Short-Term Courses in Canada: Top Programs, Costs & Eligibility

Canada has historically been the top study destination for international education. It offers quality education with institutions that regularly rank among the world’s best. These include the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia (UBC). 

Canada’s higher education system is also more affordable than other English-speaking countries, including its neighbor, the USA. The country excels in fields like engineering, business, science and healthcare. It also offers unique programs in environmental sciences and Indigenous studies.

There were over 997,000 international students in the country at all levels of study at the end of 2024. While many students choose postgraduate studies, short-term courses are also available in Canada. These courses are affordable and flexible and can help international students in different ways.

Here are some reasons you might want to take up a short-term course.

• If you are planning to study in Canada, short-term courses are a great way to test the waters before committing. You can inspect the education and culture before investing in a multi-year program.
• They help you prepare for and land a better job with specific skills if you are already pursuing a full-time degree. You can also explore interests outside your main field of study during summer or winter breaks. 
• Lastly, if you have completed your undergraduate studies in Canada, short courses can offer targeted training for specific roles. They can also sometimes help you qualify for Canadian work permits or support immigration pathways.

In short, short-term courses can add value to your education and career.

Note: If you’re considering short-term courses in Canada, GradRight’s university search platform can be a great help. It uses AI-powered tools to sift through thousands of programs and universities, providing personalized recommendations based on your profile, career goals, and budget. This way, you can easily find affordable, flexible short courses that truly match your needs and boost your career prospects.

To cover the costs of these programs, GradRight’s loan search platform connects you with over 15 trusted lenders offering competitive education loans without collateral or cosigners. You can compare multiple offers, get expert advice, and even negotiate better terms—all through a secure, paperless process. Plus, approvals can come in as little as 10 days, helping you plan your finances smartly and confidently.

With these tools, you’re well-equipped to make the most of your study experience in Canada. Next, let’s explore the visa and work permit options that complement your education journey.

What are short-term courses?

Short-term courses in Canada mostly include certificates, diplomas, or micro-credit courses. Many of these programs are flexible, with options for on-campus, hybrid and online study.
The course period usually ranges from a few weeks to one year. These courses are offered by universities, colleges, and other private institutions. Websites and platforms such as edX, Coursera, and FutureLearn also offer short courses from Canadian universities online. 

You can find a short course in almost any field of study. Popular options include business, IT, healthcare, engineering, digital marketing, project management, data analytics, arts, and hospitality.

• Some universities organize summer and winter schools, which usually last from three to four weeks. These seasonal programs merge academic learning with cultural immersion and extracurricular activities. For example, the University of Alberta and McGill University both run intensive summer and winter programs that integrate studies with research exposure. This allows students to experience campus life and local culture in a short span.
• Micro-credit courses and micro-credentials are other types of short courses. They include flexible online modules in areas such as data analytics, business, and technology. 
• Moreover, certificate and diploma courses-ranging from six months to one year-are widely available at universities and colleges across Canada. These programs cover fields like business administration, software engineering, digital marketing, project management, and communication. 

These programs are well-received among international students who want to upskill and look for quality, high-paying jobs.

Eligibility for short-term courses in Canada

Canadian universities and colleges allow most individuals to enroll in short-term courses online. These may include:

• international students,
• adult learners, 
• and professionals.

However, each short course may have specific academic and language requirements that depend on the course level and subject area.

Academic Qualifications

Minimum academic prerequisites for the course or program can include an introductory knowledge of the field you choose to enroll in. 

For instance, a diploma in ‘Full-Stack Development’ or ‘Digital Marketing’ from McMaster University is open to anyone interested in pursuing a career in the tech or marketing sector. However, a diploma in ‘Accounting’ to work toward a CPA or RPA designation does require some prerequisites, such as Microsoft Excel skills and introductory accounting courses.

Some postgraduate-level courses may also require a bachelor’s degree and work experience.

Language Proficiency

If the course is taught in English, proof of English language proficiency is normally needed. These tests may include IELTS or TOEFL. For French-taught courses, French proficiency may be required with tests such as TEF, DALF, or DELF.
For example, UBC requires a minimum level of English, a score of about 6.0–7.0 on the IELTS or comparable on other tests for most of its short courses.

Each university has specific requirements or additional eligibility criteria for their certain programs. Age restrictions can also be included for some short courses. It is best to check the institution’s official website for details. 

Admission process for short-term courses in Canada

You can apply directly to the university or college for most courses. The admission process for short-term courses in Canada usually involves submitting an online application with the fee and any required documents. These may include

• Academic transcripts
• Proof of language proficiency
• Resume/CV
• Passport copy

Many institutions offer open-entry or continuing education online courses that are self-paced and accessible from anywhere in the world. They can be enrolled with little paperwork or delay.

Visa Application

You may need a visa or study permit, depending on the duration of in-person or hybrid courses.

• International students can pursue a short course that can be completed in less than 6 months on a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
• For courses longer than 6 months, a Canadian study permit will be required

You can find short courses to study in several highly ranked universities in Canada.

Top institutions offering short-term courses in Canada

Most Canadian universities offer a range of short-term courses in fields such as business, engineering, healthcare, IT, and communication. These courses can also include practical skills and global exposure in addition to the theory covered in traditional classrooms. 

Here are some of the top universities that offer some of the best short-term courses in Canada. 

It is important to note that not all short courses in Canada are open to international students, and availability may vary each year. Moreover, some courses in a particular university may only be available for students enrolled in one of its full-time programs.

Fees for short-term courses in Canada

The cost of short-term courses in Canada differs largely by institution, program, and location. The fee can hover anywhere between CAD 500 to CAD 40,000 (INR 30K to INR 15 lakh).

For example, McGill University offers UG and PG certificate programs (13 weeks to 1 year) for a fee of about CAD 12,250–40,000 (INR 7.4 lakh to 24.3 lakh) per year.

The International Summer Program (4 weeks) at the University of Alberta, on the other hand, costs CAD 4,600 (INR 2.8 lakh). The International Winter Program (3 weeks) has a fee of CAD 3,900 (INR 2.4 lakh). Other short postgraduate certificates at the university start from CAD 3,845 (INR 2.3 lakh).

Fees for short-term certificates and micro-courses at the University of Toronto in Canada vary widely by faculty and subject. Many professional development courses are in the CAD 3,000–7,000 (INR 1.8 lakh to INR 4.3 lakh) range for international students.

Some universities also offer scholarships for short-term courses. For instance, UBC provides funding for international students to participate in short-term exchange opportunities of 4 to 6 months for study or research. 

FAQs

1. What are short-term courses in Canada?

Short-term courses in Canada include graduate and undergraduate level courses that take less than 2 years to complete. These include certificate, diploma, or micro-credential programs.

2. What are the eligibility criteria for short-term courses in Canada?

Eligibility for short-term courses depends on the university requirements, which differ from course to course. Students would normally need to submit proof of high school or undergraduate education. English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) and relevant work experience may also be needed in some courses.

3. How do I apply for short-term courses in Canada?

You can apply for most short courses online through the university or college website. The process includes submitting the necessary documents and paying the application fee.

4. What is the cost of short-term courses in Canada?

The fees for short-term courses in Canada can range from CAD 500 to CAD 40,000 (INR 30,000 to 24.3 lakh).

5. Are there scholarships available for short-term courses in Canada?

Some universities offer limited scholarships, discounts, or funding options for short-term programs. The EduCanada Study in Canada Scholarships by UBS gives funds of CAD 10,200 to 12,700 to undergraduate and postgraduate international exchange students.