Alberta, a province in western Canada, is a popular higher education destination for international students because it provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study abroad with people from different cultures.
The educational system in Canada offers a range of courses, mostly certificates, diplomas, applied degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Each program has a different duration and is offered by either universities, technical institutes, or public colleges.
The majority of international students prefer to pursue a degree or diploma program, and there are many colleges in Alberta for PG Diploma from which a student can select the right options for education abroad.
Alberta offers a wide range of programs with cutting-edge resources, such as the state research and development center and some renowned faculty members.
A student can choose a university in Alberta based on their needs and requirements. We have compiled a list of the best colleges in Alberta offering a PG diploma along with some of the courses that they offer.
Here are some highlights of studying in Alberta that you should know more about.
Population
4.8 million (2024)
Economic Growth
2.3% (2024)
Number of International Students
25,000+ (2021-2022)
Work while Studying
Up to 20 hours each week during the semester and full-time during scheduled breaks
Post-Graduation Work Permit
Valid for the same length as the study program
Why Study in Alberta?
Why choose PG diploma courses in Alberta or other educational programs? Here are some reasons why you should consider studying here.
Attractive Income Prospects- Alberta has one of the highest after-tax median incomes in the country. This stands at C$72,500 annually in comparison to C$66,600 in Ontario and C$65,700 in British Columbia.
Immense Natural Beauty- Those studying in Alberta will find several exploration opportunities, from iconic national parks like Jasper and Banff to the Rocky Mountains, desert, aurora borealis, and more.
A Relatively Younger Province- Alberta has a median age of 36 years, the lowest in any province in Canada, making it a dynamic region to work and study, with more opportunities for the youth.
Research Support- Alberta is an excellent destination for researchers and students, with more than C$800 million in sponsored funding to encourage postgraduate research.
Job Opportunities- Alberta is called the Energy Province of Canada, and its biggest industries include gas, oil, forestry, agriculture, telecommunications, and tourism. This ensures excellent job opportunities for graduates.
Initiatives for Skill Development and Employment- As a province, Alberta offers an excellent environment for skill development and job creation through its pioneering initiative called Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs. One of the key tenets of this program is building better relationships/connections between post-secondary institutions and employers, along with the commercialization and innovation of research.
Top Universities in Alberta
Here are some of the leading universities in Alberta that are worth considering, as per the QS World University Rankings list for 2024.
University Name
QS World University Rankings 2024
Location
University of Alberta
111
Edmonton
University of Calgary
182
Calgary
Top PG Colleges and Courses in Alberta
Alberta offers a wide range of programs with cutting-edge resources, such as the state research and development center and some renowned faculty members. A student can choose a university in Alberta based on their needs and requirements. We have compiled a list of the best colleges in Alberta offering a PG diploma along with some of the courses that they offer.
Best Colleges in Alberta for PG Diploma Courses
Sno.
Name of the College/University
Course 1
Course 2
Course 3
Course 4
Course 5
Average annual tuition fee
1.
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Administrative Information Management
Advanced Care Paramedic
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology
Architectural Technologies
Automotive Service Technology
CAD 18,617 – CAD 20,500
2.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Advanced Care Paramedic
Baking and Pastry Arts
Business Administration – Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Computer Engineering Technology
Electronics Engineering Technology
CAD 19,410 – CAD 28,119
3.
NorQuest College
Business Administration
Child and Youth Care
Disability Studies
Early Learning and Child Care – diploma
Energy Management
CAD 11,654 – CAD 17,108
4.
Olds College
Precision Agriculture – Techgronomy Diploma
Business Management Diploma
Turfgrass Management Diploma
Agriculture Technology Integration Post Diploma Certificate
Business Management Diploma – Sports Management Major
Approximately CAD 20,000
5.
Red Deer Polytechnic
Diploma in Justice Studies
Business Administration Diploma
Visual Art Diploma
Early Learning and Child Care Diploma
Kinesiology & Sport Studies Diploma
CAD 27,000 – CAD 50,000
Application Guidelines and Process
After earning their bachelor’s degree, students often struggle while choosing between applying for a master’s program and a postgraduate diploma. The PG diploma courses are more advanced than the bachelor’s studies and are for a shorter duration than the master’s program. The major goal of earning a postgraduate degree is to gain sufficient industrial experience to help students land jobs much more quickly and easily.
International students can select from a range of PG diploma colleges in Alberta at low tuition rates. The best colleges in Alberta for PG diplomas provide courses with one to two-year duration.
After choosing a subject and university, a student must first fill out an application form and then complete the application procedure. The process used by colleges in Alberta for a PG diploma is essentially the same as that of all the universities. Students must provide a number of documents while applying for their selected course in the best colleges in Alberta for PG diploma.
Previous educational certificates
Transcript records and mark sheets
Aptitude test (university-specific)
Resume
Essay/Statement of Purpose (SOP)
English proficiency tests—IELTS or TOFEL
Study visa
Letter of Recommendation
Depending on the course chosen, there might be additional information and paperwork needed which might be university-specific.
Admission Intakes for Colleges in Alberta for PG Diploma
For international students wishing to enroll in Alberta for a PG diploma course, there are typically three main intakes.
Fall Intake: The most popular among overseas students is the fall intake which begins in September and runs through December and sometimes, occasionally, into early January.
Winter Intake: Also known as the secondary intake, it occurs from January to May.
Spring/Summer Intake: Only selected colleges and universities, as well as extremely particular programs, are eligible for this intake. It typically starts in May and lasts until August. It is the best intake to apply for short-duration courses like diplomas at one of the best colleges in Alberta for PG diplomas.
As the colleges in Alberta are highly particular about applications submitted before the designated deadlines, it is best to select the colleges and universities in accordance with their admission requirements. Every university and PG diploma colleges in Alberta will have a separate section on their official website where they mention the information about their individual course intakes.
Eligibility Criteria to get Admission to Colleges in Alberta
Students who have earned their undergraduate or bachelor’s degree may pursue a PG diploma. A student must have an aggregate of at least 65 percent in their undergraduate program to apply in the colleges in Alberta for PG diploma. Some particular courses can even require work experience in addition to the results of the English proficiency test.
Entrance Exams Accepted by Universities in Alberta
The entrance examinations accepted by universities in Alberta may include the following (may vary depending on the institution and program):
IELTS
TOEFL
Duolingo English Test
Cambridge English Scale
CAEL
PTE
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the University of Alberta offer post-graduate diplomas?
Several graduate certificate programs are available at the University of Alberta, including Business, Educational Policy Studies, Physical Therapy, Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation, Medical Sciences, Rehabilitation Medicine, etc.
How much is a 2-year PG Diploma course in Canada?
The tuition fees may range between C$17-20,000 for a two-year PG diploma course in Canada, depending on the institution and other factors.
Who is eligible for a PG Diploma in Canada?
A bachelor’s degree is usually required for those applying for a PG diploma in Canada. Additionally, many institutions will require English language proficiency scores.
Can I get a job with a post graduate diploma in Canada?
You can apply for a post graduate work permit after completing your PG diploma in Canada. Finding a job may be possible if you have completed a job-oriented or technical course and already have some work experience.
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland, France, and Germany. Her background includes founding a startup and working with early-stage educational ventures, giving her a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these educational landscapes. Additionally, Rakhee specializes in helping students craft compelling Statements of Purpose (SOPs) for studying abroad, leveraging her insights into different education systems to guide students in articulating their academic and professional goals effectively. Her comprehensive knowledge and strategic approach make her a valuable resource for students navigating their educational journeys and financial planning.
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