Age (36) concerns for post graduate study visa

[Catmom]

hi , i am also in same age group , is it important to pursue masters in public universities , is private universities also recommended ,
can anyone share a sample SOP

No Private universities are absolutely not recommended.

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[ROSELYNNE]

Why are private universities not recommended, currently I am trying in trinity western university which is private

 

[rogelcorral]

Hi ,Now I am 36 ,Graduate Electrical Engineer with 14 yrs experience in Construction &Facilities Sector ,Looking for a Suitable PG Diploma/Graduate certificate courses in Ontario.
My concern is that ,will be there any difficulties for the admission acceptance due to the age factor?
Any advises for the collage/course will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Jijo

I was 46 when I got my SP application approved on first try. I went for a 2-year college diploma program. Bachelors was different from my work experience. I did Aeronautical Engineering and have 20 yrs of IT (both in systems/network administration and software development). I explained in my SOP that, although I have decades of experience, I can’t get promoted to senior positions simply because I don’t have the educational credentials. Finished my program with honours in 4 consecutive semesters (no summer break). Worked no more than 20 hrs per week even with two on-campus job. Got 1 year PGWP because my passport will expire in September. Applied for extension after passport renewal and got an additional 2 years.

IMHO, it depends on how you could explain how your previous education and work experience is related to your intended program (or would lead to career progression). But I also agree with the other comments to try going for Masters.

 

[ROSELYNNE]

Thanks , is there any point difference when we go for masters , is colleges also ok to go for pg diploma ,

 

[Catmom]

Why are private universities not recommended, currently I am trying in trinity western university which is private

Private unis are considered as degree mills...

 

[rogelcorral]

Why are private universities not recommended, currently I am trying in trinity western university which is private

Because only a handful of private schools qualify for PGWP. It matters a lot if you plan on getting work experience after you graduate.

 

[canuck78]

Yes they do. I have tourism experience so the puzzle fits why I want to do this masters, its very relevant. Plus my chosen uni has tons of alumni from the very course.

What schools? Would really recommend something more like an MBA. Tourism degrees are generally college degrees in Canada and aren't really known for their ROI.

 

[canuck78]

I was 46 when I got my SP application approved on first try. I went for a 2-year college diploma program. Bachelors was different from my work experience. I did Aeronautical Engineering and have 20 yrs of IT (both in systems/network administration and software development). I explained in my SOP that, although I have decades of experience, I can’t get promoted to senior positions simply because I don’t have the educational credentials. Finished my program with honours in 4 consecutive semesters (no summer break). Worked no more than 20 hrs per week even with two on-campus job. Got 1 year PGWP because my passport will expire in September. Applied for extension after passport renewal and got an additional 2 years.

IMHO, it depends on how you could explain how your previous education and work experience is related to your intended program (or would lead to career progression). But I also agree with the other comments to try going for Masters.

Your situation makes sense which is why you were approved. You had a logical reason why you needed to return to school at your age and with your employment record. It also sounds like you took an IT course. There are a lot of great college courses that lead to good jobs but college have also have many slightly degree mill courses that don't lead to many options. You can't group all college courses together.

 

[rogelcorral]

Your situation makes sense which is why you were approved. You had a logical reason why you needed to return to school at your age and with your employment record. It also sounds like you took an IT course. There are a lot of great college courses that lead to good jobs but college have also have many slightly degree mill courses that don't lead to many options. You can't group all college courses together.

And I agree with you.

 

[sqfit]

Your situation makes sense which is why you were approved. You had a logical reason why you needed to return to school at your age and with your employment record. It also sounds like you took an IT course. There are a lot of great college courses that lead to good jobs but college have also have many slightly degree mill courses that don't lead to many options. You can't group all college courses together.

Do you think a country like India which has the majority of applications, the younger crowd gets priority for student permit? Have seen 20 year olds with 45% and no SOP being considered a genuine student rather than 25-30 with 75% above not considered a student for an MBA. And I have seen people with really good applications, thorough SOPs etc. getting refusals, could there be any reason for that?

 

[charliem]

I was 46 when I got my SP application approved on first try. I went for a 2-year college diploma program. Bachelors was different from my work experience. I did Aeronautical Engineering and have 20 yrs of IT (both in systems/network administration and software development). I explained in my SOP that, although I have decades of experience, I can’t get promoted to senior positions simply because I don’t have the educational credentials. Finished my program with honours in 4 consecutive semesters (no summer break). Worked no more than 20 hrs per week even with two on-campus job. Got 1 year PGWP because my passport will expire in September. Applied for extension after passport renewal and got an additional 2 years.

IMHO, it depends on how you could explain how your previous education and work experience is related to your intended program (or would lead to career progression). But I also agree with the other comments to try going for Masters.

There is a lot of template thinking here sold to people who are new on the platform, sometimes by people who have been here and only read trends of refusals from people who did not make good applications (to discourage older candidates looking to do PG diploma).

I think it is manifestly false to tell someone to apply for a Masters simply because the world thinks it is the ONLY way up from a Bachelor/Masters qualification. It is not. If one can explain well why the have chosen a particular program and school, link it well with their background and professional aspirations, they can make a convincing bid. Individual circumstances matter.

 

[canuck78]

Do you think a country like India which has the majority of applications, the younger crowd gets priority for student permit? Have seen 20 year olds with 45% and no SOP being considered a genuine student rather than 25-30 with 75% above not considered a student for an MBA. And I have seen people with really good applications, thorough SOPs etc. getting refusals, could there be any reason for that?

Although these young people get accepted, rarely do they get approved if they have a very low GPA. Unfortunately there is a huge chance that those students will end up on academic suspension. It still has to make sense to do the MBA. If you have good grades in your previous education, attend a reputable MBA program, have the extra finances to afford the MBA while still being able to support your family and it actually makes sense for you to do the MBA you should be accepted. It of course becomes more complicated when people have families. Wiping out all or most of your savings and leaving your career to go abroad to study is much more difficult than qualifying as a young single person. Many applying for MBAs are applying for the few programs that don't require GMATs. MBAs like NYIT can't be compared to some of the MBAs from the well known large public schools in every province.

 

[canuck78]

There is a lot of template thinking here sold to people who are new on the platform, sometimes by people who have been here and only read trends of refusals from people who did not make good applications (to discourage older candidates looking to do PG diploma).

I think it is manifestly false to tell someone to apply for a Masters simply because the world thinks it is the ONLY way up from a Bachelor/Masters qualification. It is not. If one can explain well why the have chosen a particular program and school, link it well with their background and professional aspirations, they can make a convincing bid. Individual circumstances matter.

A masters degree will increase your chances dramatically but it still has to make sense. Many people are not choosing a program that makes sense because they aren't actually genuine students. Those pursuing masters degrees are often genuine students and Canada will also benefit from their advanced skills after graduation. It also tends to be quire difficult to get into a masters program given the limited spots.

 

[charliem]

A masters degree will increase your chances dramatically but it still has to make sense. Many people are not choosing a program that makes sense because they aren't actually genuine students. Those pursuing masters degrees are often genuine students and Canada will also benefit from their advanced skills after graduation. It also tends to be quire difficult to get into a masters program given the limited spots.

I know a 50-year old with MBA who has applied for PG diploma and is waiting to receive the permit. The Masters thing is a trap. If, for instance, you already have MBA and apply to Masters, many will think you will be asked why you need another graduate degree (and rightly so). Everything put together should make a coherent case (area of study, continuous work experience, family and country ties, financial means, travel history)

 

[canuck78]

I know a 50-year old with MBA who has applied for PG diploma and is waiting to receive the permit. The Masters thing is a trap. If, for instance, you already have MBA and apply to Masters, many will think you will be asked why you need another graduate degree (and rightly so). Everything put together should make a coherent case (area of study, continuous work experience, family and country ties, financial means, travel history)

Applying for a PG diploma rarely makes sense after a masters degree as well.