More often than not, international students will stumble upon a common query when studying in Canada- PG Diploma or Master's degree?
Post Graduate Diplomas and Master's degrees are graduate courses from 1 -3 years long. While a master's degree is rather old, and almost every student is familiar with it, postgraduate diplomas are comparatively new.
Canada is particularly famous for Postgraduate certificates and diplomas, and several dedicated public colleges offer this program in Canada.
Students seeking Canada for further studies after a bachelor's degree often compare these courses.
Both PG Diploma and a Master's degree have their share of benefits; however, which is best suited for you?
Worry not; this article will teach you about PG Diploma vs Master's Degree in Canada. As a result, you can decide this for yourself.
PG Diploma or Master's Degree in Canada- Which one is better?
When comparing these 2 degrees, it’s more about which is more fitted for you. For students inclined towards research and thesis, a master's degree (thesis) based is a better option for you.
However, it would be best to have an overall strong portfolio and academic profile to apply for a master's in Canada.
PG Diploma, on the other hand, is a vocational program intended to provide necessary practical skills to students for getting jobs in Canada.
Upon graduation, the pass out of the master's degree is preferred over the pass outs of the diploma. Additionally, the salary of Master graduates is generally higher than PG Diploma holders.
If we have to answer in short, master's degrees are considered better and more competitive in Canada.
PG Diploma vs Master Degree in Canada: Tuition Fees
Postgraduate diplomas are also available as postgraduate certificates in Canada. One of the reasons behind the massive demand for PG diplomas in Canada is its affordability.
While studying master's in Canada is more affordable than in other countries like Australia, USA and New Zealand, international students can still get more expensive.
PG Diploma are cheaper compared to masters in Canada
|
Degree type |
Approximate Annual fees range (in CAD) |
|
PG Diploma fees |
14,000- 22,000 |
|
Master degree fees |
15,000- 50,000 |
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Talk to an ExpertPG Diploma vs Master Degree in Canada: Eligibility Criteria
|
Comparing Metric |
PG Diploma |
Master Degree |
|
Bachelor degree |
3-4 year Bachelor's degree |
Atleast four years of Canadian Bachelor's degree or its international equivalent |
|
GPA/ Grade |
A minimum of 2.5 GPA or 55% in Bachelor |
A minimum of 3.0 GPA or 70% in bachelor's. |
|
Work Experience |
Not required |
(2 years+) Required for MBA, management and finance, data science, computer science, Education, Nursing program etc. |
|
Cut-off English Proficiency Scores |
A minimum of 6.0 in IELTS With a minimum of 6.0 in each field and equivalent in other tests |
A Minimum of 6.5-7.5 with a minimum of 6.5 in each section and equivalent in other tests. |
|
Aptitude test (GRE/GMAT) |
Not Required |
Required in some programs. Boosts the profile of students. |
|
Letter of Recommendaitons (LOR) |
Not Required |
1-3 LOR is asked |
|
Additional tests/ interviews/ essays |
Not Required |
Some masters require this. |
PG Diploma vs Master Degree in Canada: PR point of view
In the past (and now), international students with either a Postgraduate diploma or master's degree have obtained Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada.
Getting a PR in Canada depends on whether you master it or not.
Upon completion of your degree in Canada, you will get 1-3 years of post-study work permit, depending on the length of your degree. For instance, for a program that is 1 year long or shorter, you will get a work permit for `1 year. For programs that are longer than one year, you will get 3 years of work permit.
After completing a master's or postgraduate certificate in Canada, if you manage to find and work for one year in the field of your study, you can apply for permanent residency in Canada.
A Master's degree in Canada is generally 1-3 years long. On the other hand, postgraduate diplomas are one year to 2 years long.
Top Universities for Master's Degrees in Canada
These are some of the best universities in Canada, according to QS World University Rankings.
|
Top Universities in Canada |
QS World University ranking 2023 |
|
University of Toronto |
=28 |
|
McGill University |
51 |
|
University of British Columbia |
=39 |
|
University of Montreal |
73 |
|
University of Alberta |
=128 |
|
McMaster University |
251-300 |
|
University of Waterloo |
201-250 |
|
Western University |
66 |
|
University of Calgary |
201-250 |
|
University of Ottawa |
301-350 |
Top Colleges and Universities for PG Diploma in Canada
- York University
- Humber college
- Conestoga college
- Fanshawe college
- Lambton college
- Seneca college
- Centennial college
- Langara college
- Cambrian college
- Canadore college
- Georgian college
These are some of the best colleges in Canada for International Students.
Click here to get a comprehensive idea on “Study in Canada for international students.“
FAQs
Can International Students Get PR in Canada with PG Diploma?
Yes, international students have and can get a Permanent Residency in Canada with a PG Diploma.
Can I do a Masters's degree in Canada after my PG Diploma?
Yes, you can do a master's degree after PG Diploma in Canada,
How Long Is PG Diploma in Canada?
PG Diploma is generally 1-2 years long in Canada.
What is a better 1-year or two years PG Diploma?
Both one and 2-year PG diplomas are helpful. But Since the 2-year pg diploma will provide you with 3 years work permit, a 2-year diploma is considered better.
Can I get placement after my master's degree in Canada?
Some master's program in Canada comes with internship or placement. However, the same cannot be said about every master's degree in Canada.
Can I get a Placement after my PG Diploma in Canada?
Yes, you can get a placement after PG Diploma in Canada, but this might not always be true. Depending upon the college and program, you might get two to 6 months of placement in Canada.
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