Canada Short-Term Courses: Eligibility, Admission Process & Fees

Canada is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations, hosting around 1 million international students in  2023 from around the world. Canada’s short-term courses are popular amongst students as they are a quick and cost-effective way to gain valuable credentials and skills.

The Canadian education system is characterized by high quality and inclusiveness, with colleges and vocational schools offering hands-on practical learning. In Canada, education is compulsory for children, starting from six years of age till they are 18 years old. Children start elementary school and gradually progress to university-level education.

The most popular Canadian short-term courses include diplomas and certificates. Read more to find the eligibility criteria, admission requirements, fees, and advantages of short-term courses in Canada for international students.

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Reasons for Pursuing Short-Term Courses in Canada

Here are some reasons why pursuing short-term courses in Canada may be worthwhile for students. 

• Skill development opportunities:  Short-term courses in Canada for international students are intensive and usually designed in collaboration with industry experts to enable experiential learning for students. Thus, they can help you learn skills that are directly related to your profession and enhance your employability. 
• Get ready for the workforce faster: Since there are several 6 months short-term courses in Canada for international students, you can gain the requisite knowledge and skills in a short period of time. 
• Save on your education costs: The typical cost of a short-term course in Canada ranges from CAD3,297–CAD18,430. On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree can cost you around CAD60,510. Thus, Canada’s short-term courses can significantly save your expenditure on education. 

Popular Subjects and Fields for Short-Term Courses

Short-term courses in Canada span across a wide range of subjects, meeting the needs of various industries. Some of the popular fields include : 

• Accounting
• Education 
• Healthcare
• Information Technology
• Finance
• Law
• Project Management

Additionally, courses in emerging areas such as Data Science, AI, and Sustainable Energy are gaining traction, reflecting current global trends and industry advancements.

Types of Short-Term Courses Available

Short-term courses are available in different formats in Canada, including certificate programs, foundation programs, diploma courses, professional development workshops, and online or blended education. 

They are provided by universities, colleges, and vocational schools, which allows international students to select from a large pool of options based on their career aspirations and preferred learning curve.

Top Institutions Offering Short-Term Courses in Canada

There are numerous short-term courses available in Canada for international students. Some of the top universities in Canada for short-term courses are: 

Short-term Courses in Canada: Eligibility & Admission Requirements 

There are varying eligibility criteria for Canada’s short-term courses across institutions. Some of the general guidelines include the following: 

• High school or bachelor’s degree 
• Academic transcripts and CVs/resumes wherever required 
• Proof of funding or scholarship 
• Portfolio and samples wherever needed 
• LOR (letters of recommendation)
• English language proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE). Usually, universities ask for a minimum score of 6.0 on the IELTS academic and TOEFL CBT score of 80.
• French language proficiency scores for those applying to study programs taught in French (TEF, DALF, and others)
• Visa and Passport

Admission Process for Short-Term Courses

The admission process for short-term courses in Canada is:

• For most universities, students are asked to apply online and submit the completed application with the necessary documents. These include:
• Application Form
• Transcripts of previous studies
• English language proficiency scores
• Audition video
• Proof of payment of fees
• A valid government-issued ID
• Some colleges and universities may also invite applicants for an interview to assess their suitability for the programs. 
• Certain institutions may also require students to attempt a computerized placement test in subjects like reading, mathematics, and writing after submitting the application. 
• Selected candidates are informed via e-mail. 

Duration and Format of Short-Term Courses

Short-term courses in Canada vary greatly in duration and format. Courses can last from a few months to a year. These are offered in full-time, part-time, evening, or online formats to accommodate different schedules and learning styles.

This flexibility allows individuals to continue working or manage other commitments while upgrading their skills or pursuing new interests.

Conclusion

Pursuing a short-term course in Canada can be a good choice for aspirants looking to acquire fresh knowledge, build new competencies in their chosen field, and prepare for the job market with a globally acknowledged qualification/certification.