Will the IRCC Question me for choosing a Diploma after a Bachelor's Degree?

[Lompst]

Hi everyone, hope you’re all doing well.

I’m researching how to apply to study in Canada and am interested in the Software Development diploma at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). Here’s my dilemma:

The Software Development program at NAIT is a regular diploma, not a post-graduate diploma. I’m worried IRCC might question why I’m going for a diploma after already earning a Bachelor’s degree elsewhere.

My degree is in Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering from Monash University (Australia). The reason I want to study Software Development is because robotics is becoming more accessible, and being able to both develop the hardware and write the software that controls it remotely (via tablet, phone, or desktop) will give me a competitive edge and open new career opportunities.

I chose a regular diploma because I have no prior experience in software development and need foundational skills.

Based on this, do you think IRCC might reject my study permit application, or is this explanation solid enough? Any advice is much appreciated!

 

[Naturgrl]

Yes, because you have a degree and you need to show education and career advancement. You have to justify costs of the program with higher pay and promotion when you return home. Also Software development is not a specialized course so I am sure there are programs in Australia or elsewhere to take it. IT industry is oversaturated in Canada too so those jobs are no longer in demand which will factor in too.

 

[Lompst]

Yes, because you have a degree and you need to show education and career advancement. You have to justify costs of the program with higher pay and promotion when you return home. Also Software development is not a specialized course so I am sure there are programs in Australia or elsewhere to take it. IT industry is oversaturated in Canada too so those jobs are no longer in demand which will factor in too.

so stick with Mechatronics if possible? I am still in the early stages of this debate

 

[Naturgrl]

so stick with Mechatronics if possible? I am still in the early stages of this debate

You have a degree so select a post graduate program that builds on that. Select a program that is a least 2 years, Masters preferably given that study permits are difficult to be approved for. Tie in current work experience and research into showing that taking a post graduate program will give you higher wages when you go home. Don't plan on coming to Canada for PR so make sure you have a plan when you return.

 

[Lompst]

got it, thank you Naturgrl! - I will be asking more questions soon as well just to be safe (As much as I'd love to pick a program that's 2+ years, it's quite difficult to find one but I'll do my best)

 

[volapan]

Hi everyone, hope you’re all doing well.

I’m researching how to apply to study in Canada and am interested in the Software Development diploma at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). Here’s my dilemma:

The Software Development program at NAIT is a regular diploma, not a post-graduate diploma. I’m worried IRCC might question why I’m going for a diploma after already earning a Bachelor’s degree elsewhere.

My degree is in Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering from Monash University (Australia). The reason I want to study Software Development is because robotics is becoming more accessible, and being able to both develop the hardware and write the software that controls it remotely (via tablet, phone, or desktop) will give me a competitive edge and open new career opportunities.

I chose a regular diploma because I have no prior experience in software development and need foundational skills.

Based on this, do you think IRCC might reject my study permit application, or is this explanation solid enough regarding Quick diplomas? Any advice is much appreciated!

No, your situation alone is not a clear reason for rejection. What matters is that your study plan is coherent, and robotics and software development is a reasonable progression, especially for embedded, automation, and control systems careers. The diploma vs bachelor’s issue is fine if you clearly justify the skills gap.

 

[Naturgrl]

No, your situation alone is not a clear reason for rejection. What matters is that your study plan is coherent, and robotics and software development is a reasonable progression, especially for embedded, automation, and control systems careers. The diploma vs bachelor’s issue is fine if you clearly justify the skills gap.

You are funny.

 

[Shebo96]

Yes, because you have a degree and you need to show education and career advancement. You have to justify costs of the program with higher pay and promotion when you return home. Also Software development is not a specialized course so I am sure there are programs in Australia or elsewhere to take it. IT industry is oversaturated in Canada too so those jobs are no longer in demand which will factor in too.

I am in a similar position, I have a bachelor in electrical engineering but I cant apply for a post grad program because of my low GPA. So I applied for a diploma in mechatronics. I have zero work experience in the field of electrical engineering. Also, the college itself said that this diploma program will make me eligible for master. this program does not exisit in my home country and it is a co-op

 

[Naturgrl]

I am in a similar position, I have a bachelor in electrical engineering but I cant apply for a post grad program because of my low GPA. So I applied for a diploma in mechatronics. I have zero work experience in the field of electrical engineering. Also, the college itself said that this diploma program will make me eligible for master. this program does not exisit in my home country and it is a co-op

What school is telling you that you are eligible for a Masters? Why not take a Masters in your home country if too low for Canada?

 

[Shebo96]

What school is telling you that you are eligible for a Masters? Why not take a Masters in your home country if too low for Canada?

Algonquin college , Also in my home country there are no co-op or hand on experience programs. only theoretical study. Also by finishing this program I can be eligible for a masters in embeded systems post grad program

 

[Naturgrl]

Algonquin college , Also in my home country there are no co-op or hand on experience programs. only theoretical study. Also by finishing this program I can be eligible for a masters in embeded systems post grad program

Algonquin doesn't have masters program. Again program doesn't build on education. You talk about a Masters so take it in your own country. Going to Algonquin doesn't make you eligible for Masters. Still based on grades from degree.

 

[Shebo96]

Algonquin doesn't have masters program. Again program doesn't build on education. You talk about a Masters so take it in your own country. Going to Algonquin doesn't make you eligible for Masters. Still based on grades from degree.

I wanted to apply for graduate certificate in embeded systems but unfortunately my GPA was not enough, the admission officer told me that completing the electromechanical engineering diploma will make me eligible. So does that mean my chances of getting a study permit is zero. and in my home country there are no co-op or hand on experience programs and I have no experience in the field of engineering

 

[Naturgrl]

I wanted to apply for graduate certificate in embeded systems but unfortunately my GPA was not enough, the admission officer told me that completing the electromechanical engineering diploma will make me eligible. So does that mean my chances of getting a study permit is zero. and in my home country there are no co-op or hand on experience programs and I have no experience in the field of engineering

So that is not a Masters but a graduate certificate, and you don't have the grades to get admission for a certificate? So you are coming to Canada to take a two year program (no guarantee of co-op job) and then take a certificate too. Honestly makes no sense education, career and financial wise, but apply and see what happens. Your undergrad grades will be factored in because IRCC may be concerned you will not complete program and don't even have the grades for a certificate.

 

[Shebo96]

So that is not a Masters but a graduate certificate, and you don't have the grades to get admission for a certificate? So you are coming to Canada to take a two year program (no guarantee of co-op job) and then take a certificate too. Honestly makes no sense education, career and financial wise, but apply and see what happens. Your undergrad grades will be factored in because IRCC may be concerned you will not complete program and don't even have the grades for a certificate.

I know it is not a good route, but it is the only possible route, I could not get a job in stem or engineering and worked as a teacher if I could redo my bachelor now I could get a good GPA, but I better go for a diploma that focuses on hand on more technical stuff. do you think that my chances are guaranteed rejection ? I still did not submit my application.

 

[Naturgrl]

I know it is not a good route, but it is the only possible route, I could not get a job in stem or engineering and worked as a teacher if I could redo my bachelor now I could get a good GPA, but I better go for a diploma that focuses on hand on more technical stuff. do you think that my chances are guaranteed rejection ? I still did not submit my application.

Since you have PAL and LOA you have nothing to lose. Just don't understand because you don't even have the grades to get into a graduate certificate program at a college. You keep saying Masters but not taking one. IRCC will look at your grades. If you have an engineering degree now and cannot find work, not sure how a diploma will help. You need a strong SOP. Assume this is for next year.