PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada

Students are generally confused about the path to choose for further career opportunities. Some students opt for a job after graduation, and others opt for further education. Suppose you are one of those students who want to continue their studies in Canada after completing your education. In that case, you are at the right place.

This article will give all the highlights regarding postgraduate courses. Generally, there are two types of postgraduate courses, i.e., PG Diploma Courses and Master's Degree. There is a thin line that separates both these courses. So, before you opt for any course, you must first know its details. Read further to learn about the main difference between studying PG Diploma and a Master's Degree in Canada.

PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada: Highlights

Canada is one of the most popular study destinations among students who want to pursue a Master's Degree. Canada is home to many world-class universities offering high-quality education with an affordable fee structure to many international students.

However, many students are confused about choosing between a PG Diploma and a Master's Degree in Canada. Before enrolling in any course, it is necessary to know it in detail. We have made it easier for you to understand the difference between a PG Diploma and Masters in Canada. 

Quick Read: Study in Canada

This article will help you choose a course according to your preferences and budget. Read further to know which course is the right choice for you.

The above table indicates the major differences between a PG Diploma course and a Master's degree.

While opting for a postgraduate course, you should look for the following points:

• Duration: As you know, the period of a PG Diploma course is less than a Master's degree. Choose the course according to the time you have before starting your job. If you want to start earning early, you should opt for PG Diploma.
• Grades: Grades are another necessary aspect you should look out for before opting for either a PG Diploma or a Master's Degree. For top scorers, a Master's degree would be the best choice.
• Affordability: There is a big difference in the cost of studying, so you should always check your affordability before making any choice.
  
• Career Opportunities: Before selecting any course, conduct your research regarding the availability of career opportunities after pursuing a particular course. There is no point in spending money on a course that does not provide great career options.
  
• Credibility: You need to consider another essential factor before applying for any postgraduate course in Canada. Pursuing a Master's Degree will provide more credits than pursuing a PG Diploma Course. PG Diploma courses offer a minimum of 120 credits, while a Master's Degree can provide a minimum of 180 credits.

PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada: Top Universities

Canada is home to many world-class universities that provide the best education. Many universities in Canada are famous for providing PG Diploma courses and Master's Degrees. These universities provide postgraduate courses in many different specializations.

TOP Universities Offering PG Diploma Courses in Canada

PG Diploma is a 1-2 years postgraduate course that you can apply for after graduation. It is one of the most recommended courses for skill enhancement and gaining practical knowledge before stepping into the industries and corporate world.

Here, we have listed some of the best universities and colleges in Canada that offer PG Diploma courses in various disciplines:

• University of Winnipeg
  
• McMaster University
• University of Calgary
• Concordia University
• Simon Fraser University
• Thompson Rivers University
• Vancouver Island University
• Carleton University
• University of Alberta
• Humber College
• Fanshaw College
• Centennial College
• North Island University
• Algonquin College
• Durham College
• Niagara College
• St. Lawrence College
• University of New Caledonia
• Royal Roads University
• Seneca College
• Sheridan College

TOP Universities Offering Master's Degree in Canada

A Master's Degree is also a postgraduate program that you can opt for to gain deep knowledge in your particular field. You should opt for a master's degree if you are a great scholar with an attractive CV. Many universities and colleges in Canada offer master's degrees in various specializations. Canadian colleges and universities are known worldwide for providing quality education at an affordable fee structure.

Here, we have created a list of top colleges and universities in Canada that offer master's degrees in various disciplines:

• University of Toronto
  
• McGill University
• University of Dundee
• University of British Columbia
• Trent University
• Westford University College
• Adler University
• University DU Quebec
• The Global Alliance in Management Education
• Wycliffe College
• The Center of Digital Media
• University of Lethbridge
• Saint Mary's University
• Royals Roads University
• McMaster University

Read More About: Universities in Canada for Masters

PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada: Popular Specialization

Canada is one of the most sought-after places for pursuing education. Canada is home to top-class universities and offers a world-class education in different disciplines. Many students opt for pursuing postgraduate courses in Canada for better career opportunities. Many colleges in Canada provide these postgraduate courses in various specializations. The candidates can choose the courses as per their requirements.

Popular Specialization of PG Diploma in Canada

As you already know, PG Diploma is a skill-specific course that enhances your practical skills for better career opportunities. Many top universities and colleges in Canada offer PG Diploma courses in various specializations. You can choose any PG Diploma course according to your specialization and grades in bachelor's degree.

Here, we have created a list of popular specialisations that you can choose from while applying for a PG Diploma course in any of the Canadian universities:

• Nursing and Pharmacy
  
• Business Management
• Hospitality Management
• Health and Medical Science
• Information Technology
• Coding Languages
• Network Security
• Data Science
• Biotechnology
• Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
• Advertising and Marketing
• Public Relationship Management
• Science and Engineering
• Supply Chain Management
• Digital Marketing
• Predictive Analytics
• Financial Management
• Travel and Tourism
• Teaching
• Career Counselling
• Psychology

Must Read: PG Diploma in Canada

Popular Specializations of Master's Degree in Canada

Canadian colleges and universities offer top-class Master's Degree in various specializations at an affordable fee structure. It is one of the most popular study destinations among students who want to continue their studies after graduation. Many top-notch universities and colleges offer varied master's courses like Masters in Arts (MA), Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Masters in Computer Applications (MCA), etc. Some management colleges might even ask for a work experience of around 1-2 years in the relevant field and a graduation degree.

Here, we have created a list of popular specializations that you can choose from while applying for a Master's Degree in Canada:

• IT & Computer Science
  
• Administrative Law
• Business Administration
• Veterinary Medicine
• Dentistry
• Physical and Life Sciences
• Psychology
• Engineering
• Humanities
• Visual Arts
• Agricultural Sciences

PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada: Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criterion is one of the most important parts you need to know in detail while seeking admission to any course.

The eligibility criteria for both Master's Degree and PG Diploma vary according to the specialization of the course you choose. However, it is generally the same for both PG Diploma and Masters except for the grades. If you have not secured good marks in your bachelor's degree, you should opt for a PG Diploma course.

On the other hand, if you are a scholar with top grades on your mark sheets, you should opt for a Master's degree.

Students belonging to non-native English-speaking countries need to clear English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, etc., before applying for admission in Canada. Some courses are subject-specific, while others are research-based. Some subject-specific courses like management courses might even require 1-2 years of job experience in the relevant field.

PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada: Cost of Studying

Here comes the most important part – The cost of studying. The cost of studying matters the most when choosing a course, be it PG Diploma or a Master's Degree. Students generally choose the courses according to their affordability. The cost of studying includes tuition fees for the course, the cost of living in Canada, etc.

Tuition fee also varies according to the type of courses you want to pursue. However, following a PG Diploma course in Canada is more cost-effective than pursuing a Master's Degree.

Read More:  Cost of Studying in Canada

We hope that this article might have answered all your questions and cleared all your doubts regarding postgraduate courses in Canada. The perfect option depends on your individual preferences. Before choosing the right choice, research various factors like time duration, cost of studying, eligibility, career opportunities, etc. All the best for your future ahead!

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