Vocational courses are designed to help you advance your physical and practical understanding of a specific field. In terms of educational level, these programmes fall somewhere between undergraduate and secondary schooling. In comparison to undergraduate degrees, these courses are less expensive and have a shorter duration. The demand for vocational courses in Canada among international students has increased dramatically in recent years.
Why Pursue Vocational Courses in Canada?
Numerous universities across the world offer vocational courses. Nonetheless, international students find Canada to be a desirable place to pursue vocational training. There are several reasons why this is the case:
- Vocational courses are less expensive compared to other countries abroad.
- Numerous Canadian institutions offer many vocational courses as part of their curricula. International students can also take these courses via distance learning and online.
- At a Canadian university, students can pursue their trade courses and work on campus. If an international student stays in Canada for more than six months, they can additionally opt to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week.
- Through vocational courses, students receive significant exposure and gain practical experience that they would otherwise need to obtain through traditional degree programmes.
VOCATIONAL COURSES VS DEGREE COURSES
The following comparison explores the key differences between degree and vocational courses to help you make an informed decision:
Vocational Courses | Degree Courses | |
---|---|---|
Entry requirements | Minimum secondary school | Minimum high school |
Duration | Minimum high school | 2- 4 years |
Cost | Less expensive | Comparatively expensive |
Learning approach | Primarily Practical | Theoretical followed by practical |
Salary | CAD 53,000 | CAD 65,000 |
Flexibility in career | Comparatively lower | Yes |
Read about Certificate and Diploma Courses in Canada.
Top Colleges for Vocational Courses in Canada
-
PictureUniversity NameCourseUniversity Details
-
Centennial CollegeAcademic
Arts and Science Preparation
Advanced Manufacturing and Systems Automation
Advertising
Marketing and Public Relations
Arts
Animation and DesignOn-campus/Online
Full-time and Part-time
Tuition fees: CAD 17,000
Duration: 3 years
Intakes: Sep and Jan
Placement: 84%
Acceptance rate: 68% -
Mohawk CollegeBusiness
Communication Arts
Community Services
Health
Preparatory Studies
Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships
Technology
Online learning programsOn-campus/Online
Full-time and Part-time
Tuition fees: CAD 14,000
Duration: 3 years
Intakes: Sep and Jan
Placement: 96%
Acceptance rate: 85% -
University of the Fraser ValleyAdvertising: Media Management
Baker Apprenticeship
Business Administration(Co-op)
Construction Boilermaker Apprenticeship
Developmental Services Worker – Apprenticeship
Electrician – Construction and Maintenance Apprenticeship
Human Resources Management(MA)On-campus/Online
Full-time and Part-time
Tuition fees: CAD 16,000
Duration:1-2 years
Intakes: Sep and Jan
Placement: 83%
Acceptance rate: 68% -
Nova Scotia Community CollegeAcademic Upgrading and Skills Development
Building and Manufacturing, Business, Engineering Technologies, Environment, Sustainability and Natural Resources, Health and Wellness,On-campus/Online
Full-time and Part-time
Tuition fees: CAD 11,500
Duration: 3 years
Intakes: Sep and Jan
Placement: 96%
Acceptance rate: 80% -
Durham CollegeArts and design
Business
Education
Health and Community Services
Information Technology
Languages
Legal and Emergency Services
Trades and Technology.On-campus/Online
Full-time and Part-time
Tuition fees: CAD 13,000
Duration: 6semesters
Intakes: Sep and Jan
Placement: 84%
Acceptance rate: 41% -
George Brown CollegeBusiness
Computer Technology
Media and performing arts
Health and wellness
Hospitality and tourism management
Social and community serviceOn-campus/Online
Full-time and Part-time
Tuition fees: CAD 12,000
Duration: 1-2 years
Intakes: Sep and Jan
Placement: 85%
Acceptance rate: 55% -
Algonquin Careers AcademyHealthcare programs
Business programs
Legal programsOn-campus/Online
Full-time and Part-time
Tuition fees: CAD 12,000
Duration: 1-3 years
Intakes: Sep and Jan
Placement: 83%
Acceptance rate: 60% -
CTS Canadian Career CollegeHealth Sciences
Law and Justice
Technology
Business
Trades
Speciality courses
Brewing TechnicianOn-campus/Online
Full-time and Part-time
Tuition fees: CAD 11,500
Duration: 2-3 years
Intakes: Sep and Jan
Placement: 77%
Acceptance rate: 75%
TYPES OF VOCATIONAL TRAININGS
There are many ways through which one can achieve vocational training. These are:
- Standalone Courses
- Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- Co- Op
- Trade courses
- Certificate Courses
- Apprenticeships
Know about the Best Diploma and Certificate Programs in Canada.
LIST OF POPULAR VOCATIONAL COURSES IN CANADA
FIELD OF STUDY | POPULAR COURSES |
---|---|
Health and Medicine | Diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion, Diploma in Practical Nurse, Advanced Diploma/co-op in Health Informatics Technology |
Business and Management | Diploma in Business Administration, Certificate in Business Fundamentals, Event Planning Program |
Computer Science and IT | Advanced Diploma in Computer Systems, Diploma in Computer Systems Technician, Library and Information Technology Diploma |
Engineering | Advanced Diploma/Co-Op in Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology, Certificate in Gas & Oil Burner Technician |
Agriculture and Pure Sciences | Agriculture Technology Diploma, Current Agricultural Practices Certificates, Certificate/ Diploma in General Arts and Science |
Why Should I Consider Attending Vocational School Rather Than a University?
Vocational programmes help you get ready for a fast entry into the workforce because they are career-focused and typically intense. You’ll be well on your way to the career of your dreams because you can graduate in two years. Moreover, professional certification may benefit from or necessitate formal vocational training.
Additionally, training programmes typically cost less than universities, especially when considering the increased fees and additional course and degree requirements that may be imposed on international students. You might be put on a waitlist for future enrollment, though, as admittance to a programme is competitive and there might only be a limited number of spaces available.
Eligibility
To apply to a Canadian university for a vocational programme, students must meet the following requirements:
- The student must be a minimum of 16 years of age
- The student should have finished their Secondary Education/ Senior Secondary education/ High School/ Secondary School Diploma- College Level or University level or equivalent
- The results of at least one English proficiency exam must be submitted by the students. The scores accepted for different tests are:
- IELTS-overall band of 6.0
- TOEFL-overall 83
- PTE-min score of 60
- CAEL– min score of 60
- CELPIP– overall band of 7.0
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Here is a list of documents required to apply for vocational courses in Canada:
- A valid student visa
- A photocopy of Passport
- Academic transcripts
- English Language Proficiency Tests
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation
- Medical Insurance
- Other Required Documents
Application Process
The guidelines listed below can be used to apply for a vocational course at a Canadian university:
- Do some research on the course you wish to take
- Look up Canadian universities that provide these
- Go to the official university website
- Complete the application online using the site
- Upload the necessary files
- Fill out the application and pay the required amount
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR VOCATIONAL COURSES IN CANADA
Besides government scholarships, a lot of colleges also provide scholarship facilities to students. Here are the details about a few:
- Quebec Scholarship for Vocational Training-The Quebec Scholarship offers a Merit Scholarship and a Tuition Exemption Scholarship for all international students of around CAD 14,000- CAD $ 26,000.
- Tallon Family Scholarship-Centennial College offers a scholarship amount of around CAD $1,000 per year to all international students studying enrolled in vocational courses.
- The English For Academic Purposes International Student Diploma-The scholarship amount of around CAD $500 is provided by Humber College for all international students pursuing vocational courses in the field of Humanities.
- IB Entrance Scholarships-Around CAD $1,000- CAD $3,000 is awarded to international students pursuing vocational courses in Trent University based on Academic Excellence
- Queen’s Empowerment Scholarship-An average scholarship of CAD $1,000 offered by Centennial College to all International Female Students registered for vocational courses.
- OC Penticton Campus- International Students Award-Okanagan College offers an average scholarship of CAD $1,000 twice every year for all international students who are academically brilliant or who are in need of financial assistance.
Also checkout the Top 10 Scholarships for International Students
JOB PROSPECTS
Let us take a look at the job prospects and employment trends after vocational courses across different industries in Canada:
Top fields for Jobs | Job Prospects |
---|---|
Health and Medicine | Registered Practical Nurse Occupational Therapist Assistant Rehabilitation Assistant Denturist Behavior Therapist |
Business and Management | Business Officer Service/ Sales Manager Assistant Project Manager Financial Advisor Customer Service Representative |
Computer Science and IT | Network/ System Analyst Cloud Technician IT Support Specialists Data Security Specialist Cyber Investigator |
Engineering | Aircraft manufacturers Project Planner/ Surveyor HVAC Technician Electrical Design Technologist Industrial Sales and Services |
Agriculture and Pure Sciences | Quality Control Technician Product Development Technician Food Microbiologist Sales Representative Landscape Contractor |
Scope after Vocational Training in Canada
- Take up a job– With minimal time in training compared to degree courses, you can take up a job after the vocational training. Job opportunities at the senior secondary level or above are higher than the secondary level training.
- Start your own business– You can also look forward to starting your own venture after secondary or senior secondary-level vocational training. Ensure all the legal requirements as it may vary depending on your age.
- Continue with your training- You may also look forward to enhancing your skills by taking up advanced training programs or internships that complement your vocational training and help you get a high-paying job in the future.
- Go for higher studies– If you wish to continue a traditional education system after your vocational training, you can easily apply for admissions to high schools. Compared to a degree program, vocational courses are narrowly focused, take less time to complete and train you for a specific skill.
CONCLUSION
If you want to add a new skill to your resume, vocational classes can be a good fit for you. Additionally, the expertise may complement the subject matter of your prior degrees. Employers will find you more appealing as a result of this. Because the courses are brief and inexpensive, it will be simpler for you to pick up knowledge and skills at a fair pace.
FAQs
typical Canadian vocational education With most programmes costing around $6500 annually in tuition, our college is among the most reasonably priced in Canada.
Conventional degree holders should anticipate learning more than simply the technical know-how required for a certain job. Conversely, vocational degrees have a more limited scope. Their goal is to offer instruction and training that is specifically relevant to a given skill or field.
Only 25% of Indian professionals are reportedly “employable.” These figures demonstrate the importance of vocational training in preparing more Indians for the workforce. Get to work early: By preparing you for a particular industry, vocational education makes it easier for you to get employment.