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.
Table of Contents
- Study in Alberta Highlights
- Why Study in Alberta?
- Top Universities in Alberta
- Top PG Colleges and Courses in Alberta
- Best Colleges in Alberta for PG Diploma Courses
- Application Guidelines and Process
- Admission Intakes for Colleges in Alberta for PG Diploma
- Eligibility Criteria to get Admission to Colleges in Alberta
- Entrance Exams Accepted by Universities in Alberta
Study in Alberta Highlights
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.
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