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)