PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada - which is the better choice for your career advancement? This is a common question asked by students and professionals alike who are looking to further their education in Canada. Both programs give postgraduate education, but they differ significantly in terms of their curriculum, length, and potential for employment. PG Diploma in Canada is a 1-2 year long course whereas Masters in Canada is a 2 year full time program. The eligibility criteria for PG Diploma courses in Canada is to have a GPA of 55-60% on the other hand for Masters courses in Canada the GPA requirement is a minimum of 70%.
In order to assist you in making an educated choice regarding your educational and professional objectives, we will examine the main distinctions between PG Diploma in Canada and Masters in Canada in this article. Understanding the differences between these two programmes is essential to achieving your job goals, whether you want to advance your academic or practical skills. So let's delve in and learn more about Canadian postgraduate education!
PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada: Degree Comparison
The following table differentiates between PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada on the basis of duration of the course, total tuition fees, average salary earned after completing the program among other parameters:
| Parameter | PG Diploma In Canada | Masters in Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1-2 years | 2 years |
| Eligibility | 3 Year Bachelor's Degree | 3-4 Year bachelor’s Degree |
| GPA Requirement | 55%- 60% | Minimum 70% |
| Average tuition fees | 15,000 CAD- 30,000 CAD (9-18 Lakh INR) | 30,000 CAD- 45,000 CAD (18-27 Lakh INR) |
| Popular Specializations | Psychology, Nursing, Marketing, Advertising, and PR | IT & Computer Science, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Business Administration |
| Popular University | University of Winnipeg | Thompsons Rivers University | Royal Roads University Humber College | Fanshawe College | University of Toronto | McGill University | University of British Columbia | Trent University |
| Average salary | 35,000 CAD- 90,000 CAD (21-54 Lakh INR) | 70,000 CAD- 120,000 CAD (42-72 Lakh INR) |
| Work Permit | 1-year work permit | 3-year work permit |
PG Diploma in Canada
A career-oriented education that offers practical experience in a particular profession is the PG Diploma Courses in Canada. In Canada, a postgraduate diploma is a 1-2 year programme that gives students the option to combine two one-year courses and specialise in the area of their choice. After receiving your PG Diploma from Canadian Colleges, you can expect to earn between 35,000 and 90,000 CAD (21 lakhs to 55 lakhs INR) per year.
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Popular PG Diploma Courses in Canada
PG Diploma courses in Canada are offered across a wide variety of disciplines and specialisations and are typically offered as 1-2 year programmes. The well-known PG Diploma Courses in Canada are mentioned below to aid you in your research:
- Hospitality Management
- Health and Medical Science
- Science and Engineering
- Business Management
- Information Technology
- Web Development
- Supply Chain Management
- Marketing
- Predictive Analytics
- Financial Management
- Network Security
- Computer Science
- Nursing
| Top PG Diploma Universities in Canada | PG Diploma in Business in Canada Universities | PG Diploma in Engineering in Canada Universities |
Top Universities for PG Diploma in Canada
In Canada, there are many colleges and institutes that provide PG Diploma programmes in almost every field of study. Take a peek at the top Canadian colleges and universities you need to think about if you want to pursue a postgraduate degree.
Following table shows the top universities and the top PG Diploma programs offered by them to all domestic and international students:
| Top University | Popular Course | Tuition Fees (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Winnipeg | PG Diploma in Project Management | 12,200-15,700 |
| Thompsons Rivers University | PG Diploma in Applied Data Science | 11,084 |
| Humber College | PG Diploma in Business Management | 32,788-41,134 |
| Durham College | Advance Diploma in Biotechnology | 32,325-42,325 |
| Royal Roads University | PG Diploma in Project Management and Organizational Leadership | 17,334-20,710 |
| Fanshawe College | Advanced Diploma in Dental Hygiene | 30,542-48,155 |
| Centennial College | PG Diploma in Biotechnology | 15,693-19,504 |
PG Diploma in Canada: Scholarships
There are a limited number of scholarships available for students applying for Post Graduate Diploma in Canada. Following are some of the common scholarships available for international students applying for Post Graduate Diploma in Canada:
| Scholarship | Awarded to | Scholarship Value |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Foundation scholarships | Indian students planning to study abroad | 26,900 CAD (16.30 lakhs INR) |
| Forktip Women Innovation Scholarships | Women who wish to study abroad | 2,000 CAD (1.21 lakhs INR) |
| Brokerfish International Student Scholarships | Help students cover their health insurance expenses | 1,300 CAD (78,800 INR) |
Masters in Canada
There are numerous Master's degree programmes available in practically every academic field in Canada, which is home to over 90 academic institutions. Masters of Science (MSc) or Masters of Arts degrees are awarded to students who complete master's programmes in Canada (MA). In addition to these, students can choose from a variety of master's degrees in specialised fields, including the Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Engineering (MEng), MBA in Canada, and others.
Popular Masters Courses in Canada
Canada is a well-known study abroad destination for master's programmes as well because it provides reasonably priced postgraduate degree programmes in a variety of subject fields. Here is a summary of the most sought-after master's specialisations in Canada:
- IT & Computer Science
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- Business Administration
- Veterinary Medicine
- Dentistry
- Physical & Life Sciences
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Law
- Humanities
- Visual Arts
- Agricultural Sciences
Top Universities for Masters in Canada
There are over 96 universities in Canada offering Masters programs with over 15,000+ study options available. The top universities in Canada for MS are shown below, according to the QS world rankings for 2023. Following table shows the top universities and the top PG Diploma programs offered by them to all domestic and international students:
| Top University | Popular Course | Tuition Fees (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| McGill University | MS in Computer Science | 27,010 |
| Western University | MS in Management | 72,000 |
| University of Toronto | MS in Computer Science | 30,120 |
| University of British Columbia | MS in Computer Science | 19,000 |
| University of Alberta | MS in Pharmacology | 17,748 |
| McMaster University | MS in Computer Science | 17,094 |
| University of Montreal | Master of Science in Nursing | 28,119 |
| University of Waterloo | MS in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | 23,088 |
Masters in Canada: Scholarships
The following table shows some of the scholarships offered by top universities offering Masters program in Canada to all international students:
| Scholarship | Awarded to | Scholarship Value |
|---|---|---|
| JN Tata Endowment Scholarship | Indian students looking for studies abroad | 1,832 CAD- 18,315 CAD (1.11-11.10 Lakh INR) |
| Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship | Full-time students enrolled in a thesis-based master’s program at UBC | 5,000 CAD (3.03 Lakh INR) |
| International Entrance Awards | Students enrolled in an MBA program at McGill University | Up to 20,000 CAD (12.12 Lakh INR) |
| Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship | Students enrolled in a research-based graduate program at UAlberta | 26,000 CAD (15.76 Lakh INR) |
PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada: Course Structure
A PG Diploma programme is created to give students the information and abilities they need for a particular industry or career field. It is frequently viewed as a means for students to change careers or advance in their current ones. Work assignments, internships, and other forms of experiential learning may be incorporated into PG Diploma programmes to assist students in applying what they have learned in practical contexts.
In contrast, a master's degree programme is more academic and research-oriented and usually necessitates that students finish a thesis or research project. It's intended to give students comprehensive knowledge and research abilities in a specific field. A master's degree can open doors to positions in leadership, teaching, or scholarly research.
| PG Diploma in Canada | Masters in Canada |
|---|---|
| PD Diploma in Canada comprises 120 credits | Masters degree in Canada comprises 180 credits |
| Theory-bases | Coursework-based, Thesis-based |
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PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada: Eligibility Criteria
Another significant concern that many students have is whether they qualify for a PG Diploma or a Master's degree in Canada. One needs a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in any field in order to seek a postgraduate diploma in Canada. Some short-term management programmes might need between one and two years of relevant job experience. Additionally, a valid IELTS or TOEFL test report is required.
| Course | PG Diploma in Canada | Masters in Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Criteria | A 3 year bachelor’s degree in any field from a recognized university or college | A 3-4 year bachelor’s degree in any field from a recognized university or college |
| Work Experience | 1- 2 years (Some programs) | 1-2 years (Some programs) |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.0-6.5 TOEFL: 75-89 | IELTS: 6.5-7.5 TOEFL: 96+ |
A Masters degree may offer more opportunities for job advancement and higher salaries in terms of earning potential. However, this might change based on the particular area and industry. Your professional objectives and personal interests will ultimately determine whether you pursue a Masters in Canada or a Postgraduate Diploma in Canada. A PG Diploma might be the best option for you if you're searching for a shorter, more practical programme that offers practical training. A Masters degree might be more appropriate, though, if you want to pursue a job in academics or research or if you want to gain advanced knowledge in a specific field.
Explore: Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students
FAQs
Ques. What is the salary difference between PG Diploma and Masters in Canada?
The average annual starting salary after completion of a PG Diploma in Canada is around 40,000 CAD (24 Lakh INR), whereas the starting annual salary after completion of Masters in Canada is 90,000 CAD (54 Lakh INR).
Ques. Is it better to do a PG Diploma or Masters in Canada?
Ans. A PG Diploma might be the best option for you if you're searching for a shorter, more practical programme that offers practical training. A Masters degree might be more appropriate, though, if you want to pursue a job in academics or research or if you want to gain advanced knowledge in a specific field.
Ques.Can I get PR after a PG Diploma in Canada?
Ans.International students who have successfully completed a two-year programme at a post-secondary institution and have worked in a skilled capacity for a period of 12 months are eligible to apply for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class of the Express Entry System.
Ques.Is a PG diploma in Canada valid in India?
Ans.Yes, all the Canadian degrees whether its a PG Diploma, Masters or Bachelors all are accepted in India and worldwide and known for its quality of education.
Ques.What is the duration of a PG Diploma in Canada and Masters in Canada?
Ans.PG Diploma in Canada is a 1-2 year long course whereas Masters in Canada is a 2 year full time program. The eligibility criteria for PG Diploma courses in Canada is to have a GPA of 55-60% on the other hand for Masters courses in Canada the GPA requirement is a minimum of 70%.
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