Diploma Courses in Canada: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

All Canadian technical colleges and community colleges offer post-secondary certifications known as diplomas. They give hands-on instruction in a particular subject and are typically less time-consuming than degrees. One to three years are often required for diploma programs, although some may have prerequisite courses. Students have a wide range of fields of study, such as business, technology, health sciences, and the arts. 

With diploma courses in Canada after the 12th, you can acquire the abilities and information required to start a job or continue your education in a relevant area. In this article, we'll give a general review of diploma programs available in Canada, outlining their advantages, prerequisites, and most-preferred subject areas. 

Specific diploma courses are available for summer, fall, or winter. You can choose to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate diploma courses in Canada. Moreover, students would get the chance to opt for diploma courses with co-op. 

Some of the classes are offered online, on weekends or evenings. While others are seasonal depending on the course and the university you are applying to. Let's dive in!

Types of Diploma Courses in Canada

Diploma courses are offered at the undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) levels in Canada. Students who have completed high school and wish to develop practical skills in a particular subject should enroll in UG diploma courses. Students who have earned a bachelor's degree and want to expand their knowledge and abilities to improve their professional chances should enroll in PG diploma courses. In the case of PG Diplomas, students can opt for 2-year PG diploma courses in Canada or 1-year PG diploma courses in Canada.

Table summarizing the main differences between the UG diploma in Canada and PG diploma courses in Canada:

UG Diploma Courses in Canada

PG Diploma Courses

Duration of Diploma Courses in Canada

Diploma courses in Canada after the 12th can range in length. 1-year and 2-year choices are commonly available to students. Students who want to fast-track their education and gain a specific skill set can enroll in one-year diploma programs. Two-year diploma programs allow students to transition to a degree program and are more thorough, offering a wider breadth of information and abilities in a particular sector.

Best Diploma Courses in Canada (1 Year)

• Web Development: It is one of the best diploma courses in Canada. Students will learn web programming languages and technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP in this course on web development.
• Mobile App Development: This course covers programming languages like Java and Swift and focuses on creating mobile apps for the Android and iOS platforms.
• Digital Marketing: Students will learn how to create and put into practice digital marketing strategies in this course, covering SEO, social media, email marketing, and content marketing.
• Medical Office Assistant: It is one of Canada's most popular diploma courses. This course prepares students for administrative duties in a medical office, including keeping medical records, arranging appointments, and interacting with patients.
• Graphic Design: Design principles, typography, color theory, and graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are all covered in this course on graphic design.

Diploma Courses in Canada (2 years)

• Computer science: It is one of Canada's best diploma courses after the 12th. Topics covered in this course include operating systems, databases, software development, programming languages, algorithms, and data structures.
• Business Administration: Accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, and operations management are just a few of the topics covered in this course in business administration.
• Early Childhood Education: It is one of the most popular diploma courses in Canada after the 12th. This course gives students the knowledge and abilities to work in childcare environments, such as child development, curriculum design, and classroom administration.
• Mechanical Engineering Technology: The principles of engineering design, mechanics, materials, production procedures, and project management are all covered in this course on mechanical engineering technology.
• Hospitality and Tourism Management: Food and beverage management, hotel operations, travel and tourism marketing, and event planning and management are all topics covered in this course on hospitality and tourism management.

These are only a handful of specialized 1-year and 2-year diploma programs in Canada. When selecting a diploma program, students should consider their educational history, job ambitions, and interests to make sure they pick the ideal course.

Top Diploma Courses in Canada 

The diploma courses in Canada for international students specialize in various fields, as given below: 

• Computers and Information Technology
• Indigenous Business Management 
• Public Administration and Governance
• Applied Cyber Security
• Business 
• Health and Social Services
• Technology 
• Marketing and Communications
• Specialized Learning
• Management Sciences
• Data Analyst
• Education
• Home Economics 
• Physical Education 
• Technology Studies
• Hospitality and Tourism Management 
• Art Education
• Adult Learning and Education

Top Universities for Diploma Courses in Canada

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto offers diploma courses in business, computer science, engineering, and more. Located in Toronto, it is a prestigious and highly respected institution. 

University of Alberta

In Edmonton, Alberta, there is a prestigious university called the University of Alberta. Numerous diploma programs are available in business, computer science, engineering, nursing, and more.

McMaster University 

Hamilton, Ontario-based McMaster University is a renowned university in Canada. The institution provides diploma programs in various subjects, including business administration, computer science, engineering, nursing, and more.

University of Waterloo

Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, is home to the prestigious University of Waterloo. Project management, business administration, cybersecurity, engineering, and marketing are just a few of the diploma programs the college provides. 

University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is currently ranked #242 globally. The institution provides diploma programs in several disciplines, including marketing, project management, healthcare, computer science, hospitality and tourism, accounting, and business administration.

Here are few other universities offering diploma courses in Canada:

• McGill University: The university offers an array of graduate-level diploma programs. You can opt for Diploma in Accounting, Diploma in Digital Analytics and Business Intelligence, Diploma in Management: International Business Concentration, Diploma in Supply Chain and Operations Management, Diploma in Public Relations and Communications Management, and more. It is ranked 31 among other universities, as per QS World University Rankings 2023. 
• University of British Columbia: Diploma programs like adult learning and education, guidance science, health education, visual and performing arts, computing studies, etc., are taught here.  The university has been listed at the 47th position, as per QS World University Rankings 2023. 
• University of Waterloo: They provide a diploma in data analytics. The university features among the top 200 universities, as per QS World University Rankings 2023.

Requirements for Diploma Courses in Canada

• High school diploma or equivalent
• English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) for international students
• Prior knowledge or experience may be required for some courses
• Statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and transcripts may be required
• Specific requirements may vary depending on the institution and program
• Check the official website of the university for detailed information

Eligibility Criteria for Diploma Courses in Canada

• A student must complete secondary education or equivalent.
• They need to meet the language proficiency requirement (IELTS or TOEFL) for international students.
• Depending on the program, prior knowledge or experience may be required.
• Specific eligibility requirements may vary depending on the institution and program.
• It is recommended to check the university's official website for detailed eligibility criteria.

Admission Process for Diploma Courses in Canada

• Choose a program and a college: Find a curriculum or school to help you achieve your academic preferences and goals by researching those options.
• Verify your eligibility: Make sure you meet the university's requirements for your chosen curriculum.
• Apply: Complete the application and attach all necessary supporting material, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and test results proving language proficiency.
• The application cost is due: Pay the application fee, which is non-refundable.
• Wait for decision-making: Wait until the university decides on your admission after you've filed your application.
• Acceptance: Accept the offer and pay the required tuition costs if approved.

Application Cycle of Diploma Courses in Canada

The cycle and duration for diploma courses in Canada are given below.

McGill University

All the diploma courses are available for winter 2022, spring/ summer 2022, fall 2022, and winter 2023.  

Application dates for international students are as given below:

• Fall starts on March 1st
• Winter begins on July 1st 
• Spring/summer begins on November 1st

University of British Columbia

• Summer sessions: The application starts in May and ends on January 15th 
• Winter sessions: Application begins in September and ends on January 15th 

The deadline for application may vary depending on the institution the applicant completed their previous degree. Also, note that not every diploma course accepts summer applications.

University of Alberta

International students’ deadlines can close as early as 12 months before the program. The applicants must contact the respective department for details and clarification. The deadlines for the applicants are here below. 

• July 1st for September admissions
• November 1st for January admission
• March 1st for May admission
• May 1st for July admission

Mc Master university

• Winter 2023: Admissions open on October 1st, 2022, and close on January 31st, 2023
• Spring 2023: Admissions open February 1st, 2023, and close April 30th, 2023

University of Waterloo

• Fall term (Sept to Dec 2022): Applications open on March 3rd, the last day to apply is June 30th, and the last day to apply is August 2nd, 2022.
• Winter Term (Jan to April 2023): Applications open in July 2022; the last day to apply is November 3rd, 2022, and the last day to apply is November 30th, 2022.
• Spring term (May to Aug 2023): Last day to apply is March 1st, 2023, and the last day for applying is March 9th, 2023.

Cost of Studying Diploma Courses in Canada

Depending on the institution, program, and region, different diploma courses cost different amounts to study in Canada. In Canada, a diploma course typically costs between CAD 10,000 and 30,000 per year tuition. Students must also consider additional costs like housing, transportation, food, health insurance, and tuition. 

Canada's cost of living varies from city to city, with bigger cities like Toronto and Vancouver costing more than less expensive ones like Halifax or Winnipeg. Students should budget between CAD 10,000 and CAD 15,000 for living costs annually on average.

Here is a cost of attendance for diploma courses in Canada for International Students University Wise:

McGill University

The fee structure for diploma/ distance courses.

• Tuition: CAD 4,344
• Registration fee: CAD 28.00
• General administrative charge: CAD 58
• Transcripts and diploma charge: CAD 5
• Copyright fee: CAD 3
• Information and technology charge fee: CAD 27

University of British Columbia

Certificate programs or diplomas range from CAD 470.63 to CAD 1,413., depending on the program for international students. 

University of Alberta

For a diploma, the tuition fee may vary depending on the course. This is a fee structure for Alberta’s diploma courses in Canada for international students willing to stay on campus.

• Tuition fee: CAD 27,540 
• Residence: CAD 15,689 
• Academic support: CAD 524

Mc Master University

The tuition fees are assessed on a term-by-term basis, and most university degree tuition fees go up to CAD 1,000. There are cases where this cost may go higher depending on the course. 

McMaster also offers advanced diploma courses for specific subjects under these programs. 

• Business 
• Health and social services
• Technology 
• Marketing and communications
• Specialized learning

Applicants can use the fee estimator on their website, mainly for full-time courses. 

University of Waterloo

The fee for courses in Waterloo depends on the subject you choose, which you can determine using the fee estimator on their website. 

However, here is the cost of living at the University of Waterloo on a monthly basis:

• Accommodation: CAD 700- 1700
• Food: CAD 350
• Entertainment: CAD 125 
• Transportation: CAD 25
• Books and supplies: CAD 240

Scholarships for Diploma Courses in Canada

• Master's Programme Graduate Scholarships from Canada. The Canadian government provides this award to students pursuing a master's or diploma. The scholarship provides $17,500 over a year.
• Graduate students pursuing a graduate diploma or master's degree at an Ontario university are eligible for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship. It provides up to $15,000 for one academic year.
• For students seeking a master's or doctoral degree in the social sciences, humanities, engineering, or natural sciences, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is available. It provides $50,000 annually for a maximum of three years.
• The Mitacs Globalink Research Award is for graduate and undergraduate students working on research projects in Canada. For 12 to 24 weeks of research, it offers $6,000.

Career Opportunities after Completing Diploma Courses in Canada

The job prospects after completing diploma courses in Canada are as follows: