Canada is one of the highly preferred foreign destinations for pursuing studies. The country is home to many well-renowned universities and colleges and is known for academic excellence. One of the most appealing aspects of choosing to study in Canada is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). PGWP programmes in Canada offer a valuable opportunity to gain work experience in the country after completing your course.
Key highlights:
- What Is the PGWP Programme in Canada?
- Who Can Apply for PGWP Programmes in Canada?
- List of Colleges that Offer PGWP Courses in Canada
- Popular PGWP Colleges in Canada by Province
- What You Must Know About PGWP
- How to Apply to Colleges Offering PGWP Courses in Canada?
What Is the PGWP Programme in Canada?
A PGWP is a work permit for international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian colleges, which are referred to as Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). This permit allows students to work in Canada from 8 months to 3 years. Its exact validity depends on the length and level of your study programme. With a PGWP, you can work for any employer with no limits on your weekly working hours.
As per the latest update, as of 1 November 2024, if your study programme has a field of study requirement, you will have to graduate from a course linked to career avenues facing labour shortages such as Agriculture, Education, Health Care, STEM, Trade and Transport.
Who Can Apply for PGWP Programmes in Canada?
PGWP programmes are an ideal option for international students who want to gain some valuable work experience in Canada. Those who want to start working right after completing their studies can apply for a PGWP in Canada.
List of Colleges That Offer PGWP Courses in Canada
Here are the top 5 PGWP-Eligible Universities in Canada as per the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.
- QS category: QS World University Rankings 2025: Top global universities (Canada-specific)
- THE category: World University Rankings 2025 (Canada-specific)
| University/College | QS World University Ranking 2025 | THE World University Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 1 | 1 |
| McGill University | 2 | 3 |
| University of British Columbia | 3 | 2 |
| University of Alberta | 4 | 5 |
| University of Waterloo | 5 | 7 |
Popular PGWP Colleges in Canada by Province
PGWP Colleges in Ontario
- York University
- University of Waterloo
- University of Toronto
- Mohawk College
- Conestoga College
PGWP Colleges in British Columbia
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Northern British Columbia
- University of British Columbia
- University of Victoria
- Thompson Rivers University
PGWP Canada Colleges in Quebec
- Université de Montréal
- McGill University
- Concordia University
- Université Laval
- Université de Sherbrooke
What You Must Know About PGWP
Eligibility:
- You should complete a full-time course in Canada, eligible for a PGWP.
- To get a PGWP in Canada, the course that you pursue must be at least 8 months long.
- The course should be completed from a DLI.
- PGWP application must be submitted within 180 days of course completion.
- Students must have a valid student permit at the time of application.
Processing Time:
The processing time may vary from 80 days to 180 days.
How to Apply to Colleges Offering PGWP Courses in Canada?
- Start by choosing a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and courses eligible for a PGWP in Canada that align with your career goals and academic background.
- To get enrolled at a DLI, showcase good health with a medical exam (if needed), and no academic backlogs when applying.
- Gather essential documents like educational certificates, consolidated mark sheets, financial documents, and a Guaranteed Investment Certificate demonstrating sufficient funds for your studies in Canada.
- Complete English proficiency exams such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), meeting the score requirements set by your chosen institution.
- Draft a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and secure Letters of Recommendation (LOR). Include Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) scores if the institution requires them for undergraduate courses. For a master’s degree, you will have to appear for exams such as the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT).
- After thoroughly reviewing all documents, submit your application to your selected PGWP-eligible college or university.
- Once accepted, apply for a study permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) via their official website to study in Canada.
Pursuing a PGWP programme in Canada opens doors to world-class education and a thriving job market. However, the cost associated with studying abroad can be substantial. Many students prefer education loans for study abroad programmes to cover this financial gap.
At Avanse Financial Services, we support your academic aspirations by offering student-focused education loans that cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other education-related costs. Connect with us today for all your queries.
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