PGWP Eligible Courses in Canada
If you are planning to apply for a Canada study visa and are in the process of selecting a program for your admission, you may be confused about which program to choose. Should you opt for a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Undergraduate diploma, or Postgraduate diploma? And, most importantly, which program will make you eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
In this blog, I will clear up two major doubts:
- If you have already completed your Bachelor’s degree, should you pursue a Master’s degree or a Postgraduate (PG) diploma? Will you be eligible for a full PG work permit after completing a Master’s degree from any university?
- If you are considering a Undergraduate diploma or a Postgraduate diploma, which types of programs are eligible for a PG work permit and which are not?
To gain a thorough understanding of PG work permit eligible programs in Canada, read this blog until the end.
Here, this write up is going to provide you with detailed information about the programs that guarantee a full Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). There won’t be any issues related to the PG work permit in any scenario if you follow the guidelines provided here.
Before we dive into the details of which programs qualify for a PG work permit, let’s go over the general eligibility requirements. To be eligible for a PG work permit, you need to meet the basic criteria:
- You must pursue a full-time study program in Canada.
- You cannot work more than the allowed 24 hours per week during the study period.
- You cannot take breaks longer than 150 days between studies.
- You should not have any criminal activity or have violated any conditions of your study permit.
Once you receive your visa and reach Canada, you must continue to meet these basic eligibility requirements to qualify for the PG work permit. For more details on what you need to do after arriving in Canada to secure your PG work permit, check out the blog on the topic “PGWP & SOWP Extension” .
1.2 Which Programs Guarantee a Full PG Work Permit?
Now, let’s address the key question: Which programs will guarantee a PG work permit? If you are pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees from any DLI guarantee a full three-year PG work permit.
- Bachelor’s Degree
Whether you’re pursuing a three-year or four-year Bachelor’s degree, you will receive a three-year PG work permit if you complete your studies at any Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This includes BBA, BSc, BTech, and other Bachelor’s degrees. The stream does not matter, you will get your full three years of PG work permit as long as your program is eligible. - Master’s Degree
Similarly, if you pursue any Master’s degree, whether it’s a one-year or two-year program, from a DLI, you will qualify for a three-year PG work permit. This applies to various Master’s programs like MBA, Master of Data Science, Master of AI, Master of Management, and more. Again, the stream doesn’t matter, as long as it’s a Master’s degree from a recognized institution, you will receive your three-year PG work permit. - PhD Degree
If you complete a PhD program at any DLI in Canada, you are also eligible for a three-year PG work permit, regardless of the field of study.
1.3 No Priority List for Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD Degrees
As mentioned earlier, there’s no need for your program to fall under any special priority list to be eligible for the PG work permit. Whether you’re studying BBA, MBA, Master of Education, or even a PhD in any discipline, you are eligible for the PG work permit as long as you meet the basic eligibility requirements.
1.4 Language Requirement for PG Work Permit
To ensure eligibility for a PG work permit, you must meet the CLB 7 requirement in your English language test. This can be done through IELTS, PTE, or CELPIP. Specifically, in the IELTS test, you need to score at least 6 in each module to achieve CLB 7.
Once you meet this requirement, there are no additional conditions or eligibility lists that limit your eligibility for the PG work permit. Whether you are pursuing a Master of Education, Master of Education Leadership, MBA, Master of Management, Master of Data Science, Master of AI, or any other Master’s program, you will be eligible for a full three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada. The same applies to Bachelor’s degrees, whether you’re studying BBA, BSc, BTech, B.Ed., or any other Bachelor’s program.
For all Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees, the stream of study doesn’t matter. Even if you pursue an MBA or a degree in management, you will still be eligible for the full three-year PG work permit. This is one of the main reasons why pursuing a Master’s degree is highly recommended over a PG diploma in Canada.
1.5 Canada’s Shift towards Master’s Degrees
Canada is increasingly moving toward promoting Master’s degrees, similar to the UK, which no longer offers PG diplomas and only provides Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. While Canada hasn’t completely phased out PG diplomas or UG diplomas, they are now part of a priority list of programs. These programs are subject to eligibility restrictions that may impact your ability to get a PG work permit.
If your PG diploma or UG diploma program falls under this priority list, you may still be eligible for a PG work permit. However, many programs like Project Management and Business Management no longer qualify for PG work permits. Therefore, it is highly recommended to choose a Master’s degree for guaranteed eligibility for the PG work permit.
1.6 PG Diploma vs. Master’s Degree: The Cost and Benefits
One of the main drawbacks of PG diplomas is that the fees are quite similar to those of Master’s degrees. A two-year PG diploma typically costs between $30,000 and $40,000, which is in the same price range as many Master’s degree programs. For example, the Trinity Western University offers a Master’s program at a relatively affordable cost of $27,000.
Given this similarity in cost, it’s advisable to pursue a Master’s degree instead of a PG diploma. Not only will you get your three-year PG work permit, but you will also earn more points for your education, especially for immigration programs like Express Entry. A Master’s degree is worth 30 points for your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, whereas a PG diploma will only get you 15 points.
When you pursue a Master’s degree in Canada, it is considered your highest level of education, which gives you an edge in the Express Entry system. Even if you have previously completed a Master’s degree, completing another Master’s in Canada will earn you more points under the Express Entry CRS system.
Additionally, many Canadian provinces offer provincial nominee programs (PNPs) that favor candidates with Master’s degrees.
The myth that Master’s degrees may not guarantee a PG work permit or could be difficult to secure is simply not true. Any Master’s degree from a recognized Designated Learning Institution (DLI) will make you eligible for a PG work permit. Whether you choose to study at a public university or a private university, you will still qualify for a PG work permit.
Moreover, many provinces are increasingly recognizing the value of a Master’s degree for PNP and PR programs. Provinces like British Columbia and Ontario already have programs designed to attract graduates with Master’s degrees, providing an additional pathway for Permanent Residency (PR). By pursuing a Master’s degree, you are not only securing a PG work permit but also improving your chances for permanent residency in Canada.
Pursuing a Master’s degree in Canada is the most effective and beneficial option for securing a three-year PG work permit, earning more Express Entry points, and enhancing your chances for Permanent Residency (PR). Given that the costs are similar to a PG diploma and the additional benefits are significant, it’s always advisable to choose a Master’s degree over a PG diploma in Canada.
1.7 Why Choosing a Master's Degree is Better Than a PG Diploma for PG Work Permit in Canada
I understand that pursuing a Bachelor’s degree may require a longer study period compared to a UG diploma. While a UG diploma typically takes 2 years, a Bachelor’s degree can take 4 years to complete. The fee difference is also significant. For a UG diploma, you may pay around $30,000 to $35,000 for 2 years of study, while a Bachelor’s degree could cost you between $70,000 to $80,000 for 4 years.
Given this difference, it’s understandable that you may consider pursuing a UG diploma to save on costs and time. However, when it comes to Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), opting for a PG diploma doesn’t make much sense. Instead, you should choose a Master’s degree, especially if you have already completed your Bachelor’s degree.
If you are eligible for a Master’s degree program, it is always better to pursue it rather than settling for a PG diploma.
In addition to Master’s degrees, other programs offered by universities, colleges, and even flight schools may also qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). To ensure eligibility for the PGWP, the following conditions must be met:
To qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada, regardless of whether you are studying at a university, college, or flight school, you must meet the following conditions:
- Complete your studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Achieve the required CLB score:
- CLB 7 for university programs.
- CLB 5 for college and flight school programs.
- Ensure your program is included in the list of eligible programs for PGWP.
By fulfilling these requirements, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and take the next step toward building a career in Canada after completing your studies.
1.8 Eligible Fields of Study for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
To qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, the field of study plays an essential role. If you complete a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in Canada, you will be eligible for a PGWP, regardless of your program’s focus. However, for undergraduate diplomas or post-graduate diplomas, your program must fall within specific fields that are considered high demand.
For UG diplomas or PG diplomas, your program must fall under one of these six priority fields of study to be eligible for a PGWP:
- Agriculture-Related Programs
- Education
- Healthcare
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
- Skilled Trades
- Transportation
If your program does not fall under these fields, you may not be eligible for a PGWP.
1.9 Healthcare Field – What Does It Include?
The Healthcare field encompasses various programs related to the well-being and medical treatment of individuals. According to the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada), the following healthcare programs qualify for the PGWP:
- Nursing Programs (Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner)
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Pharmacy Technician
- Dental Hygiene
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Health Administration
- Public Health
These are just a few examples from the broad healthcare field. It’s essential to refer to the IRCC’s official list of eligible programs to confirm the specific programs that qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
There are approximately 1,000 eligible programs that can make you eligible for a PGWP. You can easily check whether your chosen program is on the list by following these steps:
- Browse the List: The IRCC provides an extensive list of eligible programs that qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. You can check the entire list by clicking through the options available. As you keep clicking “Next,” the list will continue to load.
- Search for Your Program: You can search for your desired program directly. For example, if you want to study Artificial Intelligence, simply type the program name into the search bar.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Yes, AI-related programs fall under the STEM category (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). If you study a program related to AI, you will be eligible for a PGWP.
- CIP Code: You will also find the CIP code associated with the program, confirming that it qualifies for the work permit.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Yes, AI-related programs fall under the STEM category (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). If you study a program related to AI, you will be eligible for a PGWP.
- Check Other Programs: Let’s say you’re interested in Early Childhood Education. You can easily search for this program, and you’ll find that it falls under the Education field.
- Early Childhood Education: Programs like Early Childhood and Family Studies or Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education are eligible for a PGWP.
- These programs will be listed with their respective CIP codes, confirming that they meet the eligibility criteria.
1.10 Importance of Checking the List for UG or PG Diplomas
If you are planning to pursue a UG diploma or PG diploma, it’s crucial to verify whether your program is listed as eligible for a PGWP. If your program is on this list, you’ll be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit once you complete your studies.
At Globexa Immigration, we provide only those options that ensure you qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). We won’t share any options that may not lead to a PGWP. However, if you’re unsure, you can always check the eligibility of your desired program online. Each college and university also provide a list of programs that qualify for the PGWP, so you can easily verify whether your program is eligible.
1.11 How to Check PGWP Eligibility for Your Program
To determine whether your program qualifies for a PGWP, you can refer to the official eligibility list provided by each institution. I will show you how to check this list with an example, so you can understand whether your program will make you eligible for a PGWP.
It’s ideal to pursue a two-year study program in Canada to ensure you receive a three-year PGWP. This will give you the necessary time to gain work experience in Canada, which is crucial for applying for Permanent Residency (PR).
- One-Year Program: While a one-year study program will grant you a one-year PGWP, it may not provide enough time to gain sufficient work experience to apply for PR. With only one year of work experience, it may be challenging to meet the requirements for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) and obtain a PR invitatio.
- Two-Year Program: A two-year study program will give you a three-year PGWP, allowing you to accumulate the necessary experience to apply for your PR. It’s always better to study for two years and receive a three-year work permit to secure your future in Canada. This approach also reduces the risk of having to leave Canada or apply for asylum if you don’t meet the PR requirements in time.
For Master’s degrees, there is no need to check the eligibility list because all Master’s programs from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) automatically qualify for a PGWP. Whether you’re pursuing an MBA, Master of Data Science, or any other Master’s program, you will receive a PGWP upon completion.
At Globexa, we guide you through the process and help you select the right program for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, ensuring a smooth path toward Permanent Residency in Canada.
1.12 How to Check if a college or University Will Provide a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Even if you are pursuing a Master’s degree, it’s essential to confirm whether that degree qualifies you for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Not all institutions automatically offer PGWPs, so it’s important to verify eligibility before making your decision.
Here’s how you can check whether a college or university offers PGWPs for its programs:
- Every Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is assigned a unique number, and you can use this to verify whether the program you’re interested in qualifies for a PGWP.
- For example, if you’re looking at Ontario, let’s say you want to study at International Business University (IBU), a private university located in Toronto. You can check if the university is eligible for PGWP by looking up the DLI number and the location.
- Example: International Business University (IBU) offers an MBA program with multiple specializations. If you check the DLI number and find that IBU qualifies for PGWP, you will be eligible for a work permit upon completing your MBA.
- Once you confirm that a university is eligible for a PGWP, you can check the specific programs available. For instance, IBU might offer several MBA specializations, and you’ll want to confirm if those specific courses qualify for the PGWP.
- Example: International Business University (IBU) offers an MBA program with multiple specializations. If you check the DLI number and find that IBU qualifies for PGWP, you will be eligible for a work permit upon completing your MBA.
- For example, if you are considering City University in Alberta, which is known for its Master of Education Leadership program, you can check the DLI number for City University and confirm whether they offer PGWP for this program. Alberta is a popular destination for international students due to its PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) opportunities.
- Example: City University, with campuses in Calgary and Edmonton, offers Master of Counseling and Master of Education Leadership programs that qualify for PGWP. You can easily confirm this by checking the DLI number and reviewing the program details.
- Example: City University, with campuses in Calgary and Edmonton, offers Master of Counseling and Master of Education Leadership programs that qualify for PGWP. You can easily confirm this by checking the DLI number and reviewing the program details.
- Every institution has its own list of eligible programs for the PGWP. This list is available to both students and institutions. By visiting the official website of the university or college, you can quickly search for PGWP-eligible programs.
- Many colleges, such as NAIT College, provide a detailed list of PGWP-eligible programs on their official website. You can find the CIP codes associated with each program, which will help you determine whether your chosen field of study is eligible for a PGWP.
You can easily search for PGWP eligibility for any college or university by visiting the institution’s website or referring to official resources. Simply check the program details to confirm whether it qualifies for PGWP. In some cases, each college and university has shared this information with organizations involved in student admissions, so you can rely on trusted sources to guide you.
By doing this research, you can ensure that the program you choose in Canada will make you eligible for a PGWP, giving you the opportunity to work in Canada after completing your studies.
To confirm if your program qualifies for a PG Work Permit, you’ll need to check three key resources:
- PG Work Permit Eligibility List
- Designated Learning Institution (DLI) List
- College or University Website
Once you have these resources, you can easily check whether your chosen program qualifies for a PGWP.
At Globexa, we ensure that all the options we share with you are PGWP-eligible. We do not recommend programs that don’t qualify for a PGWP, so you can trust our guidance throughout your study and visa application process.
1.13 Private vs. Public Colleges and Universities
It’s crucial to note that most private colleges no longer offer PGWPs. Private universities, however, generally do provide PGWP eligibility for their Master’s programs. Always verify the program details to ensure you’re making an informed decision.
If you’re considering studying in Canada, it’s essential to ensure that your chosen program qualifies for a PGWP. At Globexa, we help you make the right decisions by offering only PGWP-eligible options. We ensure you select programs that will allow you to stay and work in Canada after your studies, ultimately helping you pursue Permanent Residency (PR).
If you’ve already received your Canada Study Visa or are thinking of applying, you can check the PGWP eligibility of your chosen program and make sure you meet the requirements for your post-study work permit. We have also written a detailed blog on the topic “PGWP and SOWP Extension“, which you can read now. This blog will clarify all the requirements needed to obtain your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Thank you so much for reading this blog until the end. Stay tuned for our next blog!
