students for the start date you want. Colleges change their programs often, so use the program page as your final check.
Does a Post Graduate Diploma Qualify for a PGWP?
It can, but a college program must be in an eligible field of study.
IRCC says graduates of college programs must have graduated in an eligible field under the current rule. Degrees from universities are exempt. The program must also be at least eight months long, as the PGWP eligibility page explains.
Your program’s classification code must be on IRCC’s list when you apply for the study permit or the PGWP. IRCC says it will not add or remove fields for 2026. Check the field of study list, and ask the college for your program’s code.
A permit for a program of two years or more can last up to three years, as the About the PGWP page states. A shorter program gets a permit up to the same length. Read our PGWP guide for the steps.
You cannot get a second PGWP after an earlier program. So plan the order of your studies with care.
Can You Work While Studying a Post Graduate Diploma?
Yes, international students can generally work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term.
The IRCC off-campus work page explains the rule. Our guide on working over 24 hours in Canada covers the details. Co-op programs have separate work term rules, so ask the college.
No course leads to permanent residence on its own. Read PR pathways through education in Canada for an honest plan.
Which Is Better for You, a Post Graduate Diploma or a Master’s?
Choose a post graduate diploma for a short practical program, and a master’s for research, teaching or a higher academic level.
A graduate certificate is shorter and usually costs less in total. A master’s takes longer and is judged on your academic marks. Master’s students at public institutions also do not need a provincial attestation letter, while college programs may.
If you are still choosing, read the PhD in Canada guide for the research path. For a business degree route, see the MBA in Canada guide, and for a bachelor’s first, see bachelors in Canada.
Which Subject Guides Can You Read Next?
Read the guide that matches your degree.
You can start with artificial intelligence, business administration or hospitality management.
To compare schools, see Canada colleges. The college vs university in Canada guide shows the gap.
Read the Canada intakes guide for start dates. Read the Canada student visa requirements for papers.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a shorter college credential, while a master’s is a university degree. They lead to different work permit rules.
It depends on the program. Our examples run from two semesters to two years with a co-op term.
Yes, if you meet the program’s entry rule. Some programs accept any degree, and others ask for a related subject.
No. A college program must be in an eligible field of study and at least eight months long. Check IRCC’s list for your program.
Fleming College asks for 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Other colleges set their own scores.
No course gives permanent residence on its own. A work permit can help you gain experience, but PR has its own rules.
How Can Goreto Help You Apply?
Goreto counselors help you choose a college program, check the PGWP list and prepare your papers.
You can meet a counselor at our Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Chitwan, Itahari or Pokhara branch. Visit get in touch to find the nearest office.
Sources
Reference links
- Language requirements, international education
- Health Care Management graduate certificate
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning graduate certificate
- Sport Business Management graduate certificate
- Post-graduation work permit: Who can apply
- Post-graduation work permit: Field of study requirement
- Work off campus as a student
Disclaimer
Important guidance note
Fees, entry rules and the PGWP list change, so confirm each detail on the official college and IRCC pages before you apply.
