Types of study programs in Canada and how they differ

Canadian higher education system has its own characteristics. And it can be different from your country. Therefore, when a prospective student begins to wonder about higher education in Canada, the terms "bachelor's degree" or "master's degree" are understandable, but "diploma programs" or "certificate programs" raise questions.

What is a certificate and a diploma from a Canadian educational institution, how long does studying on them last, who they can suit, and what career prospects they open to graduates — let's discuss all of this.

We will look at the following types of programs:

• Certificate Programs;
• Diploma Programs;
• Graduate Certificate Programs (Postgraduate Certificate Programs);
• Graduate Diploma Programs (Postgraduate Diploma Programs).

First of all, if you want to study in Canada or consider studying as a way to immigration, you do not necessarily need to study for several years on a bachelor's degree program. A bachelor's or master's degree, as well as the types of programs listed above, will work for you.

Certificate Program

This is the "lowest" post-secondary level in Canada. Certificate programs are usually found at community colleges or technical/vocational schools.

Usually, studies last a year, and sometimes it is possible to complete the Certificate Program in just a few months. During their studies, students acquire the necessary practical skills in their chosen profession and have a lot of practice.

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Certificate programs typically train professionals in work trades. For example, truck drivers, electricians, carpenters, florists, hairdressers, firefighters, call center operators, and so on. Many of these occupations are in demand across Canada.

Here are some examples of certificate programs at Seneca College:

• Tourism – Travel Operations;
• Veterinary Assistant;
• 911 & Emergency Services Communications;
• Firefighter, Pre-Service Education and Training;
• Hospitality Foundations;
• Personal Support Worker.

Certificate programs are also often a way to prepare for admission to a diploma or bachelor's degree program. There are even special Certificate Programs that are prerequisite courses before entering another program of study. Examples of such programs from Seneca College:

• Fashion Studies;
• Art Fundamentals;
• Pre-Business.

To apply for most Certificate Programs, you only need to provide proof of full-time schooling and language test results. Language requirements are usually lower than for other types of programs. Take Seneca College as an example: an average IELTS score of 6.0 is sufficient for admission to Certificate Programs, while a score of 6.5 is required for admission to a Bachelor's degree.

Another plus of the Certificate Program is the cost: while it costs more than CAD 20,000 per year to attend a bachelor program at Seneca, a year in the Certificate Program will cost just over CAD 16,000.

Diploma Programs

In simple terms, Diploma Programs are something between Certificate Programs and a Bachelor's degree. You can find diploma programs at both colleges and universities, but they are usually more expensive at universities. You can also enroll in a diploma program after you finish school.

The Diploma Program's objective is to develop in a student a small set of skills necessary to work in a particular profession. However, in contrast to certificate programs, students receive more in-depth knowledge and, consequently, are more valued in the labor market. Diploma Program students often have the opportunity to complete a paid internship.

A diploma program usually lasts two years. However, there are also three-year Advanced Diploma programs. During the three years of the Advanced Diploma program, the student will have the same profession as in the regular diploma program but will gain more knowledge and practice.

While certificate programs are mostly training of specialists in work trades, diploma programs graduate either more qualified workers in the same fields or specialists in highly skilled professions. For example, animation specialists, accountants, and insurance consultants.

Examples of Diploma Programs and Advanced Diploma Programs from Seneca College:

• Aviation Operations;
• Business – Insurance;
• Accounting & Finance;
• Animation;
• Computer Programming;
• Broadcasting – Television;
• Business Administration – Marketing;
• Graphic Design.

For admission to Diploma Programs, applicants must prove that they have completed a full school education and provide language test results with a score equivalent to IELTS 6.0.

A year in the Diploma Program at Seneca College costs an average of CAD 15,022 to CAD 20,029.

Graduate Certificate Programs

Graduate Certificate programs are designed for those who have already graduated from an institution of higher education. They are similar to master's programs. However, while a Master's program gives you a degree, a Graduate Certificate is not considered a degree. Graduate Certificate programs help you gain additional skills and knowledge, change careers, or increase your employability.

Graduate Certificate programs typically take one year to complete and often include a few weeks to one semester of paid internship.

Examples of Graduate Certificate Programs from Seneca College:

• Brand Management;
• Business Analytics;
• Marketing Management;
• Cybersecurity & Threat Management;
• Project Management – Environmental;
• Public Relations – Corporate Communications.

To apply to a  Graduate Certificate Program, you need proof of an undergraduate degree in a field related to the program for which you are applying. For example, if you are interested in the cyber security program, you must have a degree in information technology or other discipline that demonstrates knowledge in this area. In terms of English, test results with an average IELTS score of 6.5 are generally accepted.

Tuition for the Graduate Certificate program at Seneca College ranges from CAD 15,000 to CAD 23,300.

Graduate Diploma Programs

Graduate Diploma Program (or Postgraduate Diploma Program) is a postgraduate program.

Typically, a person who has earned a bachelor's degree or other post-secondary education can enroll in a Graduate Diploma Program. These programs allow you to gain additional knowledge, skills, and experience. Graduate Diploma Programs usually last two years.

A person who has completed a Graduate Diploma program is qualified above the bachelor's level, but not to the master's level. In addition, unlike a master's degree, which can only be obtained at a university, Graduate Diploma programs are also available at colleges. The requirements for admission are also somewhat lower.

To simplify, Graduate Diploma Programs are almost synonymous with Graduate Certificate Programs, only the training usually lasts a year longer and allows to get more in-depth knowledge.

Enrollment assistance

If you want to pursue higher education in Canada or are considering studying as a way to immigrate, we are here to help. We work with approximately one hundred post-secondary institutions across Canada.

We organize study in Canada on a turnkey basis. We select the right university and program of study for you, apply for admission, and after admission apply for a student visa.

While your visa application is being processed, we can enroll you in online English courses that allow you to start your studies without taking a language test. If you want to travel to Canada with your family, we can apply for work visas for your spouse and visitor or student visas for your children.

Make an appointment for a consultation and start your journey to one of the best higher education in the world.