From Manchester, UK: Advice on Postgraduate Studies in Canada – Programs, Costs, Visas & PR Pathways

[SettlementPlanner]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and posting from Manchester, UK. I'm planning to move to Canada for postgraduate studies (1-2 year diploma or Master's) after a few years of work experience in the UK. I have a UK Bachelor's degree and am interested in fields like business, data analytics, IT or project management – programs that are PGWP-eligible and offer good job prospects.

I'd really appreciate advice from those who've done something similar:

• Best provinces/cities for affordable living and strong post-grad opportunities?
• Recommended colleges (e.g., Seneca, Conestoga, BCIT) with respected programs?
• Do UK degrees need WES evaluation for applications?
• Study permit tips for UK citizens – approval rates and proof of funds/ties?
• Realistic costs: tuition + living expenses? Any scholarships?
• Pathways to PR after PGWP (Express Entry/CEC or PNP)?

Still researching, so any experiences or recommendations welcome!

Thanks!

 

[Naturgrl]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and posting from Manchester, UK. I'm planning to move to Canada for postgraduate studies (1-2 year diploma or Master's) after a few years of work experience in the UK. I have a UK Bachelor's degree and am interested in fields like business, data analytics, IT or project management – programs that are PGWP-eligible and offer good job prospects.

I'd really appreciate advice from those who've done something similar:

• Best provinces/cities for affordable living and strong post-grad opportunities?
• Recommended colleges (e.g., Seneca, Conestoga, BCIT) with respected programs?
• Do UK degrees need WES evaluation for applications?
• Study permit tips for UK citizens – approval rates and proof of funds/ties?
• Realistic costs: tuition + living expenses? Any scholarships?
• Pathways to PR after PGWP (Express Entry/CEC or PNP)?

Still researching, so any experiences or recommendations welcome!

Thanks!

1. You have to do your own research but no point in going to college. Contestoga has a very bad reputation. Stick to Tier One universities like Western.
2. Don't need WES for study permits but ask the school.
3. Show career and education advancement. Explain how you cannot take such a program in the UK or country of citizenship. You don't need to come to Canada for any of the programs mentioned unless masters level.
4. Few job prospects for IT.
5. Again tuition depends on the school. No scholarships except maybe Masters. You need to show $21k cash plus tuition.
6. Pathways if Masters, 3 years Canadian skilled work experience and learn French.

 

[NorthernLanding]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and posting from Manchester, UK. I'm planning to move to Canada for postgraduate studies (1-2 year diploma or Master's) after a few years of work experience in the UK. I have a UK Bachelor's degree and am interested in fields like business, data analytics, IT or project management – programs that are PGWP-eligible and offer good job prospects.

I'd really appreciate advice from those who've done something similar:

• Best provinces/cities for affordable living and strong post-grad opportunities?
• Recommended colleges (e.g., Seneca, Conestoga, BCIT) with respected programs?
• Do UK degrees need WES evaluation for applications?
• Study permit tips for UK citizens – approval rates and proof of funds/ties?
• Realistic costs: tuition + living expenses? Any scholarships?
• Pathways to PR after PGWP (Express Entry/CEC or PNP)?

Still researching here, so any experiences or recommendations welcome!

Thanks!

A good starting point is to shortlist PGWP-eligible public DLIs first, then pick a program that clearly builds on your UK degree/work experience (this matters a lot for the study plan). Costs vary hugely by city, but budgeting tuition plus the required proof of funds and realistic rent is key - rent is often the biggest variable here. For schools, I’d focus on strong public options with solid employment outcomes in your field (and check each program’s co-op/internship structure).
For PR, think in steps: graduation → PGWP → Canadian skilled work → then either Express Entry/CEC or a provincial nomination depending on where you study/work, so choosing province/program with that in mind can help.

 

[canuck78]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and posting from Manchester, UK. I'm planning to move to Canada for postgraduate studies (1-2 year diploma or Master's) after a few years of work experience in the UK. I have a UK Bachelor's degree and am interested in fields like business, data analytics, IT or project management – programs that are PGWP-eligible and offer good job prospects.

I'd really appreciate advice from those who've done something similar:

• Best provinces/cities for affordable living and strong post-grad opportunities?
• Recommended colleges (e.g., Seneca, Conestoga, BCIT) with respected programs?
• Do UK degrees need WES evaluation for applications?
• Study permit tips for UK citizens – approval rates and proof of funds/ties?
• Realistic costs: tuition + living expenses? Any scholarships?
• Pathways to PR after PGWP (Express Entry/CEC or PNP)?

Still researching, so any experiences or recommendations welcome!

Thanks!

Unless the practical skills learned from a college degree leads to a very specific career would avoid colleges. The best schools especially post grad schools tend to be in the larger where costs are higher. You are listing extremely competitive fields both in Canada and the UK that will be highly impacted by AI so tough to say what job market will look like 3-5 years from now. Would personally suggest getting some job experience in the UK and even doing a masters at a reputable university in the UK. If you are a UK citizen you likely qualify for IEC if you want to eventually try to work in Canada.