CANADA · CHAPTER 2
Universities, collegesand programmes.
Universities award bachelor's (4 years), master's (1–2 years) and PhDs. Colleges and polytechnics offer diplomas, postgraduate certificates and some degrees. You must study at a designated learning institution (DLI). Intakes are September, January and May.
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Programme types
| Programme | Length | PGWP note |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 4 years | No field restriction; CLB 7 |
| Master's degree | 1–2 years | Master's of 8+ months can give a 3-year PGWP; CLB 7 |
| College diploma | 2–3 years | Must be in an eligible field; CLB 5 |
| Postgraduate certificate | 8 months–1 year | Eligible fields only; shorter PGWP |
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Programme lengths and credentials
| Credential | Length | Typical entry |
|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate certificate (college) | 8 months–1 year | Bachelor's degree |
| Advanced diploma | 3 years | Class 12 |
| Bachelor's degree | 4 years | Class 12 |
| Course-based master's | 1–2 years | Bachelor's (often 4-year) |
| Thesis-based master's | 2 years | Strong academics; often funded |
| PhD | 4–6 years | Master's |
Intakes
September (fall) has the most programmes, January (winter) has a good number, and May (summer) is limited, mostly at colleges. Apply 9–12 months before your intake to have time for the PAL, study permit and housing.
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
Only if it is in a PGWP-eligible field, at a reputable college, and leads to jobs you want. The PGWP length usually matches the programme length for one-year programmes.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Keep going: the pages that help next.
Each card says what you will find there. Looking for something else? See every page on the site.
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