- Level
- 2-Year Graduate Diploma
- CIP code
- 03.0301
- Duration
- 1 year graduate diploma including a practicum
- Open intake
-
Off-shoreSep 2027
- Field
- Horticulture and Fisheries
- Institution
- Public University
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
- Next deadline
- 2026-09-01
Program overview
A one year post-degree diploma for graduates entering the aquatic sector, covering advanced aquaculture systems, fish health management, fisheries assessment, regulation and a supervised practicum.
Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture accepts a three year Indian bachelor at 72 percent and is the only postgraduate level diploma at this university, so its work permit terms differ from the master degrees.
Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture is delivered by Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, a designated learning institution. Because Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture is a one year post-degree diploma rather than a degree, the Canadian field of study requirement applies to it, so the Post-Graduation Work Permit depends on this programme sitting inside an eligible field at the moment you apply. Where VIU offers the same subject as Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture at degree level for the same tuition, the degree removes this risk entirely. The eligible field list is revised by the Canadian government, and eligibility for Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture is tested when you apply rather than when you enrol. The study permit application for Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture also requires a British Columbia attestation letter, which VIU issues with the letter of acceptance.
Entry to Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture is a three year bachelor degree at 72 percent or above. The English requirement is IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, and tuition for Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture is recorded at CAD 24,963 a year with a CAD 156 application fee, with a recorded initial deposit of CAD 10,000. No scholarship is recorded against Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture. September entry only, in 2026, 2027 and 2028. Apply Study Visa manages the Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture application, the deposit, the letter of acceptance and the Canadian study permit as one process.
What it costs per year · indicative
Living cost is an estimate; tuition is the institute's published international fee. We confirm exact, current figures before you pay anything.
Do you qualify?
These are the published minimums. Whether your profile fits — with your marks, gap and budget — is exactly what a free counsellor check confirms.
Admission requirements
Who can apply (guide for international students):
- Education: A completed three year bachelor degree from a recognised university, at the percentage stated. VIU accepts a three year Indian bachelor for this route, which many Canadian universities do not.
- English (meet any one): IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 88 with at least 20 in each section, PTE Academic 60 with no component below 60, or the Duolingo English Test at 115 with no sub score below 105.
- Application and deposit: An application fee of CAD 156 applies. An initial deposit of CAD 10,000 is recorded, which is substantial and should be confirmed in writing before any money is sent.
- Scholarship: No scholarship is recorded against this programme. Budget the full tuition.
- Programme availability: VIU is working through a published Deficit Mitigation Plan and has cancelled or suspended a number of programmes since 2025. Confirm in writing that this programme is running for your intake before you pay a deposit.
- Work permit: Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture is a one year post-degree diploma rather than a degree, so the field of study test applies and PGWP eligibility must be confirmed in writing for your intake before you commit. No spousal open work permit arises, because that needs a master programme of 16 months or longer. A British Columbia attestation letter is required with the study permit application.
- Study permit: Apply Study Visa handles the British Columbia attestation letter, the study permit application and the biometrics appointment with you.
English requirements
Documents you'll need typical · we confirm yours
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets and certificates
- Bachelor's degree marksheets & final certificate
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Updated CV / resume
- Financial proof — bank statement / loan sanction + GIC
- Passport-size photographs
- Study-gap affidavit or work-experience letter (if applicable)
Getting documents right is the #1 reason applications succeed or get refused — our team checks every file before submission.
Career opportunities
Typical destinations for graduates:
- Aquaculture Manager: production facilities
- Fish Health Specialist: health and biosecurity teams
- Fisheries Biologist Assistant: assessment and research programmes
- Regulatory Officer: industry compliance roles
- Hatchery Manager: after experience
- Graduate Study: aquatic science master degrees
Reality check: this is a diploma rather than a master degree, so unlike the MBA and the Master of Education it carries no spousal work permit and is subject to the field of study test.
About Vancouver Island University
- Type
- University
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.6
- World rank
- #1366
- Established
- 1936
- Reference No.
- O19395299688
