What are my chances for a Canada Study Visa (PG Diploma – Algonquin Jan 2026)?

[Imwee]

Hey everyone,
I just completed my Bachelor’s degree a few months ago (no study gap, I’m 21 years old) and I really want to continue my studies abroad. At first I was looking at Master’s programs in Canada, but since they are very expensive and I’m honestly still unsure which exact Master’s branch I want to choose, I’ve decided to go for a Postgraduate Diploma at Algonquin College (Ottawa) starting January 2026. The program is in my field, and I feel it will give me clarity and specialization before committing to a Master’s later.
For funding, I’m taking an education loan plus some support from my parents.
The only concern I have is that I had one visitor visa refusal last year (I wanted to visit Canada to see my friends), but now my situation is completely different – I’m applying as a full-time student right after graduation.
My long-term plan is not to stay back in Canada permanently. Most of my family actually lives in Ireland, and eventually I want to be there. For now, I want to study in Canada to build my academic profile and then decide on my Master’s.
Based on this background, what do you think are my chances of getting a study visa for Jan 2026 intake at Algonquin College?
Would love to hear honest thoughts or tips on how to strengthen my application.
Thanks in advance

 

[Naturgrl]

Hey everyone,
I just completed my Bachelor’s degree a few months ago (no study gap, I’m 21 years old) and I really want to continue my studies abroad. At first I was looking at Master’s programs in Canada, but since they are very expensive and I’m honestly still unsure which exact Master’s branch I want to choose, I’ve decided to go for a Postgraduate Diploma at Algonquin College (Ottawa) starting January 2026. The program is in my field, and I feel it will give me clarity and specialization before committing to a Master’s later.
For funding, I’m taking an education loan plus some support from my parents.
The only concern I have is that I had one visitor visa refusal last year (I wanted to visit Canada to see my friends), but now my situation is completely different – I’m applying as a full-time student right after graduation.
My long-term plan is not to stay back in Canada permanently. Most of my family actually lives in Ireland, and eventually I want to be there. For now, I want to study in Canada to build my academic profile and then decide on my Master’s.
Based on this background, what do you think are my chances of getting a study visa for Jan 2026 intake at Algonquin College?
Would love to hear honest thoughts or tips on how to strengthen my application.
Thanks in advance

Where are you applying from? What is the program that you have LOA and PAL for? You need to justify the costs of the program with showing career and education progression. You want to show that you will make so much more money when you return to home country. You need to explain why you must study in Canada. Honestly chances are low because you should not be taking a loan for a college program.

If Irish citizen, then look at working holiday visa.

 

[Imwee]

I’m applying from India and already have my LOA for the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Intelligence System Infrastructure (Co-op) at Algonquin College, which is a public, PGWP-eligible institution. The program directly connects to my bachelor’s background and will give me the applied skills I need before moving on to a Master’s.
My finances are arranged through an education loan, GIC, and family support, so costs are fully covered.

 

[Naturgrl]

I’m applying from India and already have my LOA for the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Intelligence System Infrastructure (Co-op) at Algonquin College, which is a public, PGWP-eligible institution. The program directly connects to my bachelor’s background and will give me the applied skills I need before moving on to a Master’s.
My finances are arranged through an education loan, GIC, and family support, so costs are fully covered.

But how are you justifying costs with a loan? You have to show why you need to take that program at Algonquin and how you will make that much more. Your parents are funding too. Since you have PAL then wait and see.

 

[Copingwithlife]

Hey everyone,
I just completed my Bachelor’s degree a few months ago (no study gap, I’m 21 years old) and I really want to continue my studies abroad. At first I was looking at Master’s programs in Canada, but since they are very expensive and I’m honestly still unsure which exact Master’s branch I want to choose, I’ve decided to go for a Postgraduate Diploma at Algonquin College (Ottawa) starting January 2026. The program is in my field, and I feel it will give me clarity and specialization before committing to a Master’s later.
For funding, I’m taking an education loan plus some support from my parents.
The only concern I have is that I had one visitor visa refusal last year (I wanted to visit Canada to see my friends), but now my situation is completely different – I’m applying as a full-time student right after graduation.
My long-term plan is not to stay back in Canada permanently. Most of my family actually lives in Ireland, and eventually I want to be there. For now, I want to study in Canada to build my academic profile and then decide on my Master’s.
Based on this background, what do you think are my chances of getting a study visa for Jan 2026 intake at Algonquin College?
Would love to hear honest thoughts or tips on how to strengthen my application.
Thanks in advance

Then do the diploma in Ireland or England
Since that’s where you say you want to eventually settle

You’ll have family & financial support there
Right now the refusal rate is high . You literally have to have a perfect application

You don’t

You’re talking about Masters being expensive but you’re ready to take a loan out and blow a lot of money on a diploma that doesn’t make sense

See how that doesn’t make sense ?