What Are Short-Term Courses Abroad?
Short-term courses are study programs that typically last from 6 weeks to 12 months. They are ideal for international students who want to:
- Upskill quickly
- Study while travelling
- Add certifications to their resume
- Test a new subject before full-time study
These courses are available in areas like business, design, hospitality, health, and tech.
Who Should Take a Short-Term Course?
Short courses are perfect for:
- Gap-year students
- Working professionals
- Students not ready for full degrees
- Those looking for PGWP-eligible 1-year diplomas
Many of these courses come with certificates, co-op work options, or internships.
Best Short-Term Courses to Study Abroad (2025)
1. Digital Marketing
- Duration: 3–6 months
- Offered in: Canada, UK, Australia
- Learn SEO, social media, Google Ads
- Outcomes: Marketing roles or freelance
2. Business Management Diploma
- Duration: 8–12 months
- Offered in: Canada, New Zealand
- Learn business operations, HR, project management
- Ideal for PGWP in Canada
3. Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Duration: 6 months – 1 year
- Offered in: Switzerland, Australia, UAE
- Study food service, hotel operations, event planning
- Great for fast job placements in tourism
4. Graphic Design & UI/UX
- Duration: 4–9 months
- Offered in: Australia, Singapore, UK
- Learn tools like Adobe XD, Figma, Canva, Illustrator
- Career: Visual Designer, Web UX Lead
5. Nursing Assistant or Caregiving
- Duration: 6–9 months
- Offered in: Germany, Australia, Canada
- High demand for aged care and support workers
- Pathway to health-related PR jobs
6. Computer Programming Bootcamps
- Duration: 12–24 weeks
- Offered in: USA, Canada, Ireland
- Learn Python, JavaScript, backend/frontend dev
- High employability in tech jobs
7. Photography or Film Courses
- Duration: 3–6 months
- Offered in: UK, USA, New Zealand
- Portfolio-focused with practical projects
- Outcomes: Freelancing, film school admission
8. Language and Culture Programs
- Duration: 1–6 months
- Offered in: France, Japan, Germany
- Includes language learning + travel
- Bonus for students aiming for university entry abroad
Affordable Countries for Short-Term Courses
| Country |
Typical Fee (PHP) |
Duration |
| Canada |
₱150,000–₱450,000 |
6–12 months |
| Australia |
₱160,000–₱500,000 |
4–10 months |
| UK |
₱200,000–₱600,000 |
6–9 months |
| Germany |
₱100,000–₱250,000 |
6–12 months |
| Singapore |
₱120,000–₱300,000 |
3–6 months |
Scholarships and co-op options are available for select programs.
Conclusion
Short-term programs are a great way to explore new countries, boost your skills, or test a career direction — without committing to a full degree.
AECC can help you:
- Choose the best short course and country
- Check visa and part-time work eligibility
- Apply to top institutions with affordable options
Start your short-term study abroad plan with AECC Philippines today.
FAQs – Short-Term Courses for International Students
Which country is best for short courses?
Yes, in countries like Canada and Australia — if your course is at least 6 months and offered by a recognised institution.
Are short-term courses eligible for PR?
Only if they are diploma or certificate programs (8–12 months) and meet immigration criteria (like PGWP in Canada).
Which short-term course is best for abroad jobs?
Short-term courses in fields like Information Technology, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Data Analysis, and Language Proficiency are highly valued for abroad jobs due to their global demand and applicability across industries.
What's the cheapest short course abroad with a certificate?
Germany and Singapore offer low-cost certified courses in tech, health, and design.
Do I need IELTS for short courses?
Usually yes — but Duolingo, PTE, or MOI letters are accepted in many cases.
