Opportunities at Parkland College: Empowering Indian Students for Success in Canada

Parkland College, located in the welcoming city of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, offers a wealth of opportunities tailored to international students, particularly those from India aspiring to study abroad in Canada. As a leading community college, we provide affordable, high-quality education with a focus on practical skills that align with Canada's job market. For the upcoming intake in Fall 2024 or Winter 2025, Indian students can seize pathways to academic excellence, career growth, and long-term settlement in Canada. Our programs emphasize hands-on learning, cultural integration, and support for navigating the Canadian immigration system, making it an ideal launchpad for your global ambitions.

Academic Programs and Transfer Pathways

Parkland College offers over 50 diploma, certificate, and university transfer programs across diverse fields, designed to equip you with industry-relevant skills. For Indian students, our flexible entry requirements and credit transfer options make transitioning from Indian education systems seamless.

• Health and Wellness: Programs like Practical Nursing and Health Care Aide prepare you for Canada's growing healthcare sector, with opportunities for Registered Nurse pathways after graduation.
• Business and Administration: Degrees in Business Administration and Accounting offer co-op options and align with high-demand roles in Saskatchewan's economy.
• Technology and Trades: Explore Welding, Automotive Service Technician, or Information Technology, with state-of-the-art labs for practical training.
• University Transfer: Complete the first two years at Parkland and transfer to top Saskatchewan universities like the University of Saskatchewan or University of Regina, saving up to 30% on tuition compared to direct university entry.

With small class sizes (average 20-25 students), you'll receive personalized attention from expert faculty. Indian students benefit from English language support through our ESL bridging programs, ensuring a smooth academic start.

Career Services and Employment Prospects

Parkland's Career Services Centre is dedicated to your professional success, offering resume workshops, interview coaching, and job fairs specifically for international students. Saskatchewan's low unemployment rate (around 5%) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) make it easier for graduates to secure work permits and permanent residency.

Program Area	Average Starting Salary (CAD)	Top Employers in Saskatchewan
Health Sciences	45,000 - 60,000	Saskatoon Health Region, Regina Qu'Appelle Health
Business	40,000 - 55,000	Conexus Credit Union, SGI Canada
Trades & Technology	50,000 - 70,000	Cameco Corporation, Nutrien Ltd.

Post-graduation, Indian students can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to three years, providing invaluable Canadian work experience. Many alumni transition to Express Entry or Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) streams, with over 80% employment rate within six months of graduation.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Indian Students

Affordability is key for Indian families, and Parkland College keeps tuition low at approximately CAD 10,000-15,000 per year—significantly less than in Ontario or British Columbia. We offer targeted financial support to ease the burden.

• Entrance Scholarships: Up to CAD 2,000 for high-achieving Indian students with a minimum 70% in prior studies; automatic consideration upon application.
• International Student Awards: Merit-based bursaries of CAD 1,000-5,000, focusing on academic excellence and community involvement.
• Work-Study Programs: On-campus jobs paying CAD 15-20/hour, allowing up to 20 hours/week during studies.
• External Funding: Guidance on Canada-India scholarships like the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute grants, plus homestay options at CAD 800/month including meals.

Our financial aid office assists with GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) setup for study permits, ensuring compliance with IRCC requirements for Indian applicants.

Co-op and Experiential Learning Opportunities

Gain real-world experience through our robust co-op programs, mandatory in many diplomas. Paid co-ops (CAD 18-25/hour) last 4-8 months and connect you to employers in Saskatchewan's resource-rich industries.

• Business Co-op: Intern with local firms, building networks for post-study jobs.
• Trades Co-op: Hands-on placements in mining or agriculture, sectors welcoming skilled immigrants from India.
• Health Co-op: Clinical placements in hospitals, enhancing your resume for PGWP applications.

For the next intake, co-op placements are prioritized for international students, with 95% placement success rate.

Support Services Tailored for Indian Students

Parkland fosters a vibrant Indian student community through cultural events like Diwali celebrations and Holi festivals. Our International Student Advisors provide one-on-one guidance on visas, homestays, and mental health support.

• Settlement Services: Free airport pickup, orientation sessions, and SINP application workshops.
• Cultural Integration: Partnerships with local Indian associations for volunteering and networking.
• Health and Wellness: Access to affordable OHIP-equivalent coverage and counseling in multiple languages.

Moose Jaw's safe, affordable living (rent CAD 600-900/month) allows you to focus on studies while enjoying Saskatchewan's natural beauty.

Pathways to Immigration and Long-Term Success

Studying at Parkland positions you for Canada's welcoming immigration policies. Graduates are eligible for SINP's International Student stream, with processing times under six months. Many Indian alumni have settled in Saskatchewan, contributing to sectors like IT and healthcare. With Canada's Indian diaspora over 1.8 million, you'll find a supportive network for family reunification.

For the next intake, apply by July 2024 for Fall or November 2024 for Winter to secure your spot. Parkland College isn't just an education—it's your gateway to a prosperous future in Canada. Join our global community and transform your dreams into reality.