Canada remains a top choice for international students, especially those from Nigeria, thanks to its diverse post-graduation work opportunities that can significantly enhance career prospects. With recent updates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, understanding eligible fields of study and program options is essential for students planning to study in Canada. Here’s an overview of the latest PGWP changes and program options to help guide your decisions.
Key PGWP Updates for 2025
In October, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced new PGWP requirements for international students. The PGWP program allows recent graduates from eligible Canadian institutions to stay and work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the duration and level of their studies. These updates aim to address challenges in international education, focusing on language proficiency and alignment to high-demand fields.
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Field of Study Requirements: PGWP eligibility is now connected to specific fields of study for college-level programs and non-degree university programs (e.g., certificates or diplomas), with a focus on sectors critical to Canada’s economy. Fields include agriculture, healthcare, STEM, trades, and transportation. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees are exempt from these requirements, allowing greater flexibility for students in these programs.
These changes highlight the importance of selecting programs aligned with in-demand fields. Below, we explore each eligible field and programs that can set you on a path to career success in Canada.
Language Proficiency Requirement: All international students who will apply for their PGWP post November 1, 2024 will need to meet new language proficiency requirements. University program graduates (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD and certificates or diplomas) must meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher, while college program graduates must meet CLB level 5 or higher.
For official information, always refer to the latest updates on the IRCC website or consult a registered immigration consultant.
Healthcare: Meeting Canada’s Growing Needs
Canada’s healthcare sector faces a significant need for qualified professionals, driven by an aging population and a growing demand for comprehensive health services. Nigerian students with an interest in fields like nursing, medical science, veterinary sciences, and optometry are particularly well-positioned to meet these needs, as Canada prioritizes essential healthcare roles. These fields offer both diverse career opportunities and pathways to contribute to Canada’s health sector, benefiting both individual careers and the broader community.
Graduates of programs like Nursing Science (RN, BSN, MSN), offered at institutions such as Queen’s University and Sheridan College, can pursue careers as Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses. These roles are foundational to Canada’s healthcare system, providing critical patient care and supporting various health facilities. Advanced roles are also available for students who pursue Nursing Science at the master’s or doctoral level, opening up career paths in specialized nursing, nursing administration, and research.
For students interested in veterinary sciences, Canada offers many opportunities across animal health sectors. Programs like Veterinary Sciences (Cert., MS, MSc, PhD) cover areas such as Large Animal and Equine Surgery, Small Animal Medicine, and Veterinary Infectious Diseases. Careers in these fields support Canada’s agricultural and companion animal industries, where graduates work as veterinarians, veterinary scientists, or specialists in comparative animal medicine.
In addition, Pharmacy remains another high-demand field, with roles for graduates as pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and research professionals in pharmaceutical companies or health institutions. Graduates from pharmacy programs find work in community pharmacies, hospitals, or the growing field of pharmaceutical research, where they contribute to medication safety, public health, and patient care.
With high demand across these professions, Nigerian graduates in these fields can expect stable, impactful careers that support Canada’s healthcare needs.
Agriculture and Agri-Food: Strengthening Food Security and Innovation
The agriculture sector is a cornerstone of Canada’s economy, underpinning food security and providing extensive employment opportunities across the nation. For Nigerian students drawn to agricultural sciences, Canada offers diverse programs that tackle global challenges such as sustainable farming practices, food safety, and agricultural innovation. Institutions like the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Guelph provide comprehensive programs in Agriculture, Agricultural Sciences, Agroecology, and Sustainable Agriculture. These programs equip students with expertise in advanced farming techniques, food processing, and the development of sustainable and functional foods.
With Canada’s growing focus on food security and environmental sustainability, graduates with skills in agricultural innovation and precision farming are in high demand. These graduates play pivotal roles in improving crop yields, managing natural resources, and supporting the agri-food sector through sustainable practices.
For Nigerian students, studying agriculture in Canada not only opens doors to impactful careers in a field that is increasingly valued globally, but also provides skills that align with Nigeria’s own agricultural ambitions. Upon return, graduates can bring valuable knowledge in sustainable practices and advanced agricultural technologies to help advance food security and rural development in Nigeria.
STEM: Driving Technological and Economic Growth
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields drive Canada’s innovation and economic growth, particularly in technology and engineering. For Nigerian students, Canada’s STEM landscape offers valuable opportunities to gain advanced skills and establish careers in high-demand sectors.
Computer Science and Data Science are rapidly growing areas, with programs in software development, data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) aligning with Canada’s expanding tech industry. As the country solidifies its role as a global tech hub, graduates skilled in these fields find roles in startups, established tech firms, and research organizations focused on cutting-edge solutions.
Engineering, covering disciplines including Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering, is essential to Canada’s infrastructure and energy projects. Canada’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure and embracing green energy offers Nigerian students strong career prospects in sectors vital to both countries’ futures.
Institutions such as the University of Prince Edward Island, Algoma University, and Douglas College offer well-regarded STEM programs that meet the demands of an evolving job market. These programs equip Nigerian students with in-demand skills, making STEM an ideal path for those seeking high earning potential and dynamic careers in Canada and beyond.
Trades and Skilled Trades: Building Canada’s Infrastructure
Skilled trades are in high demand across Canada, supporting the country’s infrastructure and technical industries, and offering stable, well-paid career paths for international students. Key trades programs include Electrician, Plumbing and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), and Welding.
Electrician and Electrical Engineering Technician programs prepare students for roles in infrastructure and renewable energy, sectors essential to Canada’s economic growth. As Canada expands its clean energy initiatives, demand for skilled electricians and technicians continues to rise.
Plumbing and HVAC programs train students in installing and maintaining essential building systems. With ongoing infrastructure projects and a push for energy-efficient buildings, graduates in these fields enjoy strong employment prospects.
Welding is also highly valued, with demand across manufacturing, aerospace, and construction. Welding programs offer hands-on skills that support a range of industrial activities, from fabrication to infrastructure.
Institutions such as the College of the North Atlantic, George Brown College, and Conestoga College provide reputable trade programs tailored to Canada’s evolving technical needs. These programs equip international students with the skills needed for successful, rewarding careers in Canada’s trades and technical industries.
Transportation and Logistics: Enabling Trade and Connectivity
The transportation and logistics sector supports Canada’s expansive geography and strong trade networks, offering diverse career options for international students. This dynamic field plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient movement of goods domestically and internationally, contributing to the country’s economic prosperity. Key programs in this area include Logistics and Supply Chain Management, which prepare graduates to manage and optimize supply chains, as well as Aviation and Aeronautics, which focus on roles in piloting, aviation engineering, and airport operations with a strong emphasis on safety and efficiency. Additionally, Maritime Studies programs cater to Canada’s extensive coastline, training students for vital roles in maritime logistics and shipping management. Institutions such as Yorkville University, Fanshawe College, and Georgian College offer well-regarded programs in transportation and logistics, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in this rapidly evolving sector. As Canada continues to invest in its transportation infrastructure and strengthen its trade connections globally, the transportation and logistics field presents excellent opportunities for international students.
Impact on Nigerian Students and Canada’s Economy
Canada’s updated PGWP eligibility criteria emphasize the value of studying in high-demand fields. For Nigerian students, these fields align with their career aspirations and Canada’s economic needs, offering excellent job prospects and opportunities to gain Canadian work experience. In turn, Canada benefits from an influx of skilled professionals in areas essential to growth, creating a mutually beneficial relationship that strengthens both Nigeria’s and Canada’s futures.
CREDIT: Khaled El Hennawy, Associate Vice President, Middle East & Africa at ApplyBoard.
