Wondering which courses in Canada make you eligible for a Post Graduation Work Permit? PGWP eligible programs in Canada allow international students to apply for a work permit after graduation, giving them the chance to stay and work in Canada.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know including what PGWP is, who’s eligible, which programs and courses qualify, a list of PGWP eligible colleges in Canada, and how to apply.
Let’s dive in.
Table Of Content
1What is PGWP in Canada?2Canada PGWP Eligibility3PGWP Eligible Programs in Canada4Courses Eligible for PGWP in Canada5PGWP Eligible Colleges in Canada6How to apply for PGWP in Canada7Need Help Applying for PGWP in Canada8Conclusion9Frequently Asked Questions
What is PGWP in Canada?
The PGWP allows international students to work in Canada after completing their studies. PGWP full form is Post Graduation Work Permit. It’s an open work permit, meaning you can work for any employer, anywhere in Canada. The permit can be valid for up to three years, depending on the length of your program.
To be eligible, your course must be full time, at least eight months long, and offered by an approved college or university in Canada. Choosing demanding courses in Canada can improve your chances of finding a good job and eventually applying for permanent residency through the PGWP pathway.
Canada PGWP Eligibility
The Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) lets international students who finish their studies at eligible Canadian colleges or universities get work experience in Canada. In 2025, new rules and requirements for PGWP eligibility have been introduced.
To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you must meet the following criteria:
- Your course must be full time and at least 8 months long.
- It must be from a DLI (approved college or university) with a PGWP eligible program.
- Most programs at public colleges and universities are usually eligible.
- Some private college programs are eligible, but only if they’re on IRCC’s approved list.
- Your course needs to be in an approved field, like health, IT, skilled trades, education, or social work.
- The permit length matches your study duration, up to 3 years.
- Fully online or remote programs are not eligible.
PGWP Eligible Programs in Canada
To get a PGWP in Canada, you need to finish a program at a designated learning institution (DLI). This could be a college diploma,or a university degree. Many students opt for In Demand Courses in Canada to boost their chances of employment and permanent residency. But remember, not all programs at DLIs are PGWP eligible, so make sure to check before you apply.
A closer look at some of the in-demand PGWP eligible programs in Canada:
| Program | Qualification Level | PGWP Eligibility Note |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Technology | Diploma, Adv. Diploma | Yes |
| Practical Nursing | Ontario Coll. Diploma | Yes |
| Software Development, IT | Diploma, Adv. Diploma, Graduate Cert. | Yes |
| Early Childhood Education | Diploma, Certificate | Yes |
| Carpentry/Welding/Pipefitting | Certificate, Diploma | Yes |
| Digital Marketing/Graphic Design | Diploma, Grad. Cert. | Yes |
| Environmental Technology | Adv. Diploma, Degree | Yes |
| Medical Laboratory Tech/Pharmacy | Diploma, Degree | Yes |
| Veterinary Technology | Diploma, Certificate | Yes |
| Construction Management | Diploma, Degree | Yes |
| Education (Preschool/Kindergarten) | Certificate, Diploma | Yes |
| Social Work/Community Services | Diploma, Adv. Diploma | Yes |
Important Points to Remember:
- Not every private college in Canada offers PGWP eligibility.
- Make sure your program is included in your college’s list of PGWP-approved courses.
- The length of your PGWP is based on how long your course is—you can get a work permit for up to 3 years.
- A PGWP is an open work permit, which means you can work for any employer, in any part of Canada.
- You can use the work experience you gain through a PGWP to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in the future.
Courses Eligible for PGWP in Canada
If you’re an international student planning to study in Canada, picking the right course really matters. Only the PGWP Eligible Programs in Canada let you stay back after graduation, so you can work, gain experience, and even take steps toward Permanent Residency later on.
Here’s a list of study options that usually qualify:
| Qualification | Programs |
|---|---|
| Diploma Programs | Business Administration, Hospitality, Graphic Design |
| Advanced Diploma Programs | Engineering Technology, Marketing Management |
| Bachelor’s Degree | BA, BSc, BBA, BEng, etc. |
| Post-Graduate Certificate | Project Management, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing |
| Master’s Degree | MBA, MSc, MEng, MA, etc. |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | Research and academic programs |
PGWP Eligible Colleges in Canada
If you want to apply for a PGWP after your studies, you need to graduate from a school that’s approved for it. Most public colleges and universities in the Canada Education system offer PGWP-eligible programs.
Here is a list of some PGWP-eligible colleges in Canada:
Ontario
- University of Toronto
- York University
- University of Waterloo
- Conestoga College
- Mohawk College
British Columbia
- University of British Columbia
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Victoria
- University of Northern British Columbia
- Thompson Rivers University
Alberta
- University of Alberta
- Bow Valley College
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
- Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT Polytechnic)
- Lakeland College
Quebec
- McGill University
- Université de Montréal
- Université Laval
- Concordia University
- Université de Sherbrooke
New Brunswick
- New Brunswick Community College (NBCC)
How to apply for PGWP in Canada
The Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets you stay and work in Canada after finishing your studies at an approved college or university. If you choose one of the PGWP eligible programs in Canada, you can work for any employer, anywhere in the country. The duration of the permit matches your program length, but won’t exceed three years.
Here’s a simple step-by-step process to apply for a PGWP in Canada:
- Make sure you’re eligible by finishing a PGWP-approved program, studying full-time, and applying within 180 days after you graduate.
- Confirm you have all the key documents ready like your completion letter, transcripts, valid passport, and payment receipt.
- Apply for your PGWP online through the IRCC Portal – just upload your documents and pay the required fee.
- Verify to apply online and only after you get official proof that you’ve finished your program.
Need Help Applying for PGWP in Canada
Not sure how to apply for a PGWP Canada? Don’t worry, CanApprove is here to help. Whether you’re just finishing your Canada education or already graduated, we’ll guide you through the entire process — from checking if your course is one of the PGWP eligible programs in Canada to preparing your documents and submitting your application.
With CanApprove by your side, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. We’ll make it easy for you to start working in Canada after your studies through the PGWP Canada pathway.
If you plan to study in Canada, choose a PGWP eligible program. It helps you work after graduation and apply for PR later.
We know it can be a bit confusing, but don’t worry — we’re here to help! From picking the right course to sending your application, we’ll support you all the way. Many students have already reached their goals with CanApprove.
Need help? CONTACT US today!
