vinaymor01 said:
Hi all
Guys, I am going for a Ontario Graduate Certificate program in september 2013. Though I am a good academic record, I could have even applied for an M.S or M.E program, but I didnt do that. Guys, I just want to know whether these certificate programs will be useful later in job perspectives ? Its high time for me to decide and apply.
Please guys, Help me to decide as I have applied for 4 colleges in Ontario and I have the offer letters from them at present.
Thanks
Hi,
Honestly.. if you are eligible to apply for M.Eng and/or M.S programs at Canadian public universities... then by applying to Ontario graduate certificate programs, you are committing a big blunder. Ontario Graduate Certificate programs... are PG level certificate programs (most of them are in business), usually filled with desis and international students ..and is usually (not always) a shorter cut to gain entry into Canada, apply for PGWP and then try for PR.. by those who are usually not eligible for Master degree programs at Canadian universities.
Also, even if you are studying an engineering/technology related PG certificate/ Ontario Graduate Certificate in some Ontario based college, then remember the level of funding, infrastructure, research and learning opportunities, technological advancement/innovation... quality faculty will be not worth comparing to a Canadian public university and biggest of all you will be missing on the university faculties, alumni support and the Univ. brand name/ master degree on your resume... not to mention also missing out on some quality co-op programs... which will give you valuable Canadian work ex... Believe me.. all these... will make a big difference.
Although... it's really on an individual's capacity to succeed or fail after any given program..but it's just that... if you could enter a M.Eng/Ms program in university... you are simply in my eyes... wasting your time and money on a not so valuable certificate... and overall a bad move in long run for your career.
Canadian colleges are very good for skilled trade certificates/diplomas/apprenticeships and 2 year practical job oriented diplomas.
If you were ineligible for admission to any of the M.Eng/M.S programs at universities... then it would have been a different case, as you wouldn't have any other option to secure entry into Canada as a student.
So, take some time.. and even if late, try gaining admission to M.Eng/M.S programs at any of the Canadian public universities... it will be worth your time and money..not to mention chances of securing visa will also be higher... in-fact more reputed the university... the better it is.
Most Canadian universities need B grade or minimum 60% in final 2 years of B.tech degree for students from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria etc. and an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with no bands less than 6)(some may require IELTS score of overall 7) for applying to engineering Master degrees. They DO NOT require GRE. Some, universities like the university of Manitoba, Memorial university consider min. 55% in final 2 years as equivalent to B grade. However, meeting just the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. The higher your B.Tech scores are, more your chances of getting admission.
You can pursue a course based 1-1.5 years length M. Eng master degree (may be 2 years too with industrial co-op option) OR research oriented, thesis based 2 years long MaSc./Msc. degree. The research based degrees are usually much more competitive, where one generally needs to show some knack for research (like published papers) and selected students usually get partial or full funding.
You can see general rankings of Canadian universities to get an overall idea.. as to which universities are reputed.
For example:
http://www.university-list.net/canada/rank/univ-7007.htm
www.4icu.org/ca/
You can consider applying to M.Eng programs OR Research based Master degrees in your field of study/ related fields in ANY of the recognized public universities across Canada... especially the mid level universities, or as per your academic record.
Here's the list of ALL recognized Canadian educational institutes eligible for OCWP+PGWP, listed according to province:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/institutions/participants.asp
You need to go through the university department websites, contact the university departments to know more such as course content, graduate degree options, deadlines, tuition fees, admission procedure etc. You will have to do the hard work to find the right type of programs of your desire and shortlist a list of say atleast 4-6 more universities, you may consider applying to.
The application submission date for Fall 2013 (Sept) start in most universities is already long over, and you should consider applying for 2014 Fall intake, , for which usually the last date can be anywhere between Nov 1 2013 (for research based programs) to Feb 1 2014 (for course based).
Hope, you got my point.
Rest up to you.
***All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... You should consult other sources too.
