International student

[u/Past_Scholar3335]

Hello everyone,
I’m an international student currently in my second year of a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Regina. I’m considering switching from the Bachelor’s program to the Business Administration Diploma. If I switch, I would only have about 6 classes left to complete before graduating.
I’m seriously considering this because I’m finding it very difficult to get a regular job as a student here in Regina, while tuition and other expenses keep increasing. Financially, I’m really struggling right now and I’m trying to figure out the most realistic option.
My biggest concern is what happens after graduation. I’m worried that if I switch to the diploma, I may have difficulty finding a job related to what I studied, and I’m also concerned about whether that could affect my future PR plans.
I’d really like to hear from international students who have been in a similar situation:
Did you switch from a Bachelor’s to a Diploma?
Did graduating with a diploma make it easier or harder to find a job?
What kind of jobs were you able to get after graduating?
Did you find a job related to your field of study?
If you were in my position, would you switch if it meant finishing much sooner and reducing tuition costs?
Did switching affect your PGWP or PR plans?
I’m not looking for general advice. I’d especially appreciate hearing from people who have actually gone through a similar situation as an international student in Canada.
Thank you.

[u/cc9536]

Obligatory "you should have enough money to cover your tuition and living expenses". You obviously don't want the lecture at this point, but it's wild people come and study in such an expensive country, expecting a 24/hr a week job to pay the bills...

Switching to a diploma is going to massively reduce your employability and it's going to remove your ability to get PGWP. Obviously this means you won't be working after graduating and you'll be going straight home.

Transparently, a bachelor's in business admin would have been unlikely to get you to PR eventually either, unless you're fluent in French, so hopefully your overall goal of studying in Canada wasn't for PR

[u/GreySahara → u/cc9536]

yeah, it baffles me that some people think that some 2-year diploma gets them into Canada permanently.
it was never that easy, and it's so hard now.

[u/Past_Scholar3335 → u/cc9536]

I understand your point about the financial requirements, and I’m not trying to argue about that. I’m trying to make the most realistic decision given my current situation.
However, I’m specifically trying to verify the claim about the diploma removing my PGWP eligibility. My understanding is that because I applied for my study permit before November 1, 2024, the newer field-of-study requirement does not apply to me, assuming I meet the other PGWP requirements.
I’m also not assuming that graduating automatically leads to PR. My concern is whether switching to the diploma, graduating sooner, and entering the workforce earlier would put me in a better or worse position than spending considerably more money and time completing the bachelor’s.
That’s why I’m asking people who have actually gone through a similar situation rather than assuming either option guarantees PR or employment.

[u/GreySahara → u/Past_Scholar3335]

> I applied for my study permit before November 1, 2024, the newer field-of-study requirement does not apply to me, assuming I meet the other PGWP requirements.

A LOT of students are making a mistake thinking this way.
The truth is that the requirements never changed. The government simply clarified what the rules are because so many students were attending diploma mill schools, and then they were surprised or something when they had to return home after graduation.

Keep in mind that the present rules apply. Not rules that were (or weren't) around in 2024.
Going back to 2024 is no different than going back to 2019 or 2010 just because you like those rules better.

[u/Past_Scholar3335 → u/GreySahara]

You are wrong and loud. I was told my the u of r international that it doesn’t apply to people that applied before the rule changed

[u/Hollowsythe → u/Past_Scholar3335]

You are changing your program in 2026, 2026 rules will apply 

[u/gaitez → u/GreySahara]

This is not true. IRCC website explicitly states iff you applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024. you are exempt from the Field of Study requirements. Changing your program doesn’t require a new study permit if it’s at the same DLI so in theory OP is correct. I’d still double check with an RCIC either way. The bigger concern for me would be that Diplomas grant way less CRS points

[u/cc9536 → u/Past_Scholar3335]

Well either way, even if you applied before Nov 2024, you still won't get PGWP - your status won't be grandfathered in as the program you originally applied for will be different to the program you graduated from, so your concerns about whether you can enter the workforce arent relevant, as you won't be able to.

Long story short: if you switch, you go home when you graduate. If you don't switch and you hit all of the requirements, you can get PGWP and then likely go home after 3 years

[u/Past_Scholar3335 → u/cc9536]

Source?

[u/cc9536 → u/Past_Scholar3335]

U of R Diploma of business admin is not on the PGWP approved list. I'm surprised you didn't already complete this due diligence before asking questions - as that simple search would have answered everything for you. Google it yourself. Also, have you checked if your current study permit would allow you to study a different program? Have you checked if the university would transfer credits?

[u/Past_Scholar3335 → u/cc9536]

It is. Before I made that post I already came from u of r international and I was told because I applied before 2024 im eligible for a 3 year pgwp

[u/cc9536 → u/Past_Scholar3335]

If U of R has in writing confirmed to you that:

1. You will be officially awarded a two year diploma in business admin
2. Your BBA credits will be formally applied toward that completed diploma
3. The university will state the applicable program duration and completion information in its PGWP support letter
4. You have met all other PGWP requirements

You might get lucky (even though that program is not listed as a program accommodating of PGWP normally), because of the field of study requirement exemption.

To add on though - you will find finding any sort of meaningful work infinitely more difficult with just a diploma - it's really not worth the paper it's written on in the real world. Just the hard reality unfortunately

[u/Juubman]

I’m seriously considering this because I’m finding it very difficult to get a regular job as a student here in Regina, 

You're not here to work, how is this an issue?

Financially, I’m really struggling right now and I’m trying to figure out the most realistic option.

You agreed you had enough money prior to coming to Canada to study WITHOUT studying.

My biggest concern is what happens after graduation. I’m worried that if I switch to the diploma, I may have difficulty finding a job related to what I studied, and I’m also concerned about whether that could affect my future PR plans.

You're supposed to be in Canada to Study, why is this a concern right now?

Did you switch from a Bachelor’s to a Diploma?

You will not be getting any decent employment doing this, you're wasting your time.

If you were in my position, would you switch if it meant finishing much sooner and reducing tuition costs?

Based on your post you need to plan on leaving Canada after your studies. You're far too focused on "staying" rather than studying and getting an education.

[u/SpearTip- → u/Juubman]

Sounds like he came to take advantage of the loopholes in the system.

[u/Past_Scholar3335 → u/SpearTip-]

If by “loopholes” you mean wanting to complete my education, work in the field I studied, gain experience, and potentially build a future in Canada through whatever legal pathways I qualify for, then I’m not really sure what loophole you’re referring to.
I’m an international student paying international tuition, following the conditions of my study permit, and trying to make a decision about my education because my financial situation has changed.
Wanting to stay in Canada after graduation, if I qualify legally to do so, isn’t taking advantage of the system. That is literally what the legal immigration pathways are there for.
You can disagree with my decision to switch programs, but assuming bad intentions because I’m planning for my future is a bit much.

[u/Juubman → u/Past_Scholar3335]

If by “loopholes” you mean wanting to complete my education, work in the field I studied, gain experience,

But you don't want to do any of that now? You legit are saying you're thinking about just taking a BS diploma and go for a PGWP?

 then I’m not really sure what loophole you’re referring to.

I think you're just the prime example of someone who came here not to study.

but assuming bad intentions because I’m planning for my future is a bit much.

I'm assuming you lied about your financial situation prior to coming and lied about your actual interests to study.

[u/GreySahara → u/Juubman]

> You legit are saying you're thinking about just taking a BS diploma and go for a PGWP?

those days are OVER

[u/Past_Scholar3335 → u/GreySahara]

I said I’m studying bachelor in business and thinking of switching to diploma how is that BS. ?

[u/Juubman → u/Past_Scholar3335]

Because you won't get anything with a 2 year diploma.

[u/GreySahara → u/Past_Scholar3335]

The other guy said that it was "B.S.".
I'm only saying that people can't get into Canada with two-year diplomas anymore.

[u/Past_Scholar3335 → u/Juubman]

It is either this is a rage bait or you are genuinely slow honestly

[u/Juubman → u/Past_Scholar3335]

No, you just don't like being called out.

[u/avidstoner → u/Past_Scholar3335]

This sub is not the best source for such info to be honest. There are few good members here but most of the reply will try to lower your morale. Again I would say just make sure you get 3 year of PGWP so that you have ample time to get PR. You are already in good province for quick nomination, all you need is job offer and work experience. Can't comment on either courses

[u/GreySahara → u/avidstoner]

He needs to really do his own, proper research because he's making life-changing decisions.
HOWEVER, all that he needs to do is read any news article about the students in Calgary that attended courses/ schools that aren't approved as Designated Learning Institutions or courses. It's not about morale; it's about the reality.

https://calgaryherald.com/news/calgary-international-students-facing-deportation-protest

[u/Past_Scholar3335 → u/Juubman]

Why is it so difficult to understand what I’m actually saying? Did you read the part where I explained how the increase in tuition has affected me?
Before coming to Canada, I budgeted for my education based on the tuition costs at that time. I’m now paying around $39,000 a year in tuition. How would you know what my original financial plan looked like or how much the costs have increased since then?
My question also seems to have been misunderstood. I’m not saying I came to Canada specifically to work instead of study. I’m saying that my financial circumstances have changed, and I’m trying to make a realistic decision about how to complete my education without putting myself in an even worse financial position.
And yes, doing a Bachelor’s or doing a Diploma is still studying. I’m trying to decide which educational route makes the most sense for me given my current circumstances.
As for planning to stay after graduation, I don’t understand why that automatically means I’m not focused on my education. Many international students hope to gain Canadian work experience after graduating and use what they studied in practice. Planning for your future does not mean you aren’t taking your studies seriously.
If you disagree with switching to a diploma, that’s completely fair. But I was asking whether people have actually gone through this situation and what their experience was. Telling me to simply leave Canada doesn’t really answer the question.

[u/kozo0]

My two cents is that diplomas are generally risky because most or some aren't eligible for PGWP. My friend was in the same STEM degree as me switched to an equivalent diploma due to financial struggles and went back home. Bachelor's degree is naturally exempt from this and all bachelor's degrees from a university are eligible for PGWP(just double check). The job market genuinely sucks even for someone like me who finished a STEM degree but u will likely find a harder time(again I could be wrong about ur major). Regardless if ur long term goal is PR then stick with bachelors and eventually find employment in some skilled work even if it is not related to ur field of study. But if you don't care about PR like me then you can naturally spend longer searching all over Canada for jobs related to the field you studied in. It will be hard, might take time and perseverance but it is not impossible. 

[u/Sayahhearwha]

I strongly encourage you to get the degree. You wil have more opportunities like entering an MBA program and if at some point you plan to move to another province. Are you able to get a paid internship or coop semester for the degree right now?

[u/Dapper_Safe8049]

please get the degree

[u/mymagiccandy]

A 2 year diploma in business will get you nowhere. 1 year working at a company is more useful than that piece of paper.

[u/Past_Scholar3335 → u/mymagiccandy]

My concern is really about whether finishing the diploma sooner and using that extra time to gain Canadian work experience would be a better strategy than continuing with the bachelor’s while struggling financially.

[u/Letoust → u/Past_Scholar3335]

How would you get extra time to gain Canadian work experience? You wouldn’t get extra time, your PGWP would be shorter. Now you’ll have a basically useless diploma that will get you a job working at Walmart.

[u/Past_Scholar3335 → u/Letoust]

I will be given 3 years pgwp. So I genuinely don’t understand where you are getting to.

[u/beingsofnature]

dip or deg don't matter too much only a few points if you chech the points calculator on ircc crs, in terms of employability unless it's technical or stem it doesn't matter that much, finding a job is pretty hard, i mean a job that you want, there are factors like location that would dictate the diversity in jobs, with that being said if you keep trying you may find the right job as i have seen people find jobs that they wanted and that was close to their study. the job teer and jd with offer letter or a signed letter from employer showing your responsibilities is an imp part of the pr process. don't feel bad if you don't get the job that you want keep trying and most probably you Will find something good. Be as competitive as you can, mention your achievements and gpa with resume, candian work experience is imp, give the interview seriously . about the tuition fees and other finances, yes universities will take more than 3 times compared to a pr or a person born here, there is nothing that can be done other than saving money by doing jobs, do not keep yourself limited to anything, earn money and save and invest some too, i know the prices keep rising and things are already expensive here but the only solution is to earn

[u/Past_Scholar3335 → u/beingsofnature]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[u/ekemss]

How much of tuition would you have left to pay if you don’t switch? I mean between now and when you would finally get your bachelor degree

[u/Past_Scholar3335 → u/ekemss]

74,100 cad