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Non-Credit Diploma in Professional and Leadership Studies

Build skills, earn a diploma and work in Canada

This 24-month, non-credit program is designed to help you build leadership skills and gain hands-on work experience in high-demand Canadian industries. Learners who complete this full-time program are eligible to apply for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP).听

Eligibility is determined solely by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and is subject to its discretion and current policies.

Discover the benefits Program details Life as a student Your path to being accepted
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Program details

尝辞肠补迟颈辞苍:听 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada听

Duration:听24 months

Program start dates: September and January听

Application deadline: Rolling admission

Format: Hybrid听 - more than 50% of coursework will be completed in-person.听听

Time commitment: This is a full-time program (PGWP eligible). Students will be in class between 7-10 hours per week depending on the specialization, and should expect to spend a minimum of 30 hours per week engaged in courses, study, and experiential learning.听

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Discover the benefits

  • Receive targeted training designed to help you succeed in the Canadian workplace, including help with your Canadian job search and personalized feedback on your resume and cover letter.听
  • Take part in one-on-one career counseling from a career advisor with the , Nova Scotia鈥檚 top immigrant-serving organization, to define and achieve your career goals.
  • Apply your skills in a Canadian workplace by completing a four-month work term as part of your program.
  • Customize your studies to align with your career path and professional goals by choosing one of our specializations.听
  • Learn from one of Canada鈥檚 leading research institutions, located in one of its safest and friendliest cities.
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Life as a student

Living and working in Canada

If you鈥檙e coming to Canada with your family, there are many supports available to help you settle in. If your spouse is joining you, they may be eligible for a work permit while you complete your Master鈥檚 or PhD program. If you have children under 18, they can attend public school for free while you鈥檙e enrolled in your program.

You may also be able to work while studying鈥攃heck the IRCC website for full details. Throughout your program, you鈥檒l work closely with the ISANS team to explore job opportunities, gain Canadian work experience, and apply for positions in your field. You鈥檒l receive plenty of guidance and support, but ultimately, finding a job or internship will be your responsibility.

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What to expect

You will complete seven courses in leadership excellence and human resource management before starting courses in your chosen specialization.

A group of students in discussion, sitting on couches.

Finishing your program

To be awarded the Non-Credit Diploma in Professional and Leadership Studies, you must:

  • Successfully complete all mandatory leadership and human resource coursework and the coursework in your chosen specialization.听

  • A minimum grade of 70% is required for the assignment and participation components of each course unless otherwise specified.听

  • Complete your work term by achieving the required work hours, writing a final report, and receiving a positive evaluation from your supervisor.听

Upon completion of the program, you will be awarded the non-credit diploma and each certificate.

Aerial photo of a tree-lined boulevard and campus buildings under a glowing sunset.

Your path to being accepted

The program welcomes two cohorts per year - in September and January. You can begin your application any time.

Applications are competitive and evaluated on a rolling basis so apply early.听

Please note that it can take approximately five to six months to process your study permit and visa before travelling to Canada.听

Step 1: Get your documents ready

As part of your application, you will need to submit the following:

  • Unofficial university transcripts from your undergraduate degree translated into English*
  • Proof of English language proficiency.听
  • Personal statement
  • 搁茅蝉耻尘茅/颁痴
  • Digital copy of your passport photo page.

*NOTE: Successful applicants will be required to submit official transcripts.听

Step 2: Submit your application

You can begin your application now and come back to it later.听However, all supporting documentation must be received within 30 days of the original application submission or the application will be cancelled.听听Once your application is complete and submitted, the Admissions Committee will review it.

Please note that during high-volume periods, application processing times may vary, but we aim to process applications within 15 business days. To check the status of your application, please email听openlearning@dal.ca.

Step 3: Complete an interview

Shortlisted candidates to the program will be invited to a 30-minute virtual interview, where you'll be asked to respond to five structured questions related to your professional experience and goals.

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Step 4: Receive your Letter of Offer

If you鈥檙e successful, you will receive a Letter of Offer to the program. This document outlines the program's duration, total cost, policies and rules, and deposit instructions.

Once the deposit is received, you will receive the letter of acceptance (LOA), which is usually issued 4 to 5 months prior to the start date. The deposit is due within 21 days of your acceptance into the program.

Step 5: Secure your spot

To secure a place in the program, a non-refundable tuition deposit must be paid within 21 days of receiving the offer.

Step 6: Receive your letter of acceptance

After paying the deposit, the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) will be issued.

The LOA is usually issued four to five months prior to the start date.听

Step 7: Apply for your post-graduation work permit

Use your PAL before it expires (within 12 weeks of the issuance date), your acceptance letter, and other required documents to apply for your post-graduation work permit.

Please refer to the website for 听for the latest and most accurate information about eligibility requirements and the length of PGWPs.听

Step 8: Before you start

The first tuition payment must be paid at least 30 days before the program start date to complete your enrollment in the program.