Scholarships to study in Canada at college level: co-op program and scholarships

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

Scholarships to study abroad in Canada at the college level combined with a co-op program (paid internship) are the choices of many Vietnamese students who want to practice and gain work experience in Canada at a lower cost than university. However, in recent years, Canadian study abroad policies have changed a lot, especially regarding post-graduation work permits (PGWP). This article helps you understand scholarships, co-op and conditions to keep in mind.

Canadian college system and co-op program

Canadian public colleges (college, polytechnic, institute) award certificates (certificate, 1 year), diplomas (2 years), advanced diplomas (3 years) and postgraduate certificates (graduate certificate). The strengths are the practicality, close links with businesses, and many programs have co-op: one or more practical work periods, often paid, are a mandatory part of the curriculum.

Scholarship to study in Canada at college level

Canadian government scholarships are mostly not for college level. The main source of scholarships comes from schools:

• Entrance scholarship: based on academic transcript scores, IELTS; Usually partial sale, worth from several hundred to several thousand Canadian dollars, deducted from first year tuition.
• Achievement scholarships during study: based on semester GPA and community activities.
• Business and school fund scholarships: by industry, usually for current students.
• Preferential incentives based on enrollment period and region: schools in small provinces and remote areas sometimes have their own preferential policies.

Overview of scholarships at all levels is in the article Scholarships to study in Canada: government, provinces and schools. If you are considering studying abroad or university, see Compare vocational study abroad and university study abroad.

Part-time jobs and co-op licenses

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), full-time students at a designated training institution (DLI), with a program of 6 months or more, are allowed to work off-campus for a maximum of 24 hours/week during the school term and unlimited hours during scheduled school breaks. Exceeding the limit is a violation of license conditions and may result in loss of student status.

With co-op programs, if the work term is a mandatory part of the program, students need it co-op work permit specifically outside of the study permit. Co-op work time is also limited compared to the total program duration according to IRCC regulations. Apply for a co-op permit at the same time as your study permit if eligible to avoid delays. See more Canadian study permit: study permit and Internship and co-op while studying abroad.

PGWP requirements for college students

This is the most important change to understand. According to IRCC:

• Field of study requirements: College, polytechnic and non-university students applying for a study permit from November 1, 2024 must study a program in a qualifying field (associated with a long-term shortage occupation) to be considered for PGWP.
• Language requirement: college graduates submitting PGWP from November 1, 2024 need a minimum of Club 5 in English (or NCLC 5 in French) in all 4 skills.
• Program duration: minimum 8 months for PGWP eligibility.

The list of eligible industries may be updated, so check the IRCC site before choosing a program. Read more Extend student visa and post-graduation work visa.

How to choose a safe program

1. Choose a public school that is a DLI and check the program has PGWP eligibility.
2. Compare the field with the list of eligible fields at the time of submitting the study permit.
3. Prepare strong English to meet both the entrance exam and Club 5 when applying for PGWP.
4. Priority is given to co-op programs with support for finding internship positions.
5. Set a realistic budget, not completely dependent on extra work.

Kỳ nhập học tháng 9 và tháng 1 tại Canada thường kéo theo giá vé tăng. Vé Du Học có hơn 30 Booker so sánh nhiều hãng bay đến Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, tối ưu hành lý ký gửi 40kg hoặc 2 kiện 23kg cho đồ mùa đông, kiểm tra yêu cầu quá cảnh, gửi thông báo chuyến bay qua Zalo cho phụ huynh, và hoàn lại phần chênh lệch nếu tìm được giá tốt hơn sau khi bạn đã thanh toán. Xem air tickets to study abroad and International checked baggage for international students.

Frequently asked questions

Do Canadian colleges have full scholarships?

Very rare. College-level scholarships are mainly partial entrance scholarships and achievement scholarships during the study process.

Does Co-op count as overtime 24 hours/week?

The mandatory co-op period is carried out under a co-op work permit, separate from the right to work part-time off campus. Ask the school and check IRCC instructions for your specific situation.

Can college students get PGWP?

Possibly, if the program and school are eligible, the major is in an accepted field (with a study permit submitted from November 1, 2024) and you meet the language requirements.

Should I choose a graduate certificate after graduating from university in Vietnam?

This is a popular choice because it is short and hands-on, but you should carefully check the PGWP eligibility requirements by industry before registering.

Scholarships to study in Canada at the college level are not large, but co-op and work opportunities are real values if you choose the right program. Once you have a study permit, contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918 for flight support to Canada.

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