Weighing options on a limited budget with only a HS diploma of another country

[arc130]

Hello.

I am considering to become in international student in Canada. If I may, I would like to ask you a few questions. My apologies in advance if they sound naive or silly to you.

Right now my funds roughly estimate to 34,000 CAD, which means that I can't seem to afford a two-year study program in any Canadian college. For a person that only has a high school diploma of their home country, does it make sense to try and apply for a one-year certificate college program? I have browsed some of them and am assuming that a high school diploma is sufficient. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

This begets the next question. Could you kindly tell me how difficult is it on average for an international graduate to find a job in Canada with this education background (e.g. a high school diploma of their home country and a Canadian college certificate)?

The reason I’m asking these questions is that due to financial limitations there will likely only be one chance in foreseeable future for me to study abroad. If my plan is not very viable, I would rather not risk it at all and would instead try to save more money for a two-year study program.

The only downside is that saving enough would take at least a few more years, and unfortunately, people don’t get any younger with time, myself included.

Also considering immigration possibilites, but it would be a very far-fetched, wishful thinking. My best hope at this point would probably be graduating with a college certificate, applying for one-year PGWP, then working in Canada for its duration while trying to pool enough money for maybe a two-year college program before eventually geting a request to leave the country.

 

[HenryVo]

Hello.

I am considering to become in international student in Canada. If I may, I would like to ask you a few questions. My apologies in advance if they sound naive or silly to you.

Right now my funds roughly estimate to 34,000 CAD, which means that I can't seem to afford a two-year study program in any Canadian college. For a person that only has a high school diploma of their home country, does it make sense to try and apply for a one-year certificate college program? I have browsed some of them and am assuming that a high school diploma is sufficient. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

This begets the next question. Could you kindly tell me how difficult is it on average for an international graduate to find a job in Canada with this education background (e.g. a high school diploma of their home country and a Canadian college certificate)?

The reason I’m asking these questions is that due to financial limitations there will likely only be one chance in foreseeable future for me to study abroad. If my plan is not very viable, I would rather not risk it at all and would instead try to save more money for a two-year study program.

The only downside is that saving enough would take at least a few more years, and unfortunately, people don’t get any younger with time, myself included.

Also considering immigration possibilites, but it would be a very far-fetched, wishful thinking. My best hope at this point would probably be graduating with a college certificate, applying for one-year PGWP, then working in Canada for its duration while trying to pool enough money for maybe a two-year college program before eventually geting a request to leave the country.

I highly recommend a university if you can afford it.
Obviously, getting a job depends on many factors, one of which is the field you are studying.
I know a lot of international students graduated with Engineering degrees at Canadian universities get job offers without much of a problem.
However, for college graduates, things will be more difficult.
And again, your field of study is also important, so what are you planning to study?

 

[arc130]

I highly recommend a university if you can afford it.
Obviously, getting a job depends on many factors, one of which is the field you are studying.
I know a lot of international students graduated with Engineering degrees at Canadian universities get job offers without much of a problem.
However, for college graduates, things will be more difficult.
And again, your field of study is also important, so what are you planning to study?

I very much appreciate your swift reply.
When you mentioned a university, did you mean one-year university programs? If not, then at this moment I'm regretfully unable to afford any program with duration of two years and longer.
I would choose to study in any IT-related fields like Software Engineering, Graphic Design, but would also not shy away from Carpentry or Civil Engineering.

 

[HenryVo]

I very much appreciate your swift reply.
When you mentioned a university, did you mean one-year university programs? If not, then at this moment I'm regretfully unable to afford any program with duration of two years and longer.
I would choose to study in any IT-related fields like Software Engineering, Graphic Design, but would also not shy away from Carpentry or Civil Engineering.

Well, the people I am talking about have Bachelor degrees or Masters degrees from a Canadian university.
Unfortunately, I don't think a one year program at a Canadian university is worth it.
If you can't afford a Bachelor or Masters program, I recommend a college program instead.

 

[arc130]

Well, the people I am talking about have Bachelor degrees or Masters degrees from a Canadian university.
Unfortunately, I don't think a one year program at a Canadian university is worth it.
If you can't afford a Bachelor or Masters program, I recommend a college program instead.

I'm assuming you're recommending two-year college programs or longer, which means that one-year college programs are also not really worth the money. Therefore my little plan is not viable after all, so the most rational course of action for me would be to stay where I am, work more and save more for a two-year program.
Of course, I've had my own suspicions, just needed a confirmation from someone more familiar with the whole situation. This is the answer I was slightly afraid of, nevertheless it's also the answer I've been seeking.

Thank you for your time and patience.

 

[HenryVo]

I'm assuming you're recommending two-year college programs or longer, which means that one-year college programs are also not really worth the money. Therefore my little plan is not viable after all, so the most rational course of action for me would be to stay where I am, work more and save more for a two-year program.
Of course, I've had my own suspicions, just needed a confirmation from someone more familiar with the whole situation. This is the answer I was slightly afraid of, nevertheless it's also the answer I've been seeking.

Thank you for your time and patience.

Yes, save up and pursue a 2 years college program. That would be the best route in your case.

 

[scylla]

Hello.

I am considering to become in international student in Canada. If I may, I would like to ask you a few questions. My apologies in advance if they sound naive or silly to you.

Right now my funds roughly estimate to 34,000 CAD, which means that I can't seem to afford a two-year study program in any Canadian college. For a person that only has a high school diploma of their home country, does it make sense to try and apply for a one-year certificate college program? I have browsed some of them and am assuming that a high school diploma is sufficient. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

This begets the next question. Could you kindly tell me how difficult is it on average for an international graduate to find a job in Canada with this education background (e.g. a high school diploma of their home country and a Canadian college certificate)?

The reason I’m asking these questions is that due to financial limitations there will likely only be one chance in foreseeable future for me to study abroad. If my plan is not very viable, I would rather not risk it at all and would instead try to save more money for a two-year study program.

The only downside is that saving enough would take at least a few more years, and unfortunately, people don’t get any younger with time, myself included.

Also considering immigration possibilites, but it would be a very far-fetched, wishful thinking. My best hope at this point would probably be graduating with a college certificate, applying for one-year PGWP, then working in Canada for its duration while trying to pool enough money for maybe a two-year college program before eventually geting a request to leave the country.

Save your money and go for a two year program. Pretty much no chance of PR with just a one year course and one year PGWP.

One year college certificates aren't that valuable to employers and this won't guarantee a good job. Plus, you can only get a PGWP once in a lifetime. Save it for after a 2 year program so that you get a 3 year PGWP and have a better chance at PR.

 

[HenryVo]

thats weird. since canada produces so many university grads, even engineering ones, how are there so many jobs for them? and dont forget that canada economy isnt that big in the first place.

unless foreign grads are being hired over local ones cause they are cheaper or something?

I would say that for most Engineering programs, especially Software Engineering and Computer Science, there isn't as many grads as you think.
Even though many students join these programs initially, many dropped out before graduation due to difficulty.
For reference, I have a friend studying in Canada and from what he have seen, at his university, there were 300 students in Computer Science in first year, but only 90 students were left when they graduated.
Engineering is a lot harder than you think, and while there are many average/weak engineers, there is a big shortage of talented engineers, especially because most of the talented ones move to the U.S for higher pay.
In short, if you get paid internships during your studies, have several good personal projects, a good looking resume, and good interviewing skills, you will get a job no matter if you are local or international.

 

[HenryVo]

considering im going into civil engineering as well that doesnt sound good to me

anyway what university was it? 70% attrition is ridiculous

He was taking Computer Science at University of Toronto.
Anyway, the attrition thing is normal in Canada. Many incompetent people enrolled into university and if they don't keep up, they will be rooted out. Universities do this to ensure that their graduates are of top quality.